The village is now accepting mulch orders.

Mulch Delivery

All residents requesting mulch delivery will be required to prepay before their delivery can be scheduled. The cost of mulch is $50 per 3-cubic-yard load.

Payment can be made one of two ways:

• By credit card on the village’s website using WebPay.
• In person at the Finance Department, 101 Schaumburg Ct., with a credit card or check.

ULimited quantities of mulch are available. The resident will be provided with delivery dates to select from.  The Mulch Program is intended for Village of Schaumburg residents. Deliveries will not be made outside of the Village of Schaumburg or to unincorporated communities.

Priority of delivery will go by the date of delivery. WebPay orders will take priority over orders that are paid in person. If mulch runs out before a delivery can be made, the resident will receive a refund. For questions regarding mulch delivery, dial 311.

Mulch Pick-Up

• A limited amount of mulch (free of charge) will be available for pick-up at the Engineering and Public Works complex while supplies last. Mulch can be picked up seven days a week, any time of day.
• Residents are asked to enter the complex at the traffic light located at 714 South Plum Grove Road and proceed beyond Fire Station 55 to the wood bin designated for mulch pick-up.
• For Non-Commercial Residential Use Only 

Using Mulch in Your Landscape

Mulch placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions in plant beds and tree rings is one of the most beneficial things a home owner can do for the health of plants and trees. Mulch reduces water loss from the soil, minimizes weeds, and improves soil structure. Mulch also provides a finishing touch to a landscape.

A 2-4 inch layer of mulch placed 3-4 inches from the tree trunk or shrub can provide the following benefits;

• Maintains soil moisture reducing the need for watering.
• Reduce germination and growth of weeds.
• Reduces damage to trees caused by weed whips and lawn mowers.
• Provides a complete, well-cared for look for your landscape.

Caution: Mulch will draw nitrogen from the soil.  Using nitrogen-rich fertilizer prior to covering the area with mulch will offset the effect.  Some soils are too rich with nitrogen and using mulch helps to reduce it to a recommended level.

What is a Mulch Volcano

Too much mulch can be harmful for plants and trees.  Mulch layers greater than four inches in plant beds or mulch piled up on the trunk of trees can cause root rot and promotes insect and disease problems. The over mulching of trees is often referred to as a “mulch volcano.”

Too much mulch is not beneficial and can lead to the following problems;

• Stress the plant and cause root rot.
• Stress stem tissues and may lead to insect and disease problems.
• Can affect soil pH and lead to micronutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
• Mulch piled high against the trunks of young trees may create habitats for rodents that chew the bark and can girdle the trees.

Types of Mulch

Mulches are available in inorganic and organic materials. Inorganic mulches do not decompose and do not require replacement annually. Organic mulches decompose and often require annual replacement or top dressings to keep the desired appearance.  If you are seeking the true benefits of mulch, then you want to choose organic mulch that will provide moisture retention and improved soil structure. Most inorganic mulches do not provide the benefits that organic mulches provide.