Installations That Transforms Your Landscape

Rock, bark, and mulch installation services in Boise designed for durability, curb appeal, and the region's dry climate.

You move into a new home in Boise and the yard is bare dirt with a few struggling plants and no definition between the lawn and the beds. Or you have lived in the same place for years and the mulch has broken down into dust, weeds are coming up through the rock, and the landscape looks tired. Ground cover serves a purpose beyond appearance. It holds moisture in the soil, prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, and protects plant roots from temperature swings. Atomic Lawn & Landscape installs rock, bark, and mulch with attention to placement, depth, and how each material performs in Boise's soil and climate.

Installation includes site preparation, placement of landscape fabric or weed barrier if needed, delivery of material, and spreading it evenly across beds, pathways, or planting areas. Rock works well in high-visibility areas and around drip irrigation because it does not decompose or blow away. Bark and mulch are better suited for planting beds where organic material breaks down over time and adds nutrients to the soil. Material choice depends on your goals, budget, and how much maintenance you want to do in future seasons.

If you are refreshing an existing landscape or starting from scratch, contact Atomic Lawn & Landscape to plan your rock, bark, or mulch installation in Boise.

How Material Is Placed and What It Does

The crew begins by clearing the installation area in your Boise yard, removing old mulch, weeds, or debris that would interfere with the new material. If landscape fabric is part of the plan, it is laid down and secured before any rock or mulch goes in. Material is delivered by the yard and spread by hand or with wheelbarrows to the specified depth, typically two to four inches depending on the type and purpose.

After installation, beds look clean and defined, and the soil underneath stays cooler and holds moisture longer between waterings. Weeds have a harder time establishing because light is blocked and seeds cannot reach the soil. Decorative rock adds contrast and does not need replacing, while bark and mulch soften the look and gradually improve soil structure as they decompose.

This service does not include planting, irrigation installation, or grading work. It focuses on ground cover placement and preparing the surface so plants and beds function better over time. Rock and mulch will shift slightly after heavy rain or wind, but proper depth and edging reduce movement. Bark mulch will need refreshing every one to three years as it breaks down, while rock can last indefinitely with occasional cleaning.

Questions that come up during planning

Homeowners in Boise often ask about material types, how much is needed, and what preparation is required before installation. These answers cover the practical details that help you decide what works best for your yard.

What is the difference between rock, bark, and mulch?
Rock is decorative stone that does not decompose and works well in dry areas or around irrigation. Bark is shredded wood that breaks down slowly and adds organic matter to soil. Mulch can be bark, wood chips, or other organic material and is used mainly in planting beds.
How much material do I need for my yard?
It depends on the area you are covering and the depth you want. A general rule is one cubic yard covers about one hundred square feet at three inches deep. We can measure and estimate based on your specific layout.
Do I need landscape fabric under the rock or mulch?
Fabric helps reduce weeds and keeps rock from sinking into the soil, but it is not always necessary. In planting beds where you want organic material to mix with soil, fabric can prevent that, so we recommend it mainly under rock or in high-weed areas.
How long does bark mulch last in Boise?
Bark mulch typically lasts one to three years depending on sun exposure, irrigation, and how much it is disturbed by foot traffic or maintenance. In dry, sunny areas it breaks down faster than in shaded beds.
Can you install new material over old mulch?
Sometimes, but only if the old layer is not compacted, moldy, or full of weeds. If the existing material has broken down into dense clumps or dirt, it is better to remove it first so the new layer performs correctly.

Atomic Lawn & Landscape installs ground cover across Boise with focus on proper depth, clean edges, and choosing materials that match how you use the space. If your beds need a refresh or you are setting up a new yard, learn more about planning your rock, bark, or mulch installation.