Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
What Is Mulch Glue?
Mulch glue can go by different names, including mulch adhesive, landscape adhesive and gravel binder. You spray the product onto mulch and other materials to hold them in place. Mulch glue offers two key benefits:
- Mulch glue makes it easy to blow loose leaves and debris from planting beds and walkways without disturbing the mulch.
- Mulch glue helps keep wind and rain from scattering mulch into lawns and walkways.
Many types of mulch glue dry clear and allow water to reach your plants, but check the product information for specifics.
What Does Mulch Glue Work on?
Different mulch glues have different formulations, and larger, heavier material might require more adhesive, but mulch glue can typically hold:
How to Apply Mulch Glue
Mulch glue is easy to apply. We give you general steps for how to use mulch glue below but check your product information and follow the manufacturer’s application instructions.
Step 1: Prepare the Mulch Glue and Mulch
- Make sure weather conditions and temperatures are right for application.
- Sweep the mulch, pine needles or gravel into place, clean away any debris and make sure the material you’re treating is completely dry.
- To prevent staining, cover areas you don’t want to treat, including foundations, pavers, edging stones and concrete.
- Put on safety gear, such as chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, as specified by the instructions.
- Prepare the mulch glue according to your product instructions and pour it into a garden sprayer.
Step 2: Apply the Mulch Glue
- Use the sprayer to apply an even coat of mulch glue, taking care to keep the spray off plants.
- Turn the mulch, straw or gravel with a rake, if recommended in the instructions, to thoroughly cover the material.
- Allow the first coat to dry and apply additional coats, if necessary.
- Allow the mulch glue to dry according to the instructions, typically 12 to 48 hours.
- Clean your sprayer thoroughly immediately after applying the mulch glue.
Mulch glue typically lasts one to three years before needing another application, depending on the product and conditions.
Don’t apply mulch glue with a sprayer you’ve used for pesticides or other chemicals.
More Need-to-Know Mulch Glue Information
- As with any landscaping material, follow the mulch glue instructions and safety precautions. Check to see if it’s safe for use around children, pets and edible plants.
- It’s a good idea to test the mulch glue on a small area to make sure you get the look you want.
- While mulch glue helps keep weed-blocking mulch in place, mulch glue itself doesn’t prevent weed growth.
- Some mulch glue isn’t for use in areas that get foot traffic or vehicular traffic.
- Some mulch glue can stain clothing and materials such as bricks, pavers and concrete.