Tools and Materials
Note
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
What Is Mulch Glue?
Mulch glue, mulch adhesive or gravel binder is a product you spray 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.
What Does Mulch Glue Work on?
Different mulch glues have different formulations and larger, heavier material requires more adhesive, but mulch glue can typically hold:
How to Apply Mulch Glue
Mulch glue is easy to apply with a garden sprayer:
- Clean away debris from the mulch, pine needles or gravel and make sure everything is dry.
- Cover areas you don’t want to treat, including foundations, pavers, edging stones, concrete, etc.
- Use the sprayer to apply an even coat over the mulch, pine needles or gravel. Keep the spray off of plants.
- Allow the first coat to dry and apply additional coats, if necessary.
- Clean your equipment thoroughly.
- Allow the mulch glue to dry for about 24 hours.
Check your product information for specific application instructions. Mulch glue typically lasts 12 to 24 months before needing another application.
Caution
Don’t apply mulch glue with a sprayer you’ve used for pesticides or other chemicals.
More Need-to-Know Mulch Glue Information
Using mulch glue is easy, but remember:
- As with any landscaping material, follow product instructions and safety precautions. Check to see if it’s safe for use around children, pets, edible plants, etc.
- While mulch glue helps keep weed-blocking mulch in place, it doesn’t prevent weed growth itself.
- Mulch glue isn’t for use in areas that get foot traffic or vehicular traffic.
- Depending on the mulch glue, you might need safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection.
- It’s a good idea to test the mulch glue on a small area to make sure you get the look you want.
- Some materials can stain clothing, bricks, pavers, concrete, etc.