- 3 inches where it counts
- Bark, compost or rock
- Keep it off trunks
- Receipts for rebate jobs
Why 3 Inches
Two inches gets thin fast and lets weeds through. The city rebate rules ask for at least 3 inches on any open ground that is not plants or permeable hardscape.
Right Mulch For The Spot
Bark can blow around on the windy side of the Peninsula, so rock or heavier wood chips may work better there. In the parkway, mulch counts toward the limit on nonliving material, which must stay under half the area.
From Sean's Past Jobs
Questions We Hear
Can mulch touch the tree trunk?
No. Leave a gap so the bark can stay dry.
Where We Do This Work
Where These Facts Come From
- Contractors State License Board, Choosing the Right Landscaper
- Long Beach Utilities, Lawn to Garden Terms
- Long Beach Utilities, Lawn to Garden Design Requirements
- City of Long Beach memo, Green Parkways Initiative Analysis, May 4 2026
- Long Beach Utilities, Water Use Restrictions
- City of Long Beach Public Works, Public Trees