Mulch ordered online by the ton. A dump truck delivers to your Monticello address and unloads right where you point.
Mulch is a covering that suppresses weeds and holds moisture, while topsoil is the growing layer underneath it. Monticello gets about 40 inches of precipitation a year, which means washout and drainage need to be part of your plan. Choosing the right mulch for your application helps keep it in place.
Shredded hardwood mulch works well for beds, borders, tree rings, and weed suppression, but it is not suited for slopes where runoff will wash it away. It holds together better than fine bark dust but still needs a low-traffic area. The product is screened hardwood bark, shredded to a consistent texture.
| Product | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Hardwood Mulch | Beds, borders, tree rings, weed suppression | Lasts one to two seasons; replenish as needed |
The table below matches typical projects with the right material from the list above.
| Project | What to order | Depth or note |
|---|---|---|
| Slope where mulch washes out | Shredded Hardwood Mulch | 3 inches; consider landscape fabric underneath |
| Refreshing existing beds | Shredded Hardwood Mulch | Apply 2 inches over old mulch |
| Tree rings | Shredded Hardwood Mulch | 2 to 3 inches, keep away from trunk |
| Weed suppression | Shredded Hardwood Mulch | 3 to 4 inches; replenish yearly |
| New planting beds | Shredded Hardwood Mulch | 3 inches after soil is prepared |
The freeze season is long here, which shortens the window for spreading and grading to late spring through fall. About 120 days a year drop below 32F, and ground freezing is deep and long. That sets a firm deadline for finishing the job before the ground moves again.
Soils mapped in the Monticello area are commonly well drained, which means less base stone is needed under a surface layer compared to tight clay. The ground around Monticello takes water in at a moderate rate, so standard base depth is usually enough for the mulch to stay put. Plan your delivery for a stretch of firm ground after the spring thaw.
Tonnage depends on the area you want to cover and the depth you choose. Use our mulch calculator to get an estimate in tons. It asks for square footage and depth, then gives you a number to start with.
You order online by the ton, and the delivered price is calculated at checkout based on your ZIP code. A dump truck brings the material straight to your address. Single-ton orders are accepted, and we can handle 40-ton loads too. Free delivery applies on qualifying orders. Use code FIRSTTIMER50 for $50 off your first order.
You choose a delivery window at checkout: morning, 7 am to 12 pm, or afternoon, 12 pm to 5 pm. The delivery date must be at least 3 business days after the order date. You get an email confirmation when the order is placed, then a second email closer to the date with the scheduled window and a photo of the material being loaded. Delivery only goes ahead once you approve that second email.
Learn more about how Gravel Monkey works, see customer reviews, and read the full delivery information before placing your order.
Mulch goes on top of prepared soil, so you may want these materials for the layers underneath.
Yes. Monticello gets about 40 inches of precipitation a year, and about 71 days a year bring at least a tenth of an inch of rain. That level of wet weather can cause untreated mulch to wash out of beds, especially on slopes. A 3-inch layer of shredded hardwood mulch on level ground usually stays put, but you may need edging or fabric on steeper sections.
It can. Monticello sees about 120 days a year below 32F, and the ground freezes deep. That means you have a shorter window to spread and grade mulch compared to warmer areas. Order early in spring or wait until late fall after the first freeze if you want to work on firm, undisturbed soil.
Mulch is a surface layer, so you need something underneath it. Topsoil is the most common base for planting beds. If you are building a path or a tree ring, consider landscape fabric or edging to keep the mulch in place. Gravel or crushed stone can be used under mulch in drainage-heavy spots.
Shredded hardwood mulch has a consistent texture that mats together slightly, which helps it resist wind and light rain. For general beds and borders, a 2- to 3-inch depth is standard. If you need more weed suppression, go to 4 inches, but keep depth uniform to avoid smothering plants.
Bulk mulch delivered to your address by the ton, with a delivery window you choose. Start your order online and get the delivered price for your ZIP code. Visit the Monticello, Illinois hub for more information.
We also deliver mulch to nearby communities.
See the delivered price for your address and order mulch by the ton online. Loads run from 1 to over 40 tons, with free delivery on qualifying orders.
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