If you’re constantly sweeping mulch or stone back into your landscaping beds after a storm, you’re not alone. We tried everything—landscape edging, frequent raking, and even heavier mulch—but nothing worked until we found the best way to keep mulch in place: mulch glue.
Yes, it’s a thing—and it’s a total game changer for your yard.
In this post, I’m breaking down exactly how to use mulch glue, a few product comparisons, and step-by-step instructions so you can try it in your own yard.
💡 What Is Mulch Glue?
Mulch glue is a non-toxic, water-based adhesive that holds mulch, bark, pine straw, and gravel in place—without damaging your plants or soil. It forms a flexible bond on top that reduces erosion, keeps mulch and stone from blowing away, and gives your landscaping a clean, finished look.
✅ Why Use Mulch Glue?
- Stops mulch from blowing or washing away
- Reduces weekly maintenance
- Helps mulch beds last longer between top-ups
- Easy DIY weekend project
- Works on bark, wood chips, rubber mulch, gravel, and more
🧪 Mulch Glue Product Comparison
| Product | Size | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PetraTools Mulch Glue | 1 gal | 300 sq ft | Great for pine bark, rubber mulch, or pea gravel |
| Mulch Lock | 1 gal | 250–350 sq ft | UV-stable, dries clear, good for sloped areas |
👉 We used PetraTools Mulch Glue for our landscaping and had fantastic results. Check out this post on our paver and stone pathway.
🛠️ How to Apply Mulch Glue to Mulch: Step-by-Step
You’ll Need:
- Mulch glue (we used PetraTools)
- Garden sprayer or pump sprayer
- Gloves (optional but helpful)
- Hose with water source
1. Clean and Prep the Area
Make sure the mulch is dry and clear of leaves, debris, and weeds. Rake it into an even layer—this helps the glue bind better.
2. Mix the Mulch Glue
Follow the product instructions. For PetraTools, mix the glue with water at a 1:1 ratio (1 gallon glue + 1 gallon water).
3. Pour Into a Sprayer
Add the diluted solution into your pump sprayer and shake gently to mix.
4. Spray Evenly Over Mulch
Starting at one end, apply an even coat to the entire mulch surface. Work in sections, saturating but not soaking the mulch. Once dry, you can leave as is, but for higher traffic areas, you may want to consider applying a second coat.
5. Let It Dry
Allow 24–48 hours of dry weather for the glue to fully cure. It dries clear and leaves no residue on plants or edging.
🧽 Cleanup Tips
- Rinse your sprayer immediately after use with warm water.
- Any overspray on sidewalks or edging can be wiped off while still wet.
🛠️ How to Apply Mulch Glue to Gravel and Stone: Step-by-Step
1. Clean and Prep the Area
Make sure the stone is dry and clear of leaves, debris, and weeds. Rake it into an even layer—this helps the glue bind better. We’ve also found that tamping the stone down first creates a longer lasting area and is easier to walk on.
2. Mix the Rock Glue
Follow the product instructions. For PetraTools, mix the glue with water at a 1:1 ratio (1 gallon glue + 1 gallon water). Add the diluted solution into your pump sprayer and shake gently to mix.
4. Spray Evenly Over Stone
Starting at one end, apply an even coat to the entire stone surface. Work in sections, saturating but not soaking the stone. Once dry, you can leave as is, but for higher traffic areas, you may want to consider applying a second coat.
🌧️ Does It Really Work?
Yes! After using mulch glue, we had:
- Zero mulch washout after multiple Florida rainstorms
- Cleaner, more defined beds
- No more mulch in the pool or walkways
- Stone pathways remained intact a year later
It’s held up for months, and we’ll definitely reapply once or twice a year depending on the area.
🔁 What to Watch For
- It won’t work as well on damp mulch—make sure it’s completely dry first.
- Avoid application before heavy rain.
- Some brands dry faster than others—read the label carefully.
📌 Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for the best way to keep mulch in place, mulch glue is absolutely worth a try. It’s fast, affordable, and the results speak for themselves. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or just want to spend less time redoing your mulch beds, this hack is one we’ll keep using season after season.