If your yard looked anything like this, you're probably wondering what to do about it.  

For Spring 2026: Weed, Feed, Plant & Mulch, Don't Seed

1). Weed.

Ice Storm Fern destroyed tens of thousands of trees across Middle Tennessee. Within one month, the Nashville Department of Transportation collected 660,000 cubic yards of tree debris. All that tree removal means more sunshine in your yard, which also means more weeds. Get a head start on your weeding this year by using a pre-emergent weed killer to keep the weeds out.

Featured below: This neighbor's backyard was once heavily shaded, but it will now get ample sunshine due to tree loss. They will need to use a pre-emergent weedkiller now to ensure it doesn't become overgrown come summer.

2). Feed.

The plants that survived the storm will need all the help they can get to flourish this year. Feed your plants with Gourmet Compost™ instead of a chemical fertilizer. This product is made from decomposed leaves and finely ground pine bark for a slightly acidic soil amendment. The compost will improve the moisture-holding capacity of clay-rich Tennessee soil. Gourmet Compost™ is the best soil in Nashville for healthy plant growth.

3). Plant & Mulch.

New trees and shrubs ideally should be planted in the fall, but you can install new plants that can survive the hot summer sun, like Black-eyed Susans, Coneflowers, Hostas, Hydrangeas, and Lenten Roses.

Add your favorite Nashville mulch to retain moisture and prevent weed germination following the ice storm. Hardwood mulches like Mocha Mulch™ and Chocolate Chip Mulch™ are a popular option when a dark brown color is preferred. Black mulches, like Midnight Mulch™, help highlight flower colors. Pine Mulches like Piney Mulch™, Piney Nuggets™, and Piney Fines™ are a first choice for gardeners looking for the best topsoil and acidic planting soil in Nashville. Wise gardeners often mix Piney Fines™ at a 1:1 ratio with their existing soil.

Visit our Product Info page for information about the best Nashville mulch.

4). Don't Seed… BUT!

Spring is not the proper time to plant fescue seed. BUT, if your yard has been torn up and looks like this, you CAN plant fescue seed now, but it will not survive the summer without irrigation, so it's smart to just install sod instead. New sod has a 90% better chance of surviving the summer than a newly seeded lawn. Install a layer of Tip Top Soil™, before installing the sod. Tip Top Soil™ is the best topsoil in Nashville for providing a nutrient-rich base for seed and sod.

Featured below: This neighbor will need to install Tip Top Soil™ and fescue sod to cover up skid steer marks.

The Mulch Company Promise

To help our neighbors recover from historic Winter Storm Fern, Mulch Company is selling:

• The best mulch in Nashville
• Superior planting soils for all applications
• Organic compost for boosting plant growth

As a local and boutique mulch yard, our family-owned and operated business takes great pride in delivering beautiful mulches and soils that are healthy and beneficial to gardens and lawns.

If you have any questions about our products or would like to place an order, visit our order page, or give us a call at (615) 356.2600.