Implement Direct Mulch-to-Soil Contact with Pre-Emergent

What happens here

Instead of using landscape fabric, allow your mulch to make direct contact with the soil. This allows the mulch to directly enrich the soil as it decomposes, benefiting any desirable plants. To prevent weed seeds from germinating in the mulch itself, apply a pre-emergent herbicide directly on top of the mulch. This chemical barrier will suppress new weed growth by preventing seeds from sprouting, without needing a physical fabric layer.

Goal: Achieve effective weed suppression and soil improvement by correctly applying mulch and pre-emergent.