Mulch & Soil Council

MSC’s Uniform Product Guidelines for Horticultural Mulches, Growing Media and Landscape Soils (UPG) are the official industry standards for mulch and soil products across the country. The guidelines were created by a broad-based industry committee focused on promoting:

1. Uniform terminology and labeling that enables industry, consumers, buyers, and regulators to achieve a common understanding of mulch and soil products and product ingredients,
2. Fair and open competition in the mulch and soil industry, and
3. Standards for product performance that enable individuals to understand and choose the best product for their application.

Following committee development, the guidelines were submitted to the MSC membership for comments and suggestions. After membership review, the revised guidelines were made available to green industry organizations and any other interested parties wanting to review and comment. All membership and public comments were again reviewed by the MSC Standards Committee for final drafting of the uniform report.

The original version of the Uniform Product Guidelines for Horticultural Mulches, Growing Media and Landscape Soils (UPG) was officially adopted by a vote of the Mulch & Soil Council membership in October 2003. The latest version was adopted by membership vote in September 2026.

In 2005, product compliance with the UPG became the mandatory for all products qualifying under the Mulch & Soil Council Product Certification Program. For more information on the MSC Product Certification Program, [CLICK HERE]