Here are a few tips and tricks to care for mulch year-round.
Mulch can make a landscape pop with color and create an appealing, polished look. It also helps plants stay healthy and keeps them growing strong. Generally, mulch needs very little attention to function as it should, and some mulches can last 10 years or longer before needing to be replaced. With that said, there are a few tips and tricks to care for mulch year-round so your garden will withstand cold winter days and be ready to bloom in the spring.
(Inspiration image by GbD Landscaping LLC)
Mix & Turn the Mulch
Over time, the surface of your mulch can develop a crust that repels water. Every season, you’ll want to mix and turn your mulch a couple of times to break up clustered pieces and prevent compaction. Rake the beds to break up clumps and ensure mulch is a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent plant damage. This breaks up the surface layer, restores the airy texture of the mulch, and allows oxygen and water to move freely into the root zone.
Remove Weeds
Weed control is another ongoing concern that affects how long a mulch bed stays functional. While a thick layer of landscape mulch stops many seeds from germinating, some airborne seeds may still find purchase in the top layer. Pull weeds by hand as soon as you see them before they take over. A single weed can produce thousands of seeds in a season. Weeds compete with neighboring plants for water, sunlight, and nutrients, so try to remove weeds when they are small before seeds form.
Add Mulch Twice a Year
In the spring, add more mulch to either replace old decomposed mulch or to replenish mulch that has washed or blown away. Wait until mid- to late spring when the soil is warm and moist to apply new mulch to help prepare plants for summer heat. If you add mulch too early or when the soil is cool and wet, it could slow seed germination.
In the fall, apply fresh mulch to insulate plants and protect roots from harsh winter temperatures. Wait until after the first freeze to apply mulch, but add mulch before temperatures get too cold. If you add mulch before the ground freezes, you might attract critters looking for shelter.
Prevent Mulch Erosion
If you’ve stepped outside to find mulch tossed all over the yard, you’re not alone. Sometimes, even the toughest mulch can’t stand up to strong gusts of wind or torrential downpours. However, they need to be replaced to protect nearby plants and trees effectively, deter weed growth, and keep your garden looking great.
Protect mulch from storms by building an edge around flower or garden beds. There are many ways to create an edge around your gardens, such as using wood or natural stone. Make sure the edging is a few inches high to keep mulch in. You can also dig a small trench around flower beds to catch mulch before it washes away into the grass.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about mulch maintenance, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047, and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, X – Twitter, and Pinterest!
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