What are the Best Tips for Landscaping with Mulch?

Landscaping with mulch adds both aesthetic and functional value to planting beds. In addition to creating a uniform appearance to garden areas, the mulch can improve the health of the plants. Mulch keeps the soil warm, helps it retain moisture, and prevents erosion of the soil. It also prevents weed growth around plants.

Organic mulch includes compost, grass clippings, wood chips, bark, straw, hay, and pine needles. Inorganic mulch options are sand, crushed rock, crushed glass, landscape fabric, plastic, and rubber products. When landscaping with mulch, each type of material presents different pros and cons. Organic mulches add nutrients to the soil. Inorganic varieties keep the soil temperatures warmer, which could allow vegetables to grow longer. Inorganic mulch also does not mold or serve as a breeding ground for insects.

The desired look also influences mulch selection. The other materials in the landscape might help narrow down the types considered. Colored mulch is available for a custom look, but the dyes could present a risk to plants. Most larger, reputable companies use safe mulch dyes, but others could use toxic dyes that leach into the ground.

The timing and preparation of the area affects the success of landscaping with mulch. Since it serves as an insulator, it is best to wait until the soil has a chance to warm up before applying it. For instance, early spring mulching might cause the ground to take longer to warm. Mulch helps control weeds, but the area should be free of weeds first, before it is applied. Also, the plants should be watered before mulch is put into place.

The material depth when landscaping with mulch depends partially on the size of the individual mulch pieces. For smaller pieces, apply a layer about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to 2 inches (about 5 cm) thick. Mulch with larger pieces might need up to 4 inches (10.2 cm). If it is too thick, it can be difficult for seedlings to emerge. A thick coating might also cause the roots to grow in the mulch, leaving them open to damage.

When landscaping with mulch, the materials should not pile up against the base of a tree or shrub. Covering the base of the tree prevents air circulation. At the same time, the mulch might retain too much moisture next to the bark of the tree. Mulch piled high against a building might also cause problems with termites.

Over time, mulch usually becomes compacted or breaks down. Stirring it gently with a rake helps fluff it, to make it look new and less dense. A new layer might also be necessary if it becomes too compact or breaks down to a thin layer. Check the mulch levels each year in the planting beds to determine the need for additional applications.