Put down some roots by covering them with nutrient-rich mulch
Mulch comes in organic or synthetic forms.
Using mulch is an inexpensive way to make a big impact in your yard.
Mulch cuts down on garden work.
It also provides plants and trees protection from the elements.
Whether you want to make your gardens look uniform, cut down on gardening chores, or protect your plants and trees, mulching will give you all those benefits and more. So, what is mulch? There are different types of mulch to choose from that are easy to apply and maintain and will give you the garden of your dreams. You can certainly hire someone to mulch your prized beds, but it’s an easy DIY project that can be done in a few hours, depending on the area you want mulched. Check out these mulch facts below to help your garden and lawn thrive.
Mulch is a material that’s placed on top of existing soil in your gardens. It makes gardening easier and provides many benefits to your existing soil, plants, and trees. Mulch comes in different forms, like organic or synthetic, and a few different colors, such as black or brown, depending on the variety you choose. The cost of mulch ranges between $30 and $120 per cubic yard, though there are also some DIY types of mulch that will cost you nothing or next to nothing.
Many people lay mulch down because they simply like the way it looks. It provides a uniform background for your lawn and garden that makes plants and flowers pop. But the fact is, mulching has many more benefits that make it a wonderful addition to any lawn or garden.
Adding mulch to your garden is like adding an extra layer of protection. It literally acts as a temperature regulator. The mulch keeps roots protected from the hot sun, as well as from the cold.
Mulch gives your plants and soil an extra dose of nutrients as it breaks down.
Mulch will retain more moisture after being watered than soil alone because it soaks up the water and hangs onto moisture longer than plain soil.
Here’s a mulch fact you’ll love: Certain types of mulch, such as cedar, can repel pests, preserving your gardens and all of your hard work.
The added layer on top of existing soil prevents grass and weeds from popping up in your beautiful gardens.
After a rainstorm, mulch will save your gardens from washing away since it provides extra protection and an added layer.
There are many varieties of mulch to choose from. You can purchase them at a gardening supply store, or you may even find what you need in your backyard. Keep in mind that both types of mulch are DIYable in many cases. Making your own mulch is a cost-saving afternoon project that requires minimal tools (other than the occasional wood chipper) and may help you repurpose yard waste you'd typically have to bag up or add to the compost pile.
Too much mulch can hinder plant growth as it blocks the nutrients, sunlight, and water it needs to grow. One to four inches of mulch is your average mulch depth for most plants.
Organic mulch encompasses all materials that naturally break down into the earth. Varieties include leaf mulch, grass clippings, wood chips, pine needles, straw, compost, hay, and even non-glossy newspaper. Each of these types of mulch is more likely to provide crucial nutrients to your soil while insulating the area to retain water and regulate temperature. For example, the best mulch for vegetable gardens often includes these nutrient-rich additions. "Organic mulch will decompose, and will need to be replaced faster," says Tara Dudley, Expert Review Board member and owner of Plant Life Designs in central Iowa.
Inorganic mulch, in contrast, includes any material that will not break down, even if it comes naturally from the ground. For example, stones and seashells count as inorganic mulch. Manufactured materials such as rubber chips, landscape fabric, and plastic fall into the category as well. While they will not break down and add nutrients to the soil, they will stay longer and increase both your curb appeal and your fight against erosion.
| Organic Mulch | Inorganic Mulch |
|---|---|
| Wood chips | Rocks |
| Grass clippings | Plastic chips |
| Compost | Rubber chips |
| Straw | Landscape fabric |
| Hay | Seashells |
| Pine needles | |
| Newspaper |
Any area in your yard that doesn’t have a thick ground cover or grass will benefit from mulch. This is especially true around trees, gardens, or wherever you don’t want weeds to pop up, like a stone patio or walkway.
For best results, add organic mulch twice a year to vegetable and perennial flower gardens: once in the fall and again in the spring. Add mulch to annuals only after they have been established (4–6 inches above the ground). And while it's easy to debate whether you should use stones, rubber, wood chips versus other organic mulch, the best type of mulch often comes down to what's in your garden and what your local soil needs.
While mulching is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do for your lawn, there are some additional hacks and facts you’ll want to keep in mind:
Don’t apply more than 4 inches of mulch. Adding too much will cause your gardens to be too wet and can cause diseases. If you don’t add enough, weeds can creep through.
Before applying fresh mulch, make sure to turn old mulch with a garden weasel. This will allow the soil to breathe better and do its job.
Spread mulch under trees and shrubs as far as their outermost branches will reach, but never let the mulch touch the base of trees or shrubs.
Before and after mulching, make sure you water very well.
If you’d like to cover a grassy or weedy area with mulch, consider putting down layers of cardboard or landscaping plastic instead of using weed killers.
Colored or dyed mulch can run on walkways or concrete. If you choose a colored mulch, don’t water it for 24–48 hours so it has a chance to dry out and prevent bleeding.
It’s normal for your mulch to fade from the outside elements. Mulch can easily be freshened by turning it with your hand or rake.
Some companies offer mulch delivery to your home that can save you the time and effort of hauling dozens of bags of mulch.
Replace organic mulch every one to two years, depending on the variety. Wood chips and straw, for example, will last a couple of years, while grass clippings and pine needles need replacing every several months. Inorganic mulch—such as rock and rubber chips—can stay in place for up to four years, depending on erosion and general garden upkeep.
Yes, mulch can attract pests. Spiders, centipedes, and ants are some common pests that are attracted to mulch. You can avoid infestation by laying your bags of mulch in the heat for a few hours or by using an inorganic mulch, as it’s less attractive to pests.
Yes, you can put new mulch over old mulch, since it’s decomposable. The only reason you should remove old mulch before laying new mulch would be to maintain a certain aesthetic.
