Mulching Tips From the Professionals
Using organic mulch in your landscape offers a lot of benefits. It can be used for insulation, water conservation, and weed control. That’s why mulch is a must around plants and trees.
As a garden or landscape owner, you should learn how to spread mulch properly. We are here to teach you how to do it step-by-step. Follow these mulch application tips to keep your landscape lush and well-maintained.
Benefits of Mulching
- Prevents soil compaction
- Conserves the moisture in the soil
- Suppresses weed growth
- Improves the aesthetics of your landscape
- Provides shade for the roots in summer months
- Provides food and shelter for natural aerators like earthworms
How Much Mulch Do You Need?
The first thing you need to do is determine how much mulch is required for your area. Calculating the amount of mulch will prevent you from going overboard. No need for a mountain of excess mulch when the job is done.
Usually, mulch is sold in cubic yards. One cubic yard of mulch can cover 100 square feet with a 3-inch depth. The number of bags you’ll purchase depends on the total square footage of your yard.
When To Lay Down Mulch?
Once the weather gets warmer, you can start applying organic mulch. Mid to late spring is the best time to lay mulch. Adding mulch in the spring will keep the soil moist. However, do not apply mulch too early in the spring. Wait until the soil temperature is about 70 degrees.
During summer, mulching is needed to retain moisture in the soil. You may also need to apply mulch in the fall and winter for an extra layer of insulation.
No matter which season, mulch application is done after a rainy period. The organic materials in mulch will break easily when the soil is moist enough.
Tools and Equipment for Mulching
- Gloves
- Shovel
- Rake
- Landscape Fabric
- Wheelbarrow
- Compost Bin
- Lawn Mowers
- Woodchippers
How To Lay Down Mulch?
When the organic mulch and tools are ready, it is now time to begin mulching! There are best practices and necessary steps for a successful mulch application. Our step-by-step guide will help you achieve a beautiful landscape.
Remove the Old Mulch
First, you need to take out some of the old mulch. Doing so will prevent them from building up over time. If your landscape looks elevated, it’s because old mulch hasn’t been able to decompose properly. Make sure to avoid using too much mulch.
Use Weed Fabric
Before you lay down landscape fabric, you need to remove vegetation and weeds first. Cleaning out weeds will give you a head start for mulching.
Then, apply weed fabric over the top of your soil. This specialized fabric works best in weed control and moisture conservation. It works as a soil stabilizer to prevent erosion and discourage weeds from growing. This step is totally optional and not required.
Water Your Flower Beds
Next, you need to wet down your flower or plant beds. The organic will work quickly to seal in the moisture. We also encourage you to apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed germination and growth.
Apply Mulch
The most important step is to spread organic mulch evenly. You can use a rake or pitchfork to apply mulch in different spots. Your mulch must be two to four inches thick. This depth is not too thick nor too thin.
Do not add mounds of mulch against the trunk as this will encourage pests. Mulching with the right amount will make your yard look great. This will also fend off weeds and allow water and nutrients to seep through the roots.
When applying the mulch around the base of plants, use your hands instead. You should always mulch trees regardless of their size. A final watering will help mulch settle into the soil. Landscape experts recommend mulching at least twice a year.
Talk to Our Professional Landscapers
When it comes to high-quality mulching services, count on Midstate Landscaping. Our team can maintain your landscape and garden space. We specialize in backyard mulching, fertilization services, and winter mulching. Aside from this, we offer a wide range of services like lawn care, hardscaping, and snow removal.
If you need our expertise, do not hesitate to contact our team. We will provide you with a free instant quote for your landscape project. Let’s beautify your lawn today!