Laying mulch is an essential step that will protect the health and life expectancy of your plants. However, there’s more to it than spreading some of the material around. Proper lawn maintenance calls for a specific line of action, including where to place the mulch and how often to do so. Here’s what you need to know so that your garden thrives.

How Often to Lay Mulch & Why It Is Necessary

Why Is It Necessary to Add Mulch Regularly?

Mulch adds a layer of protection to the delicate ground where your plants grow. Not only does it add an aesthetic element that boosts the appearance of your landscape and helps flowers stand out, but it also serves as a natural form of weed control. Mulch blocks the sunlight that weeds require to thrive. But the material also locks in essential moisture that your plants require to survive, and it creates a supportive barrier that prevents inclement weather and cold temperatures from harming the roots.

When Should You First Apply New Mulch?

Regular mulching is vital to the condition of your plant life and vegetation. In general, you should mulch twice a year. First, apply it right after winter’s thaw, around late February or early March. At this stage, you can safely clear winter debris from the yard, begin to prepare the gardens for the warmer months ahead, and make plans for spring flowers. Adding two inches of mulch can restore moisture and prevent weeds from sprouting in early spring and throughout the season. It will also eliminate any early pests that make an appearance when temperatures rise.

Is It Necessary to Refresh the Mulch?

Refreshing the mulch you laid in the spring will protect the ground from cold weather. Applying at least two inches to replace the mulch that broke down in the spring and subsequent months ensures that the ground continues to remain weed-free while they’re still capable of sprouting. It will also protect the plants’ roots and create an insulative environment that ensures consistent warmth. That warm temperature is necessary for the microorganisms in the soil to thrive and continue breaking down organic matter into beneficial nutrients.

The lawn maintenance experts at Landscaper’s Corner are dedicated to protecting the health and vitality of your yard year-round. Based in Lexington, KY, they’re the leading mulch suppliers in the area, and they offer the highest quality materials to safeguard the integrity of your flowerbeds and landscaping. They can even deliver your mulch for a nominal fee. Visit their website to browse their options, and call at (859) 225-9433 to learn more about their landscaping and garden supplies.