Adding mulch your landscaping adds curb appeal, helps prevent weeds, and keeps the soil moist and cool. Professional landscaping teams advice homeowners to invest in mulch to reap those benefits and preserve their greenery. To get the most from your mulch, keep these tips in mind. 

How to Use Mulch in Your Landscaping

1. Use the Right Amount of Mulch

Ideally, mulch should only be about 3 to 4 inches deep to ensure that plant roots receive enough moisture. When mulching around trees, don't pile it too high up the trunk. The material should still only be 3 to 4 inches deep, and slightly shallower around the trunk to allow water to reach the tree roots.

2. Mulch at the Right Time

Add mulch to your flower beds after the plants have sprouted. Most plants—except tougher varieties like hostas and daylilies—can’t grow through the mulch, so wait until they’re in bloom before adding mulch to the bed. It’s best to add the material to your landscaping in the early spring, late summer, and late fall. During the winter months, mulch will insulate and protect plants from cold temperatures. 

3. Remove Old Mulch

Older material is unattractive, and adding layers of new mulch creates a buildup that is unhealthy for plants. Before adding new material, remove a few inches of the older mulch to ensure your plants remain healthy.

4. Try Different Types of Mulch

For an interesting landscape design, try different types of mulch besides shredded hardwood bark or pine straw. Different colors and textures—from red to black—add visual interest to your landscaping while still providing the same benefits. Choose a variety that coordinates with your home and the plants you have. For instance, the contrast of dark mulch against a white home is striking, while brick houses look great with red shades of the material. 

5. Go Beyond the Flower Beds

Mulch adds a lot to your landscaping when used throughout your yard. Add a layer of mulch around a mailbox or lamppost, or use it to cover worn spots where foot traffic has worn a path on the grass. The material will highlight aspects of your garden design, drawing attention to interesting plants or architectural elements.  

 

 

Maintaining a beautiful yard takes time and effort. If you need help with mulching, landscape design, or lawn maintenance, Myers Lawn Care Services can help. Their crew of trained professionals has years of experience providing superior landscaping and lawn care services to homeowners across Carroll County, MD. Call (443) 398-2960 for a free quote or visit them online to browse their landscaping services.