When you’re finished applying shredded hardwood mulch to garden beds so they retain soil moisture, you may have leftovers. Don’t store extra mulch in sealed plastic bags, however. Plastic prevents air circulation and promotes mold, decay, and odors. Either poke holes in the bags to keep the air flowing or adopt one of these leftover mulch ideas to use up your remaining supply.

What Can I Do With Leftover Shredded Hardwood Mulch?

1. Create Pathways

Make attractive pathways in your front, back, or side yards with shredded hardwood mulch. Form paths to secluded garden areas or groves of trees. You can also lay a path from your driveway to the front stoop. Make each path three or four inches deep to avoid a scattered-mulch look.

2. Protect New Tree Roots

Insulate sapling roots against the cold and protect them from competing weeds with mulch. Use only two to three inches of shredded hardwood mulch to avoid choking root systems. For best results, thin the mulch around the trunk so roots have room to breathe.

3. Add It to Play Areas

Use mulch under your children’s play set to soften landings and falls. Mulch under swings will protect the soil where kids use their feet to stop motion. Shredded hardwood will set off play areas from other parts of your landscape.

4. Prevent Erosion

Control soil erosion on slopes with mulch. It makes an effective barrier between rainwater and the underlying soil. You’ll save money if you don’t have to replace topsoil in the spring. You’ll also keep sediment out of sewers and waterways.

5. Donate It

Bag your leftover mulch as gifts for friends, family members, or neighbors. You can also donate it to local parks, horticultural societies, schools, and animal shelters.

Schedule shredded hardwood mulch delivery with Jay’s Firewood & Mulch to keep your property beautiful. Also specializing in insured tree services and firewood deliveries, this company serves St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities, guaranteeing deliveries within 48 hours. Call (877) 492-2970 today to speak with the staff, or visit the business online to view a full service list.