What you’ll need before you start<\/span><\/h2> - Mulch (we\u2019ll help you determine how much you need in step 1)<\/li>
- Landscaping rake<\/li>
- Garden hoe or other weeding tool<\/li>
- Shovel<\/li>
- Garden gloves<\/li>
- Wheelbarrow or cart<\/li> <\/ul>
Step 1: Calculate how much mulch you need<\/span><\/h2> You don\u2019t need to be a math whiz to figure out how much mulch you need. Lawn Love\u2019s mulch calculator<\/a> does the work for you. <\/p> First, you\u2019ll need to measure the garden bed\u2019s square footage. Next, determine your desired mulch depth in inches. Plug in these numbers, and the calculator tells you how much mulch you\u2019ll need in cubic feet. <\/p>
Vegetable gardens and flower beds typically require a mulch depth of 2 to 3 inches. Trees and shrubs usually need 2 to 4 inches of mulch. <\/p>
Step 2: Clear the area<\/span><\/h2> Mulch will not kill well-established weeds, so clear the garden bed before application. <\/p>
Remove all weeds, sticks, trash, and debris from the mulching area. Pull weeds by hand when possible, making sure to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. For stubborn weeds, use a garden hoe or weeding tool to dig out the roots. <\/p>
Clear away any rocks, fallen branches, or old plant material that could create uneven spots under your mulch layer.<\/p>
Step 3: Level the soil<\/span><\/h2> A level surface helps ensure consistent mulch depth across the entire garden bed. <\/p>
Use a landscaping rake to smooth the soil surface and create an even base. Break up any clumps of dirt and fill in low spots to prevent water pooling. If you’re working around existing plants, gently rake around them without disturbing the roots.<\/p>
Step 4: Load your wheelbarrow<\/span><\/h2> ![\"Wheelbarrow](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/wheelbarrow-mulch.jpg\")
Mulch in wheelbarrow. Photo Credit: Ozgur Coskun<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> \u201cEither way you look at it, applying or spreading mulch is physical work,\u201d says Kopsell. <\/p>
To make the workload easier, Kopsell recommends using a cart or wheelbarrow to haul the mulch between different areas of the yard. <\/p>
Position your wheelbarrow nearby to reduce the need for back-and-forth trips and speed up the job with less back pain. <\/p>
Want to skip this laborious task altogether? Consider alternatives. \u201cUsing cover crops as \u2018living mulches\u2019 to protect the soil could greatly reduce or even eliminate having to spread a mulch material, too,\u201d adds Kopsell. <\/p>
Step 5: Create mulch piles<\/span><\/h2> Using a shovel or your hands, dump small heaps of mulch throughout the bed, about one shovel-full every 3 to 4 feet. Space these piles evenly across the bed to make spreading easier and ensure you cover the entire area without running out. <\/p>
These “distribution piles” help you gauge if you have enough mulch and prevent over-applying in one spot while leaving other areas thin.<\/p>
Step 6: Spread to proper depth<\/span><\/h2> ![\"Gloved](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/spread-mulch.jpg\")
Spreading mulch. Photo Credit: Jon<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Using gloved hands or a rake, spread the mulch piles into an even layer to your desired depth. A rake works best for large areas, while hands give you better control around delicate plants. <\/p>
Avoid going deeper than 4 inches, as excessive mulch blocks oxygen and water from reaching plant roots, suffocates beneficial soil organisms, and creates hiding spots for pests. <\/p>
Step 7: Keep mulch away from plant bases<\/span><\/h2> This is critical: <\/strong>Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and 6-12 inches from tree trunks, creating a small cleared circle around each plant.\u00a0<\/p> The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should always be visible. Piling mulch against plants creates “mulch volcanoes” that trap moisture against bark and stems, leading to rot, fungal disease, insect damage, and pest problems. For trees, extend mulch out to the drip line (edge of the canopy) for maximum benefit.<\/p>
Step 8: Water lightly<\/span><\/h2> ![\"Watering](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Watering-mulch.jpeg\")
Watering the mulched area. Photo Credit: Vipada<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> After spreading, lightly water the mulched area with a garden hose or sprinkler until the mulch is damp but not soaked. <\/p>
This helps the mulch settle into place, starts the process of bonding pieces together, and prevents lightweight materials like shredded bark or straw from blowing away in wind. Watering also prevents dry mulch from initially absorbing moisture from the soil that your plants need.<\/p>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2> 1. Do I need to remove old mulch before laying down new mulch?\u00a0<\/strong> No, you don’t need to remove old organic mulch. Simply rake it to break up any matted layers, then add fresh mulch on top to achieve the desired depth. This saves time and the decomposing mulch enriches your soil.<\/p> <\/div>
2. Do I need to install landscape fabric underneath mulch?<\/strong> \u201cUsing a porous material like permeable landscape fabric under mulch can be a good practice to prevent weed growth,\u201d says Kopsell.\u00a0
3. What’s the best type of mulch to use?\u00a0<\/strong> Wood chips and shredded bark are popular choices that work well in most landscapes. Choose based on your plants’ needs, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. Organic mulches (wood, bark, straw) improve soil over time as they decompose.Organic mulch typically needs refreshing every 1 to 3 years depending on the type. Wood chips and bark last 2 to 3 years, while lighter materials like leaves or grass clippings break down faster and need annual replenishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Need professional help?<\/span><\/h2> Mulching can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties. Lawn Love connects you with local gardening professionals<\/a> who can handle your mulching project efficiently, leaving you with a polished landscape without the backache.<\/p> Main Image: Mulched backyard garden bed of a house. Image Credit: Tom Britt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mulch provides several benefits for your garden\u2019s health and beauty. But applying mulch the wrong way may lead to unhealthy plants, backaches, and overspending. In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to mulch correctly so you, your wallet, and your garden have the best chance for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":23172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-23081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mulching-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23081"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44644,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions\/44644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Step 1: Calculate how much mulch you need<\/span><\/h2> You don\u2019t need to be a math whiz to figure out how much mulch you need. Lawn Love\u2019s mulch calculator<\/a> does the work for you. <\/p> First, you\u2019ll need to measure the garden bed\u2019s square footage. Next, determine your desired mulch depth in inches. Plug in these numbers, and the calculator tells you how much mulch you\u2019ll need in cubic feet. <\/p>
Vegetable gardens and flower beds typically require a mulch depth of 2 to 3 inches. Trees and shrubs usually need 2 to 4 inches of mulch. <\/p>
Step 2: Clear the area<\/span><\/h2> Mulch will not kill well-established weeds, so clear the garden bed before application. <\/p>
Remove all weeds, sticks, trash, and debris from the mulching area. Pull weeds by hand when possible, making sure to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. For stubborn weeds, use a garden hoe or weeding tool to dig out the roots. <\/p>
Clear away any rocks, fallen branches, or old plant material that could create uneven spots under your mulch layer.<\/p>
Step 3: Level the soil<\/span><\/h2> A level surface helps ensure consistent mulch depth across the entire garden bed. <\/p>
Use a landscaping rake to smooth the soil surface and create an even base. Break up any clumps of dirt and fill in low spots to prevent water pooling. If you’re working around existing plants, gently rake around them without disturbing the roots.<\/p>
Step 4: Load your wheelbarrow<\/span><\/h2> Mulch in wheelbarrow. Photo Credit: Ozgur Coskun<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> \u201cEither way you look at it, applying or spreading mulch is physical work,\u201d says Kopsell. <\/p>
To make the workload easier, Kopsell recommends using a cart or wheelbarrow to haul the mulch between different areas of the yard. <\/p>
Position your wheelbarrow nearby to reduce the need for back-and-forth trips and speed up the job with less back pain. <\/p>
Want to skip this laborious task altogether? Consider alternatives. \u201cUsing cover crops as \u2018living mulches\u2019 to protect the soil could greatly reduce or even eliminate having to spread a mulch material, too,\u201d adds Kopsell. <\/p>
Step 5: Create mulch piles<\/span><\/h2> Using a shovel or your hands, dump small heaps of mulch throughout the bed, about one shovel-full every 3 to 4 feet. Space these piles evenly across the bed to make spreading easier and ensure you cover the entire area without running out. <\/p>
These “distribution piles” help you gauge if you have enough mulch and prevent over-applying in one spot while leaving other areas thin.<\/p>
Step 6: Spread to proper depth<\/span><\/h2> Spreading mulch. Photo Credit: Jon<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Using gloved hands or a rake, spread the mulch piles into an even layer to your desired depth. A rake works best for large areas, while hands give you better control around delicate plants. <\/p>
Avoid going deeper than 4 inches, as excessive mulch blocks oxygen and water from reaching plant roots, suffocates beneficial soil organisms, and creates hiding spots for pests. <\/p>
Step 7: Keep mulch away from plant bases<\/span><\/h2> This is critical: <\/strong>Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and 6-12 inches from tree trunks, creating a small cleared circle around each plant.\u00a0<\/p> The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should always be visible. Piling mulch against plants creates “mulch volcanoes” that trap moisture against bark and stems, leading to rot, fungal disease, insect damage, and pest problems. For trees, extend mulch out to the drip line (edge of the canopy) for maximum benefit.<\/p>
Step 8: Water lightly<\/span><\/h2> Watering the mulched area. Photo Credit: Vipada<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> After spreading, lightly water the mulched area with a garden hose or sprinkler until the mulch is damp but not soaked. <\/p>
This helps the mulch settle into place, starts the process of bonding pieces together, and prevents lightweight materials like shredded bark or straw from blowing away in wind. Watering also prevents dry mulch from initially absorbing moisture from the soil that your plants need.<\/p>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2> 1. Do I need to remove old mulch before laying down new mulch?\u00a0<\/strong> No, you don’t need to remove old organic mulch. Simply rake it to break up any matted layers, then add fresh mulch on top to achieve the desired depth. This saves time and the decomposing mulch enriches your soil.<\/p> <\/div>
2. Do I need to install landscape fabric underneath mulch?<\/strong> \u201cUsing a porous material like permeable landscape fabric under mulch can be a good practice to prevent weed growth,\u201d says Kopsell.\u00a0
3. What’s the best type of mulch to use?\u00a0<\/strong> Wood chips and shredded bark are popular choices that work well in most landscapes. Choose based on your plants’ needs, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. Organic mulches (wood, bark, straw) improve soil over time as they decompose.Organic mulch typically needs refreshing every 1 to 3 years depending on the type. Wood chips and bark last 2 to 3 years, while lighter materials like leaves or grass clippings break down faster and need annual replenishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Need professional help?<\/span><\/h2> Mulching can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties. Lawn Love connects you with local gardening professionals<\/a> who can handle your mulching project efficiently, leaving you with a polished landscape without the backache.<\/p> Main Image: Mulched backyard garden bed of a house. Image Credit: Tom Britt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mulch provides several benefits for your garden\u2019s health and beauty. But applying mulch the wrong way may lead to unhealthy plants, backaches, and overspending. In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to mulch correctly so you, your wallet, and your garden have the best chance for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":23172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-23081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mulching-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23081"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44644,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions\/44644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
First, you\u2019ll need to measure the garden bed\u2019s square footage. Next, determine your desired mulch depth in inches. Plug in these numbers, and the calculator tells you how much mulch you\u2019ll need in cubic feet. <\/p>
Vegetable gardens and flower beds typically require a mulch depth of 2 to 3 inches. Trees and shrubs usually need 2 to 4 inches of mulch. <\/p>
Step 2: Clear the area<\/span><\/h2> Mulch will not kill well-established weeds, so clear the garden bed before application. <\/p>
Remove all weeds, sticks, trash, and debris from the mulching area. Pull weeds by hand when possible, making sure to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth. For stubborn weeds, use a garden hoe or weeding tool to dig out the roots. <\/p>
Clear away any rocks, fallen branches, or old plant material that could create uneven spots under your mulch layer.<\/p>
Step 3: Level the soil<\/span><\/h2> A level surface helps ensure consistent mulch depth across the entire garden bed. <\/p>
Use a landscaping rake to smooth the soil surface and create an even base. Break up any clumps of dirt and fill in low spots to prevent water pooling. If you’re working around existing plants, gently rake around them without disturbing the roots.<\/p>
Step 4: Load your wheelbarrow<\/span><\/h2> Mulch in wheelbarrow. Photo Credit: Ozgur Coskun<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> \u201cEither way you look at it, applying or spreading mulch is physical work,\u201d says Kopsell. <\/p>
To make the workload easier, Kopsell recommends using a cart or wheelbarrow to haul the mulch between different areas of the yard. <\/p>
Position your wheelbarrow nearby to reduce the need for back-and-forth trips and speed up the job with less back pain. <\/p>
Want to skip this laborious task altogether? Consider alternatives. \u201cUsing cover crops as \u2018living mulches\u2019 to protect the soil could greatly reduce or even eliminate having to spread a mulch material, too,\u201d adds Kopsell. <\/p>
Step 5: Create mulch piles<\/span><\/h2> Using a shovel or your hands, dump small heaps of mulch throughout the bed, about one shovel-full every 3 to 4 feet. Space these piles evenly across the bed to make spreading easier and ensure you cover the entire area without running out. <\/p>
These “distribution piles” help you gauge if you have enough mulch and prevent over-applying in one spot while leaving other areas thin.<\/p>
Step 6: Spread to proper depth<\/span><\/h2> Spreading mulch. Photo Credit: Jon<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Using gloved hands or a rake, spread the mulch piles into an even layer to your desired depth. A rake works best for large areas, while hands give you better control around delicate plants. <\/p>
Avoid going deeper than 4 inches, as excessive mulch blocks oxygen and water from reaching plant roots, suffocates beneficial soil organisms, and creates hiding spots for pests. <\/p>
Step 7: Keep mulch away from plant bases<\/span><\/h2> This is critical: <\/strong>Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and 6-12 inches from tree trunks, creating a small cleared circle around each plant.\u00a0<\/p> The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should always be visible. Piling mulch against plants creates “mulch volcanoes” that trap moisture against bark and stems, leading to rot, fungal disease, insect damage, and pest problems. For trees, extend mulch out to the drip line (edge of the canopy) for maximum benefit.<\/p>
Step 8: Water lightly<\/span><\/h2> Watering the mulched area. Photo Credit: Vipada<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> After spreading, lightly water the mulched area with a garden hose or sprinkler until the mulch is damp but not soaked. <\/p>
This helps the mulch settle into place, starts the process of bonding pieces together, and prevents lightweight materials like shredded bark or straw from blowing away in wind. Watering also prevents dry mulch from initially absorbing moisture from the soil that your plants need.<\/p>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2> 1. Do I need to remove old mulch before laying down new mulch?\u00a0<\/strong> No, you don’t need to remove old organic mulch. Simply rake it to break up any matted layers, then add fresh mulch on top to achieve the desired depth. This saves time and the decomposing mulch enriches your soil.<\/p> <\/div>
2. Do I need to install landscape fabric underneath mulch?<\/strong> \u201cUsing a porous material like permeable landscape fabric under mulch can be a good practice to prevent weed growth,\u201d says Kopsell.\u00a0
3. What’s the best type of mulch to use?\u00a0<\/strong> Wood chips and shredded bark are popular choices that work well in most landscapes. Choose based on your plants’ needs, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. Organic mulches (wood, bark, straw) improve soil over time as they decompose.Organic mulch typically needs refreshing every 1 to 3 years depending on the type. Wood chips and bark last 2 to 3 years, while lighter materials like leaves or grass clippings break down faster and need annual replenishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Need professional help?<\/span><\/h2> Mulching can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties. Lawn Love connects you with local gardening professionals<\/a> who can handle your mulching project efficiently, leaving you with a polished landscape without the backache.<\/p> Main Image: Mulched backyard garden bed of a house. Image Credit: Tom Britt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mulch provides several benefits for your garden\u2019s health and beauty. But applying mulch the wrong way may lead to unhealthy plants, backaches, and overspending. In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to mulch correctly so you, your wallet, and your garden have the best chance for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":23172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-23081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mulching-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23081"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44644,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions\/44644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
A level surface helps ensure consistent mulch depth across the entire garden bed. <\/p>
Use a landscaping rake to smooth the soil surface and create an even base. Break up any clumps of dirt and fill in low spots to prevent water pooling. If you’re working around existing plants, gently rake around them without disturbing the roots.<\/p>
Step 4: Load your wheelbarrow<\/span><\/h2> Mulch in wheelbarrow. Photo Credit: Ozgur Coskun<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> \u201cEither way you look at it, applying or spreading mulch is physical work,\u201d says Kopsell. <\/p>
To make the workload easier, Kopsell recommends using a cart or wheelbarrow to haul the mulch between different areas of the yard. <\/p>
Position your wheelbarrow nearby to reduce the need for back-and-forth trips and speed up the job with less back pain. <\/p>
Want to skip this laborious task altogether? Consider alternatives. \u201cUsing cover crops as \u2018living mulches\u2019 to protect the soil could greatly reduce or even eliminate having to spread a mulch material, too,\u201d adds Kopsell. <\/p>
Step 5: Create mulch piles<\/span><\/h2> Using a shovel or your hands, dump small heaps of mulch throughout the bed, about one shovel-full every 3 to 4 feet. Space these piles evenly across the bed to make spreading easier and ensure you cover the entire area without running out. <\/p>
These “distribution piles” help you gauge if you have enough mulch and prevent over-applying in one spot while leaving other areas thin.<\/p>
Step 6: Spread to proper depth<\/span><\/h2> Spreading mulch. Photo Credit: Jon<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Using gloved hands or a rake, spread the mulch piles into an even layer to your desired depth. A rake works best for large areas, while hands give you better control around delicate plants. <\/p>
Avoid going deeper than 4 inches, as excessive mulch blocks oxygen and water from reaching plant roots, suffocates beneficial soil organisms, and creates hiding spots for pests. <\/p>
Step 7: Keep mulch away from plant bases<\/span><\/h2> This is critical: <\/strong>Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and 6-12 inches from tree trunks, creating a small cleared circle around each plant.\u00a0<\/p> The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should always be visible. Piling mulch against plants creates “mulch volcanoes” that trap moisture against bark and stems, leading to rot, fungal disease, insect damage, and pest problems. For trees, extend mulch out to the drip line (edge of the canopy) for maximum benefit.<\/p>
Step 8: Water lightly<\/span><\/h2> Watering the mulched area. Photo Credit: Vipada<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> After spreading, lightly water the mulched area with a garden hose or sprinkler until the mulch is damp but not soaked. <\/p>
This helps the mulch settle into place, starts the process of bonding pieces together, and prevents lightweight materials like shredded bark or straw from blowing away in wind. Watering also prevents dry mulch from initially absorbing moisture from the soil that your plants need.<\/p>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2> 1. Do I need to remove old mulch before laying down new mulch?\u00a0<\/strong> No, you don’t need to remove old organic mulch. Simply rake it to break up any matted layers, then add fresh mulch on top to achieve the desired depth. This saves time and the decomposing mulch enriches your soil.<\/p> <\/div>
2. Do I need to install landscape fabric underneath mulch?<\/strong> \u201cUsing a porous material like permeable landscape fabric under mulch can be a good practice to prevent weed growth,\u201d says Kopsell.\u00a0
3. What’s the best type of mulch to use?\u00a0<\/strong> Wood chips and shredded bark are popular choices that work well in most landscapes. Choose based on your plants’ needs, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. Organic mulches (wood, bark, straw) improve soil over time as they decompose.Organic mulch typically needs refreshing every 1 to 3 years depending on the type. Wood chips and bark last 2 to 3 years, while lighter materials like leaves or grass clippings break down faster and need annual replenishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Need professional help?<\/span><\/h2> Mulching can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties. Lawn Love connects you with local gardening professionals<\/a> who can handle your mulching project efficiently, leaving you with a polished landscape without the backache.<\/p> Main Image: Mulched backyard garden bed of a house. Image Credit: Tom Britt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mulch provides several benefits for your garden\u2019s health and beauty. But applying mulch the wrong way may lead to unhealthy plants, backaches, and overspending. In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to mulch correctly so you, your wallet, and your garden have the best chance for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":23172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-23081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mulching-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23081"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44644,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions\/44644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\u201cEither way you look at it, applying or spreading mulch is physical work,\u201d says Kopsell. <\/p>
To make the workload easier, Kopsell recommends using a cart or wheelbarrow to haul the mulch between different areas of the yard. <\/p>
Position your wheelbarrow nearby to reduce the need for back-and-forth trips and speed up the job with less back pain. <\/p>
Want to skip this laborious task altogether? Consider alternatives. \u201cUsing cover crops as \u2018living mulches\u2019 to protect the soil could greatly reduce or even eliminate having to spread a mulch material, too,\u201d adds Kopsell. <\/p>
Step 5: Create mulch piles<\/span><\/h2> Using a shovel or your hands, dump small heaps of mulch throughout the bed, about one shovel-full every 3 to 4 feet. Space these piles evenly across the bed to make spreading easier and ensure you cover the entire area without running out. <\/p>
These “distribution piles” help you gauge if you have enough mulch and prevent over-applying in one spot while leaving other areas thin.<\/p>
Step 6: Spread to proper depth<\/span><\/h2> Spreading mulch. Photo Credit: Jon<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Using gloved hands or a rake, spread the mulch piles into an even layer to your desired depth. A rake works best for large areas, while hands give you better control around delicate plants. <\/p>
Avoid going deeper than 4 inches, as excessive mulch blocks oxygen and water from reaching plant roots, suffocates beneficial soil organisms, and creates hiding spots for pests. <\/p>
Step 7: Keep mulch away from plant bases<\/span><\/h2> This is critical: <\/strong>Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and 6-12 inches from tree trunks, creating a small cleared circle around each plant.\u00a0<\/p> The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should always be visible. Piling mulch against plants creates “mulch volcanoes” that trap moisture against bark and stems, leading to rot, fungal disease, insect damage, and pest problems. For trees, extend mulch out to the drip line (edge of the canopy) for maximum benefit.<\/p>
Step 8: Water lightly<\/span><\/h2> Watering the mulched area. Photo Credit: Vipada<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> After spreading, lightly water the mulched area with a garden hose or sprinkler until the mulch is damp but not soaked. <\/p>
This helps the mulch settle into place, starts the process of bonding pieces together, and prevents lightweight materials like shredded bark or straw from blowing away in wind. Watering also prevents dry mulch from initially absorbing moisture from the soil that your plants need.<\/p>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2> 1. Do I need to remove old mulch before laying down new mulch?\u00a0<\/strong> No, you don’t need to remove old organic mulch. Simply rake it to break up any matted layers, then add fresh mulch on top to achieve the desired depth. This saves time and the decomposing mulch enriches your soil.<\/p> <\/div>
2. Do I need to install landscape fabric underneath mulch?<\/strong> \u201cUsing a porous material like permeable landscape fabric under mulch can be a good practice to prevent weed growth,\u201d says Kopsell.\u00a0
3. What’s the best type of mulch to use?\u00a0<\/strong> Wood chips and shredded bark are popular choices that work well in most landscapes. Choose based on your plants’ needs, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. Organic mulches (wood, bark, straw) improve soil over time as they decompose.Organic mulch typically needs refreshing every 1 to 3 years depending on the type. Wood chips and bark last 2 to 3 years, while lighter materials like leaves or grass clippings break down faster and need annual replenishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Need professional help?<\/span><\/h2> Mulching can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties. Lawn Love connects you with local gardening professionals<\/a> who can handle your mulching project efficiently, leaving you with a polished landscape without the backache.<\/p> Main Image: Mulched backyard garden bed of a house. Image Credit: Tom Britt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mulch provides several benefits for your garden\u2019s health and beauty. But applying mulch the wrong way may lead to unhealthy plants, backaches, and overspending. In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to mulch correctly so you, your wallet, and your garden have the best chance for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":23172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-23081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mulching-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23081"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44644,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions\/44644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Using gloved hands or a rake, spread the mulch piles into an even layer to your desired depth. A rake works best for large areas, while hands give you better control around delicate plants. <\/p>
Avoid going deeper than 4 inches, as excessive mulch blocks oxygen and water from reaching plant roots, suffocates beneficial soil organisms, and creates hiding spots for pests. <\/p>
Step 7: Keep mulch away from plant bases<\/span><\/h2> This is critical: <\/strong>Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and 6-12 inches from tree trunks, creating a small cleared circle around each plant.\u00a0<\/p> The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should always be visible. Piling mulch against plants creates “mulch volcanoes” that trap moisture against bark and stems, leading to rot, fungal disease, insect damage, and pest problems. For trees, extend mulch out to the drip line (edge of the canopy) for maximum benefit.<\/p>
Step 8: Water lightly<\/span><\/h2> Watering the mulched area. Photo Credit: Vipada<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> After spreading, lightly water the mulched area with a garden hose or sprinkler until the mulch is damp but not soaked. <\/p>
This helps the mulch settle into place, starts the process of bonding pieces together, and prevents lightweight materials like shredded bark or straw from blowing away in wind. Watering also prevents dry mulch from initially absorbing moisture from the soil that your plants need.<\/p>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2> 1. Do I need to remove old mulch before laying down new mulch?\u00a0<\/strong> No, you don’t need to remove old organic mulch. Simply rake it to break up any matted layers, then add fresh mulch on top to achieve the desired depth. This saves time and the decomposing mulch enriches your soil.<\/p> <\/div>
2. Do I need to install landscape fabric underneath mulch?<\/strong> \u201cUsing a porous material like permeable landscape fabric under mulch can be a good practice to prevent weed growth,\u201d says Kopsell.\u00a0
3. What’s the best type of mulch to use?\u00a0<\/strong> Wood chips and shredded bark are popular choices that work well in most landscapes. Choose based on your plants’ needs, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. Organic mulches (wood, bark, straw) improve soil over time as they decompose.Organic mulch typically needs refreshing every 1 to 3 years depending on the type. Wood chips and bark last 2 to 3 years, while lighter materials like leaves or grass clippings break down faster and need annual replenishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Need professional help?<\/span><\/h2> Mulching can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties. Lawn Love connects you with local gardening professionals<\/a> who can handle your mulching project efficiently, leaving you with a polished landscape without the backache.<\/p> Main Image: Mulched backyard garden bed of a house. Image Credit: Tom Britt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mulch provides several benefits for your garden\u2019s health and beauty. But applying mulch the wrong way may lead to unhealthy plants, backaches, and overspending. In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to mulch correctly so you, your wallet, and your garden have the best chance for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":23172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-23081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mulching-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23081"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44644,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions\/44644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should always be visible. Piling mulch against plants creates “mulch volcanoes” that trap moisture against bark and stems, leading to rot, fungal disease, insect damage, and pest problems. For trees, extend mulch out to the drip line (edge of the canopy) for maximum benefit.<\/p>
Step 8: Water lightly<\/span><\/h2> Watering the mulched area. Photo Credit: Vipada<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> After spreading, lightly water the mulched area with a garden hose or sprinkler until the mulch is damp but not soaked. <\/p>
This helps the mulch settle into place, starts the process of bonding pieces together, and prevents lightweight materials like shredded bark or straw from blowing away in wind. Watering also prevents dry mulch from initially absorbing moisture from the soil that your plants need.<\/p>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2> 1. Do I need to remove old mulch before laying down new mulch?\u00a0<\/strong> No, you don’t need to remove old organic mulch. Simply rake it to break up any matted layers, then add fresh mulch on top to achieve the desired depth. This saves time and the decomposing mulch enriches your soil.<\/p> <\/div>
2. Do I need to install landscape fabric underneath mulch?<\/strong> \u201cUsing a porous material like permeable landscape fabric under mulch can be a good practice to prevent weed growth,\u201d says Kopsell.\u00a0
3. What’s the best type of mulch to use?\u00a0<\/strong> Wood chips and shredded bark are popular choices that work well in most landscapes. Choose based on your plants’ needs, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. Organic mulches (wood, bark, straw) improve soil over time as they decompose.Organic mulch typically needs refreshing every 1 to 3 years depending on the type. Wood chips and bark last 2 to 3 years, while lighter materials like leaves or grass clippings break down faster and need annual replenishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Need professional help?<\/span><\/h2> Mulching can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties. Lawn Love connects you with local gardening professionals<\/a> who can handle your mulching project efficiently, leaving you with a polished landscape without the backache.<\/p> Main Image: Mulched backyard garden bed of a house. Image Credit: Tom Britt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mulch provides several benefits for your garden\u2019s health and beauty. But applying mulch the wrong way may lead to unhealthy plants, backaches, and overspending. In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to mulch correctly so you, your wallet, and your garden have the best chance for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":23172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-23081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mulching-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23081"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44644,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions\/44644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
After spreading, lightly water the mulched area with a garden hose or sprinkler until the mulch is damp but not soaked. <\/p>
This helps the mulch settle into place, starts the process of bonding pieces together, and prevents lightweight materials like shredded bark or straw from blowing away in wind. Watering also prevents dry mulch from initially absorbing moisture from the soil that your plants need.<\/p>
FAQs<\/span><\/h2> 1. Do I need to remove old mulch before laying down new mulch?\u00a0<\/strong> No, you don’t need to remove old organic mulch. Simply rake it to break up any matted layers, then add fresh mulch on top to achieve the desired depth. This saves time and the decomposing mulch enriches your soil.<\/p> <\/div>
2. Do I need to install landscape fabric underneath mulch?<\/strong> \u201cUsing a porous material like permeable landscape fabric under mulch can be a good practice to prevent weed growth,\u201d says Kopsell.\u00a0
3. What’s the best type of mulch to use?\u00a0<\/strong> Wood chips and shredded bark are popular choices that work well in most landscapes. Choose based on your plants’ needs, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. Organic mulches (wood, bark, straw) improve soil over time as they decompose.Organic mulch typically needs refreshing every 1 to 3 years depending on the type. Wood chips and bark last 2 to 3 years, while lighter materials like leaves or grass clippings break down faster and need annual replenishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Need professional help?<\/span><\/h2> Mulching can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties. Lawn Love connects you with local gardening professionals<\/a> who can handle your mulching project efficiently, leaving you with a polished landscape without the backache.<\/p> Main Image: Mulched backyard garden bed of a house. Image Credit: Tom Britt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mulch provides several benefits for your garden\u2019s health and beauty. But applying mulch the wrong way may lead to unhealthy plants, backaches, and overspending. In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to mulch correctly so you, your wallet, and your garden have the best chance for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":23172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-23081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mulching-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23081"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44644,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions\/44644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
No, you don’t need to remove old organic mulch. Simply rake it to break up any matted layers, then add fresh mulch on top to achieve the desired depth. This saves time and the decomposing mulch enriches your soil.<\/p> <\/div>
\u201cUsing a porous material like permeable landscape fabric under mulch can be a good practice to prevent weed growth,\u201d says Kopsell.\u00a0
Wood chips and shredded bark are popular choices that work well in most landscapes. Choose based on your plants’ needs, your budget, and aesthetic preferences. Organic mulches (wood, bark, straw) improve soil over time as they decompose. Organic mulch typically needs refreshing every 1 to 3 years depending on the type. Wood chips and bark last 2 to 3 years, while lighter materials like leaves or grass clippings break down faster and need annual replenishment.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> Mulching can be physically demanding, especially for larger properties. Lawn Love connects you with local gardening professionals<\/a> who can handle your mulching project efficiently, leaving you with a polished landscape without the backache.<\/p> Main Image: Mulched backyard garden bed of a house. Image Credit: Tom Britt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Mulch provides several benefits for your garden\u2019s health and beauty. But applying mulch the wrong way may lead to unhealthy plants, backaches, and overspending. In this step-by-step guide, you\u2019ll learn how to mulch correctly so you, your wallet, and your garden have the best chance for success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":23172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-23081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mulching-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23081"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44644,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23081\/revisions\/44644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23081"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23081"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23081"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Need professional help?<\/span><\/h2>