· Ortiz Landscaping & Tree Services
Mulch does a lot of quiet work: it holds moisture through summer heat, keeps weed seeds in the dark, evens out soil temperature around roots and slowly feeds the soil as it breaks down. It only does that work well when it is put down at the right depth and in the right place.
Two to three inches is the target
For most beds, a layer of about two to three inches of shredded mulch is enough. Thinner than that and weeds push through and moisture escapes. Much thicker and the layer can hold too much water against the soil, shed rain instead of letting it through, and keep oxygen from roots.
Keep mulch off trunks and stems
The most common mulching mistake is the "volcano": a tall cone of mulch piled against a tree trunk. Bark is not meant to stay wet. Mulch packed against it can encourage rot and pests, and roots may start growing up into the mulch instead of out into the soil. Leave a gap of a few inches around trunks and shrub stems, and spread mulch outward toward the drip line instead.
Refreshing, not just adding
Mulch breaks down over a season or two. Before adding a new layer, check how much is already there. If an old layer is still two inches deep, a light top-up is all you need. Year after year of full-depth layers on top of each other is how beds end up buried.
Timing
Spring is the usual time, once the soil has started to warm and spring clean-up is done. A fall application can also help protect roots through winter. Either way, weed the bed first; mulch is good at preventing new weeds but will not smother established ones.
Our mulching service covers edging, weeding and laying fresh mulch at the right depth. If your beds also need help with persistent weeds, see our weed control. Call (609) 454-7355 or request a free quote.