Let’s talk mulch

Here’s the dirt on a highly beneficial landscape material that delivers measurable benefits.

What helps control weeds, improves soil and creates aesthetic appeal in the landscape? Sure, look in the mirror — the hard work you put into maintaining your property pays off. But there’s a not-so-secret ingredient that accomplishes these essential tasks, too. 

You guessed it: mulch. 

Beyond improving the appearance of landscape beds, mulch regulates moisture and prevents water loss by acting as a protective barrier that also suppresses weeds. And as the mulch breaks down, it replenishes the soil with important nutrients and microbes that plants need to thrive. On slopes, mulch plays an important role in controlling erosion by reducing runoff. 

If you’re tempted to skip mulching this year, we think you’ll change your mind after you discover its transformative benefits. Plus, if you want to reduce the time you spend on weeding and watering landscape beds, mulch is the answer. 

We gathered advice from our Grasshopper network of experienced landscape professionals, along with DIY Network and PBS professional Joe Lamp’l of Joe Gardener® and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Ready to talk mulch?

Organic mulch – 5 benefits and counting

Organic mulches such as shredded wood and pine needles are made from natural materials that decompose and provide benefits to soil, along with numerous other advantages. Here are the top five. 

#1 Reduce water loss: Mulch naturally regulates moisture by creating a blanket that protects the soil. This barrier prevents water loss from evaporation, which reduces how much and how often you must water plants. 

#2 Suppress weeds: Mulch squelches weeds by forming a layer that blocks sunlight, interfering with weed germination. While mulching a landscape bed is no guarantee against weeds, it significantly reduces the time you’ll spend managing them. 

#3 Enhance soil quality: Over time, soil quality deteriorates from weathering, erosion and actions we take such as clearing land, development and agriculture. Mulch helps replenish nutrients in soil. As it breaks down, organic material improves soil structure and microbial activity, making it more fertile land where plants can thrive. 

#4 Regulate soil temperature: Mulch naturally insulates soil by protecting it from Mother Nature’s extremes. Stable soil temperatures are important for protecting plant roots, especially feeder roots that grow close to the surface and can be more easily damaged by heat and cold.

#5 Prevent erosion: Runoff depletes soil of vital nutrients and can cause many problems, including flooding and water pollution. In rural areas, erosion can create gullies that make cultivating land a challenge and it can scatter or damage seeds. Mulch prevents wind and water from wearing away or moving soil.

Choose the right mulch

There is no shortage of mulch materials available, including synthetic rubber mulches that are often used on playgrounds. But to gain the benefits we described, turn to organic mulches made from natural and biodegradable materials. Beneficial mulches include wood chips, pine bark, leaves and straw. The type of mulch you select depends on the type of space. For example, shredded bark mulch adds definition and visual appeal to landscape beds filled with shrubs, perennials and annual flowers. But if you’re aiming to prevent erosion on a slope at the back of your lot, aesthetics are less of an issue. 

The type of mulch you choose also depends on your region and the climate. For example, pine needle mulch is more common in the south. It breaks down more slowly than other mulches and does not need to be replaced or replenished as often. Bark mulch also resists decomposition and delivers organic matter to the soil. 

Do you live in a cooler climate? Dark-colored mulch absorbs sunlight and also insulates soil in shaded areas. Lighter-colored mulches reflect sunlight, a benefit in hot climates or in landscapes with plants that thrive in cooler temperatures. If your mulch must cover a lot of ground on land that needs extra protection, wood chips are a cost-effective option.

Mulch application tips

To gain the most benefit from mulch, remember these key points for laying it properly. Begin by removing existing weeds and debris, then evenly spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch. If you are touching up a bed that was adequately mulched within the last six months, a thin 1-inch layer may be all you need. Avoid piling mulch against the base of plants or against stems and trunks. 

When is the best time of year to mulch? In cooler climates, wait until late spring after the soil has warmed up, otherwise you may slow down the soil warming process. If you have a particularly messy tree that sheds blooms or debris in spring, consider waiting until after bloom drop. Fall mulching is also beneficial because it provides extra insulation to protect plants during winter. Whatever you choose, make mulching an annual landscape activity to improve soil conditions and plant health over time.

Speaking of mulching

Mulching grass clippings delivers big benefits, too, and Grasshopper offers mulching kits specially designed for our MidMount™, FrontMount™ and Stand-On mowers. 

Interested in more tips from the pros at Grasshopper? Check out our library of how-to 

videos, or sign up for our newsletter. Thinking about a new mower? Our team can help you choose the best model for your needs.