Mulch Facts

Sure, mulch can increase the beauty of your lawn and garden, but mulch also protects plant roots, adds much-needed nutrients to soil, slows harmful topsoil erosion, prevents weed growth, and retains moisture.

Applying Landscaping Mulch

After you have decided which material to use, it’s time to apply it to your lawn or garden. Here are some things to remember when using mulch for your landscaping project:

Mid to late spring is the best time to put down mulch.
The area needs to be weed-free before mulching.
If you are mulching around plants, water them first, and then apply the mulch
Be careful not to pile too much on your plants.
Pull mulch away from woody stems and tree trunks one to two inches
The bigger the pieces or mulch, the deeper the layer needs to be
Consult a specialist about which mulch type best suits the size and style of your lawn or garden
Pathways, slopes, and areas prone to flooding or high wind need special consideration
Pull away old mulch gradually as the temperatures warm

How Much To Use

A 1-2" layer of fine mulch should be sufficient, while a coarser material should be three - four inches deep. Too much of either type can suffocate your plants. In landscaping areas where you simply want to keep anything from growing, lay it on as thick as you like. Coverage will vary greatly based on what type of mulch you use and how deeply it is layered.

For More Landscaping Mulch Facts

• Visit www.gotmulchpa.com for more useful landscaping mulch facts!
• Use our Landscaping Mulch Measurement Calculator to get our best estimate for your landscaping & mulching project

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