Mulch: When to Replace and How to Change It
Introduction
Spring is here, and it’s time to think about your garden. One important task is deciding whether or not to replace the mulch. Mulch is a layer of material spread over the soil around plants. It helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Should You Replace Mulch?
Whether or not you need to replace your mulch depends on a few factors:
- Type of mulch: Some types of mulch, like shredded leaves and compost, break down quickly and need to be replaced more often. Others, like bark mulch, last longer.
- Weather conditions: Heavy rain and wind can break down mulch more quickly.
- Age of mulch: Mulch naturally decomposes over time and becomes part of the soil.
How to Tell if You Need New Mulch
If you’re not sure whether or not you need to replace your mulch, grab a handful and examine it. If the particles are small and soil-like, it’s time to replenish.
When to Add New Mulch
If the mulch is still intact, you can choose to keep it. However, if you want to add compost or new plants, rake the mulch aside. Once you’re finished, replace the mulch around the plants.
Wood mulch, especially shredded wood mulch, can mat down over time. This can prevent water and sunlight from reaching the soil. Fluff up the mulch with a rake or cultivator to aerate it. If the matted mulch has fungus or mold, treat it with a fungicide or remove it.
Mulch can also get moved around by foot traffic or heavy rain. Aim to have 2 to 3 inches of mulch in place. Lightweight, broken-down mulch may need to be replaced twice a year, while heavier bark mulch can last for years.
How to Change Mulch
If you’ve decided to replace your mulch, you have a few options for what to do with the old mulch:
- Add it to the compost pile: This is a great way to recycle the old mulch and add nutrients to your compost.
- Leave it in place: The broken-down mulch can add to the tilth of the soil. You can either leave it as is or dig it in further.
- Remove it completely: This is the best option if the old mulch is matted, moldy, or infested with pests.
Tips for Refreshing Garden Mulch
- Refresh your garden mulch if there is less than 2 inches in your flowerbeds or less than 3 inches around shrubs and trees.
- If you’re short an inch or so, you can usually just top off the old layer with new mulch.
- When adding new mulch, spread it evenly around the plants, leaving a few inches of space around the stems.
- Water the mulch well after you apply it. This will help to settle it and prevent it from blowing away.
By following these tips, you can keep your garden mulch looking fresh and healthy all season long.
