Mulching is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your landscape, improve plant health, and cut down on maintenance time. However, improper mulching can lead to issues like mold, pests, and wasted money. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a first-time homeowner, knowing the best mulching practices can help you make the most of your investment.
Before we divulge our top mulching secrets, we’d like to start off with a cautionary tale about recent clients of ours, Barb and Steve.
Barb and Steve wanted to save some money on landscaping so they ordered mulch from a producer with a good reputation and decided to do it themselves.
They proudly mulched the beds around the house and the trees. A couple of months later, they noticed a yellow moldy substance in one of their flowerbeds. They were very frustrated that despite their best efforts to beautify their yard, their attempt backfired. This led them to Unique Landscape where we shared with them our 1st mulching secret:
1. Old Mulch May Need to Be Removed Before Adding New Mulch
Unfortunately, mulch buildup can be harmful to plants and in some cases, it can lead to mushrooms and mold. We recommend that you keep your mulch layer about 2” thick to prevent the mulch from becoming too compacted. If your mulch is crusty and breaking off in big pieces, you can avoid Barb and Steve’s fate by removing it before adding your new mulch.
Why This Matters:
Over time, old mulch can compact and prevent water and nutrients from reaching plant roots. When this happens, plants may struggle to thrive. If you notice a white, crusty layer or mold forming, it’s time to replace the mulch.
2. Mulch Color Selection Should Be Based on the Exterior Features of Your House
When we make mulching recommendations, we take a close look at things like roofing color, shutter color, and the color scheme of your plantings. We then try to pull those colors out in the mulch.
Pro Tip:
Choosing the right mulch color not only enhances curb appeal but also impacts heat absorption. Dark mulches retain more heat, which can affect plant growth in warm climates, while lighter mulches reflect sunlight, keeping plants cooler.
3. All Mulch Has an Odor
That being said, some mulches smell worse than others. The biggest offenders are natural mulches with high organic matter. This type of mulch is often recommended for new plantings and beds. The good news is that within a week, the scent will have faded significantly.
What to Expect:
Freshly laid mulch often has a strong, earthy scent due to organic decomposition. If the odor is overwhelming or smells like rotten eggs, the mulch may be anaerobic and should be aired out before application.
4. Some Mulches Are Better Than Others For Allergy Sufferers
If you or a family member suffers from allergens, we recommend that you select a dyed mulch product that is composed of ground pallets, rather than lawn clippings, tree branches, or recycled organics. These latter tend to have more mold spores and other allergens.
Best Mulch Options for Allergy Sufferers:
- Rubber mulch (does not decompose or produce spores)
- Pine bark mulch (low mold content)
- Rock or gravel (non-organic, long-lasting alternative)
If you prefer organic mulch but want to minimize allergens, opt for cedar or cypress mulch, which naturally resists mold and decay. Additionally, watering your mulch lightly after application can help settle dust and reduce airborne particles. Always wear a mask when spreading mulch to prevent inhaling any fine particles, and avoid using fresh grass clippings, straw, or composted mulch, as these materials tend to harbor mold spores and other allergens.
5. Even Raking Is Key To A Fantastic Mulch Job
This is our golden rule. You can buy the most expensive mulch in the world and use the best equipment to lay it. However, failure to rake it evenly, can make or break your mulch project. Here are some other simple tips that will improve the look of your mulch job.
Tools for the Job:
- Bow rake: Ideal for evenly spreading mulch
- Leaf rake: Best for smoothing out the final layer
- Garden fork: Helps break up compacted mulch and prevent clumping
Using the right tools ensures your mulch is distributed evenly and provides maximum benefits for your landscape. A sturdy wheelbarrow can also help transport large amounts of mulch efficiently, reducing strain on your back. Additionally, wearing gardening gloves and knee pads will make the mulching process more comfortable, especially when working in large areas or around delicate plants.
6. Buy Mulch From A Reputable Manufacturer
We recommend that you choose a supplier who makes mulch on-site. This ensures you are getting a great quality mulch at a reasonable price.
How to Spot High-Quality Mulch:
- Consistent texture and color
- Free of large debris or contaminants
- Sourced from natural, untreated wood
High-quality mulch should also have a fresh, earthy smell rather than a sour or ammonia-like odor, which can indicate poor decomposition or contamination. When purchasing in bulk, ask the supplier about their processing methods to ensure the mulch is free from harmful chemicals or invasive pests.
7. Apply A Pre-Emergent, Trim Shrubs, And Pull Weeds First
A pre-emergent will prevent weed seeds from being germinated, minimizing any weeding you’ll need to do throughout the summer. We also recommend that you trim and clean shrubs before you put the mulch down to make your landscape work load easier!
When to Mulch for Best Results:
- Spring: Helps retain moisture as temperatures rise
- Fall: Insulates plant roots before winter frost
- After heavy rainfall: Ensures soil is properly hydrated before mulching
Transform Your Landscape with Expert Mulching Services
Don’t have time? Call Mike or Dave at Unique Landscape to review your options.
A well-mulched yard enhances curb appeal, protects plants, and reduces maintenance—but only when done right. Avoid common pitfalls and achieve lasting results with professional landscaping expertise. Whether you need fresh mulch installation, seasonal upkeep, or expert recommendations, Unique Landscaping is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your mulching needs and discover how we can elevate your outdoor space with quality materials and precision application!