All over our area, the smell of mulch is the smell of spring. But what does mulch do? A lot of good things: Mulch nurtures plants and protects them from their surrounding environment. Mulch used in the right way can make your landscape thrive.  

Of course, a freshly mulched landscape looks great, too. There’s just something about the contrast in color between mulch and green plants that is visually pleasing. 

What’s the best mulch? 

If you buy your own mulch, you could be overwhelmed by the choices out there. For us, the choice is simple: Triple shred offers the best UV protection and is most effective at keeping weeds from germinating. 

Triple shred mulch also breaks down slightly faster. That’s a good thing because it puts nutrients from the mulch back into the soil. Your plants’ roots are happier in nutrient-dense soil. 

How much mulch is right? 

When our crews provide spring cleanup services for clients, we spread 3 inches of mulch in all beds. This amount of mulch is enough to provide UV protection. Using less could allow too many weeds to grow. Using too much mulch can starve roots of oxygen. A very thick layer of mulch can also hold excess rainwater around plants, waterlogging them and possibly leading to rot. 

Another mulch mistake is piling mulch in “volcanoes” around the trunks of trees. This practice can lead to rot and tree damage from pests or diseases. Let the trunks of your trees breathe!  

What’s the best time to mulch? 

Adding a layer of mulch in the spring provides a nice crisp look. It gets the growing season off on the right foot. When Cincinnati’s summer days heat up, mulch will keep your plants cooler. You can also add a light layer of mulch in the fall to protect plants from winter cold. 

How long does mulch last? 

If applied correctly, mulch should last from spring through the growing season. When mulch breaks down, it actually helps feed the soil, so you don’t want thick layers of mulch to stay in your garden beds for season after season. 

More About Mulch  

Your landscaping is a big investment, so you’re smart to ask, “What does mulch do?” We’re always happy to answer any questions, so reach out. We can’t wait to hear from you.