Tips for Maintaining Mulch Year-Round

There are several benefits of mulch. It improves the soil’s ability to retain water, adds nutrients, and prevents weeds from growing. Like other element-facing landscaping, mulch needs ongoing care and maintenance. It is important that you check the depth of your mulch every now and then, making sure it is between 2-4 inches deep.

As the leading bark mulch supply and delivery provider in the Vallejo area, the experts at Bayshore Materials know what it takes to keep your much looking good year-round. To help you take good care of your mulch, we have compiled a list of mulch maintenance tips to ensure your covering is best serving your property.

Refresh Mulch Color

Your mulch is exposed to sunlight and as a result, its color can fade over time. Traditional non-dyed mulch may become a grayish color in a couple of months. Dyed mulch can resist discoloration for a year or longer.

If you do not like the appearance of faded mulch, add a fresh layer of mulch to cover it up. Before adding new mulch, examine the existing mulch for a few key concerns: How deep are the old layers? Is the old mulch soggy or decomposing? If the existing mulch has rotted completely, consider replacing it altogether. In case, the existing mulch has partially rotted, remove as much rotted mulch as possible before adding a new layer.

Too much mulch can suffocate plant roots and kill them. In addition, when you add too much new mulch to the existing mulch, mulch layers start repelling water. Make sure your mulch layers are not more than four inches deep.

Mix And Turn Mulch

Mixing and turning up mulch a couple of times every season is a great way to break up clustered mulch pieces and prevent a compacted layer from forming on top of the soil. Follow these tips to properly turn your mulch:

• Be sure to rake mulch beds to break up any clumps
• If required, add new mulch to the bed, making sure the mulch is a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks, or plant damage may occur.
• Be sure to rake and turn over the new mulch with your hands to best sift contents

As mulch decomposes, remember to add fresh mulch so it remains 2-4 inches deep.

Remove Weeds

If you notice weeds growing in your mulch, pull them by hand. Remember a single weed can produce thousands of seeds. Do not wait too long to remove weeds or they may take over. To keep weeds from growing, add a fresh layer of mulch. Weeds need sunlight to grow. Fresh mulch blocks natural light, preventing weeds from growing.

If weeds haven’t already sprouted, apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Follow these steps to apply pre-emergent herbicide to mulched beds.

• Rake the mulch away
• Remove any existing weeds
• Apply herbicide

For existing weeds, use a post-emergent herbicide spray. Organic alternatives to pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides include corn, gluten meal, and vinegar or clove oil sprays.

Do you need bark mulch delivered to your project near Vallejo? Bayshore Materials has you covered. Get the highest quality mulch delivered directly to your project by calling one of our experts today to schedule your delivery. To place your order, call 707-644-0859.