Guide to Using Mulch the Right Way

How do you properly mulch?
Where should you not use mulch?
Do you need to put anything under mulch?
Should you water before or after mulching?
Can I just put mulch over weeds?
What type of mulch is best?
Should I remove old mulch?
What mulch lasts the longest?
Does black mulch attract termites?
What should I put down before mulching?
Does newspaper under mulch prevent weeds?
Is it bad to put mulch next to your house?

How do you properly mulch?

Smooth and level the area to be mulched with a landscaping rake or by hand. Apply a layer of plastic mulch or fabric landscape sheeting for extra weed control. Unbag the new mulch into a wheelbarrow. Using a shovel or hands, place small mounds of mulch around the space you are working with.

Where should you not use mulch?

DON'T mulch with rocks.

Especially avoid rocks around common foundation plants like azalea, hydrangea, and yews; these plants thrive in acidic soils (those with a pH level below seven), and rock mulch elevates soil pH, making an acidic soil more alkaline.

Do you need to put anything under mulch?

When using mulch in your landscape, there is no need for the use of artificial weed barrier such as plastic or landscape fabric. These materials do not work and are not weed barriers. They are only necessary under stone. That is to prevent the soil from mixing with the stone.

Should you water before or after mulching?

You should spread your mulch to be two to four inches thick. If your mulch is too thin, then weeds can push through. If your mulch is too thick, it prevents water from reaching the soil. Water after mulching — This is an optional step, but a final watering can help settle the mulch into place.

Can I just put mulch over weeds?

Weeds need light and warm soil to survive. To use mulch as a natural weed barrier, you need to put down a 2- to 3-inch layer. That's enough to keep most weed seeds from sprouting. Because you block their access to sunlight, they won't have enough energy to push through the mulch.

What type of mulch is best?

Shredded bark is one of the best mulch types to use on slopes and it breaks down relatively slowly. Some shredded bark mulches are byproducts from other industries and are considered environmentally friendly.

Should I remove old mulch?

Expert green thumbs contend that getting rid of last year's mulch is completely unnecessary. Mulch gradually breaks down, adding beneficial nutrients and other organic matter to the soil. ... However, if you're down to an inch, top off the old layer with an additional inch of new mulch to keep it at its optimum level.

What mulch lasts the longest?

Generally more expensive than the other mulches mentioned here, cedar mulch lasts longer than most mulches thanks to its resistance to decay. Its oils are considered to naturally repel insects, too. BECAUSE this mulch is long lasting, it doesn't provide much nutritional benefit to the soil beneath it.

Does black mulch attract termites?

The moist environment encourages termites to explore the area by digging thin tunnels and looking for food (i.e., wood). The mulch provides cover for this exploration. ... Mulch doesn't necessarily attract termites, but can serve as an invite for them to feast on your house.

What should I put down before mulching?

How to prepare mulch beds

Kill and remove weeds. ...
Trim nearby trees and bushes. ...
Rake your mulch bed. ...
Cultivate the soil. ...
Edge your mulch bed. ...
Smooth out your mulch bed. ...
Treat your mulch bed. ...
Start mulching!

Does newspaper under mulch prevent weeds?

Using Newspaper Under Mulch

Newspaper will smother weeds. However, the weeds could leave seeds that might sprout in uncovered soil next year.) Lay paper down just up to the root system of plants in the garden. Keep the paper about 1-2 inches away from the stems.

Is it bad to put mulch next to your house?

A common worry for homeowners is the threat that a layer of mulch applied next to a house foundation might draw termites (Isoptera). ... To be on the safe side, leave a 1-foot-wide swath of ground mulch-free all along your foundation and make sure door and window frames do not touch the mulch.