How to Apply Mulch
Choose a mulch material appropriate to your job., Prepare the area., Obtain the mulch., Transport the mulch to wherever it's going., Add a generous thickness of mulch., Spread the mulch with a rake as needed for an even layer.,Pull back the mulch...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a mulch material appropriate to your job.
Some factors to consider include:
Purpose:
Do you want the mulch to control weeds? To cover a pathway? To reduce evaporation? Each of these is a valid reason and each way requires differences in application.
Availability:
Can you use something you have in your yard, such as grass clippings or fallen leaves, or will you purchase a mulch? Permeability:
A layer of plastic sheeting may discourage weeds, but it will also discourage watering.
Biodegradability:
Do you want the mulch to break down and become part of the soil (bark, leaves, wood chips) or not (rock, plastic, rubber, tumbled glass)? Appearance:
Is the mulch going to feature in a front landscape or simply cover your vegetable garden patch for the winter? -
Step 2: Prepare the area.
If there's anything you want to do in advance of mulching, do it.
Pull weeds or cut them close to the ground, if you are mulching for weed control.
While not strictly necessary, it will help the mulch, and anything under it, to lay flat, and it will slow down the weed growth.
Remember, mulch prevents weed growth by excluding light.
Enrich the soil and dig the beds, if you plan to do so.
Biodegradable mulch can break down into rich, loose soil without this preparation, but it will take time.
Lay down anything you want under the mulch, such as landscaping fabric or plastic.
Try adding several layers of newspaper or cardboard (remove tape and labels first) if you'd like a biodegradable means of blocking weeds.
Install any borders or edges. , You may be able to collect mulch for free in your neighborhood, simply by volunteering to take neighbors' leaf piles or lawn waste.
You can purchase mulch in large bags from most home centers with nurseries or if you need a large quantity, ask about buying in bulk and even having it delivered.
And, of course, you can produce your own from your own garden waste.
Some communities collect yard waste, shred it, and offer it to residents as mulch or compost.
Ask your municipality if they do this, and if not, whether they would consider implementing such a program.
Call tree services in your area.
Many will drop off a heap of chipped or shredded tree trimmings in your driveway.
If you do this, be prepared to get a large load the material.
It won't look like bark nuggets or other decorative mulches you can purchase, but it's still excellent for covering garden areas. , Many nurseries and home centers will gladly help you load your car.
If you are hauling it by bike or walking, take a small trailer or a cart to wheel it home in.
Once at home, use a wheelbarrow to ferry the mulch to where it will be applied.
If you don't have a wheelbarrow, try partially filling a wheeled trash can or using a cart.
For smaller quantities, a bucket or empty plant pot will do., The depth of mulch is really important if you want to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Aim for at least two to four inches (5-10cm) of depth.
The one place you don't want mulch is right up against plant stems and tree trunks.
Leave at least a little margin (four to six inches) for the plant to breathe, and to help prevent moisture-depletion or water-logging problems.
Depending on your garden, you can use the mulch to create basins for water. , Rather than layering it on top of it too much, try to put only about a 1½" (3 cm) thick layer of mulch down.
Any more could be damaging, and any less won't be very helpful.,, You can dig old mulch into the soil and let it finish decomposing, or you can simply spread new mulch over the old., You can do this by pruning certain plants back and covering them entirely with mulch.
The mulch provides insulation.
Don't forget to remove the mulch in spring. -
Step 3: Obtain the mulch.
-
Step 4: Transport the mulch to wherever it's going.
-
Step 5: Add a generous thickness of mulch.
-
Step 6: Spread the mulch with a rake as needed for an even layer.
-
Step 7: Pull back the mulch from an area when you wish to plant something new.
-
Step 8: Renew organic mulches every few years
-
Step 9: as they break down and get spread around.
-
Step 10: Use mulch to protect plants during the winter.
Detailed Guide
Some factors to consider include:
Purpose:
Do you want the mulch to control weeds? To cover a pathway? To reduce evaporation? Each of these is a valid reason and each way requires differences in application.
Availability:
Can you use something you have in your yard, such as grass clippings or fallen leaves, or will you purchase a mulch? Permeability:
A layer of plastic sheeting may discourage weeds, but it will also discourage watering.
Biodegradability:
Do you want the mulch to break down and become part of the soil (bark, leaves, wood chips) or not (rock, plastic, rubber, tumbled glass)? Appearance:
Is the mulch going to feature in a front landscape or simply cover your vegetable garden patch for the winter?
If there's anything you want to do in advance of mulching, do it.
Pull weeds or cut them close to the ground, if you are mulching for weed control.
While not strictly necessary, it will help the mulch, and anything under it, to lay flat, and it will slow down the weed growth.
Remember, mulch prevents weed growth by excluding light.
Enrich the soil and dig the beds, if you plan to do so.
Biodegradable mulch can break down into rich, loose soil without this preparation, but it will take time.
Lay down anything you want under the mulch, such as landscaping fabric or plastic.
Try adding several layers of newspaper or cardboard (remove tape and labels first) if you'd like a biodegradable means of blocking weeds.
Install any borders or edges. , You may be able to collect mulch for free in your neighborhood, simply by volunteering to take neighbors' leaf piles or lawn waste.
You can purchase mulch in large bags from most home centers with nurseries or if you need a large quantity, ask about buying in bulk and even having it delivered.
And, of course, you can produce your own from your own garden waste.
Some communities collect yard waste, shred it, and offer it to residents as mulch or compost.
Ask your municipality if they do this, and if not, whether they would consider implementing such a program.
Call tree services in your area.
Many will drop off a heap of chipped or shredded tree trimmings in your driveway.
If you do this, be prepared to get a large load the material.
It won't look like bark nuggets or other decorative mulches you can purchase, but it's still excellent for covering garden areas. , Many nurseries and home centers will gladly help you load your car.
If you are hauling it by bike or walking, take a small trailer or a cart to wheel it home in.
Once at home, use a wheelbarrow to ferry the mulch to where it will be applied.
If you don't have a wheelbarrow, try partially filling a wheeled trash can or using a cart.
For smaller quantities, a bucket or empty plant pot will do., The depth of mulch is really important if you want to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Aim for at least two to four inches (5-10cm) of depth.
The one place you don't want mulch is right up against plant stems and tree trunks.
Leave at least a little margin (four to six inches) for the plant to breathe, and to help prevent moisture-depletion or water-logging problems.
Depending on your garden, you can use the mulch to create basins for water. , Rather than layering it on top of it too much, try to put only about a 1½" (3 cm) thick layer of mulch down.
Any more could be damaging, and any less won't be very helpful.,, You can dig old mulch into the soil and let it finish decomposing, or you can simply spread new mulch over the old., You can do this by pruning certain plants back and covering them entirely with mulch.
The mulch provides insulation.
Don't forget to remove the mulch in spring.
About the Author
Diane Peterson
A passionate writer with expertise in creative arts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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