is one of the most effective ways to keep your garden healthy and beautiful year-round. Whether you’re looking to enhance plant growth, conserve moisture, or add a polished look to your yard, proper mulching is key. By choosing the right bulk mulch products from our East MI landscaping supply company and applying them effectively, you can ensure your garden’s success.
Here’s what you can do with mulch to help your plants flourish.
While it’s easy to do so, you shouldn’t just randomly choose a mulch and run with it. Selecting the right type of landscaping mulch involves some research (or advice from our team!) and depends on your specific garden needs. For example, if you have a sloped area, you may want to stay away from a larger bark as heavy rain could wash it away.
Again, when purchasing bulk mulch, consider the type of garden you’re working with. Some plants thrive in acidic soils, which cedar or pine bark can enhance. For ornamental gardens, colored mulch can provide an aesthetically pleasing finish that lasts for months.
A common mistake is applying too much or too little mulch. For most landscaping mulch, a depth of 2-3 inches is ideal. This provides enough coverage to retain moisture and suppress weeds without suffocating plant roots. Applying bulk landscaping mulch at the correct depth ensures that your plants receive the moisture and oxygen they need to thrive.
For heavier mulch products, like hardwood or triple hardwood, it’s important not to over-apply, as these mulches can compact over time. If you’re using finer mulch, such as wood fines, remember that it will decompose quickly and may need replenishing more frequently.
One of the most common mulching errors is creating “mulch volcanoes,” where mulch is piled up against the base of plants or trees. This can lead to several problems, including moisture buildup around the base of plants, which encourages rot and invites pests. When applying bulk mulch around trees, keep a few inches of space between the trunk and the mulch. This allows the roots to breathe and prevents fungal growth.
Even though some mulches, like cedar bark, decompose slowly, it’s important to refresh your mulch annually. Over time, landscaping mulch breaks down and becomes less effective at retaining moisture and controlling weeds. By topping off your mulch products with a fresh layer each year, you can maintain a consistent barrier and ensure your garden stays healthy.
When using mulch, be sure to assess your garden before adding more. If the mulch is still thick and effective, you may only need to lightly rake it to restore its appearance and performance. Otherwise, apply a fresh layer to maintain proper coverage.
To maximize the effectiveness of your mulch, it’s important to water your garden beds before applying it. Mulch helps retain moisture, but it’s most effective when the soil is already well-hydrated. Watering before adding bulk mulch ensures that the moisture gets trapped underneath, giving plants a good, sustained source of hydration.
Additionally, watering your garden after spreading mulch helps settle it into place, creating a better barrier against weeds and erosion. This is particularly useful for finer mulch products like wood fines, which may shift if left too dry.
Mulch not only improves the visual appeal of your garden but also enriches the soil as it decomposes. Organic mulch products like hardwood and wood fines break down over time, adding valuable nutrients to the soil. This promotes healthier root systems and more vigorous plant growth.
For commercial landscaping projects, using bulk mulch can significantly enhance soil health across large areas. Regularly replenishing mulch improves the soil’s structure and fertility, ensuring long-term plant success.
By following these tips and choosing the right mulch for your garden, you can help your plants thrive while maintaining a beautiful, well-kept landscape. With a wide range of mulch products available, including cedar bark, premium dark hardwood, and more, our landscaping supply company in Auburn Hills and Oxford, MI, has the perfect mulch for every garden type. Call State Crushing today at (248) 338-3310 or contact us online to request a quote.