Mulch is a great addition to any landscape, but only when used correctly. Without proper application, it can even do more harm than good! Fortunately you’re in the right place for any and all North Georgia landscaping questions. Here at Whispering Springs Nursery, we don’t just sell plants; we also offer landscape design, yard maintenance, hardscaping, and softscaping, with special expertise in deer-resistant plants and native woodland landscaping. If you’re interested in learning how to mulch like the pros, keep reading for our best mulching tips and tricks.
How to Mulch Like a Landscaping Pro
Prep the area.
Before you bring any mulch onto the scene, make sure you’re starting with a properly prepared blank canvas, so to speak. Remove sticks, leaves, pinecones, weeds, etc. from the area where you’ll be applying the mulch. If you’re mulching around trees or shrubs, be sure to prune them first so you don’t have to clean debris out of the mulch later.
Select a place for your delivery of mulch to be deposited, keeping in mind that you don’t want to damage grass or existing plantings. (Avoid choosing a location that is wet or muddy. Not only can this damage the mulch, but you can also get stuck attempting to drive a truck on unpaved land.)
Finally, you should prepare for mulch by edging along flower beds and paved areas like your driveway and sidewalk. Create a trench about 4 inches wide and 2 inches deep to create a crisp line between the grass and the bed. For paved areas, dig a slightly deeper trench so you have plenty of room to insert the mulch and have it be flush with the paved surface, rather than overflowing onto it. If you have a lot of area to prepare, consider renting a tiller or bed edger.
Apply the mulch.
Take it from experienced landscapers, these tips will make applying mulch much easier.
- Use a pitchfork to move mulch.
- Load your mulch into a large wheelbarrow so you don’t have to make as many trips.
- Place small piles of mulch around the area you’re working on to help you apply an even coat.
- Spread the mulch out with a rake. You’ll need at least 2 inches of depth but no more than 4 inches in order to provide the maximum benefit.
- Never mound mulch up around the trunk of a tree or shrub. This can invite pests and make the tree vulnerable to diseases.
- Finish up by using a leaf blower to blow excess mulch back into the bed.
Benefits of mulch
Congrats! Once you’re done installing mulch, you can rest assured that your landscaping is one step closer to perfection. The benefits of mulch include:
- Moisture retention
- Erosion prevention
- Soil remediation (as mulch breaks down it affects the soil ph)
- Pest control (cedar or cypress can help keep fleas, gnats, and other insects away from your home.)
