5 things to know before laying Mulch.

Mulching seems simple—just lay it down and forget it right? Not quite. Done right, mulch boosts plant health, suppresses weeds, and makes your yard look sharp. Done wrong? You risk suffocating plants and attracting pests.

Here are 5 common mulching mistakes to avoid:

1. Piling Mulch Against Stems or Trunks

Mulch volcanoes, yep where someone just dumps piles of mulch into one spot! This can cause rot, disease, and invite pests.

Fix: Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of trees and plants. Think “tire” not “mountain.”

2. Using the Wrong Type of Mulch

Dyed mulch may look great, but it can leach chemicals or fade very quickly. Cheap mulch might come with weed seeds or fungus.

Fix: Use high-quality natural mulch—like shredded bark, pine straw, or compost— This is the most effective way of making your gardens look amazing!

3. Applying Too Much Mulch

Over-mulching blocks air and water from reaching roots. Putting more does not mean it will last longer or cause any changes for good.

Fix: Stick to 2–3 inches deep. Any more, and you could be suffocating your soil.

4. Not Refreshing Old Mulch

Mulch breaks down over time. If you keep layering new mulch on top, it can build up too thick and mess with drainage.

Fix: In spring, rake or fluff up existing mulch before adding a thin top-up if needed.

5. Skipping Weed Control First

Don’t expect mulch to magically smother every weed. If you mulch over existing weeds, they’ll come right back up.

Fix: Pull or treat weeds first. Then lay mulch over clean soil for a true weed barrier.

Final Tip:

If you’re mulching around vestibules, go for organic, untreated mulch only—like straw or compost.