As you become more experienced as a landscaper, you start to pick up on certain tips and tricks that can help you achieve more success. Unfortunately, some of these tips come to light through trial and error, which means many landscapers struggle until they find what works for them. That’s why the team at Cal Blend Soils is so focused on helping you accelerate your learning and avoid making mistakes during your landscaping activities.

Mulch is one of the most popular landscaping products on the market for a reason. It can improve the entire appearance of your property, help your plants get more nutrients, prevent erosion, and even keep weeds at bay. Laying down mulch the right way will help you enjoy all of these benefits and more. We’ve put together a list of 5 key mulching tips below so that you know exactly how to approach things for your property going forward. As a reminder, if you are looking for high-quality mulch or other landscaping supplies, reach out to Cal Blend Soils today. We offer discounts on bulk purchases and can also have our products delivered to the location of your choice for added convenience.

Mulching Tip #1 – Twice a Year is the Perfect Approach

Many landscapers struggle with figuring out how many times to head outside and lay down mulch throughout the year. The truth is that you should lay down a fresh layer of mulch approximately two times a year. First, lay down mulch in the spring after the temperatures have started to warm up a bit. You should also lay down some mulch in the fall so that your plants will be protected from colder temperatures.

Adding mulch sporadically throughout the year is also ok, just make sure you don’t go overboard and spread it too thick. You might want to re-mulch a bed to replace some of the older mulch with new mulch. This is fine as long as you keep things consistent and don’t go overboard. However, when you lay down too much mulch, it can actually cause the roots to grow shallow and make your plants more vulnerable to drought.

Mulching Tip #2 – Use the Right Amount of Mulch

There’s a fine line between too much and too little mulch. If you use the right amount, you will be helping to fight off weeds and keep moisture in the soil so that your plants can grow. Too much mulch can cause your plant’s roots to grow too shallow and lead to potential problems. That’s why the next mulching tip we are mentioning is that it’s important to use the right amount of mulch.

If you are using mulch on your flowerbeds, the ideal amount is roughly 3 inches of mulch. Keep in mind that the consistency of your mulch will be important for determining how deep to lay it down as well. You can generally use coarser materials for layers of about 3-4 inches while finer materials should be laid about 1-2 inches thick. The ultimate goal is to lay down mulch in a way that prevents weeds from growing in but also allows water to reach the soil so that your plants can grow.

Mulching Tip #3 – Explore Different Mulch Types

One of the special characteristics of mulch is that it comes in all different sizes, shapes, colors, and consistencies. That means you can find the perfect mulch type that matches your own personal style. There are so many different types to choose from, it can often be difficult to choose just one. That’s why another smart mulching tip is to explore using different types of mulch. Experiment using different types of mulch on your property to create unique color contrasts and aesthetically appealing design elements.

Cedar mulch is a timeless option that offers a natural aesthetic as does fir bark, which is a long-lasting option. Wood chips are another nice option depending on what your landscaping goals are since they are one of the better choices for creating natural paths and walkways on your property. The bottom line is that you should absolutely explore all of the different mulch types that are available to you.

Mulching Tip #4 – Don’t Build Mulch Mountains Around Trees

Another popular area of a landscape that people tend to use mulch for is around the bases of their trees. If you are using mulch around trees, make sure you don’t make the mistake of building a mulch mountain. If you create too large of a mulch mound around your trees, you are inviting problems like pests and plant diseases. This is another tip that highlights the importance of laying down the right amount of mulch.

When using mulch around your trees, make sure you are lying it down around 3 to 4 inches deep. Try to focus on keeping it deeper on the outer edges while using a lower layer closer to the actual trunk. The last thing you want is a mulch mountain or volcano around your trees, so keep that in mind.

Mulching Tip #5 – Buy High-Quality Mulch

Always buy mulch from a reliable and professional landscaping product supplier like Cal Blend Soils. Low-quality mulch will wear down quicker and potentially not contain as much of the quality nutrients that your plants need to thrive. You can also buy mulch that has been contaminated with insects and pests if you aren’t careful. These are just a few of the reasons why you should always seek out the highest quality mulch you can find.

Cal Blend Soils has a huge selection of different types of mulch that you can always rely on for its quality. Reach out to one of our team members today to learn more about how mulch can improve your landscaping. As a reminder, we offer discounts on bulk purchases and can even have our landscaping supplies delivered to you for added convenience.