It’s Not Just “Throw Down Some Mulch”
Mulch might seem like the simplest part of landscaping—just toss some down around your flower beds and call it a day, right? Not quite. The truth is, most people get mulching wrong. From piling it too high to using the wrong type altogether, bad mulching habits can actually harm your plants and waste money. And in a place like Maryland, where seasons shift hard, proper mulch technique goes a long way in keeping your yard healthy year-round.
One of the biggest mistakes we see? Volcano mulching. That’s when mulch is piled high around the base of trees like a little mountain. It may look tidy, but it suffocates the roots, invites pests, and promotes rot. Instead, mulch should be spread evenly in a donut shape—keeping a few inches clear around trunks and stems.
What Mulch Actually Does (Hint: It’s Not Just Pretty)
A lot of folks think mulch is just for looks—and sure, it does a great job of polishing off beds and pathways—but its real value is in soil health and moisture control. Mulch insulates the ground, helping regulate soil temperature during Maryland’s hot summers and icy winters. It also slows evaporation, meaning your plants stay hydrated longer and you don’t have to water as often.
Beyond that, organic mulches (like shredded bark or composted leaf mulch) break down over time, adding nutrients back into the soil. That’s a win-win: healthier plants and less reliance on fertilizers. On the flip side, if you’re using colored or synthetic mulch without checking its source, you might be introducing chemicals into your landscape.
How to Get Mulch Right Without Overthinking It
You don’t need to overcomplicate it—just keep a few basics in mind:
- Stick to 2–3 inches thick. That’s enough to block weeds and hold moisture without smothering your plants.
- Don’t forget the edges. Mulch should be refreshed or redefined regularly so it doesn’t spill into your lawn or pathways.
- Go organic when possible. Natural mulch breaks down and improves your soil—it’s the gift that keeps giving.
- Match mulch to plant needs. Some mulch retains more moisture; others drain fast. The right type depends on your plants and yard layout.
Proper mulching also ties into broader landscape health—getting it wrong can invite insects, compact soil, and choke young roots. And when it’s done right? Your yard looks better, feels healthier, and is easier to maintain.
Ready to level up your yard with smarter mulching? Check out our Mulching Services, explore Plant & Flower Bed Installation, pair it with Landscape Design & Installation, or Contact Us for expert help and a free estimate.