A Guide to Applying Mulch
Over the years, we have proudly delivered mulch to homes and businesses throughout Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson, Akron, and Peninsula. One of the most rewarding aspects of our business is the lasting relationships we’ve built with our customers—even though we often only see many of you once a year.
Through experience, we’ve learned what works best and have picked up helpful tips from our customers. So, we put together this guide to help you get the most out of your mulch.
This Is Truly a Guide
Mulching is more than just a simple task—it’s a bit of a biology experiment. Environmental factors like moisture, sunlight, and daily temperature changes all play a role, and even small differences can lead to big changes in results.
Where to Apply Mulch Around Your House
Flower Beds, Gardens, Trees, Shrubs, and More
Mulch is commonly used in flower beds and garden areas to enhance plant health and control weeds. However, over the years, we’ve seen many other beautiful and practical uses , including around trees and shrubs, along walkways and driveways, and even around home foundations for added curb appeal.
Flower Beds & Gardens
For flower beds and gardens, applying mulch about 2–3 inches deep is ideal for controlling weeds and retaining moisture in the soil. If the area tends to stay damp, use less (2”) to avoid excess moisture buildup. In drier areas, a little extra (3”) can help the soil retain water longer. Not only does mulch help plants thrive, but it also gives your landscaping a clean, polished look that’s easy to maintain.
✔ Apply 2–3 inches of mulch for weed control and moisture retention.
✔ Use less mulch in damp areas to prevent excess moisture buildup.
✔ Use more mulch in dry areas to help retain water longer.
✔ Mulch helps plants thrive and gives your landscaping a clean, polished look.
✔ Use less mulch in damp areas to prevent excess moisture buildup.
✔ Use more mulch in dry areas to help retain water longer.
✔ Mulch helps plants thrive and gives your landscaping a clean, polished look.
Around Trees & Shrubs
Mulching around trees and shrubs promotes healthy root growth, but it’s important to do it right. A 3–4 inch layer is best, but make sure to keep the it at least 2–3 inches away from the trunk.
We see it all the time—people pile mulch right up against the base of a tree, thinking it will help, but in reality, it can cause rot, attract pests, and weaken the tree over time. A good rule of thumb is to create a mulch ring that extends up to 4 feet around the tree. This helps lock in moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
✔ Apply 3–4 inches of mulch, but keep it 2–3 inches away from the trunk.
✔ Avoid piling mulch against the tree—this can lead to rot, pests, and disease.
✔ A mulch ring up to 4 feet wide is ideal for moisture retention and weed suppression.
✔ Helps protect roots from extreme temperatures and promotes healthy growth.
✔ Avoid piling mulch against the tree—this can lead to rot, pests, and disease.
✔ A mulch ring up to 4 feet wide is ideal for moisture retention and weed suppression.
✔ Helps protect roots from extreme temperatures and promotes healthy growth.
Walkways & Driveways
Mulching along walkways and driveways adds a polished look to your landscaping while also helping with weed prevention. A thin 1–2 inch layer is all you need to keep things looking neat. Plus, a well-mulched border along a driveway or path can help prevent erosion and keep things looking crisp and defined.
✔ A 1–2 inch layer keeps things neat while allowing for easy weed removal.
✔ Prevents weeds from taking deep root, making them easier to pull.
✔ Helps with erosion control, keeping pathways well-defined.
✔ Enhances curb appeal by adding a clean, finished look.
✔ Prevents weeds from taking deep root, making them easier to pull.
✔ Helps with erosion control, keeping pathways well-defined.
✔ Enhances curb appeal by adding a clean, finished look.
Mulching Near Your Home’s Foundation
When mulching near your home’s foundation, less is more. Keep the layer no more than 2 inches deep and at least 6 inches away from the siding.
Mulch piled too close to the house can trap moisture against the foundation, leading to mold, rot, and pest problems over time. A great trick we often see (and love) is adding a 6-inch barrier of limestone or river rock between the mulch and the foundation. Not only does this look great, but it also improves drainage and prevents mulch from washing up against the house.
✔ Keep mulch no more than 2 inches deep near the foundation.
✔ Maintain at least 6 inches of space between mulch and siding.
✔ Mulch too close to the house can lead to mold, rot, and pest problems.
✔ A 6-inch barrier of limestone or river rock looks great and improves drainage.
✔ Maintain at least 6 inches of space between mulch and siding.
✔ Mulch too close to the house can lead to mold, rot, and pest problems.
✔ A 6-inch barrier of limestone or river rock looks great and improves drainage.
Commonly Asked Questions & Additional Pro Tips
Q: How thick does my mulch need to be?
A: As you can see in our guide the answer depends on the location.
Q: How often should I replace my mulch?
A: Replenish mulch annually to maintain its thickness and effectiveness.
Q: Does mulch require maintenance?
A: Regularly turning your mulch with a garden rake helps keep it looking fresh throughout the season.
Pro Tip: Avoid using mulch that contains weed seeds, such as fresh grass clippings or improperly composted materials.
Pro Tip: Flipping mulch with a garden rake aerates it, preventing mold growth and keeping it fresh year-round.
Pro Tip: Mulch is better than grass around a tree! Creating a 3–4 foot mulch ring helps with competition for root space and improves tree health.
Why is Mold Growing On My Mulch?
One concern we get asked about from time to time is mold growth on mulch.
Why does mold grow? Excess moisture, poor airflow, lack of sunlight, and organic decomposition create the perfect conditions for mold. Small adjustments—like turning mulch over with a garden rake to improve airflow, reducing mulch depth, or managing moisture—can often resolve the issue.
Keeping Your Mulch Fresh and Healthy
Here are some tips from our customers that have helped resolve mold in challenging areas:
✔ Turn or rake mulch regularly to increase airflow.
✔ Avoid overwatering mulch-covered areas.
✔ Apply mulch in thin layers and refresh it yearly instead of piling it up.
✔ Avoid overwatering mulch-covered areas.
✔ Apply mulch in thin layers and refresh it yearly instead of piling it up.
Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with a high-moisture area, apply a thinner layer of mulch to prevent excess moisture buildup. In drier areas, a slightly thicker layer will help the soil retain water longer and keep plants hydrated.
Contact KTI
Properly applying mulch is a simple yet effective way to enhance the beauty and health of your landscaping. Whether you’re aiming to control weeds, retain moisture, or add a finishing touch to your flower beds, mulch offers a variety of benefits when applied correctly. By following this guide and adjusting based on your specific needs, you’ll enjoy a lush, vibrant landscape that thrives year-round.
For all your mulch needs, contact Kolenz Transport—our team is here to help make your outdoor spaces look their best!
Address
4319 State Road, Peninsula, OH 44264