Q&A for How to Apply Mulch

Yes, you can if it is the same kind of mulch. If it is not the same type of mulch, over time as the mulch gets moved around, you will expose the older layer of mulch, which may detract from the aesthetics of your garden. This is purely an aesthetic problem. It's fine from a functional perspective.

Steep banks can be tricky to cover with mulch because sometimes the mulch will fall, blow, or get washed off of the bank. Landscape fabric can make this problem worse, so I don’t recommend using it. The fabric is better for under a path. Use a shredded wood mulch for this area because it will form more of a mat and blow away less easily than bark pieces. This type of mulch is sometimes referred to as gorilla hair.

Ideally you should pull weeds before applying mulch, but often putting mulch on top of weeds will be enough to kill them, though it depends on the weed. A 4 inch layer of mulch will generally be able to prevent any seeds from sprouting, so at least apply this much. Then, pay attention to the mulched area and pull any weeds that are able to grow through.

No, it's fine to leave old mulch as it will slowly rot and return to the soil as it loses its effectiveness. However, avoid allowing too much mulch to accumulate around trees or plants, as this can lead to root rot. If you would prefer to remove old mulch to avoid over mulching or for aesthetic reasons, this is also ok and it can be composted if you wish.

Mulch prevents weeds from growing, increases water retention in the soil, and in the winter helps insulate certain plants to keep them alive. Mulch doesn't need to be removed and will eventually rot and improve your soil. There aren't many disadvantages to mulching, but applying too much mulch too close to the trunk of a tree or plant can potentially kill it by causing root rot.

If your aim is to kill the grass this might work, but don't put mulch on grass if you want it to live! However, you would need a thick layer of mulch to kill all of it, at the least 4 inches thick (and probably thicker) as at this depth you will prevent any seeds from germinating. You might also try cutting the grass as low to the ground as possible before mulching.

Yes, this is correct, however the mulch shouldn't be piled up around the base of the tree. This is known as a "mulch volcano" and will suffocate the roots in your trees.

You have to pull any weeds and use a weed remover before laying down the mulch.

Yes. Lay it during the fall so the roots can be protected during the winter when the roots grow.

Yes, to ensure no weeds form, it is best to apply week killer to the area one week before you apply mulch.

It is better to dig up the old lawn. Go down 2 to 4 inches. Rake over it to smooth out the area. Once it is smooth, apply the fabric. You can double the layers if you like, then add the mulch 2 to 4 inches.

You should clear out the entire area before laying down mulch so that you don't attract bugs and remove any potential for weed growth.

It depends on the area size of the garden. 4 feet by 5 feet uses 4-5 bags of mulch.

You can always remove some mulch. You don't want it to break down into soil if it's too high you'll end up with a 'buried' tree. If you can't see the 'flared' part of the trunk (at the base, by the ground), it's the same effect as planting it too deeply. It might grow for years like this, but it'll eventually succumb to stress and die very quickly.

Over time the nutrients in mulch will break down. It's best to remove and replace the mulch rather than to reuse it.

Use a wheelbarrow to get the mulch to where you need it. Dump full wheelbarrow loads into your bed leaving 3-4 feet between each pile. After the mulch is in your bed, spread the mulch accordingly using a rake.

Use warm water and soap. Keep washing your hands until the stains are gone.

Never put it under, as it can cause moisture problems. Mulch is meant to retain moisture below the soil and prevent weed growth.

Yes or you are wasting your time as the weeds and grass will grow through the mulch.

Most of the mulch suppliers will have the info on their websites. You multiply the length times the width to get the square footage and then the website should tell you how many bags you'll need.

No, it's usually pretty moist to begin with. You might want to water it after you spread it though.

Water it the day before. If you water it right before, it'll be a muddy mess.

Yes. Id mulch surrounds stems, it will prevent the plant from breathing. Create a small distance around the shrub, then apply mulch.

Most mulch will fade after about a year, but a new thin layer will freshen up the color. Rubber mulch doesn't fade as fast but it has issues of its own.

I would recommend placing a permeable fabric down followed by a thin layer of play sand; compact it a little as well. Then, put your glass down and gently walk on it to seat it into the sand a little bit.

I pull the weeds and then make sure no nasty roots are sticking up and no other things near the plants need to be pruned, then I put the mulch over the dirt. I assume the plant already has the fertilizer it may need when you have planted it. With annuals I am not so careful, but with shrubs I try to make sure the mulch is not piled up around the base of the shrub, but is 1/2 to 1 inch away. I tried the weed block fabric once under mulch, and ended up hating it and tearing it out. It always ended up sticking out all over the place, and my gardening shoes stuck got in it when I walked past.

After the flowers are grown, yes. As it says, you want to make sure the mulch does not make contact with the stems so as to prevent moisture problems.

This is not generally advised. Water from the plants (not necessarily the mulch itself) could collect around the house and cause damage. It could also potentially attract termites. However, if you are talking about the concrete foundation of the house, then you shouldn't have any problems.

Yes. Do not use any store-bought mulch, it contains chemicals sensitive to children.

In some cases, the built up layers of mulch, over time, can cause problems with the new layer of mulch or any existing plants/root systems. It's better to start clean each time if possible.