Why We Mulch (And How Often You Should Do It)
You’ve probably seen it in every well-maintained yard — that dark, tidy layer around trees and garden beds. But mulch isn’t just about looks.
At Plantscape, we mulch with a purpose — because it plays a huge role in how your landscape performs year after year.
Let’s dig into what mulch is, how often you should refresh it, and why it’s one of the smartest investments you can make for your outdoor space.
What Is Mulch?
Mulch is any material laid over soil to:
- Protect plant roots
- Retain moisture
- Suppress weeds
- Regulate soil temperature
The most common types include:
- Shredded bark
- Wood chips
- Compost blends
- Pine needles (less common locally)
It’s both functional and beautiful when done right.
Top 5 Benefits of Mulching
💧 Water Retention – Helps soil hold moisture during hot spells
🌡️ Temperature Control – Keeps roots warm in winter and cool in summer
🚫 Weed Suppression – Blocks sunlight to slow weed growth
🌱 Soil Health – Organic mulch slowly decomposes, enriching the soil
👀 Visual Appeal – Creates clean lines, polished beds, and contrast
🌿 Think of mulch as a protective blanket — but with curb appeal.
Why We Recommend Mulch in Every Landscape
Mulch isn’t just for garden enthusiasts — it’s critical for both residential and commercial properties.
It:
- Reduces watering needs
- Cuts down maintenance time
- Makes even basic beds look professional
- Helps newly planted trees or shrubs establish more easily
We recommend it for every design-build project and every spring/fall cleanup.
How Often Should You Mulch?
For most properties:
- Once per year is ideal — typically in spring or fall
- High-traffic or exposed areas may need a touch-up mid-season
Pro tip: Don’t keep piling mulch on top of mulch each year — instead, remove and refresh where it’s built up too much.
Signs It’s Time to Refresh Mulch
Keep an eye out for:
- Faded or greyish colour
- Thin coverage or bare patches
- Visible weed growth
- Crusty or compacted texture
- Washed-away areas near slopes or edges
If your beds aren’t popping with colour and clean lines, it’s time.
Best Types of Mulch for Windsor Landscapes
🌲 Shredded bark mulch (natural or dyed) – Best for residential, long-lasting
🌳 Wood chips – Great for playgrounds or informal spaces
🌾 Compost mulch – Nutrient-rich for gardens, less tidy in appearance
🪵 Pine or cedar blends – Fragrant, slightly acidic, decomposes slowly
At Plantscape, we match mulch types to your goals and garden style.
Should You DIY or Call a Pro?
Sure, anyone can spread mulch — but doing it right takes:
- Proper edging and prep
- Even depth (2–3 inches max)
- Avoiding mulch against tree trunks (“volcano mulching”)
- Clean-up and disposal of old mulch, if needed
We use commercial-grade tools, trained crews, and site-specific mulch blends. Get in touch to learn more about our services – Request a consultation.
How Mulch Supports Tree and Shrub Health
Mulch insulates and nourishes, especially for:
🌳 Young trees with shallow roots
🌿 Shrubs in exposed areas
🌸 Flowering perennials are sensitive to temperature swings
It protects against:
- Drought
- Cold shock
- Root drying
- Soil compaction
🛡️ It’s root armor. And every plant deserves it.
Common Mulch Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Volcano mulching (too high around trunks)
🚫 Using plastic or rubber beneath mulch (prevents decomposition)
🚫 Applying too thick (can suffocate roots)
🚫 Using dyed mulch too close to edibles
🚫 Skipping edging = mulch slides out
Our crews know what works in Windsor soils and climate, and we always mulch to best practice standards.
How Plantscape Handles Mulching
✔️ Seasonal mulch recommendations (spring/fall)
✔️ Quote options with cleanups or maintenance
✔️ Disposal of old or compacted mulch
✔️ Clean edges, hand-spread coverage
✔️ Tree and bed protection with care
It’s more than just topping things off — it’s about protecting your plants and elevating your property.
FAQs: Mulch & Your Landscape
What colour mulch is best?
- It’s up to you! Black = bold contrast, brown = natural, red = rustic. We’ll help match to your home or brand.
Is mulch safe for pets?
- Yes, when installed correctly. We avoid cocoa mulch, which can be harmful to dogs.
Can you mulch around trees and shrubs?
- Yes — and we do it carefully to protect trunks and roots.
How long does mulch last?
- Most mulch lasts 1–2 seasons. Colour fades faster than performance.
Conclusion
Mulch is one of the simplest ways to protect your landscape, reduce maintenance, and boost curb appeal — but only if it’s done right.
🍂 Let Plantscape refresh your beds this season. Request a mulch quote or cleanup service today and bring your property back to life.