Mulching & Bed Maintenance

Why Mulch Does More Than Just Look Good

Most people think mulch is just decoration for garden beds. And sure, fresh mulch does make your landscape look clean and finished. But that is just one benefit. Mulch actually does some heavy lifting for your plants and soil that you cannot see.

Good mulch acts like a blanket for your soil, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Here in Channelview, TX, where summer heat can stress plants, that temperature control makes a real difference. Mulch also holds moisture in the soil, which means your plants need less water and handle drought better. In fact, properly mulched beds can cut your watering needs by nearly half.

Mulch stops weeds before they start by blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds in the soil. A three-inch layer of quality mulch reduces weed growth by about 90 percent compared to bare soil. That means less time pulling weeds and more time enjoying your landscape. As mulch breaks down, it also feeds your soil with organic matter that improves drainage and provides nutrients to plants.

But mulch only works when applied correctly at the right depth with proper bed preparation. That is where our professional landscaping services make a difference compared to DIY approaches.

Common Mulching Mistakes That Damage Plants

We see the same mulching mistakes on property after property. These errors do not just look bad. They actually harm your plants and waste your money.

The biggest mistake is volcano mulching, where mulch gets piled up against tree trunks and plant stems. This traps moisture against the bark, leading to rot, disease, and pest problems. Always pull mulch back a few inches from stems and trunks so air can circulate.

Another common error is using too much mulch. More is not better. Mulch deeper than four inches can suffocate plant roots and prevent water from reaching the soil. The right depth is two to three inches for most situations. We measure as we spread to maintain proper depth throughout your beds.

Many people also skip bed preparation and just dump new mulch on top of old. This leads to excessive depth over time and creates layers that repel water instead of letting it through. We remove old mulch before installing new to maintain proper depth and ensure good soil contact.

Using the wrong mulch type is another issue. Some dyed mulches contain chemicals that can harm plants. Very fine mulches can mat down and prevent water penetration. Rock mulch holds too much heat for most plants. We use quality organic mulches appropriate for your specific plants and local climate.

Finally, timing matters. Applying mulch too early in spring when soil is still cold can delay warming and slow plant growth. Installing mulch in fall without proper cleanup can trap disease and pests. Our landscape maintenance expertise ensures proper timing for best results.