Can You Mulch Too Much?
As beneficial as mulch is, too much can be harmful. Unfortunately, we see many landscaping efforts falling victim to overmulching. By now we have all see those “mulch volcanoes.” Mulch that has been piled up around the base of trees. Deep mulch can be effective in suppressing weeds and reducing maintenance, but it often causes additional problems.
Most organic mulches must be replenished, but the rate of decomposition varies. Some mulches, such as cypress mulch, remain for many years. Top dressing with new mulch annually (often for the sake of refreshing the color) creates a buildup to depths that can be unhealthy.
Bottomline…We recommended a mulching depth of 2 to 4 inches.
Benefits of Proper Mulching
- Aesthetics. Certainly mulch can give planting beds a uniform, well-cared-for look.
- A healthy layer of mulch can inhibit certain plant diseases.
- Maintain soil moisture. Evaporation is reduced, and the need for watering can be minimized.
- Improved soil fertility.
- Mulch serves as nature’s insulating blanket. Mulch keeps soils warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Weed control. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch will inhibit the spread of weeds.
- Mulching around trees will guard the tree against trauma from mowers (mower blight).