Mulch is a valuable addition to your landscape beds in Iowa, and it is crucial to replenish it regularly to get the most out of it. After all, mulch consists of organic materials that decompose over time. As it breaks down, it releases nutrients into the soil, but it also means it loses its other beneficial properties. The best time to replenish your mulch is in the spring, so your landscape beds enter the new season looking great and with optimal protection from harsh conditions. A fresh layer of mulch will provide all of its intended health benefits to your plants, such as weed suppression, soil temperature regulation, soil erosion control, and moisture retention. That way, your landscape beds stay healthy and beautiful year after year!

Mulch consists of organic materials that decompose over time.

Mulch is composed of organic materials, such as bark, wood chips, or shredded leaves. While these materials are great for your landscape beds, they naturally break down over time. As the mulch decomposes, it releases nutrients into the soil, which your plants can absorb to bolster their health. However, it also means that the mulch will lose its other beneficial properties. It also means your mulch ground cover will get thinner and your landscape beds will start to look messy.

Refreshing Your Mulch Will Ensure It Provides All Its Intended Benefits to Your Plants

Black mulch on a landscape bed in Ankeny, IA, with shrubs.

Refreshing your mulch is crucial to ensure it provides all its intended benefits to your plants. After all, it's highly advantageous for your landscape beds, but its effectiveness diminishes as it breaks down. So, when you refresh your mulch, it will continue to provide these benefits:

  • Weed Suppression: Mulch acts as a barrier that blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preventing them from germinating and growing. By refreshing it regularly, you can continue to suppress weed growth in your landscape beds.
  • Soil Temperature Regulation: Mulch helps regulate the soil temperature by insulating it from extreme heat or cold. This is especially important during the hot summer months and cold winter months. By replenishing your mulch, you can ensure that your plants are protected from these extreme temperatures.
  • Soil Erosion Control: Mulch helps prevent soil erosion by protecting the soil from wind and water. By refreshing your mulch, you can continue to keep your soil in place, preventing it from washing away and exposing your plants' roots.
  • Moisture Retention: Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation. This is especially important during the hot and dry summer months when your plants need more water. By replenishing your mulch, you can ensure that your plants have access to the water they need to thrive.
Some great mulch options for your landscape beds are cedar, hardwood, black, red, dark brown, and gold!

When should you refresh your mulch?

When it comes to refreshing your mulch, timing is crucial. The best time to do this is in the spring, as it will help prepare your landscape beds for the warmer months ahead. By refreshing your mulch in the spring, you can ensure that your plants have all the benefits of fresh mulch, such as improved soil health, weed suppression, and moisture retention. Additionally, it will also help your plants recover from the winter season and get a head start on the growing season.

Call us today to schedule our mulch replenishment service!

At ETCH Outdoor Living, we will replenish your landscape's mulch ground cover with our mulch installation service to keep your yard healthy and beautiful year after year. This service is offered to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, and surrounding areas in Iowa. Call us today at (515) 654-5447 to schedule this service!