If you want to keep your landscape beds in Oregon looking their best, a layer of mulch is just what you need. Mulch is an excellent ground covering that provides numerous benefits for your plants and soil, including weed suppression, moisture retention, temperature regulation, and erosion control. However, for your plants to benefit the most from mulch, it needs to be appropriately thick. The ideal thickness for mulch is between 2-3 inches. This amount provides the intended benefits of a mulched bed while not smothering your plants or causing any other issues. You should also make sure to leave about an inch around the base of your plants so they aren't suffocated by the layer. To get the most out of your mulch, it's recommended that you refresh it annually; the best time to do this is during the spring and fall. That way, your plants can reap its benefits as temperatures start to rise and cool down!

Your mulch must be 2-3 inches thick to provide all the intended benefits.

Red mulch installed in landscaping beds in Gresham, OR.

The ideal mulch thickness is 2-3 inches, as anything less will not provide the intended benefits. After all, mulch isn't just for aesthetic purposes; it offers various benefits for your soil and plants! Mulch suppresses weed growth, retains moisture to keep your plants hydrated for longer, and regulates soil temperatures for optimal growth. On the other hand, if it's too thick, it can negatively affect your plants by smothering them. With a 2-3 inch thick layer of mulch, you can ensure your plants reap optimal health perks from this ground cover!

Make sure there is about an inch of space around the base of your plants when adding mulch.

In addition to ensuring your mulch is the right thickness, it's crucial to give your plants some breathing room. Leaving about an inch around the base of them allows adequate space for proper airflow and drainage, preventing issues such as fungal infections and root rot. With better access to oxygen, resources, and sunlight, your plants can develop healthier, stronger root systems, promote robust growth, and yield more beautiful flowers and foliage.

When installing mulch in your landscape beds, make sure it doesn't touch the stems of your plants because it can trap moisture and lead to plant diseases.

You should refresh your mulch annually to replenish its benefits.

Landscaping in residential backyard located in Gresham, OR.

It's no secret that mulch decomposes over time, gradually losing its effectiveness as a protective barrier. As a result, it becomes necessary to replenish it regularly, typically once every year. Spring and fall are the best times to add a fresh layer of mulch to your landscape beds. During these seasons, your plants are transitioning from cooler weather into warmer temperatures and vice versa, making it the perfect time to prepare them for the upcoming season.

Replenishing mulch in the spring helps establish a protective barrier against weeds and regulate soil temperature, among other things. Similarly, fall is another great time to apply mulch. It will help retain moisture in the soil, insulate plant roots from fluctuating temperatures, and protect the topsoil from compaction caused by heavy rainfall or snow accumulation.

Call us today to sign up for our mulch installation service!

Mulch plays a vital role in protecting the health and appearance of your landscape plants. Here at J&C Lawn Care, we offer our mulch installation service to commercial and residential properties in Gresham, Happy Valley, Troutdale, and nearby areas in Oregon. We recommend scheduling this service annually, preferably in the spring or fall, to ensure your plants continue to receive the maximum benefits of this ground cover. Give us a call today at (971) 284-2035 to schedule our mulch installation service!