Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain a healthy garden or landscape. It helps conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil as it breaks down. But despite its many benefits, mulching can cause more harm than good if not done properly.
Here are the most common mulching mistakes—and how to avoid them.
A thick layer of mulch might seem like the best way to suppress weeds and retain moisture, but piling it on too heavily can suffocate your plants. Excess mulch blocks air and water from reaching plant roots and can encourage root rot and fungal growth, especially in wetter climates. It can also attract pests like slugs, voles, or termites.
Solution: Stick to a 2–3 inch layer of mulch. This is the sweet spot for most garden beds—it’s deep enough to provide all the benefits without smothering your plants.
Not all mulch is suitable for every landscape. Some types, like fresh wood chips or dyed mulch, may be too acidic or contain chemicals that leach into the soil. Others may decompose too quickly or attract unwanted pests.
Solution: Choose mulch based on your specific garden needs. Organic mulches like barkdust, shredded leaves, compost, or aged wood chips work well for most landscapes. For more decorative uses—like pathways or around trees—consider using rock or gravel mulch, which doesn’t decompose and requires less maintenance.
Mulch piled up against the base of a plant can trap moisture and encourage rot, mold, and disease. This is especially dangerous for trees, where it can lead to “volcano mulching”—a cone of mulch built up around the trunk that causes bark decay and pest infestations.
Solution: Keep mulch at least 2–3 inches away from stems and trunks. For trees, create a shallow mulch ring that extends out to the drip line rather than up the trunk.
Over time, mulch naturally breaks down and becomes compacted. If you keep adding new mulch on top without removing or loosening the old layer, the buildup can cause drainage problems, suffocate roots, and create a dense mat that repels water.
Solution: Before adding a fresh layer each season, rake through the existing mulch to aerate it and remove any clumps or compacted areas. If the mulch is overly matted or slimy, remove it and start fresh.
A well-mulched landscape can make all the difference in plant health, water conservation, and curb appeal. But only if it’s done right. Whether you’re looking for high-quality barkdust, decorative mulch, or help choosing the right product for your landscape, Schlegel Barkdust has you covered.
We deliver throughout the Portland metro area—and offer expert advice to help you get the job done right.
Contact us today or visit our yard to see our full selection of mulch and landscape supplies. Let’s get your garden thriving!
