When you’re getting ready to mulch your yard, the preparation is just as important as the mulch itself. Many individuals wonder, “What should I put down before mulching?”

In North Carolina, the soil and weather create unique challenges that make proper groundwork essential for long-term results. You don’t just want to throw mulch down and hope for the best.

Instead, taking a few extra steps now can mean healthier plants, better weed control, and mulch that stays in place no matter the season.

Let’s explore what you need to put down before mulching to set your landscaping up for success.

Before You Spread Mulch

Preparing the ground before laying mulch is a critical step that can make or break your garden’s success. Whether you’re working with flower beds, garden beds, or mulch beds around trees and shrubs, taking the time to prep your space ensures that your effort will pay off.

Here’s how to get started.

Clear the Area

The first step in preparing to add mulch is clearing away any debris, old mulch, or leaf litter.

Use a rake to remove loose material from the beds, and if the area has grass or weeds, consider using a weed killer or pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from taking hold.

This step ensures you’re starting with a clean slate, which is essential for preventing weeds from sprouting through your new layer of mulch.

Create a Defined Edge

Using an edging shovel or power edger, carve out a small trench around the perimeter of your garden beds or flower beds. This not only gives your landscaping a polished look but also prevents mulch from spilling into surrounding areas.

A defined edge helps keep the mulch beds looking tidy and contained.

Ready to refresh your yard with professional mulch installation? Let Southern State Landscape handle the hard work while you enjoy the results.

Get in touch for your FREE quote today at (919) 673-3956 to schedule your mulching service and give your yard the care it deserves!

Condition the Soil

Before applying mulch, it’s a good idea to assess your soil structure.

• Break up compacted ground with a shovel or tiller to improve drainage and moisture retention.
• Adding a thin layer of compost or organic materials like aged manure can enhance the soil and provide nutrients to nearby trees and plants. This step also promotes healthy root growth under your fresh mulch.

Lay Landscape Fabric or Skip It?

Many gardeners debate whether to use landscape fabric under mulch.

If you’re dealing with persistent weed growth, fabric can act as a barrier to suppress weeds. However, it can also prevent organic mulch from breaking down into the soil and adding nutrients over time.

If you opt for fabric, make sure it is permeable to allow water and air to reach the soil beneath.

Prevent Weed Seeds From Taking Root

If landscape fabric isn’t your style, you can still prevent weeds by spreading a pre-emergent herbicide or a thick layer of mulch at the desired depth of two to three inches.

Organic mulches like wood chips or shredded bark are great for suppressing weed growth while adding nutrients as the mulch breaks down.

Avoid excess mulch near a tree’s trunk, as this can cause rot or pest problems.

Calculate How Much Mulch You’ll Need

Before you start mulching, take the time to measure the total square footage of your beds. Knowing the square footage helps you determine how many bags of mulch or how much bulk mulch you’ll need.

Aim for a consistent depth to ensure your mulch suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture without suffocating roots.

Choose the Right Mulch for Your Needs

Whether you’re spreading rubber mulch, organic mulch, or colored mulch, selecting the right type is crucial for the specific needs of your yard.

• Organic mulches like wood mulch or bark are excellent for adding nutrients and improving soil structure.
• Inorganic mulches, such as rubber mulch, are ideal for low-maintenance areas where you want long-lasting coverage without the need for frequent replacement.

Lay Mulch Evenly

Once your ground is prepped, it’s time to add mulch.

• Spread small piles of mulch across the bed and use a rake to spread it evenly.
• Keep mulch away from the base of plants and trees to avoid trapping moisture against the roots or trunk.
• Maintaining a layer of mulch around two to three inches thick is perfect for most garden beds and helps with moisture retention while preventing weeds.

Focus on Long-Term Health

As you’re adding mulch, think about how it will benefit your garden in the long run.

Organic materials like wood chips or bark improve the soil over time as they break down. Ensure you’re not piling mulch too high, which can lead to moisture problems or smothered plants.

By taking these steps before you start mulching, you’ll create the perfect foundation for healthy plants, vibrant flower beds, and a yard that looks beautifully maintained year-round.

Need Some Help With Mulching in JoCo and Surrounding Areas?

At Southern State Landscape, we understand that mulching is more than just spreading mulch. It’s about enhancing your yard’s health, beauty, and value.

If you’re in Johnston County or the surrounding areas, our professional mulch installation services are here to make your landscaping shine.

Transform Your Landscape With Professional Mulching

Mulching is essential for creating a vibrant and thriving yard. When you add mulch to your beds, you help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and improve the overall soil structure.

At Southern State Landscape, we take the guesswork out of the process, ensuring you get the right mulch, applied correctly, for optimal results.

Choose the Right Mulch for Your Yard

The type of mulch you use matters. Whether you need organic mulch like bark or wood chips to boost nutrients or colored mulch to match your aesthetic, we guide you in making the best choice. If you prefer low-maintenance options, rubber mulch is an excellent choice for durability and long-lasting appeal.

Our experts help you select the perfect mulch for your garden beds, flower beds, and surrounding areas.

Enjoy Hassle-Free Installation

DIY mulching can be time-consuming and tricky. Missteps like applying mulch too thickly or too close to a tree’s trunk can harm your plants. That’s where we come in.

Our team installs mulch evenly and at the proper depth to promote plant health, suppress weed growth, and keep your landscape looking fresh and professional.

Boost Your Curb Appeal and Property Value

Fresh mulch doesn’t just benefit your plants—it elevates the entire look of your property. Mulch beds create clean, defined edges that draw attention to your landscaping.

By maintaining a well-mulched yard, you enhance your curb appeal and increase your property’s value.

Save Time and Get It Done Right

When you partner with us, you save time and avoid the frustration of handling bulk mulch and heavy bags on your own. Our team ensures your yard is mulched efficiently, leaving you with a polished and healthy landscape.

Contact Us Today

Ready to refresh your yard with professional mulch installation? Let Southern State Landscape handle the hard work while you enjoy the results. Get in touch for your FREE quote today at (919) 673-3956 to schedule your mulching service and give your yard the care it deserves!