Mulch is one of the quickest and easiest ways to transform your yard or flowerbeds. Although putting down mulch isn’t rocket science, there are probably a few tips and tricks you weren’t aware of.

How to Lay Mulch Like a Pro

Whether you’re refreshing your landscape for spring or prepping your beds for winter, laying mulch is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your plants, suppress weeds, and improve your garden’s appearance. Here’s how to do it right, using premium bark mulch from JK Enterprise.

Step 1: Take Delivery

Bark mulch is available in both bagged and bulk options, but for larger jobs, bulk is more economical and efficient. At JK Enterprise, we deliver high-quality bark mulch by dump truck directly to your home or job site.

Our drivers do their best to drop the load as close to your mulch beds as possible, but keep in mind: HOA rules, overhead branches, or tight driveways may require a more distant drop. You may need to move the mulch in stages using a wheelbarrow, garden cart, or buckets, so it helps to have a tarp or plywood on the ground where the load will be dumped to keep things tidy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Beds

Before putting down mulch, it’s essential to start with a clean surface. Remove any large weeds or debris from your beds. If weed suppression is a major goal, you can take extra steps:

• Pull weeds by hand or use a hoe or weedwhacker to clear growth down to the soil line.

• If your beds are particularly weedy, consider putting down a layer of landscape fabric or newspaper/cardboard before the mulch. These barriers will smother weed seeds and prevent future growth, but be aware: landscape fabric may reduce water penetration and can become unsightly over time as it gets exposed.

Next, edge the bed if needed. A clean edge, whether created with a spade or an edging tool, looks sharp and helps keep mulch from spilling into your lawn or walkways.

Step 3: Lay Out a Layer of Mulch

Spread the mulch evenly across the surface of the bed. For most bark mulches, a 2-3 inch layer is sufficient to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve aesthetics. However, if you’re preparing a bed that’s especially prone to weeds or you’re covering bare ground for the first time, you may choose to go thicker — up to 6 inches.

Use a pitchfork or shovel to scoop mulch from your pile, and then spread it with a garden rake or by hand (wear gloves!). Make sure to distribute the mulch evenly and avoid high mounds or thin spots.

Tip:

Be especially careful around tree trunks and plant stems. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Piling mulch directly against plant stems can encourage moisture buildup and lead to rot, pests, or fungal disease. This is known as a “mulch volcano,” and it’s one of the most common mistakes gardeners make.

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Over winter, however, you can allow mulch to cover the crowns of tender perennials as a form of insulation. Just remember to pull the mulch back in the spring so new growth isn’t smothered.

Step 4: Tidy Up the Mulch Bed

Once the mulch is laid, step back and take a look. Use your hands or a rake to smooth out any uneven areas and tuck mulch into tight spots where it may have been missed. Brush excess mulch off walkways, patios, or hardscapes to keep things clean and professional-looking.

A freshly mulched bed should look even, neat, and defined, with a soft texture and earthy color that complements your landscape.

Step 5: Refresh as Needed

Bark mulch naturally decomposes over time, slowly enriching the soil beneath it. This means that your mulch beds will need touch-ups or top-ups every 1 to 2 years. How often depends on the mulch type and your local conditions. If your beds are exposed to full sun or heavy rain, the mulch may break down or fade faster.

To keep your garden looking its best, consider applying a thin fresh layer of mulch (1 inch or so) annually. This will revive the color and maintain a tidy appearance without over-thickening the bed.

Choose the Right Mulch for the Job

At JK Enterprise, we offer a variety of bark mulches, including:

• Double-shredded hardwood mulch for a traditional look and excellent moisture retention

• Color-Enhanced Mulch for a great look that will last for over a year

• Cedar mulch, which offers a natural resistance to insects and fungi

Not sure which one to choose? Contact us and we’ll help you pick the right mulch for your yard’s needs and aesthetic.