Best Time to Mulch- Fall or Spring?

As the weather cools down and we enter the mild Autumn months, you may consider adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds. When is the best time to mulch- Fall or Spring? The answer depends, as both times are appropriate for adding mulch to achieve different outcomes. Adding a layer of mulch in the fall can often be a great idea to help protect your plants through the winter, and it is important to know when to do this.

When is the Best Time to Mulch- Fall or Spring?
Mulching in the spring can be great for keeping weeds down throughout the growing season and adding a sharp and manicured look to your garden beds. While this is always a good idea, it is also very beneficial to mulch in the fall. A fresh layer of mulch after the first frost of the year can protect the roots of your plants from very cold spells during the winter. It can also protect the soil layer from getting washed out during fall and winter storms.

Benefits of Mulching in the Fall
During the fall months, while plants are going dormant for the winter, it is a great opportunity to add some protection to your garden beds. A layer of mulch applied in the fall will protect any of your perennial plants and shrubs’ roots that are close to the surface. The layer of mulch will insulate the roots from drastic changes in temperature and deep freezes. A fall layer of mulch will also protect the soil in your gardens from heavy fall and winter storms. Since the layer of mulch will break down over the winter months, it will give your gardens a head start the following spring by adding compost to the garden.

When is the best time to apply fall mulch?
There is actually an ideal time to lay the mulch in fall. After most of the leaves have fallen and the season’s final cleanup has been done in the garden, it is the easiest and best time to mulch. The mulch will need to be right up against the crown of your plants to protect them from the elements, so it is essential to wait until the plants are all cut back for the fall. Usually, after the first frost of the season, most perennials will be ready to cut back. You want to ensure that all of the leaves from your plants and shrubs are gone for the year, and mulching should be the last maintenance item on the list. This makes the typical fall cleanup time a great opportunity to add a protective layer of mulch.

​The mulch layer in your garden is important not only for preventing weeds and adding a beautiful look, but for protecting the plants and shrubs from the elements as well. 

Give us a call now to schedule adding mulching to your fall cleanup routine. It will go a long way in allowing your garden to come back stronger and brighter the following year.

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