How Long will my mulch last?

 If you have garden beds on your property, you are likely familiar with the use of mulch in some way or another. A layer of mulch can have several benefits for your soil and plants. These include keeping weeds down, aiding in water retention, and adding an element of visual appeal to your property. Perhaps you have already added mulch to your beds for one of these reasons. If so, you may eventually ask yourself this question: How long will mulch last? The answers can vary depending on the type of mulch, climate, and other factors. That said, it is recommended that homeowners renew the mulch in their beds about once a year.
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Factors influencing longevity of mulch
As previously mentioned, many factors can come into play when trying to determine how long mulch will last. Let’s examine these:
Type- Mulch comes in many varieties, and some last longer than others. Bark mulch will last longer than shredded mulch, as the bark is the tree’s natural protective shell. Shredded mulch contains the inner portions of the tree and will break down more readily.
Climate-Your local climate can affect the mulch layer in several ways. An area that experiences frequent heavy rains may present a challenge for keeping the mulch in the bed. This will also be affected by the topography of the bed. On the other hand, an unshaded bed that is constantly baking in the hot sun can require more frequent mulching, as the sun speeds up the natural processes that break down the mulch.
Landscaping Practices-Another factor that may play a role in how long mulch will last is the care used in regular bed maintenance. When trimming, weeding, raking, and cleaning up, you will want to leave as much mulch in place as possible. Mulch that ends up with trimmings or weeds in the compost pile is money down the drain.

Getting the most out of your mulch
How long your mulch will last will come down to the environmental factors at play as well as your own habits in maintaining and protecting your mulch layer. A well-maintained bed with proper watering and landscaping practices will keep your mulch layer in great shape for at least a year. A regular practice of replacing the old mulch each spring will keep your garden beds healthy and beautiful throughout the growing season. This will help keep weeds out and water in. 
Some may prefer to change the mulch twice a year, using two thin layers of mulch as opposed to one thick layer. This can be a great idea. First, you will be renewing the beauty of the bed in the spring, while adding a fresh weed barrier to endure the growing season. Second, renewing the mulch layer again in the fall can protect your dormant plants from extreme temperatures. This will also help prevent the mulch from breaking down, as there will be newer mulch more often.

Last Thoughts
When considering how long your mulch will last, many of the influencing factors can be controlled by you. There is no one size fits all answer, but there are ways that you can get the most out of your mulch layer. A great landscaping team can steer you in the right direction, while considering your specific needs.