First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to selling your house. The good news is you don’t need a complete landscaping overhaul to boost curb appeal. Mulch can be your easy and affordable secret weapon for a more attractive exterior.
- Timing: Avoid laying mulch too early in spring. Wait for the soil to warm up and for spring bulbs to finish blooming [ read more Spring Sprung!]. Also, you might want to wait until after trees have dropped their spring litter to avoid burying it under the mulch. Heavy rain or strong winds can make mulching difficult, so aim for a calm, dry day.
- Type of mulch: Choose a mulch that complements your landscaping and suits your needs. Organic mulches like shredded bark or wood chips decompose over time, adding nutrients to the soil. Inorganic mulches like stone or gravel are long-lasting but don’t improve soil health.
- Amount of mulch: The ideal depth is 2-4 inches. Too little mulch won’t effectively suppress weeds or retain moisture. Too much mulch can smother plants and trap moisture around tree trunks, which can lead to rot [read more Mulch Magic].
- Preparation: Before applying mulch, remove weeds and clear the area of debris. You can also edge your flower beds to create a clean look. Avoid using landscape fabric under organic mulch, as it can prevent water infiltration and decomposition.
- Placement: Keep mulch away from the base of trees and plants. Leave a one-inch gap to allow for proper air circulation and prevent root rot.
- Maintenance: Replenish mulch as needed, typically once or twice a year, to maintain the desired depth. Top up around areas where mulch has settled or eroded.
For an extra pop of color, consider edging your flower beds with bricks or even just a clean cut from a shovel before adding the mulch. This is what Cranes Creek Landscaping always recommends before we enter a mulch job. On new properties, it displays a landscape that has been taken care of for new buyers.