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- F.A.Q: Landscape maintenance questions.
- The when and why of landscape maintenance.
- 5. When do I apply new mulch and how much should I put down? - Top
- You should apply new mulch as needed. Usually if you use an organic mulch and it is applied properly you can install new mulch each year or two. A good quality organic mulch will break down about 75% percent in one year. 100% Bark hardwood mulches and reclaimed or recycled mulches will break down much more slowly but will not provide as many nutrients to the soil as an organic mulch.
Mulch should be approximately two inches in depth to provide the proper protection. Deeper layers of mulch will not break down as well and cause suffocation problems for plants. Also deep layers of mulch will steal moisture from the plants and provide a breeding ground for fungus and some insects.
Some home owners like the fresh look of new mulch and install new mulch each year. This is good as long as they prepare the soil properly and don't allow a thick layer of dried mulch to accumulate on the surface. If excess mulch is present it should be either blended with the soil or (in excessive cases) removed from the surface before the new mulch is applied. - Updated: February 23, 2003
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