Mulch can usually last for an average of about 5 years. However, there are other factors that might make you have to replace your mulch after just a couple of years such as the type of mulch, weather conditions in your area, how much sun the mulch gets, etc.
When landscapers put mulch down they usually put around 2-3 inches worth of mulch. If foot traffic or weather removes some of the mulch you might have to add more to make sure the ground has the proper coverage.
The Color of Mulch
Another factor that may require you to replace your mulch sooner rather than later is the color of your mulch. There are some types of mulch that start to turn gray only after about a year. While the mulch is still doing its job, it may not be the most attractive. If you want to keep your mulch looking great you’ll need to either replace all the mulch when it turns gray or just replace the top layer so that the color is still there.
The Size of Mulch
The size of your mulch is also a factor in how long it lasts. Different sizes of mulch include bark mulch, wood chips, and shredded mulch. It was found that shredded mulch easily washes away with rain or blows away with strong winds. Because of this, shredded mulch may need to be replaced more often than other mulch.
What If I Don’t Replace Old Mulch?
If you never replace your mulch you’ll lose out on the benefits of it. Mulch often provides nutrients for your soil as well as holds in moisture to protect the soil. As mentioned above, mulch also loses its color after a while so if you never replace it you’ll be left with gray mulch and a less attractive landscape.
Maintaining Your Mulch
If you’re looking for the easiest mulch to maintain, choose a mulch that has not been dyed. Organic mulch that has not been dyed will decompose a lot slower than other mulch options. It’s also important to make sure you clean up mulch if it ends up in other areas of your yard. If a lot of mulch ends up piling up in an area that it shouldn’t, it may reduce air circulation in that area and harm other plants.
Contact Luna Landscaping
If you’re looking for a professional company to take care of your landscaping and mulch maintenance for you, contact Luna Landscaping! We’ll assist you with figuring out the best mulch for your yard and make sure it is always doing its job. We’ll know exactly when it needs to be replaced and will take care of it all for you. Contact us today by filling out a contact form or giving us a call at 978-235-0043.