Why is Mulch Important? The Complete Guide for Massachusetts Homeowners
- jmelo67
- Jul 24
- 9 min read
By Jorge Melo
Here's a number that will shock you: properly mulched landscapes use 50% less water than unmulched ones. I've seen this firsthand across countless landscaping in Plymouth County projects – the difference is absolutely dramatic.
Most homeowners think mulch is just about making their beds look tidy. Wrong! Mulch is your landscape's secret weapon against weeds, drought, and soil problems that cost you hundreds of dollars every year.
But here's what drives me crazy. I see beautiful homes in New Bedford and Fairhaven with expensive plants struggling because the mulch job was done wrong – or not at all. These homeowners are literally throwing money away while their landscapes suffer.
After years of working on landscaping in Bristol County properties, I've learned that proper mulching can transform struggling gardens into thriving landscapes that practically maintain themselves. The key is understanding why mulch matters and how to use it correctly.
Let me show you exactly why mulch is so important and how it can save you time, money, and frustration while creating the beautiful landscape you've always wanted.
Why Your Garden Needs Mulch (Assuming You Do It Right)
Mulch isn't optional – it's essential for healthy landscapes in Massachusetts. Our New England climate throws everything at your plants: scorching summer heat, sudden downpours, and brutal winter freezes. Mulch acts as your landscape's insurance policy against all of these challenges.
The science is clear: mulched plants grow better, need less water, and face fewer pest problems than unmulched ones. But only if you do it right.
Mulch as a Multitasker
Think of mulch as your landscape's Swiss Army knife. It doesn't just do one job – it handles multiple critical functions simultaneously:
Temperature Control: Mulch insulates soil, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This protects plant roots from temperature shock that can damage or kill plants.
Moisture Management: A proper mulch layer reduces water evaporation by up to 50%, meaning less watering and lower water bills.
Weed Suppression: Mulch blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, preventing germination and reducing your weeding workload by 90%.
Soil Improvement: Organic mulches decompose slowly, adding nutrients and improving soil structure over time.
What Makes for a Good Mulch?
Not all mulches are created equal. The best mulches for lawn care in Plymouth County properties share these characteristics:
Proper Size: Pieces should be 1-3 inches in diameter. Too fine and it mats down, blocking air and water. Too coarse and it doesn't suppress weeds effectively.
Slow Decomposition: Good mulch breaks down gradually, providing long-lasting benefits without constant replacement.
Weed-Free: Quality mulch shouldn't introduce new weed problems to your landscape.
Appropriate pH: Choose mulches that won't dramatically alter your soil's pH unless that's specifically what you want.
The Dreaded Volcano Mulch
This is the biggest mulching mistake I see everywhere. Homeowners pile mulch up against tree trunks like little volcanoes, thinking more is better. It's not!
Volcano mulching actually harms trees by:
Encouraging pest and disease problems
Preventing proper air circulation
Causing root rot from excess moisture
Creating hiding spots for rodents that damage bark
Always keep mulch 6 inches away from tree trunks and plant stems. This simple rule prevents most mulching disasters.
Benefits of Mulch
Let's dive deep into exactly why mulch is so important for Massachusetts landscapes. Each benefit alone justifies the investment, but together they create a compelling case for proper mulching.
Mulch Reduces Weeds
Weeds are more than just ugly – they steal water, nutrients, and space from your desirable plants. A 2-3 inch layer of quality mulch blocks 95% of weed seeds from germinating by preventing sunlight from reaching the soil surface.
For lawn care in Bristol County properties, this means spending your weekends enjoying your landscape instead of battling dandelions and crabgrass. The time savings alone makes mulching worthwhile.
Mulch Encourages Earthworms
Earthworms are nature's soil improvement crew, and they love mulched areas. As organic mulch decomposes, it creates the perfect environment for earthworm activity. These beneficial creatures:
Aerate compacted soil naturally
Leave behind nutrient-rich castings
Improve soil drainage and structure
Reduce the need for mechanical aeration
Mulch Protects Against Temperature Changes
Massachusetts weather is notoriously unpredictable. We can go from 80-degree days to 40-degree nights in spring and fall. These temperature swings stress plants and can damage tender roots.
Mulch acts as insulation, moderating soil temperature swings and protecting plant roots from shock. This is especially important for newly planted trees and shrubs that haven't developed extensive root systems yet.
Mulch Retains Water
This is where mulch really shines during our hot, dry summers. Unmulched soil can lose up to 70% of its moisture to evaporation. Proper mulching reduces this loss dramatically, meaning:
Less frequent watering needed
Lower water bills
Healthier plants during drought periods
Reduced stress on irrigation systems
Mulch Adds Nutrients
Organic mulches like shredded bark and wood chips slowly decompose, releasing nutrients into the soil. It's like giving your plants a slow-release fertilizer that lasts all season.
This natural nutrient cycling reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and creates healthier, more sustainable landscapes.
Mulch Helps Prevent Erosion
Heavy rains can wash away valuable topsoil, especially on slopes and around newly planted areas. Mulch protects soil from erosion by:
Breaking the impact of raindrops
Slowing water runoff
Holding soil particles in place
Preventing muddy runoff that can damage foundations
What is Mulch?
Before we go further, let's define exactly what mulch is. Mulch is any material spread over soil to protect and improve the growing environment for plants. It can be organic (wood chips, bark, leaves) or inorganic (stone, rubber, fabric).
The key is that mulch creates a protective barrier between your plants and the harsh environment while providing additional benefits as it breaks down (in the case of organic mulches).
Types of Mulch for Massachusetts
Choosing the right mulch type is crucial for success. Here's what works best in our New England climate:
Types of Organic Mulch
Shredded Hardwood: My top recommendation for most applications. It looks professional, breaks down at the right pace, and works well with our climate.
Pine Bark: Excellent for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. Lasts longer than hardwood but costs more upfront.
Wood Chips: Great for large areas and around trees. Often available free from tree services, but quality can vary.
Compost: Perfect for vegetable gardens and annual flower beds. Adds nutrients quickly but needs frequent replacement.
Shredded Leaves: Excellent free option if you have deciduous trees. Best when shredded to prevent matting.
Types of Inorganic Mulch
Stone/Gravel: Permanent solution for modern landscapes. Great drainage but can get hot in summer sun.
Rubber Mulch: Long-lasting and good for playgrounds, but can retain heat and doesn't improve soil.
Landscape Fabric: Works well under other mulches to provide extra weed control, but avoid using alone.
The Best Mulches for Your Yard
The "best" mulch depends on your specific situation:
For Flower Beds: Shredded hardwood or pine bark for appearance and moderate decomposition rate.
For Vegetable Gardens: Compost or shredded leaves for quick nutrient release.
For Trees: Wood chips or shredded hardwood in a 3-4 foot radius around the trunk.
For Slopes: Heavier mulches like wood chips that won't wash away easily.
For Modern Landscapes: Stone or gravel for clean, contemporary appearance.
Climate Considerations When Choosing Mulch
Massachusetts climate presents unique challenges that affect mulch selection:
Winter Considerations: Choose mulches that won't blow away in winter winds or create pest habitat during cold months.
Summer Heat: Avoid dark mulches that absorb too much heat, especially around heat-sensitive plants.
Moisture Levels: Our humid summers can cause some organic mulches to develop fungal problems if applied too thickly.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Select mulches that handle repeated freezing and thawing without breaking down too quickly.
How Much Mulch Do You Need?
Getting the depth right is crucial. Too little won't provide benefits. Too much can harm plants.
Standard Depth: 2-3 inches for most applications Around Trees: 3-4 inches in a radius extending to the drip line Vegetable Gardens: 1-2 inches to avoid overwhelming tender plants Slopes: 3-4 inches to prevent erosion
Calculating Mulch Quantity
Use this simple formula: Length × Width × Depth (in feet) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards Needed
For example, a 20' × 10' bed with 3" of mulch: 20 × 10 × 0.25 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
Always order 10% extra for settling and touch-ups.
Applying Mulch Correctly
Proper application technique is just as important as choosing the right mulch type.
Step-by-Step Application
Prepare the Area: Remove weeds, debris, and old mulch if it's more than 4 inches thick.
Water First: Give beds a thorough watering before mulching to trap moisture in the soil.
Create Clean Edges: Use a spade or edging tool to create defined borders for a professional look.
Apply Evenly: Spread mulch with a rake, maintaining consistent depth throughout the bed.
Keep Away from Plants: Leave 6 inches of space around tree trunks and 2-3 inches around shrubs and perennials.
Water Lightly: A light watering helps settle the mulch and prevents it from blowing away.
Common Mulching Mistakes to Avoid
After years of landscaping in Plymouth County, I've seen these mistakes repeatedly:
Over-Mulching
More isn't always better. Excessive mulch depth can suffocate plant roots and create pest problems.
Under-Mulching
Thin mulch layers don't provide adequate weed suppression or moisture retention benefits.
Wrong Timing
Mulching too early in spring can delay soil warming. Wait until soil temperatures reach 65°F consistently.
Ignoring Maintenance
Mulch needs annual refreshing. Check depth each spring and add more as needed.
FAQ: Mulching
How often should I replace mulch?
Most organic mulches need refreshing annually. Check depth in spring – if it's less than 2 inches, add more.
Can I put new mulch over old mulch?
Yes, if the total depth won't exceed 4 inches. Rake old mulch first to break up any crusty surface.
What's the best time to apply mulch?
Late spring (May-June) is ideal for most applications. Soil is warm and plants are established.
Will mulch attract termites?
Quality wood mulch doesn't attract termites to your home. Keep mulch 6 inches
from your foundation as a precaution.
How do I calculate how much mulch I need?
Measure length × width × desired depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards needed.
Should I remove weeds before mulching?
Absolutely! Mulch prevents new weeds but won't kill existing ones. Clear weeds first for best results.
Can I make my own mulch?
Yes! Shredded leaves, grass clippings (from untreated lawns), and chipped branches make excellent DIY options.
Does mulch color matter?
Color is mostly aesthetic, but darker mulches absorb more heat and lighter ones reflect it. Choose based on your plants' needs.
How close to plants should I put mulch?
Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from shrub and perennial stems, and 6 inches from tree trunks to prevent pest problems.
Will mulch prevent all weeds?
No mulch prevents 100% of weeds, but proper application eliminates 90-95% of weed problems.
FAQ: New England Tree & Landscape Services
Do you provide mulching services in Dartmouth and Acushnet?
Yes, we offer professional mulching services throughout Plymouth County and Bristol County, including Dartmouth, Acushnet, and all surrounding communities.
What's included in your mulching service?
Our complete service includes bed preparation, weed removal, quality mulch selection, professional application, and cleanup. We also provide maintenance guidance.
What type of mulch do you recommend for Massachusetts?
We typically recommend shredded hardwood for most applications, but we'll assess your specific needs and recommend the best option for your landscape and budget.
Do you offer seasonal mulch refresh services?
Yes, many of our lawn care in Bristol County clients schedule annual spring mulch refresh as part of their comprehensive landscape maintenance programs.
Can you help calculate how much mulch I need?
Definitely! We provide free estimates that include precise mulch calculations based on your specific landscape beds and coverage goals.
Do you install landscape edging with mulching?
Yes, we offer professional landscape edging installation to create clean, defined borders that make your mulch application look professionally installed.
What's the cost difference between DIY and professional mulching?
While DIY saves on labor costs, professional installation ensures proper application, appropriate mulch selection, and often better bulk pricing on materials.
Contact New England Tree & Landscape
Ready to transform your Massachusetts landscape with professional mulching? Contact us today for expert mulching services throughout Plymouth County and Bristol County.
Phone: (508) 763-8000
Service Area: Plymouth County, Bristol County, and surrounding southeastern Massachusetts communities
Free Estimates: Available for all mulching and landscaping projects
Visit our website or call today to schedule your consultation. We're here to help you create the beautiful, low-maintenance landscape you've always wanted.
Mulch isn't just a landscaping luxury – it's an essential tool for creating healthy, sustainable landscapes that thrive in Massachusetts' challenging climate. The benefits of proper mulching extend far beyond appearance, providing real value through reduced maintenance, lower water costs, and healthier plants.
Whether you're managing a small garden bed in Mattapoisett or a large commercial property, understanding why mulch is important and how to use it correctly will transform your landscaping results. The investment in quality mulch and proper application pays dividends for years through reduced maintenance and improved plant health.
For professional landscaping in Plymouth County and Bristol County, trust New England Tree & Landscape to provide expert mulching services that protect your landscape investment and create the beautiful outdoor spaces you deserve.
Citations
Garden Design. "Mulch Types: The Scoop on Garden Mulch." Garden Design, www.gardendesign.com/how-to/types-of-mulch.html. Accessed 25 July 2025.
The Home Depot. "Benefits of Mulch." The Home Depot, www.homedepot.com/c/ai/benefits-of-
mulch/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901dfafd55. Accessed 25 July 2025.
Lamp'l, Joe. "110-Why Mulch Matters in Every Garden: What You Need to Know." The joe gardener Show, joegardener.com/podcast/110-why-mulch-matters/. Accessed 25 July 2025.
The New York Times. "Why Your Garden Needs Mulch (Assuming You Do It Right)." 4 May 2022, www.nytimes.com/2022/05/04/realestate/garden-mulch.html. Accessed 25 July 2025.
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