The best time to mulch in southern Indiana
In Bloomington, the sweet spot is mid-April through May. By then the soil has started to warm up, spring bulbs are coming through and you can see where the beds need attention. Mulching too early traps cold in the soil and slows plants down. A second, lighter top-up in fall helps protect roots through winter and gives the beds a clean look for the colder months.
How deep should mulch be?
Two to three inches is right for most beds. Less than that and weeds push through. More than that and water struggles to reach the soil, and roots can start growing up into the mulch instead of down into the ground.
How much mulch do you need?
One cubic yard of mulch covers about 100 square feet at three inches deep, or about 160 square feet at two inches. Measure the length and width of each bed, multiply, add the beds together and divide by 100 for a three-inch layer. Round up. It's better to have a little extra than to run short halfway through.
Mistakes that cause problems later
- Piling mulch against tree trunks, which traps moisture against the bark and invites rot and pests
- Pushing mulch up against siding, which gives insects a path into the house
- Mulching over weeds instead of pulling them first
- Skipping the edge, so grass creeps into the bed within weeks
- Adding a thick new layer every year on top of old mulch until the beds are a foot deep
Hardwood, dyed or rock?
Shredded hardwood is the most common choice in Bloomington. It looks natural, breaks down to feed the soil and stays put on slopes. Dyed mulch holds its color longer. Rock lasts for years and works well along foundations and drainage areas, but it doesn't improve the soil and heats up in full sun.
Want it done for you? We weed, re-cut the edges and install mulch or rock across Bloomington and Monroe County.