The Importance of Refreshing Mulch

Why Refreshing Your Mulch in Spring Matters More Than You Think

As the days warm up and your garden wakes from its winter rest, one simple task can make a big difference in your yard’s health and appearance: refreshing your mulch.

Mulch isn’t just about aesthetics (though it does give beds that clean, finished look). It’s a key player in keeping your soil—and your plants—happy throughout the growing season. Here’s why spring is the ideal time to give it a fresh layer:

1. Weed Control

A fresh layer of mulch acts like a natural weed barrier. By blocking sunlight, it keeps many weed seeds from germinating. Less weeding for you means more time enjoying your garden instead of working in it.

2. Moisture Retention

As temps rise, mulch helps the soil hold onto moisture by slowing evaporation. This is especially helpful during dry spells—and it can save water, too.

3. Soil Temperature Regulation

Mulch acts like insulation for your soil, keeping it cooler during hot days and warmer on chilly spring nights. That means healthier root systems and more consistent growth.

4. Nutrient Boost

Organic mulches like shredded bark, wood chips, or composted leaves break down over time and feed your soil. Refreshing mulch each spring helps replenish those nutrients and maintain soil structure.

5. Aesthetic Refresh

After a long winter, mulch can fade, compact, or scatter. A new layer—just 1–2 inches—is enough to restore that rich, polished look that makes your beds pop.

Refreshing your mulch in spring is a small investment of time and money that pays off all season long—protecting your plants, feeding your soil, and elevating your curb appeal.