How Long Does Mulch Typically Last?

Mulch is a highly effective ground cover that is widely used in North Carolina to enhance the appearance of landscape beds and the health of plants. If you have mulch installed in your landscape beds, or you are planning to do so, you're likely wondering how long it will last. Well, mulch generally lasts for 4-6 years, depending on things like the type of mulch and the environmental conditions it's exposed to. However, it's recommended that you refresh the mulch in your landscape beds every 1-2 years to refresh its beauty and to ensure it's providing its intended benefits. It is highly recommended to have professionals install your mulch to ensure that it's applied to the correct thickness and that high-quality mulch is used.

How long does mulch typically last?

Whether you're planning to add mulch to your landscape beds or you currently have mulch installed, you'll probably want to know how long mulch lasts so that you can know when to replenish it. Well, it's hard to give an exact answer because there are a lot of variables that can contribute to how quickly mulch will decompose. However, generally speaking, you can expect mulch to last somewhere in the ballpark of 4-6 years. The type of mulch you use will play a large part in its longevity, with some types lasting longer than others. Additionally, the environmental conditions that it's exposed to, such as sun exposure and rainfall, will affect how long it lasts.

You should refresh your mulch every 1-2 years.

When you observe that the mulch in your landscape beds has become thin, it's an indication that you need to add more to restore the proper depth. This is because a thin layer of mulch is ineffective in retaining moisture, suppressing weed growth, or providing adequate insulation for the soil. Moreover, it can make your garden look unkempt. You can quickly tell that it's time to refresh your mulch by looking out for some easy signs. These include the mulch losing its color and patchy areas that have thinned. Mulch can also be washed away due to heavy rain, so you may need to replace it sooner than once a year. When the soil starts to show through the mulch, it's a clear sign that the layer of mulch has become too thin and needs to be refreshed to ensure optimal garden health.

Hire professionals to install your mulch.

For best results, it's recommended to hire professionals to install mulch in your landscape beds. That's because professionals know proper mulching techniques, which involve placing the right amount of mulch in each bed to provide optimal coverage without smothering the base of your plants. They also follow strict guidelines by properly measuring the depth of the mulch, ensuring there aren't any areas where too much or too little is applied.

Professionals also use only high-quality mulch, making sure what goes into your beds is durable and attractive, enhancing the overall curb appeal of your property. They offer a wide variety of colors for you to choose from, allowing you to pick one that fits your preferences and suits your existing landscape best.

Call us today to schedule our mulch installation service!

At Ideal Landscaping & Irrigation, we offer our mulch installation service individually or as part of a larger landscaping project. When we install your mulch, we will spread it evenly so that every area of your landscape is properly covered. This service is available to commercial and residential properties, as well as HOAs, in Greensboro, NC, and to other nearby areas like Winston-Salem and Summerfield. Call us today at (336) 396-9191 to sign up for our mulch installation service!