Home DIY landscapers tend to have a few priorities when it comes to the mulch used in their yards, and maintaining mulch color is often high among these. In particular, how do you keep dark brown mulch and black mulch colors vibrant and bright throughout the season?
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re here to offer the best selection of premium mulch and bark products around Salt Lake City, including both dark brown and black landscape mulch options. Here are some basic tips from our professionals on why mulch color matters, plus how to keep these mulch colors vibrant and attractive throughout the year.
Why Mulch Color Maintenance Matters
There are both aesthetic and practical reasons why maintaining the color of black mulch and dark brown mulch is important. Some of the top reasons include:
- Curb Appeal: Mulch is one of the first things people see when they drive by or approach your home, so keeping it in good condition helps make a great first impression.
- Property Value: A well-maintained landscape can add value to your property, and mulch color plays a role in this. Faded or discolored mulch can make a yard look unkempt and decrease its overall value.
- Moisture Retention: Darker colored mulches absorb more heat from the sun, which helps to retain moisture in the soil for longer periods of time. This can be especially beneficial during hot summer months when water can quickly evaporate from the soil.
- Nutrient Addition: As organic mulches break down over time, they release essential nutrients into the soil, providing nourishment for your plants. This is why it’s important to replenish mulch regularly to ensure a continuous supply of nutrients for your landscape.
- Pest Prevention: Certain types of organic mulch, such as cedar or cypress, have natural oils and compounds that act as insect repellents. This can help prevent pests from damaging your plants and garden.
The rest of this blog will look at tips from our pros on maintaining mulch color.
Application Tips
For starters, proper application of mulch is key to maintaining its color. Here are some tips from our experts:
- Apply a thick layer: To get the best results, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch evenly around your plants and garden beds.
- Keep it away from plant stems: Make sure to keep the mulch at least 2-3 inches away from the base of your plants to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot.
- Avoid piling against trees or structures: Piling mulch against tree trunks or near structures can lead to excess moisture, which can attract insects and cause damage over time.
- Use a weed barrier underneath: Adding a weed barrier, such as landscape fabric, underneath your mulch can help prevent weed growth and make maintenance easier.
- Replenish regularly: Mulch will break down over time, so it’s important to replenish it at least once a year to maintain its benefits.
Touch-Up Schedule
You should plan out a basic schedule for when you will touch-up your mulch. This should include:
- Replenishing mulch: As mentioned before, it’s important to replenish your mulch at least once a year. However, depending on the type of mulch and the climate in your area, you may need to do this more often.
- Removing weeds: While using a weed barrier can help prevent weed growth, some weeds may still manage to grow through or around it. It’s important to regularly remove any weeds that appear in your mulched areas.
- Fluffing and spreading: Mulch can become compacted over time, so it’s important to fluff and spread it out every now and then. This will not only improve the appearance of your mulch, but it will also help with water retention and air circulation.
Other Basic Maintenance
In addition to the above tasks, there are a few other basic maintenance steps you can take to keep your mulched areas looking great:
- Check for mold: Sometimes, especially in wet or humid climates, mulch can develop mold. This is not only unsightly, but it can also be harmful to plants. If you notice any mold on your mulch, remove it and replace it with fresh mulch.
- Keep an eye out for pests: Mulch can provide shelter for pests like slugs and snails. Regularly inspect your mulched areas and remove any unwanted visitors, as they may contribute to color losses.
- Shade when possible: While mulch may naturally need to be in direct sunlight depending on your climate, it can benefit from being shaded when possible. This can help prevent color loss and keep the mulch moist.
As you can see, there are some simple ways to keep your dark brown mulch and black mulch vibrant and attractive throughout the year. For more info here, or to learn about any of our mulch products or services around Salt Lake City, contact our team at BioGrass Sod Farms today!