Should I Remove Old Mulch (Before Adding More)? – DIY Garden Minute Ep. 81

Removing Old Mulch Material

• So, should you remove your old mulch material before replacing it with new mulch? The quick answer is usually no, and yes.Unfortunately, it is not so easy to answer because it depends on the type of mulch material you have used.Check out our do’s and don’ts below.

Don’t Remove Old Mulch

• Under most circumstances, landscapers and gardeners have chosen to use a natural, least-processed or semi-processed mulch material to control weeds, retain moisture, insulate plant roots, control erosion, and to improve soil.These mulches don’t need to be removed if you are just adding more of the same over the top.In fact, adding the same mulch over the top helps create different layers of mulch to continue to breakdown over time to keep building health and sustainable soil.It’s the same concept as continual annual leaf accumulation in deciduous tree forests.

  Good examples of this arborist mulch or pine needle mulch because they can improve your garden in so many ways.

  Both types of mulch break down over time and improve your soil for structure, nutrient availability, and water infiltration.

  These two mulches, along with other natural mulches, need to then be replenished once a year or so right over the old mulch.

  This equals less work and worry, and adds to your gardens soil nutrients, water retention, and soooo much more.

  With these types of mulch, you can simply add the new mulch over the old mulch and judge the new amount to add by the thickness of the existing mulch.

  In general, don’t add more than 2-inches of new mulch or you run the risk of literally burying plant roots too deep below the new mulch surface for air and water to reach.

Do Remove Old Mulch

• You do want to remove old mulch completely if you are using a mulch material like engineered wood fiber or other engineered material that doesn’t breakdown to useful natural components in the garden and environment.For these materials, you should fully remove the old material that’s broken down before adding the new engineered material.This is because certain engineered mulches as they break down start to get a spongy feel to them and can act more as a boggy, mucky mess than an actual mulch.This can lead to too much water retention and even higher compaction. So, remove these materials if they fit this description or have other negative effects on your garden plants.

  Most gardeners and landscape professionals use naturally sourced and processed materials, though.

Importance of Mulching

• Most gardeners agree a good mulch is an important maintenance step in your garden.Mulch can be used for so many reasons, including:Weed control
  Soil moisture retention
  Root protection
  Encouraging good microorganisms
  Improving general soil health
  Aesthetics
  All of these reasons and more have contributed to your choice of using mulch in your landscape.So, what happens to your old mulch when you need to add new mulch?

  Read on to find out more.

Pitchforks, and Other Mulching Tools We Recommend

• We have spent multiple seasons mulching all our garden areas and these tools are highly recommended for successful mulch spreading.Don’t risk injury by not using a wheelbarrow, pitchfork, or other necessary items.
• Round Shovel
• Hard Metal Rake
• Pitch Fork
• Tarp
• Wheelbarrow 
• Garden rake
• A Blower for cleaning

Or, if you need to shop for other garden plants for this spring, click the link below.

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Pitchforks, and Other Mulching Tools We Recommend

• Whether you want to control weeds, retain soil moisture, or reduce soil erosion, adding new mulch is of great benefit.Depending on the type of mulch material you have, you may need to remove old mulch or add new mulch on top.Now we want to hear from you!What type of mulch material are you using in your yard?

  Let us know by leaving a quick comment below. Thanks!

   

  That’s all for this DIY garden minute episode!

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Other Gardening Products Related To This Podcast You Might Not Have:

• Best pruning shears
• Loppers 
• Hand saw: folding or fixed
• Blower: hand-held or backpack,  gas or electric
• Leaf Rake: metal or plastic
• Hard Rake: metal