Mulching Matters: Why, When, and How to Mulch Properly

Mulching Tips for a Thriving Garden

Mulch might seem like a finishing touch in your garden, but it actually plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, vibrant outdoor spaces—especially in Southern Ontario where seasonal changes can be tough on your plants. Whether you're gardening in Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, or anywhere in between, understanding why, when, and how to mulch properly can make a big difference in the look and performance of your landscape. Done right, mulching not only enhances your curb appeal but also supports your plants, reduces maintenance, and improves soil health.

So, why mulch? One of the biggest benefits is moisture retention. As temperatures warm up and rainfall becomes inconsistent, a good layer of mulch helps keep soil damp for longer, reducing how often you need to water. Mulch also acts as an insulating blanket for your soil, keeping roots cooler in the summer and warmer in the spring and fall. Beyond that, it’s an excellent way to suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight, which prevents weed seeds from germinating. Over time, organic mulch like shredded bark, wood chips, or compost breaks down and enriches the soil with nutrients—creating a healthier environment for flowers, shrubs, and vegetables to thrive.

The best time to apply mulch in Southern Ontario is during mid to late spring, once the soil has had a chance to warm up. If you lay mulch too early—especially in early April—you risk trapping cold, damp conditions in the soil, which can delay plant growth. Late spring, typically from late April to mid-May, is ideal for most gardens. Mulch can also be refreshed in early fall, especially around trees, shrubs, and perennials, to help insulate roots over winter.

Proper technique matters too. Start by cleaning the area you want to mulch, removing weeds, old mulch, and debris. Apply mulch to a depth of 2 to 3 inches for most areas—enough to block sunlight from weeds but not so much that it smothers your plants. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of plants, tree trunks, and shrubs to prevent rot and discourage pests. For flower beds, shredded bark or composted mulch works well, while wood chips are great around trees and in naturalized areas. If you're using dyed mulch for aesthetics, make sure it’s from a reputable source to avoid toxins or contaminants that could harm your soil.

At Golden Lawn and Garden Care, we provide expert mulching services as part of our spring and seasonal garden care. Whether you need fresh mulch added to your garden beds, help selecting the right type of mulch, or a full spring cleanup to prep your property, we serve homeowners across Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, and the surrounding suburbs. Proper mulching not only boosts your landscape’s visual appeal but also supports long-term plant health—and we’re here to help you get it right.

Ready to refresh your beds and give your garden the care it deserves? Contact Golden Lawn and Garden Care today and let’s make mulch matter in your yard.