How often should mulch be replaced?

Most landscape beds benefit from fresh mulch once or twice a year. In Florida's climate, mulch breaks down faster than in cooler regions due to heat, humidity, and microbial activity. We typically recommend refreshing mulch in spring and optionally again in fall. This keeps your beds looking fresh and provides continuous benefits to your plants.

What type of mulch is best for Florida landscapes?

Cypress mulch and pine bark are popular choices for Florida landscapes. Cypress resists decomposition and doesn't float away during heavy rains. Pine bark looks attractive and is widely available. We help you choose mulch based on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and plant types. Color options range from natural wood tones to dyed browns and reds.

Do you remove old mulch before adding new?

It depends on the condition of your existing mulch. If it's broken down and thin, we can simply add a fresh layer on top. If old mulch has built up too thick or looks faded and matted, we'll remove some or all of it before installing new material. Proper mulch depth is typically 2 to 3 inches, enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture without suffocating plant roots.

Mulching & Bed Maintenance

Professional mulching and bed care that keeps your plants healthy and your landscape looking polished.

Professional landscape bed with fresh mulch installation and healthy plants in front of residential home in Doral, FL

(786) 947-0146

Why Mulch Matters More Than You Think

Mulch isn't just there to look nice, though that's definitely part of it. A fresh layer of mulch does three critical jobs for your landscape. First, it protects your plant roots from temperature extremes. In Florida's intense heat, mulch acts like a blanket that keeps soil temperatures more stable. Your plants stay healthier and need less water.

Second, mulch stops weeds before they start. A proper layer of mulch blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds in the soil. The weeds that do try to push through are much easier to pull because the soil stays softer under the mulch. That means less time fighting weeds and more time enjoying your beautiful landscape.

Third, organic mulch breaks down over time and feeds your soil. As it decomposes, it adds nutrients and improves soil structure. This creates a better environment for your plants to thrive. Think of it as a slow-release fertilizer that you only have to apply once or twice a year.

Here in Doral, mulch also helps with water conservation. When you water your beds, mulch slows evaporation and helps moisture soak deeper into the soil. Your plants get more benefit from every gallon of water, which matters when we're dealing with summer heat and occasional water restrictions.

Complete Bed Care Services

We don't just dump mulch and walk away. Proper bed maintenance involves multiple steps to keep your planting areas healthy and attractive. Here's what we do when we maintain your landscape beds.

Mulch Installation & Refresh

•Remove old, faded mulch that's broken down or washed away
•Edge all beds with clean, sharp lines for a crisp appearance
•Apply fresh mulch at the proper depth, typically 2 to 3 inches
•Keep mulch away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot
•Clean up all excess mulch from walkways and lawn areas

Ongoing Bed Maintenance

Between mulch applications, your beds still need regular attention. We provide ongoing maintenance that includes pulling weeds before they get established, pruning and shaping shrubs to maintain their form, removing dead leaves and debris that collect in beds, and treating pest or disease problems as soon as we spot them.

We also monitor your beds for signs that plants need attention. Maybe a shrub isn't growing well and needs to be moved. Perhaps a bed would benefit from adding some seasonal color. We catch these issues early and let you know what we recommend. This proactive approach keeps small problems from becoming expensive replacements.

Mulch Options

We offer several mulch types depending on your preferences and budget. Hardwood mulch is our most popular option because it looks great and lasts a full season. Pine bark nuggets are another good choice if you prefer a chunkier look. For areas around trees and larger shrubs, we also install decorative stone or river rock that never needs replacing.

We help you choose the right mulch for each area based on what you're growing there, how much sun the bed gets, and the overall look you want. There's no single best choice for every situation, so we talk through the options and make recommendations based on your specific landscape.

When to Refresh Your Mulch

Most Florida landscapes need fresh mulch twice a year to stay looking their best. We recommend a spring refresh around March or April, and a fall refresh in October or November. This timing keeps your beds looking fresh year-round and provides the best protection for your plants during the most challenging seasons.

You'll know it's time for fresh mulch when you start seeing bare soil through the old layer. Maybe the color has faded to gray, or the mulch has broken down into tiny pieces. Sometimes heavy rain washes mulch away from certain spots. These are all signs that your beds need attention.

Don't wait until your beds look terrible. It's much easier and less expensive to refresh mulch before weeds take over and you need to start from scratch. Regular maintenance keeps your landscape looking good and prevents bigger problems down the road. Plus, fresh mulch makes an immediate visual impact. It's one of the quickest ways to make your whole property look better maintained.

We can put you on a regular maintenance schedule so you don't have to think about it. We'll show up at the right times each year, assess what your beds need, and take care of everything. Many of our clients choose this approach because it's one less thing they have to remember. Your beds always look fresh without you having to make a phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready for Fresh, Beautiful Beds?

Let us refresh your landscape beds with quality mulch and expert maintenance. Call today for a free estimate.