5 Signs Your Garden Needs New Mulch

Recognizing when your garden needs new mulch is essential for maintaining its health and appearance. Here are five key signs to watch for.

1. Fading Color

When mulch loses its vibrant color, it's often a sign that it's breaking down and needs replacement. Fresh mulch should have a rich, natural color.

2. Weed Growth

If you're seeing more weeds than usual, your mulch layer might be too thin or decomposed to effectively suppress weed growth.

3. Soil Exposure

Visible patches of soil indicate that your mulch layer has thinned out and needs to be replenished to maintain proper coverage.

4. Decomposition

When mulch starts to break down into soil, it's time for a fresh layer to maintain the benefits of mulching.

5. Water Runoff

If water is running off instead of being absorbed, your mulch might be compacted or decomposed, reducing its effectiveness.

Conclusion

Regular inspection of your mulch layer helps ensure your garden maintains its health and beauty. Don't wait until these signs become severe before replacing your mulch.