Keep Your Mulch Working—and Looking—Its Best

Mulch is one of the hardest-working materials in your landscape. It helps conserve water, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve your garden’s visual appeal. But like all organic materials, mulch breaks down over time.

So how often should you replace mulch in Salt Lake City? Let’s break it down by mulch type, weather impact, and seasonal timing—so your yard stays protected and polished year-round.

Why Mulch Needs to Be Replaced

• Decomposition: Wood mulch naturally breaks down, enriching your soil (a good thing!) but reducing coverage.
• Compression: Over time, mulch gets compacted by rain, snow, and foot traffic.
• Color Fade: UV rays and harsh winters fade mulch, making your landscape look tired.

Typical Replacement Schedule by Mulch Type

Shredded Bark Mulch

• Lifespan: 1–2 years
• Best Use: Garden beds, tree rings, flower borders
• Refresh: Annually for color, every 2 years for depth

Wood Chip Mulch (Playground Certified)

• Lifespan: 1–1.5 years (with active foot traffic)
• Best Use: Playgrounds, paths, casual seating areas
• Refresh: Top off twice a year for safety zones (spring and fall)

Natural Hardwood Mulch

• Lifespan: 2 years
• Best Use: Long-term garden beds
• Refresh: Check for thinning yearly and top off as needed

Tip: Use DIY Landscape Supply’s mulch calculator to figure out how much you’ll need when it’s time to replenish.

Seasonal Tips for Salt Lake City Mulch Care

Spring

• Check for compaction and thinning from snow melt
• Add a fresh 1–2” layer to help retain moisture before summer
• Refresh color for a clean, finished look

Summer

• Spot-check areas drying out quickly or showing weed growth
• Rake or fluff mulch to improve airflow and aesthetics

Fall

• Top off mulch to insulate plant roots from frost
• Remove any moldy or decayed patches, especially in shady beds

Winter

• No need to mulch in cold months, but avoid removing it—it protects soil from freeze-thaw damage

Signs It’s Time to Replace or Top Off Mulch

• You can see bare soil peeking through
• The mulch is faded, gray, or crusty
• It smells sour or moldy
• Weeds are poking up more often
• Foot traffic has compacted your walkways or play area

Order in Bulk and Save: $75 Full Truck Delivery

Planning a seasonal refresh? If you order 10+ yards, you qualify for $75 full truck delivery anywhere in Salt Lake, Utah, or Davis Counties.

Shop our wood and playground mulch now and schedule your spring or fall delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I just top off mulch instead of replacing it?
A: Absolutely. If the mulch is still in good shape, a 1–2” top layer is usually enough to restore appearance and function.

Q: Will old mulch hurt my plants?
A: Not unless it’s moldy or waterlogged. Mulch that has partially decomposed actually improves soil quality. Just rake it and add a fresh layer on top.

Q: Should I remove old mulch before adding new?
A: Only if it’s excessively compacted, moldy, or too deep (over 4”). Otherwise, you can simply top off with fresh mulch.

Keep Your Landscape Looking Sharp Year After Year

Mulch maintenance doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a little seasonal attention and the right products from DIY Landscape Supply, your yard will look healthy, vibrant, and well-kept—all year long.

Explore mulch products now and book your $75 full truck delivery today.