When summer hits Salt Lake City, many homeowners unknowingly fall into a trap that’s costing them hundreds of dollars—every single year. If your water bill spikes, your plants struggle, or your grass browns despite best efforts, chances are you’re making the same simple yet expensive landscaping mistake thousands of Utah residents do.

The good news? It’s completely avoidable—and the fix costs less than $30.

The #1 Summer Landscaping Mistake in Utah

The most common and costly mistake Utah homeowners make during the summer is exposed, unprotected soil in garden beds and around trees.

Bare soil is a disaster waiting to happen in Utah’s dry, high-desert climate. Here’s why:

• It evaporates water rapidly under direct sun
• It compacts and erodes more easily
• It stresses plants and leads to root damage
• It invites weeds that compete for nutrients and moisture

The result? More watering. More weeding. More plant replacements. And a bloated utility bill.

Why This Mistake Is So Costly

In Salt Lake City, the average home uses up to 60% of its water outdoors—and much of that is wasted due to evaporation and runoff. When you water bare soil, the moisture disappears before plants can absorb it.

Over a summer, that adds up to:

• Hundreds of dollars in wasted water
• Hours of extra yard work
• Unhealthy plants and patchy lawns

The $30 Fix: Mulch (Nature’s Moisture Shield)

The simplest and most affordable solution? Mulch.

For under $30, you can cover 50–75 sq. ft. of garden space with organic bark mulch from a local supplier like DIY Landscape Supply. It’s the single best investment you can make in your landscape.

How mulch helps:

• Retains soil moisture by blocking sun and wind
• Reduces watering needs by up to 50%
• Suppresses weeds naturally
• Regulates soil temperature during Utah’s hot days and cool nights
• Improves soil health as it breaks down over time

How to Mulch Your Yard in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1: Clear and prep

Remove weeds and rake the soil smooth. Water lightly before applying mulch.

Step 2: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch

Avoid piling it directly against plant stems or tree trunks—this can cause rot.

Step 3: Maintain

Replenish mulch once or twice per year to maintain depth and performance.

Want to make the job even easier? You can get mulch delivered directly to your home from a trusted local supplier.

Check out DIY Landscape Supply’s mulch options for fast, affordable delivery across Salt Lake County.

Real Salt Lake City Results

Before: Patchy garden beds, high water bills, constant weeding
After: Healthy plants, clean aesthetic, and hundreds saved on water

It’s not just about saving money—mulch also adds texture, contrast, and structure to your landscaping. It makes your yard look well-kept and cared for, even if you’re spending less time maintaining it.

Stop wasting water—and money—this summer.
Protect your yard, your wallet, and the environment with just one simple step.
Order your mulch now from DIY Landscape Supply and transform your yard for under $30.

FAQs

Q: How much mulch do I need?
1 cubic yard of mulch covers about 100 sq. ft. at 3″ depth. For smaller beds, bagged mulch works well.

Q: What’s the best mulch for Utah summers?
Organic bark mulch or wood chips work best in Salt Lake City. They insulate well and break down slowly.

Q: Will mulch attract bugs or pests?
Not if applied correctly. Keep it a few inches away from wood siding and plant bases.

Q: Can mulch help my grass too?
While not for lawns, mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds boosts the health of surrounding grass by reducing overall stress and moisture loss.