Mulch Matters: How to Mulch for Healthy Gardens and Happy Pollinators
Mulch is one of the unsung heroes of the garden. It suppresses weeds, retains moisture, keeps roots cool in summer, and adds organic matter to your soil. But not all mulch is created equal—and how you use it matters just as much as what you use. Let’s dig into the good, the bad, and the beautiful world of mulch.
🚫 Say No to Mulch Volcanoes
One of the most common and damaging mistakes we see is the infamous mulch volcano: a big mound of mulch piled up against the trunk of a tree or crown of a shrub. While it might look tidy to some, it’s a slow suffocation.
Why it’s a problem:
It traps moisture against the bark, inviting rot and disease.
It prevents air circulation at the crown, which is critical for plant health.
It encourages roots to grow into the mulch instead of into the soil, making plants more vulnerable to drought and instability.
The fix: Always keep mulch 2–3 inches away from the base of trees and shrubs. Think “donut,” not “volcano.”
🎨 The Truth About Dyed Mulch
Dyed mulches (those red or black mulches that seem to pop in the sun) may be popular for their color, but they’re not great for your plants or the planet.
Here’s why:
They’re often made from recycled wood—think pallets or construction debris—which may contain contaminants like pressure-treated chemicals.
The dyes can leach into your soil, affecting microorganisms and beneficial fungi.
They don’t break down into healthy organic matter like natural mulch does.
If you're looking for a rich, dark color, aged hardwood mulch will darken naturally—and it's far healthier for your garden.
🌲 Better Choices: Natural Mulches
Your best bet for safe, effective mulch:
Cedar or hemlock mulch: These are long-lasting and naturally insect-resistant. Great for pathways or long-term coverage.
Double-ground hardwood mulch: Breaks down steadily, enriching the soil.
Shredded leaves: Free, effective, and ecologically powerful. Just make sure to shred them immediately when they fall, otherwise you will be shredding the tiny wildlife we seek to support.
🌱 Living Mulch: Green Groundcovers with Purpose
Another underutilized mulch? Plants themselves.
Living mulch refers to low-growing groundcovers that spread to form a green carpet, doing the same jobs as traditional mulch—plus adding beauty and biodiversity.
Some favorite native or pollinator-friendly options:
Packera aurea (Golden groundsel)
Phlox subulata (Creeping phlox)
Carex species (Native sedges)
Fragaria virginiana (Wild strawberry)
Living mulch keeps soil cool and moist, suppresses weeds, and supports insects, birds, and other wildlife—without needing to be replenished every season.
🌿 The Bottom Line
Mulch isn't just a decorative topping—it's a living part of your garden’s ecosystem. Skip the dyed stuff, avoid piling it against trunks, and embrace natural options that feed your soil and support native species. Whether it’s shredded leaves or a lush green groundcover, the right mulch makes a big difference for the health of your plants and the life around them.
Ready to mulch smarter, not harder? Your garden—and the bees—will thank you.
