Our Top Three Reasons To Add Mulch This Fall

Most people plan their mulching in spring, at the start of the growing season, but what many don’t realize is that there are a significant number of benefits to mulching in fall as well. 

Fall mulching has many of the benefits of spring mulching. It suppresses weed growth and helps your plants retain soil moisture, but it has the added benefit of protecting and insulating your soil and plant roots from the harsher winter elements. Mulching in fall can save you time the next spring, which is why many professional gardeners and landscapers choose to add mulch in fall. 

3 Reasons To Add Fall Mulch

While there are a number of reasons to consider adding mulch this fall, these are our top three. 

1. Fall mulch helps maintain a consistent temperature for your plants through winter. During the winter months, especially in north Florida, temperatures can range from below freezing up to the mid-80s, all within the course of a few days. This variability can wreak havoc on your plant’s roots and cause unwanted damage to your more sensitive plants. A layer of mulch helps provide insulation and protection from the cold, which helps protect your plant’s roots and the beneficial organisms living in the soil beneath. Mulching in fall ensures that your plants will be more vigorous and healthy come spring. 

2. Mulching in fall can help save you time in spring. Spring is a busy time for most people. While adding a new layer of mulch to your landscape or garden during the start of the growing season can be important, adding a thick layer before winter equals one less thing you’ll have to do in spring. This saves you time for more important activities like planting new garden beds, adding topsoil, or enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends. 

3. Fall mulching is easier than any other time of the year. The temperatures are starting to cool, but aren’t yet cold. The rain and humidity have subsided, and the air is crisp and welcoming. Fall is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the outdoors and, outdoor activities like adding mulch are much easier and more enjoyable this time of year.

Some Considerations Before Adding Fall Mulch

While mulching in fall may be one of the best things you can do for your plants, there are a few reasons you might want to wait until spring. For instance, if you have annuals that self-seed or perennials that come back from the roots each year — and have already started to die back — now might not be the time to add a layer of mulch. It would be best to wait until spring after you can see the new growth. 

Another consideration is planning. Daylight savings time ends in the fall, and the days start getting shorter. For many of us, that mix alone makes it harder to plan outdoor activities after daytime obligations because we won’t have as much daylight. It feels like our weekends are fuller at the same time because that’s when we plan all of our outdoor activities. For those who can sacrifice a weekend, however, the payoff of adding fall mulch is undeniable. 

Trust Gaston Mulch & Soil For Your Fall Mulch Needs

If you are considering adding mulch to your garden or landscape this fall, look no further than Gaston Mulch & Soil. Gaston provides convenient ordering and delivery options for bulk mulch that can save you money over buying bags of mulch at a big box store. 

We provide an online calculator to help you determine just how much mulch you need, and our team of experts can help you choose the perfect mulch for your fall project. So, whether you are re-mulching your entire landscape or just planning a small fall garden, contact Gaston Mulch & Soil today.