Why Mulch Matters: How to Use It Like a Pro

You’ve probably seen it everywhere—fresh, dark mulch around flower beds, trees, and walkways. But mulch isn’t just for looks. When used right, it’s one of the best tools you’ve got for keeping your yard healthy and clean.

At Mraz Property Solutions, we’ve laid down mulch in yards all over Lackawanna County—and here’s what we can tell you: mulch makes a huge difference, especially in Northeast PA where we get all four seasons (and sometimes all in one week).

1. What Does Mulch Actually Do?

Besides giving your yard that crisp, finished look, mulch helps your landscaping by:

  • Holding moisture so plants don’t dry out

  • Blocking weeds from breaking through

  • Protecting roots from heat and cold

  • Improving soil as it breaks down (if you’re using organic mulch)

  • Preventing erosion from rain and heavy storms

So yeah—mulch does a lot more than people think.

2. Types of Mulch (And Which One’s Best for You)

You’ve got options, but here are the most common choices we use in our jobs:

🔸 Shredded Hardwood (most popular)

  • Rich dark color, great for curb appeal

  • Breaks down slowly over time

  • Works great around flower beds, shrubs, and trees

🔸 Black or Brown Dyed Mulch

  • Same as hardwood, but with long-lasting color

  • Great for modern homes or high-contrast landscaping

🔸 Playground Mulch / Cedar Chips

  • Best for play areas or decorative zones

  • Doesn’t hold moisture as well, but looks clean

➡️ Pro Tip: Stay away from “free” mulch that comes from unknown sources. It could contain pests or weed seeds. We only use clean, quality mulch from local trusted suppliers.

3. How Much Mulch Do You Actually Need?

Don’t bury your plants—there’s a sweet spot:

  • Aim for 2–3 inches deep

  • Too thin = weeds sneak through

  • Too thick = suffocates plants and traps too much water

Also: don’t pile mulch around tree trunks. That causes rot and invites pests. Keep it pulled back a few inches.

➡️ Need help figuring how many yards of mulch you need? We’ll measure and calculate it for you.

4. When Should You Mulch in Pennsylvania?

The best time to lay down mulch around here is:

  • Late spring (after soil warms up)

  • Early summer (to protect against dry heat)

  • Fall (to insulate plants before winter)

You can refresh the top layer anytime for better color or coverage.

5. Want to Save Time? Let Us Handle It

If you’ve got flower beds that are full of weeds, dried-out mulch, or uneven coverage—it’s probably time for a refresh. We offer:

  • Full mulch installs (including bed prep & edging)

  • Seasonal cleanups

  • Weed barrier installs (optional fabric layer under mulch)

We handle everything, from delivery to cleanup. All you have to do is enjoy your fresh-looking yard.

Quick Recap: Why Mulch Matters

  • Keeps your plants cool and hydrated

  • Blocks weeds and stops erosion

  • Looks clean and adds curb appeal

  • Needs 2–3 inches of depth for best results

  • Don’t pile it around trees!

📞 Ready for a mulch refresh?

Call 570-507-0870 or book your service here and let us get your beds looking clean, healthy, and ready for summer.

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