Mulching & Bed Maintenance

Why Mulching Matters for Your Garden

Mulch does much more than make your garden beds look neat. It protects plant roots from temperature extremes, retains soil moisture so you water less, suppresses weeds before they start, and slowly adds nutrients as it breaks down. A fresh layer of quality mulch is one of the best things you can do for your garden's health and appearance.

In San Bruno, CA, where our summers can get hot and dry, mulch is especially important. It keeps soil cooler and reduces water evaporation, which means your plants stay healthier with less irrigation. During winter rains, mulch prevents soil erosion and reduces mud splashing onto plants and hardscapes. Good mulching saves you time on maintenance and money on water bills.

Choosing the Right Mulch

Not all mulch is created equal. Organic mulches like shredded bark, wood chips, and compost break down over time, improving your soil. They work great for most garden beds around trees and shrubs. Rock and gravel mulches last longer and work well in certain landscapes, especially around succulents or in modern designs. We help you choose the right material for each area of your property.

Color matters too. Natural brown and red mulches blend with most landscapes and look organic. Dark mulches make plant colors pop and give a polished appearance. We stock several options and show you samples during consultation. Proper installation depth is crucial. Too little mulch does not provide benefits, while too much can suffocate plant roots. We apply 2 to 3 inches in most areas, keeping mulch away from plant stems and tree trunks.

Mulching works hand-in-hand with your other landscaping services. We coordinate with tree and shrub care to mulch after pruning, and we ensure proper mulch placement around irrigation systems so sprinkler heads remain accessible and function correctly.