MULCH MAINTENANCE - Should You Replace Mulch or Fluff Up the Old Mulch?

We all know that a good mulch will help maintain soil moisture, reduce the need for irrigation and improves the look of the landscape.

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Ideally, a layer of mulch should stand at about two inches high on flowerbeds and at about three inches high over shrub beds.  If that amount already exists in your yard, it is not necessary to add new mulch.

A typical mulch may last about five years, but this timeframe can decrease depending on the type of mulch, weather conditions, rainfall, sun exposure. 

Many homeowners find fresh mulch visually appealing.  Some mulches tend to mat which can keep water and sunlight from penetrating.  Fluff the mulch with a rake or fork cultivator to aerate it.  Use minimal downward pressure to avoid penetrating the soil surface and damaging plant roots.  

Also, mulch color can fade over time, but "fluffing" the existing mulch can provide that "fresh" look.