How to Mulch Over Old Mulch

Mulches, such as wood chips and compost mixes, are essential to plant growth and overall health as they preserve moisture within soil, suppress weeds, inhibit diseases and stabilize soil temperatures. Since all mulches eventually decompose, regular replenishment of fresh mulch is necessary to continuously protect and maintain plants. Many homeowners inadvertently apply too much fresh mulch over old mulch, however, which often has negative negative repercussions. Thick blankets of accumulated mulch may eventually promote insect and disease infestations, root rot, weed growth and possibly plant death. Properly apply fresh mulch over old mulch to preserve a plant's vitality.

Organic mulch
Rake
Ruler
Wheelbarrow
Square shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Acquire an organic mulch, such as composted wood chips, during mid- to late spring after the soil has begun to dry from snow and winter rainfall. If you live in a climate with excessive rainfall and long winters, wait until late May or June to replenish the mulch.
- 2
  Rake the old mulch layer to even it out for measuring. Remove any mulch that has piled up against tree trunks and plant stems.
- 3
  Measure the depth of the old mulch with a ruler. If the old mulch layer is at least 2 to 2.5 inches deep, do not add any fresh mulch. Otherwise, if the old mulch layer is less than 2 inches deep, fill a wheelbarrow with the amount of organic mulch appropriate to the area. One cubic yard of mulch typically covers a 300-square-foot planter bed when the mulch is spread 1 inch thick.
- 4
  Shovel the fresh mulch from the wheelbarrow onto the old mulch using a square shovel. Use a rake to spread the new mulch evenly over the old mulch until the depth of the mulch bed measures 2 to 2.5 inches. Do not pile the mulch around tree trunks or plant stems.

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