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The Homeowner’s Mulch Guide
Before you order more mulch, check what’s already there. This free guide explains mulch depth, bark vs. black mulch, bed preparation, and planting for less exposed ground.
Beautiful beds start before the fresh mulch arrives.
A faded bed can look ready for another layer while already holding more mulch than it needs. Before you order this season’s delivery—or approve a mulching estimate—take a closer look at what’s underneath.
The Homeowner’s Mulch Guide is a free, six-page PDF by Mike Ruggiero, drawing on his experience installing and maintaining established landscapes.
Inside, you’ll learn:
• When to refresh and when to remove: Why existing mulch matters just as much as the new layer.
• Bark or black mulch: Why Mike prefers pure bark, and how a finer-textured black option can fit a different aesthetic.
• What good preparation includes: Checking plant bases, correcting buildup, restoring edges, and addressing matted material.
• Why fewer yards don’t always mean less work: How careful preparation and selective replenishment affect a mulching proposal.
• How planting can reduce exposed ground: Using suitable perennials and groundcovers to gradually reduce the area needing mulch.
You’ll also find practical considerations for improving beds in phases, plus references for further reading.
For homeowners who want well-kept gardens and a clearer understanding of the work behind them—whether you maintain your own beds or hire a professional.
Written by Mike Ruggiero
Ruggiero Landscaping · Ruggiero Sustainable Solutions
Free PDF · 6 pages · Includes sources
