When it comes to water-wise landscaping, mulch is a key factor as it helps transform your yard into a beautiful and water-efficient space. Not only is it a great way to add a pop of color, it’s one of the easiest and most advantageous water-saving techniques available!
The most common form of mulch is bark chips and is often added around the base of trees, over garden beds, and in between different sections of the yard. Mulch is a great support for plants as it helps retain moisture, increases water-holding capacity, decreases weed growth, helps moderate temperature swings, and adds nutrients back to the soil as it breaks down. Using mulch can save at least 30 gallons of water each time you water!
Mulch can be an incredibly affordable way to support a new garden or boost an existing yard. Once implemented, continue to add your own mulch made from the prunings of the plants in your yard. Just make sure to avoid the weeds, otherwise, those will heartily grow back! To begin mulching, follow some of the tips below:
- The optimal time to mulch is in the middle of spring when the soil has warmed up enough for root growth to start.
- Though mulch can help decrease weed growth, it is best to start by removing any weeds in a plant bed before mulching.
- The best way to layer mulch is to evenly spread it over your intended area.
- Make sure to cover the plant’s entire root zone with mulch and up to the dripline (leaf canopy). However, with shrubs and small trees, make sure the mulch is several inches away from the trunk. This will ensure the trunk does not rot.
- Larger trees will benefit from mulch any time of the year.
There are many free mulch programs offered by your local city or municipality. Check out the list below to get started.
*Please note that this list only includes free mulch programs offered through public services. Residents who do not have a local public free mulch program are encouraged to find programs offered by tree-cutting businesses.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) Territory
Sacramento Municipal Utility District Territory
Bay Area
San Francisco
Oakland
Stockton
Santa Barbara
Los Angeles
Burbank
Glendale
Pasadena
Long Beach
Riverside
Moreno Valley
San Bernardino
Fontana
Orange
Anaheim
San Diego
Chula Vista
Ventura
