How to Do This Right (It's Not Just Dumping Mulch)
By the end of June, your plants are feeling the heat—and your mulch probably is too.
Here's one of our go-to summer strategies to keep your landscape looking fresh and functioning well into the season:
Top Off Your Mulch.
That's it. Simple, effective, and often overlooked.
Why This Matters Right Now
Your Current Mulch is Working Overtime
What's happening: That mulch you put down in spring has been breaking down all season, getting thinner and less effective.
Why it matters: Thin mulch can't do its job of protecting your plants from Nebraska's brutal summer heat.
The Heat is Only Getting Worse
What's coming: July and August are our toughest months for plants. They need all the help they can get.
Why mulch helps: It's like giving your plants air conditioning for their roots.
What Fresh Mulch Does for Your Plants Right Now
Keeps Soil Temps Cooler
The science: Mulch insulates soil from direct sun and heat.
The reality: Soil under 3 inches of mulch can be 10-15 degrees cooler than exposed soil.
What this means: Your plant roots stay comfortable even when the air temperature hits 95 degrees.
Helps Retain Moisture
The problem: Nebraska's dry spells and hot winds suck moisture out of soil fast.
The solution: Mulch acts like a blanket, keeping moisture in the soil where plants can use it.
The payoff: You water less frequently, and plants stay hydrated longer between waterings.
Reduces Stress on Plants Already Working Overtime
What happens without mulch: Plants spend extra energy dealing with temperature swings and drought stress.
What happens with fresh mulch: Plants can focus their energy on growing and blooming instead of just surviving.
Blocks Out New Weed Growth
The timing: Mid-summer is when weed seeds are trying to germinate in the heat.
The prevention: Fresh mulch creates a barrier that prevents most weed seeds from reaching soil.
The bonus: You spend less time weeding and more time enjoying your yard.
How to Do This Right (It's Not Just Dumping Mulch)
Check What You Actually Need
The test: Push aside existing mulch and measure how deep it is.
What you're looking for: If it's less than 2 inches deep, you need more.
Where to focus: Areas around stressed plants, newly planted areas, and spots where mulch has obviously washed away.
Add the Right Amount
The rule: Add 1-2 inches max. Total mulch depth should be 2-3 inches.
Why not more: Too much mulch can suffocate plant roots and hold too much moisture.
The technique: Spread evenly, keeping mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks.
Choose the Right Material
Shredded hardwood: Classic choice, breaks down to improve soil
Wood chips: Natural look, longer-lasting, good for trees and shrubs
Shredded bark: More refined appearance, good for formal areas
What to avoid: Fresh grass clippings (they get slimy), dyed mulches (unnecessary chemicals)
The Quick Weekend Project
What You'll Need:
Mulch calculator: Measure your beds and multiply length × width × desired depth (in feet) ÷ 27 = cubic yards needed
Basic tools: Rake, shovel, wheelbarrow or tarp for moving mulch
Maybe 2-3 hours depending on the size of your beds
The Process:
Quick weed check: Pull any obvious weeds before mulching
Water first: Give plants a good drink before adding fresh mulch
Apply evenly: Spread new mulch over existing, don't remove the old stuff
Keep it neat: Rake edges clean and maintain consistent depth
Water again: Light watering helps settle new mulch
What You'll Notice Immediately
Your Beds Look Fresh and Intentional
The visual impact: Like getting a haircut—everything looks cleaner and more put-together.
The professional appearance: Fresh mulch makes even simple plantings look expensive and well-maintained.
Less Watering Stress
What happens: You'll notice plants staying hydrated longer between waterings.
The relief: Less panic when you see plants looking stressed on hot days.
Fewer Weeds Popping Up
The prevention: New weed seeds can't establish in fresh mulch.
The time savings: Less weeding means more time enjoying your yard.
The Investment Reality
Cost:
DIY mulching: $100-300 for an average yard (depending on bed size and mulch type)
Professional application: Add $200-500 for labor if you hire it out
Value:
Plant protection: Saves money on replacing heat-stressed plants
Water savings: Reduces irrigation needs during expensive summer months
Time savings: Less weeding and plant replacement
Appearance boost: Makes your whole landscape look better maintained
When NOT to Add Mulch
Skip it if:
Your existing mulch is still 3+ inches deep (too much is worse than too little)
You have drainage problems (mulch can make soggy soil worse)
Plants are already struggling with fungal issues (extra moisture retention might make it worse)
You're planning to replant areas this fall (wait until after planting)
The Bigger Picture
This isn't just about making your yard look good for the neighbors (though it will).
It's about giving your plants the best chance to survive Nebraska's summer heat and come back strong next year.
Healthy plants = lower maintenance
Protected roots = better drought tolerance
Fewer weeds = more time to enjoy your yard
Professional appearance = pride in your landscape
One simple weekend project that pays dividends all season long.
The Bottom Line
You've invested time and money in your landscape this year.
Don't let it struggle through the hardest part of the growing season when a simple mulch refresh could make all the difference.
Your plants are already working hard to survive Nebraska summer. Give them the backup they need.
Fresh mulch isn't glamorous, but it's one of the most effective things you can do for your landscape right now.
And honestly? Your yard will thank you for it.
💛 Want help with a complete summer maintenance plan for your landscape?
📲 Let's make sure your yard thrives through the heat → [link]
📍 Serving homeowners beating the heat in Elkhorn, Bennington, Gretna, West Omaha + surrounding areas
Because sometimes the best care is the simplest care.