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Spring Mulching Guide: Types of Mulch and When to Apply Them

April 14, 2025
Mulch Types

As winter fades and your landscape begins to awaken, spring becomes the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space—and one of the best ways to do that is with mulch. Mulching isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s essential for maintaining healthy soil, suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and protecting plant roots. But with so many mulch options available, it’s important to understand which type works best for your needs—and when to apply it.

At Pantano Outdoor Supply, we’re here to help homeowners and landscapers across New Jersey make smart decisions when it comes to spring mulching. Here’s your complete spring mulching guide, including the types, their benefits, and tips on the best time to apply them.

Spring Mulching Guide

Why Mulch Matters in Spring

Spring is an optimal time for mulching because it helps:

  • Lock in moisture as temperatures rise

  • Suppress weed growth before they get a chance to take over

  • Moderate soil temperature, protecting roots from cold snaps and heat spikes

  • Enrich the soil as organic mulch breaks down over time

By applying mulch early in the season, you give your landscape the best chance to thrive throughout the growing months.

Types of Mulch: What to Choose

At Pantano Outdoor Supply, we offer a wide selection of mulches to suit every need—from decorative landscape finishes to nutrient-rich organic options. Here’s a breakdown of the most common mulch types and their best uses.

1. Shredded Hardwood Mulch

Best For: Flower beds, shrubs, and trees
Why Use It: This is a top choice for both residential and commercial landscapes. It offers a clean, natural look and breaks down slowly to feed your soil over time. Shredded hardwood also knits together well, staying in place on slopes and in high-traffic areas.

Pro Tip: Look for double or triple-shredded mulch for a finer, more uniform appearance.

2. Cedar or Cypress Mulch

Best For: Flower beds, ornamental gardens, and insect-prone areas
Why Use It: Both cedar and cypress mulches are known for their aromatic properties and natural resistance to insects and decay. They’re perfect for areas where you want long-lasting coverage with a pleasant scent.

Pro Tip: While these mulches break down slower than other organics, they do retain moisture very well—great for flower beds and shade gardens.

3. Color-Enhanced Mulch (Red, Black, or Brown)

Best For: Decorative landscapes, front yard beds, and commercial spaces
Why Use It: Dyed mulch adds bold contrast and curb appeal while still offering the same weed-suppressing and moisture-retaining benefits. The color lasts for months, making your beds pop all season long.

Pro Tip: Always install color-enhanced mulch on a dry day and avoid rain for 24–48 hours to allow the dye to set properly.

4. Pine Bark Mulch

Best For: Acid-loving plants (azaleas, blueberries, hydrangeas)
Why Use It: Pine bark is lightweight, highly attractive, and breaks down slowly. It also slightly acidifies the soil, making it a great companion for certain shrubs and perennials.

Pro Tip: Because of its lightweight nature, pine bark is better for flat beds where erosion isn’t an issue.

5. Playground Mulch (Certified Wood Chips)

Best For: Play areas, dog parks, or walkways
Why Use It: Specially designed for safety and shock absorption, this type is great for spaces where children play. It meets safety standards and provides a soft, cushioned surface.

Pro Tip: Always ensure you’re using certified playground mulch for regulated spaces to meet fall protection standards.

6. Rubber Mulch

Best For: Long-term landscaping, playgrounds, and high-traffic zones
Why Use It: Rubber mulch is a non-organic option that doesn’t decompose or fade quickly. It offers excellent durability and drainage and is ideal where long-lasting performance is needed.

Pro Tip: Rubber mulch is great for weed control, but doesn’t provide nutrients—so it’s best used where aesthetics and low maintenance are priorities.

When to Apply Spring Mulch

Timing is everything. Mulching too early can trap cold moisture in the soil, delaying plant growth. Too late, and weeds may already be establishing.

Ideal Mulch Timing:

  • Wait until the soil warms up—typically mid to late spring (around late March to early May in New Jersey)

  • Apply after spring clean-up, once dead leaves, debris, and weeds are cleared

  • Avoid applying over soggy or frozen soil, as this can lead to root rot

Depth Guidelines:

  • Apply mulch 2–4 inches deep

  • Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to prevent rot and pests

Final Tips from Pantano Outdoor Supply

  • Buy in bulk to save on large mulching projects—Pantano offers high-quality bulk mulch delivery throughout New Jersey.

  • Use a mulch calculator to estimate how much you need—our team can help you figure it out.

  • Refresh mulch annually in spring to maintain color, weed control, and moisture retention.

Visit Pantano Outdoor Supply for All Your Mulch Needs

Whether you’re a seasoned landscaper or a weekend gardener, Pantano Outdoor Supply has the mulch, tools, and expertise you need to bring your spring landscaping vision to life. Stop by our yard to explore our premium selection, get expert advice, and load up for the season. Let’s make your spring garden thrive—one layer of mulch at a time. Come and visit us today or give us a call at (732) 786-8503.