Learn how to use cedar mulch around your house. You will find it both looks amazing and benefits your gardens. How? It helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. By retaining moisture, it also helps keep your home’s foundation stable.
Laying out a garden is a huge task. No worries. We walk you through the organization, breaking each step into easy-to-do tasks. Gather your materials and prepare the garden area before laying cedar mulch around your house. So follow our step-by-step plan and you will find yourself executing it with confidence and precision. Have a few tweaks you want to add? Go for it. Personalize the project for the best results.
How to Use Cedar Mulch Around Your House
Materials Needed:
- Cedar or cypress mulch
- Gardening gloves
- Rake
- Shovel or pitchfork
- Wheelbarrow (optional)
- Landscape fabric (optional)
How to Use Cedar Mulch Around Your House
The Steps:
- Prepare the Area: Remove any weeds, grass, or debris from where you plan to apply the mulch. If desired, lay down a layer of landscape fabric to further prevent weed growth.
- Edging (Optional): Use a spade or an edging tool to create a clean edge around the area. This helps contain the mulch and gives the area a more finished look.
- Apply the Mulch: Using a shovel or pitchfork, apply the mulch to the prepared area. Aim for a depth of about 2-4 inches. Too much mulch suffocates plants, while too little fails to suppress weeds and keep moisture.
- Distribute Evenly: Distribute mulch with a rake, achieving uniform coverage. Ensure it is not piled up against the stems or trunks of plants, as this can lead to rot and attract pests. Leave a gap of a few inches around the base of each plant.
- Water the Mulch: Moisten the mulch with water after application. This helps it settle and blend into the landscape.
How to Use Cedar Mulch Around Your House
The Maintenance:
Maintenance is easy. It only requires a couple of things:
- Check the mulch layer at regular intervals. Make sure to keep it thick enough to maintain it’s effectiveness.
- Reapply as necessary, typically once or twice a year, to maintain the desired benefits.
Our Tips:
- Type of Mulch: Cedar mulch is aromatic and repels insects. Cypress mulch is durable and resistant to decay.
- Don’t Over-Mulch: It can block water and air from reaching the soil.
- Mulch Colors: Choose a mulch color that complements your home and landscape design.
Flowers that work best in cypress and cedar mulch:
Sun-Loving Flowers:
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta):
Hardy and drought-tolerant, these bright yellow flowers add vibrant color to your garden.
Coneflower (Echinacea):
Coneflowers are known for being resilient and blooming for a long time. They come in purple, pink, and white.
Coreopsis:
These cheerful, daisy-like flowers are easy to grow and attract butterflies.
Daylily (Hemerocallis):
Daylilies are low-maintenance and come in many colors. They are perfect for sunny spots.
Lavender (Lavandula):
With its fragrant blooms, lavender is beautiful and repels pests.
Shade-Loving Flowers:
Hosta:
Hostas have attractive foliage. They produce delicate flowers and thrive in shade.
Astilbe:
These flowers add a splash of color with their feathery plumes and do well in partial to full shade.
Begonia:
Begonias are versatile and come in various colors, thriving in shade and partial sun.
Impatiens:
Ideal for shady spots, impatiens provide continuous blooms throughout the growing season.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra):
With their heart-shaped flowers, bleeding hearts add romance to shaded gardens.
Partial Sun/Partial Shade Flowers:
Columbine (Aquilegia):
These flowers come in various colors and are well-suited for areas with partial sun.
Heuchera (Coral Bells):
Coral bells have colorful leaves and delicate flowers. They thrive in partial shade.
Foxglove (Digitalis):
Tall and striking Foxgloves thrive in partial shade and add vertical interest.
How to Use Cedar Mulch Around Your House
Plan it out and Keep it fun!
Following these steps, you can apply cedar and cypress mulch around your house. It will create an attractive, healthy landscape and garden. Cedar Mulch around your home helps protect your foundation. Looking for more plant ideas? Check out our list of Zone 8 Landscaping Plants.
