The Best Mulches to Keep Your Indiana Landscaping Cool
When the Central Indiana summer sun beats down, your landscape can start to feel the heat—literally. High soil temperatures can stress plants, dry out roots, and lead to higher water bills. But there’s an easy and natural solution that works wonders: mulch.
At McCarty Mulch & Stone, we believe that mulch is more than just ground cover—it’s a powerful tool for protecting your plants and keeping your entire landscape cooler, healthier, and more vibrant during even the hottest months.
If you’re wondering which mulch options are best for cooling and protecting your landscape this season, you’re in the right place! Let’s break it down.
Why Mulch is Critical for Summer Cooling
Mulch acts like a natural blanket over your soil. It reduces soil surface temperatures, conserves moisture, and shields roots from the harsh sun—all critical for Central Indiana summers that can quickly swing from heavy storms to drought-like dry spells.
Applying the right mulch now can mean:
✅ Healthier, stronger plants
✅ Lower maintenance needs
✅ Less frequent watering
✅ A landscape that looks fresh and vibrant all summer long
The Best Mulch Options to Keep Your Landscape Cool
🌳 1. Natural Hardwood Mulch
Why it’s great:
Natural hardwood mulch, made from 100% bark and tree fibers, provides excellent insulation against extreme heat. It decomposes slowly, enriching the soil over time without needing frequent replacement.
Bonus: At McCarty Mulch & Stone, our hardwood mulch is aged and turned for a deep, dark color, adding beauty along with function to your garden beds.
🎨 2. Color-Enhanced Mulch (Black Mulch, Brown Mulch, Red Mulch)
Why it’s great:
Our color-enhanced mulches aren’t just for show—the thick, consistent coverage also helps reflect and regulate temperature at the soil line. Plus, our premium dyeing process ensures that the mulch retains its vibrant color longer under the sun.
Bonus: Whether you choose black for a dramatic pop or brown for a natural tone, color-enhanced mulch offers durability and long-term visual appeal.
🌲 3. Cedar Mulch
Why it’s great:
Cedar mulch offers fantastic cooling properties, along with a pleasant, woodsy scent that naturally repels insects. It’s ideal for flower beds, foundation plantings, and vegetable gardens where pest control and soil health are priorities.
Bonus: Cedar mulch holds its texture and color longer than many other organic mulches, making it a low-maintenance favorite.
FAQs About Choosing Mulch to Keep Your Landscape Cool
Q: Does the color of mulch affect how well it cools the soil?
A: To some extent, yes. Lighter-colored mulches (like natural brown) tend to reflect more sunlight, keeping soil cooler than darker mulches like black. However, a properly applied layer (2–3 inches) of any high-quality mulch will significantly regulate soil temperature.
Q: How often should I replace mulch to maintain its cooling benefits?
A: It’s a good idea to freshen your mulch once a year—typically in spring or early summer—to maintain ideal thickness and appearance.
Q: Can mulch prevent drought damage during the summer?
A: Yes! Mulch is key to moisture retention, helping plants survive during periods of low rainfall by minimizing evaporation from the soil.
Q: Is thicker mulch always better?
A: Not necessarily. 2-3 inches is the recommended thickness. Too much mulch can suffocate plant roots and prevent water from reaching the soil.
Why Trust McCarty Mulch & Stone for Your Summer Mulching Needs?
At McCarty Mulch & Stone, we go the extra mile to produce mulch that outperforms store-bought brands in durability, consistency, and environmental responsibility:
✅ Superior Raw Materials – No pallets, no construction debris, no mystery wood. Just clean, natural bark and wood fiber sourced sustainably.
✅ Sustainable Manufacturing – We were “green” before it was cool, using by-products from local industries to create eco-friendly mulch.
✅ Color That Lasts – Our color-enhanced products undergo a rigorous process to ensure richer, longer-lasting color through Indiana summers.
✅ Custom Solutions – Whether you need bulk delivery, advice on the best type for your space, or help calculating how much you need, our team is here to help.
Shop local. Shop smarter. Shop McCarty Mulch.
Final Thoughts: Cool Your Landscape the Natural Way
When temperatures rise, don’t leave your plants to fend for themselves. With high-quality mulch from McCarty Mulch & Stone, you can shield your soil, conserve precious moisture, and enjoy a greener, healthier yard all summer long.
Ready to refresh your landscape and beat the heat?
🌿 Visit us in Greenwood, Indiana or browse our full selection online at https://www.landscapemulch.com/ today!
🔗 Order Your Summer Mulch Now!
📍 Visit Us: 100 Bluffdale Dr, Greenwood, IN
📞 Call Us: (317) 885-1985
💻 Shop Online: https://www.landscapemulch.com/
McCarty Mulch & Stone – Keeping Central Indiana Landscapes Cool and Beautiful Since Day One! 🌳☀️
