Mid-Summer Mulch Maintenance: When and How to Refresh Your Landscape

As summer peaks in Central Indiana, mulch beds often start to show signs of wear. Between the scorching sun, pounding rain, and natural decomposition, your once-flawless mulch may now look faded, patchy, or even ineffective. But the good news? A quick mid-summer mulch refresh can restore both beauty and function—without requiring a full re-do.

At McCarty Mulch & Stone, we manufacture and process all of our mulch right here in Greenwood, Indiana. That means you get premium, consistent, and sustainable products—plus fast pickup and delivery service—just when your landscape needs it most.

☀️ Why Mulch Maintenance Matters in Mid-Summer

Mulch isn’t just for spring. Maintaining it throughout the season helps protect your plants and preserve your landscape investment. Here’s what happens by mid-summer:

• UV exposure fades color, especially in dyed mulches, reducing visual impact.

• Heavy rains shift or wash away mulch, leaving roots and soil exposed.

• Organic decomposition thins mulch, leading to water loss and weed intrusion.

A simple refresh revitalizes your yard and keeps your mulch working hard through the rest of the season.

🔍 How to Spot Mulch That Needs Refreshing

1. Fading Color from Sun Exposure

Bright sun gradually bleaches mulch—especially dyed options like black or brown. Even McCarty’s premium color-enhanced mulch, designed to hold its hue longer, can show signs of fading by July. A top layer of fresh mulch restores rich, uniform color and boosts curb appeal instantly.

2. Washed-Away Mulch from Rain or Wind

Storms can erode mulch, especially near gutters, hillsides, or garden edges. If you notice bare soil patches, puddling, or mulch blown into lawn areas, it’s time to replenish. A quick mid-season application helps restore even coverage and protect root zones from erosion and drying.

3. Weed Breakthrough and Gaps in Coverage

If weeds are breaking through, mulch may have thinned to less than 2 inches—no longer enough to suppress weed seeds. Uneven or cracked mulch also allows light to reach the soil, inviting weeds to take root. Reapplying mulch helps smother intruders and restore moisture retention.

4. Compacted or Decomposed Mulch

Mulch naturally decomposes into the soil, which is great for nutrients but leaves behind a compacted, less effective layer. If your mulch looks flat, soggy, or has lost its texture, it’s a sign it’s breaking down. Fluff the existing layer and top with 1–2 inches of fresh material.

🛠️ How to Refresh Mulch Without Overdoing It

• Rake and Fluff First: Use a rake to break up compacted mulch and give it new life before adding more. This often reveals hidden color and helps aerate the layer.

• Add 1–2 Inches of Mulch: That’s usually all you need for a mid-summer boost. This refreshes appearance, restores depth, and revives functionality.

• Avoid Mulch Volcanoes: Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from tree trunks and plant stems to prevent rot and pests.

• Use Our Mulch Calculator: Not sure how much you need? Use our free calculator at www.landscapemulch.com to plan ahead accurately.

🚚 Order Now — Fast Mulch Pickup and Delivery Available!

McCarty Mulch & Stone offers flexible options to help you refresh your landscape fast:

• Bulk Mulch Delivery: Order online or by phone and schedule a quick, contactless drop-off right to your driveway.

• On-Site Pickup: Visit our fully stocked Garden Center in Greenwood, and we’ll load your truck or trailer.

• Bagged Options Available: For small refresh jobs or tight spaces, our bagged mulch products offer convenience without waste.

🌿 FAQs: Mid-Summer Mulch Maintenance

Q1: Can I apply new mulch over existing mulch?
Yes, as long as the total depth doesn’t exceed 3 inches. Over-mulching can lead to rot, especially near tree trunks or stems.

Q2: What’s the best mulch for holding color in summer?
Our premium color-enhanced mulches—available in black, brown, and red—are dyed with long-lasting colorants and processed for rich, consistent appearance.

Q3: Does mid-summer mulching help save water?
Absolutely. Mulch reduces evaporation, meaning your plants stay hydrated longer and you don’t have to water as often.

Q4: How often should I refresh mulch?
Most mulch holds up for 12–18 months, but a mid-season refresh is often needed for aesthetics and performance—especially in sunny or high-traffic areas.

Q5: Should I use weed fabric under my mulch?
In most planting beds, no. Organic mulch breaks down better and benefits soil when applied directly. Use fabric under rock mulch or in non-planting areas instead.

Q6: What’s the best way to estimate how much mulch I need?
Use our free mulch calculator at www.landscapemulch.com—just enter your bed’s length, width, and desired depth.

🏆 Why McCarty Mulch & Stone?

✅ Processed in Greenwood, Indiana for freshness and quality
✅ Sustainable sourcing from bark and clean wood—not construction debris
✅ Bulk and bagged mulch available for any size project
✅ Professional service, fast turnaround, and delivery you can count on

👉 Ready to refresh your landscape?
Order your mulch today at www.landscapemulch.com or stop by our Garden Center to get started. Let’s keep Central Indiana beautiful—one yard at a time. 🌳