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While it’s tempting to put off yard work as the weather cools down, this season is actually a great time to focus on mulching. 

Despite the springtime push from stores that encourage homeowners prioritize curb appeal, mulching isn’t just a spring task. 

In fact, doing it in the fall can make a big difference for your garden and landscape when it finally is spring once again.

Why Mulch in the Fall?

Adding a fresh mulch layer in the fall is like laying down a cozy blanket. As the temperature swings, mulch helps insulate the soil, keeping it warmer for longer. This protects plant roots from freezing, especially during those freeze-thaw cycles that can be hard on them. 

Plus, mulch helps keep garden soil moist so it doesn’t dry out during those long stretches between winter rains or snowfalls. 

Believe it or not, it can even help prevent soil erosion in compromised areas of your landscape.

Fall mulching also gives you a head start on next spring. As the mulch breaks down over the winter, it adds nutrients to the soil. It’s like setting your garden up with a slow-release fertilizer... it'll be happier in the spring.

Mulch around saplings and give them extra water during the fall.
Mulch around saplings and give them extra water during the fall. Credit: finwal / Getty Images

Where to Focus Your Mulching Efforts

Focus your efforts on areas that need it most: 

1. Trees and Shrubs

  • Their roots continue growing even in cooler weather.
  • A layer 2-3 inches deep protects roots from freezing. Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from trunks to prevent soil moisture-related issues like rot or pests.
  • Mulch prevents competition from noxious weed seeds and keeps weeds under control during dormancy.

2. Perennial Garden Beds

  • Mulch insulates root systems in colder regions, helping your bed of perennials survive the cold winter months. It's like a winter coat!
  • It reduces weeds in spring by acting as a weed suppressant during the winter months.
  • As the blanket of mulch decomposes, it enriches the soil for spring growth. Healthy soil is a must, especially if you sense that the soil structure changed throughout the past growing season.
Putting mulch around the base of a plant.
Mulching around delicate plants in the fall can help improve soil structure and protect roots. Credit: maryviolet / Getty Images

3. Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds

  • Protects soil erosion during winter storms.
  • Serves as an organic soil amendment, improving structure for the next growing season.
  • Protects bulbs in flower beds from harsh weather, promoting healthier shoots and strong blooms after the dormant season. (It can be the make-or-break solution for delicate plants if you're hit with extremely cold winter weather.)

When to Avoid Mulching in Fall

While fall is generally a great time to mulch, there are a few reasons you might hold off:

  • Timing: If you mulch too early in the season, you could trap heat in the soil, which may encourage plants to keep growing instead of preparing for dormancy.
  • Over-mulching: Applying too much fresh mulch can smother plants, cause excess moisture retention, and lead to root rot. Stick to 2-3 inches to avoid issues. Remember, you can add more in the spring!
  • Existing mulch: If there’s already a thick layer of mulch from earlier in the year, you might not need to add more. Check the depth and condition of your current mulch first.
Yellow leaves line a street in Buffalo, NY in the fall.
Will future you be happy if you aerate your lawn this fall? Credit: benedek / Getty Images

FAQ

Is it okay to use fallen leaves as mulch?

Yes! Leaf mulch is excellent. (So is a fresh layer of bark mulch, if you happen to have wood chips on hand.) 

Best scenarios: bag mulched leaves from your mower, or collect leaves using a Cyclone Rake or leaf vacuum. The leaves that are already pre-shredded can break down more easily won't create a dense, soggy layer. 

Just be sure to use leaves that aren’t diseased or pest-ridden.

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Should I be mulching my lawn in the fall?

A thick layer of mulch in the fall could accidentally suppress the grass roots, but mowing your grass to shred the leaves without removing them can act as a natural mulch. 

The clippings will decompose and improve the availability of nutrients to the grass, keeping your lawn healthier without much extra effort on your part. 

Make sure you go over the leaves several times so they are well-broken down.

How do I know if I’m using too much mulch?

It’s easy to overdo it with mulch, especially if you think more is better. Regardless of mulch type, aim for about 2-3 inches of mulch; any more than that, and you could end up smothering your plants or encouraging rot. 

If you already have mulch from earlier in the year, check the depth before adding more. Sometimes, just fluffing it up a bit is all you need.