May in Alabama is a turning point for your landscape. The cool mornings of spring are fading fast, and summer heat is just around the corner. If you haven’t refreshed or added mulch yet this season, now is the time. Waiting too long could leave your plants vulnerable to heat stress, thirsty soil, and out-of-control weeds.
Here’s what you need to know about why mulching in May matters—and how to get it right.
Why Mulch, and Why Now?
Mulch is more than a finishing touch. It acts like a natural shield for your soil and plants—helping retain moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce erosion. When applied before the peak of summer heat, mulch helps your plants start the season strong and reduces the strain on your irrigation system.
By mid-to-late May, we’re often seeing longer dry spells and higher temps. Mulching now helps lock in the benefits of spring rain while giving your beds insulation before the summer sun really sets in.
The Real Benefits of Mulch in an Alabama Landscape
Here’s what a good layer of mulch does for your yard:
- Moisture Retention: It slows down evaporation so your plants stay hydrated longer—especially helpful when rain gets unpredictable.
- Weed Suppression: It acts as a barrier to keep weed seeds from taking hold.
- Erosion Control: It helps hold soil in place during spring storms and sudden downpours.
- Curb Appeal: Fresh mulch makes beds pop. It adds contrast, depth, and that well-maintained look everyone wants.
Picking the Right Mulch for the Job
What type of mulch should you use? That depends on your soil, plants, and preferences:
- Pine Straw: Light, affordable, and easy to work with. Great for wide-open areas or sloped beds.
- Hardwood Mulch: Dense, long-lasting, and effective at moisture control. Best for flower beds, around shrubs, and high-traffic areas.
- Decorative Mulch: Bark nuggets or dyed mulch offer a polished look—just be cautious in windy or sloped areas where movement or washout is a concern.
If you’re not sure what’s best, we’ll take a look and guide you.
How to Mulch the Right Way
A few quick rules to follow:
- Depth: 2–3 inches is the sweet spot. Less than that won’t suppress weeds, and more than that can suffocate roots.
- Keep it off trunks and stems: Don’t pile mulch against tree trunks or plant bases. That traps moisture and invites rot and pests.
- Refresh as needed: Most mulch types fade or break down over time. Spring is an ideal moment to top things off or fully reapply.
Need a Hand? We’ve Got You.
Mulching sounds simple, but it can get tedious fast—especially if you’re dealing with multiple beds or slopes. At Steven’s Wack-N-Sack, we handle mulch installs and refreshes all over central Alabama. We’ll make sure it looks sharp, works hard, and lasts through the season.
If you’re thinking about it, this is the time. Call us to schedule a quick quote or mulch refresh before the heat sets in.
