Keep That Mulch Off Your Lawn

Regardless of what you use as a mulch in a flower or shrubbery bed, it is important to make sure that material stays in the bed and out of the nearby lawn.

First off, if the mulch material is shredded bark or bark nuggets it can easily become hidden in 3 to 4” tall grass. When it comes time to mow, this type of material can definitely take the edge off your mower blade. There is also the danger that pieces of this mulch will get thrown out at high velocity from the underside of the mower deck. This same hazard exists if you use a weed whip to trim along the turf at the bed’s edge.

A third reason to keep pieces of mulch out of the lawn at the bed’s edge is because it may build up and start to smother the edge of the turf. This is particularly true if small pieces of hidden mulch get repeatedly stepped on or rolled over with the mower’s wheels.

One of the best ways to keep mulching materials in bounds is by using edging material positioned so that the top of the edging is higher than the surface of the mulch. It would also help to discourage pets from disturbing your mulched beds.

If you find it very difficult to keep your mulching material where it belongs - and out of the grass - you may want to consider planting a ground cover in the bed instead of using mulch. Common ground covers used this way are myrtle, pachysandra, and a variety of sedums. I have also seen prostrate or “rug” juniper used effectively as a ground cover.

Photo below illustrates the proper use of edging between a lawn and a mulched bed.

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