My mulch is pretty much gone, so do I just add more, or remove what's left first then add more mulch?

Answer 1

All great answers so far. The real question is what was the original mulch used? Was it shredded bark mulch, Large nugget mulch, redwood, cedar? The shredded mulch can stay - the rest have to go.
I often recommend that the existing hardwood/bark mulch be gently raked into the bed soil using a heavy rake. I use this action to incorporate a basic granular fertilizer, 10-10-10 with minerals ( a truly cheap product) and some granular Sevin. The Sevin will get you a start on insects and grubs remaining from the previous season. As was said, if you see any sign of mold or mildew get rid of the mulch entirely!
At the minimum you should be mulching two or three times a year. The first after any new plantings and annual installations in the spring. Apply a light layer. At the beginning of summer I apply my weed preventer (Dyclomec 5G or Preen) and enough mulch to bring the level to two or three inches. In mid to late fall I rake the mulch again. A week later I add another inch to protect the plantings roots from winter damage. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Depending where you've got this, how large the area and whether it's exposed to the elements...check the current mulch for mold (usually is a whitish coating or dark in color) or if you can smell a musty smell when near the mulch...remove as much as possible and then replace with new mulch. Also determine how well plants/trees/shrubs did last year...if not well or turned brown etc...remove mulch definitely before new is applied.

If no mildew, mold and plants thrived...just add new to it.

Answer 3

Mulch is designed to break down within a certain amount of time and as it does this, it adds nutrients and compost to the soil underneath. This makes for some pretty powerful garden material, if you so choose. However, if you aren't going to garden with it, just put some new over the top of the old. The old will have broken down to such an extent that it is probably lower than the surrounding grass, anyway. So, when you put more over the top, it fills up the space to the grass level. Really, its up to you. Good luck!

Answer 4

Don't remove the mulch is good advise as long as it does not excede the height limits and there are no mold/mildew issues. Make sure you maintain 3-4 inches of foundation clearance (space between the top of the ground and the first brick or piece of siding). If you don't you will allow wood destroying insects to enter the home and cause potential damage. If you do not have that clearance, clear enough of the old stuff to maintain that clearance once you install the new.

Answer 5

Just add more. As Mulch sits it gets hot in the middle. That's how it breaks down into good fertile soil. Don't remove the old stuff, it's very close to becoming great dirt.

Answer 6

Dont remove, just add the new mulch over the old one.

Answer 7

I remove whats left... It's all wet and nasty with mildew. Then I dig down a little deeper so it don't spill over the next time if needed. Ahhh Now look at all that fresh mulch!! Beautiful ...

Answer 8

decomposing wood is a prime habitat for many insects. i would remove the old mulch. especially in the planting areas near the house.