Quick answer
In Southern California, the best time to mulch is spring, before summer heat, with a top-up in fall. Spread it 2–3 inches deep, keep it a few inches away from stems and trunks, and weed the bed first. One cubic yard covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep.
Best time to mulch
Spring mulch locks in moisture before the hottest months. A fall top-up protects roots and replaces mulch that has broken down. Any time you see bare soil or weeds coming through is a good time to add more.
How much mulch do you need?
Multiply the bed's square footage by the depth in inches, then divide by 324 to get cubic yards. Example: a 200 sq ft bed at 3 inches deep needs about 200 × 3 ÷ 324 ≈ 1.9 cubic yards.
Which mulch to choose
Each type has trade-offs:
- Shredded bark: stays in place on slopes, breaks down slowly and feeds soil
- Wood chips: affordable, great for large beds and tree rings
- Rubber mulch: lasts for years but doesn't improve soil
- Decorative rock: no replacement needed, but heats up in full sun
Common mulching mistakes
Piling mulch against tree trunks ("mulch volcanoes") traps moisture and invites rot. Spreading over weeds without pulling them first lets them push right through. And going thicker than about 3 inches can keep water from reaching the soil.
Common questions
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