Mulching & Bed Maintenance

Why Mulching Makes a Difference

Mulch does more than make your garden beds look tidy. It's one of the most beneficial things you can do for your plants and soil. A good layer of mulch moderates soil temperature, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and slowly breaks down to improve soil quality. In Rancho Santa Margarita's climate, where summer heat can stress plants, mulch is especially valuable.

Fresh mulch also transforms the appearance of your landscape. Even if your plants are healthy, old, faded mulch makes everything look neglected. New mulch gives your beds a clean, polished look that boosts your home's curb appeal instantly. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your landscape's appearance.

At RSM Rancho Santa Margarita Landscaping, we provide complete bed maintenance services that keep your garden areas looking great while supporting plant health.

Choosing the Right Mulch for Your Landscape

Not all mulch is created equal. Here are the most popular options and what works best for different situations:

Organic Mulches

These break down over time, adding nutrients to your soil. They need replacing every year or two, but the soil improvement is worth it.

• Shredded bark: Long-lasting and attractive, great for general landscape use. Comes in various colors from natural browns to reddish tones.
• Wood chips: Economical and effective, perfect for large areas and natural landscape styles.
• Compost: Excellent for vegetable gardens and annual beds, provides immediate nutrients.

Inorganic Mulches

These don't decompose, so they last much longer. They don't improve soil quality, but they're excellent for weed control and low-maintenance landscapes.

• Decorative rock: Comes in many sizes and colors, ideal for modern designs and areas where you don't want frequent replacement.
• Pea gravel: Small, smooth stones that work well for pathways and around water features.
• Rubber mulch: Made from recycled tires, excellent for play areas and high-traffic zones.

We help you choose the right mulch based on your landscape design, budget, and maintenance preferences. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize appearance, longevity, or soil improvement.

Complete Garden Bed Maintenance Services

Mulching is just one part of keeping garden beds healthy and attractive. Our complete bed maintenance includes:

Weed Control and Removal

We clear existing weeds before applying mulch and install weed barrier fabric where appropriate. Even the best mulch can't stop all weeds, so regular maintenance keeps beds clean and plants thriving without competition.

Edging and Border Definition

Clean edges between beds and lawn make a huge visual difference. We create and maintain defined borders that keep mulch in place and grass out of beds. Good edging also makes mowing easier and gives your landscape a professional appearance.

Seasonal Cleanups

Fallen leaves, dead plant material, and debris accumulate over time. We provide seasonal cleanups that remove unwanted material, refresh mulch, and prepare beds for new growth. Spring and fall cleanups are especially important for maintaining healthy, attractive beds year-round.

Regular bed maintenance pairs well with other services like routine lawn care and tree and shrub maintenance for a complete landscape care program.

Frequently Asked Questions