When to mulch in Louisville: spring or fall?

Spring or fall mulch? Both work — but they do different things. Here's how to decide.

Spring mulch (most common)

Pros: looks great for the whole growing season, suppresses spring weed germination, holds moisture during summer heat. Most Louisville customers do spring mulch.

Best application window: late March through early May, after the last frost.

Fall mulch (underrated)

Pros: insulates roots for winter, gives mulch all winter to break down and improve soil, prep for plant growth in spring.

Best application window: late October through early December, before hard freeze.

Our recommendation

Spring mulch + a light fall top-off is the gold standard. Most full-service customers do this on our rotation. If budget is tight, pick spring — it does more visually and biologically during growing season.

What kind of mulch

Premium hardwood mulch — darker, holds shape, lasts 2-3 years. Skip dyed pine bark (looks fake, breaks down fast). Skip cypress (overharvested, environmental concerns).

The single best yard upgrade for under $500: fresh hardwood mulch on all your beds.

Free mulch estimates. We measure your beds and quote in writing.