One of the most frequent questions from Central Ohio homeowners: "When should I mulch?" While you can technically mulch any time the ground isn't frozen, some months give you significantly better results. Here's your month-by-month guide based on 25+ years of serving Fairfield County.
Peak Season: April & May (Best Time)
Mid-April through May is the ideal mulching window for Central Ohio. The soil has warmed enough for beneficial microbial activity, spring rains help settle the mulch naturally, and you get maximum weed prevention during the growing season. This is when 60% of our annual deliveries happen. Pro tip: order in early April before the rush to guarantee same-day delivery.
Second Best: October & November (Fall Application)
Fall mulching is the under-utilized secret of experienced gardeners. Applying mulch in October after leaf cleanup insulates plant roots for winter, prevents frost heaving, and gives you a head start on spring. The mulch has all winter to settle and begin decomposing, which means better soil nutrition come spring. About 20% of our customers are fall mulchers — and they consistently have the healthiest gardens.
Good: June Through September (Mid-Season Refresh)
Summer is fine for a mulch refresh if your spring application has thinned out. Add 1-2 inches to bring beds back to optimal depth. Summer mulching is especially valuable during drought periods — it dramatically reduces water evaporation. Avoid mulching in the heat of the day; early morning delivery or application is best to reduce moisture loss.
Off-Season: December Through March
While not the ideal time to mulch, winter has its place. If you didn't get to fall mulching, December (before the ground fully freezes) can work for insulating sensitive plants. January through March is planning time — measure your beds, calculate quantities, and place early orders. Many customers who plan winter orders get the smoothest delivery experience in April.
Conclusion
The best time to mulch is April-May for maximum benefit, with October as a strong second choice. But honestly, any mulch is better than no mulch. If you need mulch today, we can deliver it. Call (740) 654-5555 or visit our Lancaster yard.
