Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your garden looking great — especially here in Perth where we face long dry spells, sandy soils, and hot summers. If you've ever wondered whether mulching is worth the effort or how to do it properly, you’re in the right place. At Cut and Grow, we don’t just offer mulching as part of our service — we believe in sharing our knowledge so your garden can thrive, even if you're doing it yourself.

What Is Mulching and Why Should You Do It?

Mulching is the process of adding a protective layer of material to the surface of your soil. It can be made from organic materials like bark, wood chips, or straw, or from inorganic options like pebbles or landscape fabric.

Here’s why mulching is such a game-changer:

• Reduces Water Loss: Mulch acts like sunscreen for your soil, reducing evaporation and helping your plants survive Perth’s hot weather.

• Suppresses Weeds: A good layer of mulch blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds.

• Improves Soil Health: Organic mulches break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil.

• Regulates Temperature: Mulch keeps the soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

• Enhances Appearance: A well-mulched garden bed looks tidy, professional, and cared for.

Choosing the Right Mulch for Perth Gardens

Not all mulches are created equal. In Perth, you want to choose materials that suit our unique climate and native plants. Here are our go-to recommendations:

• Pine Bark: Long-lasting and great for general landscaping.

• Lupin Mulch: Popular in WA for its Waterwise properties and soil enrichment.

• Karri & Peat Mulch: A darker option that looks great and feeds the soil as it breaks down.

• Wood Chips: Ideal for paths and around trees.

Avoid fine mulches that compact and stop water from penetrating, and skip dyed mulches that don’t offer soil benefits.

DIY Mulching: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to mulch your garden properly — and avoid the most common mistakes we see around Perth:

1. Clear the Area: Remove weeds and old mulch.

2. Edge Your Beds: A clean edge keeps mulch in place and looks sharp.

3. Water the Soil: Mulching over moist soil helps lock in that water.

4. Apply Evenly: Aim for a depth of 5–10 cm for organic mulch. Less, and it won’t block weeds. More, and you could suffocate the soil.

5. Keep Away from Stems: Leave a 3–5 cm gap around plant bases to avoid rot.

When Should You Mulch?

In Perth, the best time to mulch is late autumn or early spring. This prepares your garden for seasonal extremes — either helping retain moisture during summer, or insulating roots through winter.

But honestly? Any time is a good time to mulch if your garden needs it.

How Often Should You Reapply Mulch?

Most organic mulches break down over 12–18 months. A good rule of thumb is to top up your mulch once a year. If you notice bare patches or weeds creeping in, it’s time for a refresh.

Waterwise Gardening and Mulching: A Perth Essential

We’re strong advocates of Waterwise gardening, and mulch plays a huge part in that. In fact, the Water Corporation of WA recommends mulch as one of the top ways to reduce your water use. Here’s how:

• Mulch reduces water loss by up to 70%.

• It can cut your irrigation needs in half.

• It allows you to deep water less often, which is healthier for plants.

We always suggest matching your mulch to your plants. Native and Mediterranean gardens thrive with coarse mulches like wood chips. Vegetable beds prefer straw-based mulches that break down quickly and enrich the soil.

Real Talk: Mistakes to Avoid When Mulching

We’ve seen it all — and we want you to avoid the common traps that can turn mulch from helpful to harmful:

• Over-mulching: More isn’t always better. Too thick and water can’t get in.

• Piling against trunks: Leads to rot, disease, and insect issues.

• Wrong mulch in veggie patches: Some bark mulches can rob nitrogen from the soil.

• No edging: Without a border, mulch spills into lawns and paths — messy and wasteful.

Cut and Grow’s Approach to Mulching

When we mulch for our clients — whether in a leafy backyard or a large strata complex — we treat it as both an aesthetic and functional task. We:

• Source high-quality, sustainable mulches

• Apply at optimal depths

• Ensure tidy finishes with clear edges

• Offer Waterwise recommendations to match

We don’t just dump mulch and go. We check the condition of your soil, plants, and irrigation at the same time — because a healthy garden is a holistic system.

Want to DIY? We’ll Still Help

We believe in giving value — even if we’re not doing the job. So if you're a hands-on homeowner or property manager, here’s how you can get our guidance without hiring us:

• Check our website blog (like this!) for detailed DIY guides

• Send us a photo and we’ll offer basic suggestions for free

• Ask us what mulch to use — we’re happy to point you in the right direction

Final Thoughts: Mulch Like You Mean It

Mulching might seem simple, but when done right, it’s one of the most powerful tools in your gardening toolkit. Whether you’re refreshing a tired backyard bed or maintaining a professional commercial frontage, mulch protects your plants, saves water, and elevates your entire landscape.

At Cut and Grow, we’re here to help Perth gardens thrive — whether we’re on-site with the tools or offering DIY advice online. Because we believe gardening should be done with heart, knowledge, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Got questions about mulching your garden in Perth? Reach out — we’d love to help.