Mulch can be a valuable addition to your Texas landscape. Not only does a freshly mulched plant bed look fantastic, but mulch also provides important health benefits like suppressing weeds, insulating plant roots, and helping soil retain moisture—which is especially critical in the Texas heat.

If you’re looking to get the most out of mulching, you might be wondering:

When is the best time to mulch in Texas?
Should you mulch in spring or fall?
How often should you replace mulch?

These are common questions we receive, and the answer depends on a few factors. Below, we’ll break it all down so you can make the best decision for your landscape.

Why Mulch in the First Place?

Before we talk about when to put down mulch in Texas, let’s quickly cover why it’s so beneficial in the first place.

As we mentioned, mulch is a great aesthetic addition that instantly freshens up your property. But it also plays a vital role in keeping your landscape healthy.

The Benefits of Mulching in North Texas

Moisture Retention: Texas summers bring intense heat and drought, and mulch locks in moisture, preventing evaporation and keeping soil cool. This is especially important for areas like Flower Mound and Highland Village, where we experience long dry periods.
Insulation for Roots: In spring and summer, mulch protects roots from the heat. In fall and winter, it provides insulation from cold snaps and prevents moisture loss due to windy conditions.
Weed Control: Weeds aren’t just a spring and summer problem— North Texas has winter weeds, too. Mulch helps block sunlight and prevent weed growth year-round.
Soil Enrichment: Unlike decorative rocks, organic mulch decomposes over time, adding valuable nutrients back into the soil. This is a reason why some homeowners choose mulch over stone. This is particularly beneficial for North Texas soils, which often contain high clay content and poor organic matter.

When is the Best Time to Mulch in Texas?

Spring Mulching: A Must for Texas Homeowners

If you only mulch once a year, the best time to do it is spring (March-May).

Spring mulching helps:

Lock in moisture before the hot summer months
Keep soil cool and hydrated during drought conditions
Suppress spring and summer weed growth
Refresh the look of your landscape after winter

Since North Texas has extreme summer heat, spring mulching is essential to protect plants from stress.

Fall Mulching: Added Protection & Seasonal Benefits

While spring mulching is a must, adding a second mulch application in the fall (September-November) is highly beneficial.

Here’s why fall mulching is a great choice:

Protects plant roots from winter cold snaps
Prevents moisture loss caused by dry, windy conditions
Suppresses winter weeds that thrive in Texas’ mild winters
Enhances curb appeal before the holiday season

If you’re wondering, "Can you mulch in the fall?"—the answer is yes. A fall mulch refresh adds a protective barrier, helping plants stay healthy during the cooler months.

How Often Should You Replace Mulch?

Mulch naturally decomposes over time, meaning you need to refresh it to maintain its benefits.

General Rule of Thumb:

Once a year (spring) is the minimum to keep your landscape healthy.
Twice a year (spring + fall) provides year-round protection.
Three times a year (spring, mid-summer, and fall) is ideal for maximum landscape health and curb appeal.

A second or third mulch application doesn’t cost as much as the initial one. Instead of removing everything, a seasonal refresh involves “fluffing up” the existing mulch and adding a fresh top layer.

Grassperson CEO Jack Moore says:
"For me, I like to have my property mulched three times a year. I know how much value it offers—not only in terms of looking great but also in helping my plants thrive."

Which Texas Plants Benefit Most from Mulch?

Mulching is especially beneficial for plants that are common in North Texas landscapes, including:

Crepe Myrtles – Mulch helps retain moisture for these drought-tolerant trees while protecting their roots from extreme heat.
Azaleas & Camellias – These acid-loving plants benefit from organic mulch that improves soil health.
Boxwoods & Hollies – Evergreen shrubs that need moisture regulation year-round.
Shade Trees (Live Oaks, Red Oaks, etc.) – Mulching around tree bases protects against soil erosion and root damage.
Perennials (Lantana, Salvia, Black-Eyed Susans) – Helps keep moisture levels steady and suppress weeds in flower beds.

If you have any of these plants in your landscape, mulching at the right time will help them thrive in the North Texas climate.

Common Questions About Mulching in Texas

Should You Mulch Every Year? - Yes. Since mulch breaks down naturally, it’s important to replace or refresh it at least once a year to maintain its benefits.

Can You Mulch in the Fall?- Absolutely. Fall mulching is highly recommended to protect plants, retain moisture, and prevent winter weeds from taking over.

How Often Should You Replace Mulch?- Once or twice a year is recommended, but a third refresh can keep landscapes looking pristine.

Choosing a Professional Mulching Service in North Texas

Mulching is one of those services that many landscaping companies offer, but not all companies do it the right way.

What to Look for in a Mulching Service

High-quality mulch that provides long-lasting benefits
Proper application depth (2-3 inches) to ensure effectiveness
No “mulch volcanoes” (piling mulch too high around tree trunks)
Seasonal refresh options to maintain landscape health

At Grassperson, we take pride in helping homeowners in North Texas get the most out of their mulch. Whether you need a spring mulch refresh, fall protection, or year-round care, we ensure your landscape gets the attention it deserves.

Get the Most Out of Your Mulching Service

When it comes to keeping your landscape healthy and beautiful year-round, mulching at the right time makes all the difference. Whether you choose to mulch once, twice, or even three times a year, the key is using high-quality materials and proper application techniques.
Not sure when to mulch? Let us handle it for you. Contact Grassperson today for a free quote and ensure your landscape stays in top shape all year long.

Serving Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, and surrounding North Texas areas. Request Your Free Mulching Quote Today!