Even though we’re well into November, it’s not too late to give your garden some extra protection before winter sets in. Mulching now can be one of the best last-minute preparations to keep your plants insulated through the coldest months, insulating roots from harsh freezes and creating a cozy home for beneficial pollinators. Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery and Professor in the Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Humber College shares her expert advice on why mulching is essential this season. Just a few inches of mulch can make a big difference—so grab your gloves and mulch, and let’s protect your shrubs, trees, and perennials from those chilly winter temperatures!
Check out our latest YouTube video on ‘November Mulching: Preparing Your Garden For Winter’ or scroll to continue reading.
Thumbnail image with link to ‘November Mulching: Preparing Your Garden For Winter’ video on our YouTube channel.
Why Mulch in Late Fall
Root Insulation
Applying mulch in late fall offers several key benefits that will set your garden up for success through winter, into spring. First, mulch serves as a natural insulator, keeping soil temperatures more stable and shielding plant roots from repeated freeze thaw cycles. This warmth helps protect delicate roots from sudden cold snaps, giving your plants a stronger start when temperatures rise again in spring.
Pollinator Habitat
Mulching in fall also provides a valuable habitat for beneficial insects, such as bees, beetles, and butterflies, which nest in garden beds over winter. These pollinators can shelter safely beneath the mulch, ensuring a thriving pollinator population come spring. Finally, as organic mulch gradually breaks down, it enriches the soil with nutrients, boosting its health and supporting lush growth for the next growing season.
How Much Mulch is Enough?
Perennials & Shrubs
When mulching around perennials and shrubs, aim for a layer no thicker than 2 inches. This depth provides effective insulation without smothering the roots or retaining too much moisture, which could lead to root rot. A light touch with mulch keeps your perennials and shrubs protected without overdoing it.
Trees
For trees, a slightly thicker layer of about 3 inches is recommended to provide ample root protection through winter. However, it’s essential to keep the mulch from directly touching the tree trunk. Leave a small gap around the base of the trunk (around 1” or 2”) to prevent moisture from seeping into the bark, which could lead to decay and pest issues. This “mulch-free zone” allows trees to breathe while staying insulated against the cold.
Type of Mulch for your Garden
Shredded Pine Mulch
This is a simple, natural mulch made from shredded pine, with no dyes or added colors. Its light texture makes it easy to spread, and it provides excellent insulation for a single season. Shredded pine mulch is a great choice if you’re looking for a natural look that won’t overwhelm smaller plants.
Hardwood Mulch
Hardwood mulch is known for its durability and is commonly used in landscape beds. Its dense texture means it breaks down more slowly, lasting longer than lighter mulches, which can make it a good option for areas where you want lasting coverage.
Black Beauty Mulch
A dyed option, black mulch is popular for its rich, dark color, which contrasts beautifully with green foliage. This mulch is often used in garden beds and landscaped areas where appearance is a priority, adding depth and a polished look to the landscape.
Red Devil Mulch
For those looking to make a bold statement, Red Devil mulch provides a vivid, red color that stands out in any garden design. Its intense color can add energy and visual interest to areas with neutral tones, making it ideal for decorative garden beds.
Mocha Mulch
With its warm, coffee-brown hue, mocha mulch offers a more natural and earthy aesthetic. This color blends seamlessly with soil and plant materials, providing a subtle enhancement to gardens where a harmonious look is desired.
Black, Red Devil and Mocha mulch typically last one to two years!
Applying Mulch
Before laying down mulch, take a moment to prepare the area by removing any dead grass, weeds, or debris. This step is especially important in spots where grass isn’t regrowing, as it clears the ground for a fresh, even layer of mulch. With a clean surface, the mulch can settle evenly and provide better insulation.
Pebble Mulch
For areas where grass has worn away and just isn’t growing back, stone mulch offers a durable, low-maintenance solution. Simply peel back any remaining grass, clear out the weeds, and level the soil before applying a layer of pebble mulch, such as pea-stone or river stone. Stone mulch is especially practical in termite-prone areas, like Guelph, because it doesn’t decompose, which helps deter these pests. It’s a long-lasting alternative to wood mulches that can give your garden beds a clean, polished look without the need for frequent upkeep.
With winter right around the corner, now is the perfect time to give your garden an extra layer of protection with mulch. Even in mid-November, adding mulch can make a big difference, insulating roots and supporting healthy growth for a vibrant spring. Whether you prefer natural options like shredded pine or the long-lasting durability of stone mulch, you’re setting your garden up for success through the colder months. Our team of experts are available to help you find the perfect mulch for your garden—visit us in-store!
About Tanya Olsen:
Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.
Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.
Has a weekly segment on CTV news.
Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
YWCA Woman of Distinction.
About Royal City Nursery:
Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers.
