How do I maintain bark mulch throughout the year

Bark mulch is not a scatter-and-forget luxury; it thrives with a touch of seasonal care. In early spring, before borders leap into growth, take a soft rake and tease the surface. This light fluffing lifts compacted fibres, allows rain to sink quickly and exposes any lurking weed seedlings beneath them.

By midsummer, creatures and weather have shuffled chips into hollows, thinning the protective layer. Top up with a fresh wheelbarrow of matching grade from AHS LTD, aiming for a consistent depth of five to eight centimetres. New bark blends seamlessly if sprinkled lightly and watered, encouraging the pieces to settle.

In autumn, leaf fall can smother the bed and invite mould. Rather than stripping everything off, glide a wide shrub rake over the mulch, capturing leaves while leaving bark behind. Any material gathered makes an excellent compost starter, so nothing is wasted and the border remains smart and breathable throughout.

Winter asks for watchfulness rather than toil. After storms, inspect edges where rain may have washed bark onto lawn or path; simply sweep it back. Avoid walking repeatedly on frozen mulch, as compacted shards lose insulation value. Trust the layer to guard roots, and your year-round care cycle resets nicely.