How to Prevent Mulch from Washing Away, According to a Pro

If you’ve ever laid mulch only to watch it wash away mere days later, then you know the deep frustration it causes.

There are a few reasons this can happen, but fortunately, there are a few solutions, too. To stop anyone else from experiencing this common gardening mishap again, we turned to the experts.

Here are their top tips for keeping your freshly laid mulch intact.

Willowpix / Getty Images

For anyone new to gardening or mulching, you might be wondering how mulch can get washed away in the first place. As Teri Valenzuela, the natural science manager at Sunday, says, heavy rains are the primary reason mulch washes away.

If you live in an area known for heavy summer rains, you will probably need to take precautions. This is especially true if you have any gardens located on slopes. 

Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!

The best way to keep your mulch from washing away is by planning ahead. Valenzuela suggests installing physical barriers like edging, or using rocks, logs, or other natural materials. 

«Another effective strategy is digging trenches around garden beds to capture any mulch that moves during heavy rains,” Valenzuela says. 

ozgurcoskun / Getty Image

Rain might be the biggest culprit, but garden beds on a slope or incline are another big reason mulch washes away. Luckily, according to Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal and a veteran of the landscaping industry, this is fixable. 

“To prevent this, you can create level beds that enhance stability and ensure your garden remains well-mulched and attractive,” he says. 

If you like the idea of edging, Cate Singleton, director of design at Tilly, has good news.