The Benefits of Mulch on Gold Coast Gardens

Mulch on your garden beds may look like a low maintenance aesthetic flourish. But it's more than that — it has the power to transform soil health, boost plant growth, and reduce long-term maintenance.

Our Gold Coast arborists can confirm that mulching is a smart, sustainable practice for homeowners in Ashmore, and everywhere else across the Gold Coast. And it pays off in more ways than one.

What is Mulch?

Mulch is a cover of organic or inorganic material laid across the soil surface. Common organic mulches include bark chips, sugarcane, wood shavings, and compost.

Non-organic options, such as gravel or landscape fabric, are used in specific designs but don’t offer the same soil benefits as organic mulch.

The benefits of mulch include:

1. Moisture retention

Gold Coast summers can be brutal on your garden. Mulch will significantly reduce water evaporation, helping soil retain moisture and cutting down on watering frequency. It also protects plant roots from temperature fluctuations and harsh sun.

2. Weed suppression

Mulch stops weeds from sprouting by blocking light and creating a barrier. This reduces competition for nutrients and cuts your weeding time dramatically, especially in high-growth seasons.

3. Nutrient boost

Organic mulches break down slowly, feeding the soil with valuable nutrients over time. This improves soil structure, encourages beneficial microbes, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers.

4. Erosion control

Sloped or exposed areas in your yard can lose topsoil quickly after heavy rain. Mulch holds the soil in place, preventing runoff and keeping your garden intact. It also improves water penetration, reducing pooling and surface water.

5. Temperature regulation

Mulch acts like insulation for your soil. It keeps roots cooler during hot spells and warmer during cold snaps. This leads to healthier, more resilient plants year-round.

6. Aesthetic appeal

A fresh layer of mulch instantly tidies garden beds, defines spaces, and makes plants stand out. With different textures and colours available, you can choose a look that suits your landscaping style.

Best Mulch types for Gold Coast conditions

For most Gold Coast suburbs, including Ashmore, we recommend:

• Forest mulch for general garden beds

• Tea tree mulch for its anti-fungal properties

• Sugarcane mulch for veggie patches and lightweight applications

• Bark chips for long-lasting coverage in windy areas

How to apply Mulch correctly

1. Remove existing weeds

2. Water the soil thoroughly

3. Apply mulch 5–10cm thick

4. Keep a clear 5–10cm gap around the base of tree trunks and plant stems

Re-apply annually or as needed depending on the type used and garden exposure.

Why mulching is part of responsible gardening

Mulching is simple but powerful. It not only benefits your plants but also supports local ecosystems. Healthy soil is the foundation for a thriving landscape, attracting beneficial insects.

Along with improving soil health as well as the look and life of your garden, mulching saves water, reduces chemical use, and retains carbon in the ground.

Let us deliver and apply it right

The French Crew supplies high quality organic mulch. We're not just a premier Gold Coast tree removal service; we also handle correct distribution of premium mulch on Gold Coast gardens.

Whether for a new landscape design or scheduled as a regular part of your garden care, we can make sure your mulch is applied correctly and efficiently.

If you haven’t mulched yet — or need a refresh — contact us today. We’ll take care of the rest.