Hello Ron,

Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline with your question!

It depends how much mulch you currently have in place and what you are mulching. Mulch will typically break down in soil so digging out may not be necessary; however, it depends on when you last mulched and how much is still in place. “Too much mulch can be harmful. The recommended mulching depth is 2–4 inches” (https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Proper%20Mulch%20Tech_0321.pdf). This resource also goes into detail on proper mulching techniques for trees.

The following website has an overview on mulching and applying mulch:

https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/mulching-trees-and-shrubs/#applying-mulch

If you are mulching around trees or shrubs be sure to pull mulch away from the base of them. If you have any trees or shrubs that have a disease or fungus that could overwinter, you may want to rake out and remove the mulch and any leaves from under the tree.

While the above articles focus more on trees and shrubs, the below two articles discuss mulching in the home garden.

Iowa State University Yard and Garden (https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/using-mulch-garden) has a section which discusses when to apply mulches, which you may find helpful. It says, “In the fall, mulch can help protect newly planted perennials or other plants from harsh cold temperatures. For late-season applications, apply mulch after plants go dormant in the fall, but not too early, as it can delay dormancy and increase cold damage risk.”

The “Application of Mulch” section on the following OSU Extension site may also be helpful as you determine how to proceed: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/mulching-garden-soils.html

Thank you,

Vikki