Summer Mulch Matters: How It Helps Your Plants Survive the Heat

When summer temperatures soar in Western Chicago, your plants feel the stress just as much as you do. One of the simplest, most affordable ways to protect your garden and landscape during extreme heat? Mulch.

At Skyline Exteriors Landscaping, we’ve seen firsthand how mulch can make or break a yard in the summer. In this post, we’ll break down why mulch is more than just a decorative finish—it's a powerful tool that helps your landscape survive and thrive through the hottest months of the year.

🌡️ Mulch = Moisture Retention

The sun can be relentless during Chicago summers, and your soil pays the price. Exposed soil dries out quickly, leading to thirsty, stressed plants. But when you cover that soil with mulch, you’re adding a layer of insulation that slows evaporation and helps keep the soil consistently moist.

What this means for you:

• Less frequent watering

• Lower water bills

• Healthier root systems

🔥 Mulch Regulates Soil Temperature

Just like insulation in your home, mulch helps buffer your soil from extreme temperature swings. On a hot July afternoon, bare soil can reach over 100°F—literally cooking shallow plant roots. Mulch acts like a sun hat for your soil, keeping root zones cooler and reducing plant stress.

Ideal summer mulch depth:We recommend 2 to 3 inches of mulch around most plants for effective temperature regulation and water retention.

🌱 Mulch Suppresses Weeds

Weeds are more than just unsightly—they compete with your plants for water and nutrients. A thick layer of mulch smothers weed seeds, reducing the time and effort you spend pulling unwanted invaders.

Bonus: You spend more time relaxing in your yard, and less time fighting with it.

🌿 Organic Mulch Improves Soil Over Time

If you’re using organic mulches like shredded bark, wood chips, or composted leaves, you get an added long-term benefit: soil improvement. As the mulch breaks down, it adds nutrients and organic matter to your soil, helping create a richer, healthier environment for your plants.

🚫 Avoid Common Mulching Mistakes

While mulch is a game-changer, it has to be applied correctly. Here are a few key tips:

• Don’t mulch too deeply. More than 3 inches can suffocate roots or trap too much moisture.

• Keep mulch away from stems and tree trunks. Leave a small gap to avoid rot or pest problems.

• Refresh mulch each year. Especially after winter and spring storms wash it away.

🌟 Let Skyline Handle the Dirty Work

Want to make the most of mulch this summer—without lifting a shovel?

At Skyline Exteriors Landscaping, we offer:

• Mulch delivery and professional installation

• Custom mulch selection based on your plants and soil

• Seasonal maintenance to keep your yard healthy year-round

Our team knows which mulch works best for the unique climate and soils in Western Chicago—and we make sure it’s applied the right way, every time.

📞 Ready to Mulch Smarter This Summer?

Give your landscape the protection it needs to beat the heat. Contact Skyline Exteriors Landscaping today for expert mulch installation, landscape planning, or a complete yard refresh.