Refreshing Wood Chip Mulch After Winter

Wood chips around new shrubs look dull and have shifted after a harsh Michigan winter. The homeowner asks whether to rake them back or replace them, and how often to replenish.

Simple Maintenance

Rake displaced chips back into place. Top up with fresh chips every autumn to maintain a 2–3 inch depth. Chips decompose slowly, feeding the soil; annual replenishment replaces what breaks down and restores color.

— Jonathan, Ecologica Gardens