mulch

noun

\ ˈməlch

, ˈməlsh \

Definition of mulch

: a protective covering (as of sawdust, compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean

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Examples of mulch in a Sentence

She spread some mulch around the plants.

Recent Examples on the Web Spread 3-4 inches of organic mulch like wood chips around the base of the tree. — Skye Resendes, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Garden Mastery: Planted tree is one of nature’s life preservers," 10 Apr. 2021 Make sure the top of the root ball is a teeny bit higher than the surrounding soil and then cover it with an inch of organic mulch. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, "Plant Native Azaleas This Year," 8 Apr. 2021 Oak leaves make a great mulch to help conserve moisture and return some nutrients to the ground for plant use. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, "Warm weather will help regreen desert roses," 3 Apr. 2021 The foundation will also provide a bag of mulch and instruction on how to plant and care for the new tree. — Destine Gibson, Dallas News, "Here’s how some Oak Cliff residents can get a free tree," 1 Apr. 2021 Use the leaves for mulch or put them in your compost pile. — Dan Gill, NOLA.com, "Garden tips: See which veggies to plant now; expect a little purple; and don't leave leaves down long," 2 Dec. 2020 Maintain 2-3-inch mulch layers with trees and shrubs; 1 inch in flower beds. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, "April in the Garden," 27 Mar. 2021 Avoid mulch volcanoes around trees, which cause harmful root growth and other problems. — Washington Post, "How to help plants thrive in spring, the garden’s most exciting and perilous season," 17 Mar. 2021 Bark mulch was applied to the flower bed this past spring. — oregonlive, "Ask an expert: Sweet cherry tree should be pruned in August. Specialist shares tips," 7 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mulch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

12 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Mulch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mulch. Accessed 22 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for mulch

mulch

noun

English Language Learners Definition of mulch

: a material (such as straw, leaves, or small pieces of wood) that is spread over the ground in a garden to protect the plants or help them grow and to stop weeds from growing

See the full definition for mulch in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mulch

noun

\ ˈməlch

Kids Definition of mulch

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a material (as straw or bark) spread over the ground especially to protect the roots of plants from heat or cold, to keep soil moist, and to control weeds

mulch

verb

mulched; mulching

Kids Definition of mulch (Entry 2 of 2)

: to cover with mulch