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Mulch is made from natural materials, which will break down and add nutrients to your soil for better plant and soil health, so removing old mulch is unnecessary before putting down new mulch. However, if you live in a particularly moist area, it’s possible that the old mulch will harbor fungus or mold, which can hurt plant health. If you notice these issues, you might want to consider removing the old mulch first. Otherwise, save time and money by placing new mulch right over the old mulch.

No, mulch itself does not necessarily attract termites even though it’s usually made of shredded wood. Some types of mulch like cedar or cypress resist termites because they’re toxic or unappetizing to the wood munchers. However, when the mulch is deep enough, say three inches or more, it creates a perfect habitat for insects of all kinds to build nests.

The best way to keep dirt around your foundation is to ensure your drainage is working properly and redirecting water well away from the foundation. Soil erosion is one of the most common causes of basement flooding, so it’s important to make sure you’re retaining the soil you replaced after learning how to regrade around the foundation. In addition, your foundation planting can also help prevent erosion. For example, plant roots to help keep soil in place.

You should add 1 to 4 inches of mulch, depending on your garden type and needs. Keep in mind that no amount of mulch can completely prevent weeds, but a heavier coverage (closer to 4 inches) can suppress weeds enough that you are only seeing them sprout every few weeks. Finer mulch prevents weeds more effectively than large mulch, so if you’re using mulched leaves or shredded bark, 1 to 2 inches will likely suffice, while 3 to 4 inches is best for larger mulch, like bark chips or straw.