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Yes, it is possible to add too little mulch. Anything less than 1 inch will likely result in too little coverage around your plants, allowing weeds to grow through and minimizing the positive effects that a deeper bed of mulch would have, like maintaining proper soil moisture and insulating the ground.

The best time to lay mulch depends on the type of mulch and the reason for installing it: 

• Summer: Adding extra mulch helps soil retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay, allowing plants to thrive. 

• Fall: Adding mulch helps control weeds and keeps soil and roots warm during the cooler months. Aim to add a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep.

• Winter: Mulch around perennial plants to help keep them insulated.

• Spring: Wait until the ground has thawed. Depending on the thickness, add between 1 and 4 inches of mulch to provide freeze and rain protection and enrich the soil.

Colored mulch can be bad for plants in that it robs them of nitrogen as it depletes the soil to break itself down. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to test your soil to check the nitrogen levels. If the nitrogen levels are low, use fertilizer with extra nitrogen or switch to regular mulch.

Another downside of colored mulch is if it’s heavily contaminated, it can contaminate the soil and damage your plants. To avoid this, look for the MSC certification logo on the mulch bag before purchasing.

Rocks are less likely to attract snakes and other critters because their prey (termites, ticks, and other insects) don’t usually inhabit this environment. However, if you have placed together rocks with large spaces in between or near a source of water, you may find a snake or an occasional chipmunk seeking shelter.