If you're looking to elevate your outdoor space with lush greenery and pristine planting beds, mulching and plantings in Deerfield, IL, are the secret ingredients to a truly standout landscape. But here’s the thing—getting it right requires more than just tossing down some mulch and sticking a few plants in the ground. The right approach, the best materials, and the perfect timing all play a role in creating a stunning, sustainable, and thriving landscape.
You’re not just investing in a prettier yard—you’re cultivating an outdoor experience. A sanctuary. A space that makes every glance out the window feel like a deep breath of fresh air. And when it’s done right? It doesn’t just look good. It works. Proper mulching keeps weeds in check, locks in moisture, and regulates soil temperature, while expert plant selection ensures your landscape flourishes in Deerfield’s unique climate.
Which Mulch Is Best for Your Landscape?
Mulch is more than just a finishing touch—it’s a fundamental part of keeping your landscape looking its best and functioning properly. It helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and add vital nutrients as it breaks down. The right mulch choice can mean the difference between a yard that looks neglected and one that appears polished, well-maintained, and thriving year-round.
At Joe and Tony Landscaping, we carefully select mulch based on the specific needs of your property. Factors like plant types, drainage, sunlight exposure, and long-term maintenance all play a role in choosing the best mulch for your planting beds. In Deerfield, where summers can be hot and winters harsh, we focus on options that can withstand seasonal fluctuations while continuing to provide benefits long after installation.
Shredded Hardwood Mulch
Shredded hardwood is one of the most popular choices for our landscapes. It provides a rich, natural look and gradually breaks down, improving soil structure over time. It stays in place better than lighter mulches and works well in both sun and shade. Because it decomposes at a steady rate, it naturally enriches the soil without needing frequent replacement.
This mulch is ideal for planting beds, tree rings, and shrub areas, and we recommend it for clients who want a classic, natural-looking landscape that improves soil quality over time.
Bark Mulch
Bark mulch is a step up in size from shredded hardwood. The larger chunks take longer to decompose, making it a great option for long-lasting coverage. It resists displacement from wind and rain, making it a good choice for areas that experience heavy precipitation or have slopes where mulch might otherwise wash away.
We often use bark mulch in larger plant beds or around trees and shrubs where durability is a priority. Because it lasts longer than shredded hardwood, it requires less frequent replenishment—perfect for clients looking for a low-maintenance but attractive mulch solution.
Pine Straw
Pine straw isn’t as common in the Midwest as it is in southern climates, but it has its advantages. It creates a soft, textured look and works exceptionally well in planting bed with acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. Because pine straw decomposes slowly, it provides nutrients to the soil over time while maintaining an airy, layered appearance.
For homeowners looking for a more natural, woodland-inspired aesthetic, we use pine straw strategically in areas where its benefits outweigh its slightly looser structure. It’s also a good choice for clients who want a mulch that doesn’t compact as much as hardwood options.
Compost Mulch
If soil health is the top priority, compost mulch is the ultimate choice. It’s made from organic material that has broken down into nutrient-rich, planting bed-friendly matter, making it one of the best options for feeding your plants naturally. We use compost mulch in planting beds that need extra soil enrichment and fertility.
Because compost mulch breaks down quickly, it requires more frequent replenishment than other mulch types, but the trade-off is an incredibly healthy landscape that thrives from the natural boost in nutrients. It’s a fantastic choice for clients who prioritize sustainability and organic landscaping practices.
Rock and Gravel Mulch
For a sleek, modern look that requires minimal upkeep, rock or gravel mulch is an excellent alternative to organic mulch. It doesn’t break down, meaning it lasts indefinitely, and it provides a clean, structured appearance that works well in contemporary landscapes.
We often recommend rock or gravel mulch in high-traffic areas, around fire pits, or in xeriscapes where water conservation is a priority. It’s also a great solution for drainage beds and areas where you want to prevent erosion while maintaining a polished look.
Rubber Mulch
While rubber mulch has its uses, particularly in play areas and high-impact zones, we don’t typically recommend it for planting beds. Unlike organic mulch, rubber does not decompose or enrich the soil, which means plants won’t receive the added nutrients that other mulches provide. It also has a tendency to trap heat, which can be harsh on delicate plant roots.
That being said, if you’re looking for a permanent, low-maintenance ground cover in areas that don’t require organic matter, rubber mulch can be an option. We install it sparingly and typically in areas where its longevity and cushioning properties make sense.
Does Mulch Eventually Turn Into Soil?
Organic mulch naturally decomposes over time, breaking down into nutrient-rich organic matter that improves soil health. This slow transformation is one of the biggest benefits of using high-quality mulch. Instead of just sitting on the surface, it actively enriches the soil, making it healthier and more fertile for plants.
However, because mulch doesn’t last forever, regular replenishment is necessary. As it decomposes, it becomes less effective at suppressing weeds, insulating plant roots, and retaining moisture. Mulch that has completely broken down loses its structure, which can lead to compacted, dry soil that doesn’t provide the same level of protection for plantings.
That’s why we recommend refreshing mulch at least once a year. Some types, like shredded hardwood, break down faster than others and may need a top-up more frequently. Others, like bark mulch, last longer but still require maintenance. Keeping a fresh layer of mulch ensures that your landscape looks polished while continuing to benefit your plants and soil.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Landscaping Services Before Hiring an Expert in Vernon Hills, IL
What Are the Best Plants for Landscaping?
Choosing the right plants for your Deerfield landscape isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about selecting species that can handle the region’s unpredictable weather. With cold winters, humid summers, and sudden temperature swings, your landscape needs plants that are as resilient as they are beautiful. The key is finding a balance between structure, seasonal interest, and long-term sustainability.
At Joe and Tony Landscaping, we create plantings that thrive year-round with minimal upkeep by combining evergreens, perennials, ornamental grasses, and flowering shrubs.
Evergreens for Year-Round Structure
Evergreens provide the foundation of a well-designed landscape. They stay green all year and ensure your outdoor space never looks empty, even in the depths of winter. Boxwood is a popular choice for crisp, clean borders and foundation plantings. Arborvitae is perfect for privacy screens, growing tall and dense to block unwanted views. Spruce trees make a strong visual statement, adding height and structure to planting bed designs while offering wind protection during the colder months.
Perennials for Seasonal Color
Perennials add vibrancy to a landscape, returning year after year without replanting. Hostas are a go-to for shaded areas, filling in spaces with broad, green leaves that come in a variety of colors and patterns. Black-eyed Susans brighten up summer and fall landscapes with their long-lasting golden blooms, bringing warmth to the yard late into the season. Coneflowers offer a mix of colors, attract pollinators, and thrive in Deerfield’s climate with minimal maintenance.
Ornamental Grasses for Texture and Movement
Ornamental grasses introduce texture and a sense of motion, swaying with the breeze and adding a dynamic feel to a planting bed. Karl Foerster grass grows tall and upright, making it perfect for creating vertical interest. Little bluestem transitions through a range of colors, from blue-green in summer to striking copper in the fall. Fountain grass softens the edges of planting beds and pathways, with feathery plumes that create a relaxed, natural look.
Flowering Shrubs for Bold Impact
Flowering shrubs help tie a landscape together, offering structure, seasonal interest, and striking color. Hydrangeas are known for their large, showy blooms, which change color based on soil conditions and last well into the fall. Lilacs fill the air with a sweet fragrance in spring, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Viburnum offers multi-season appeal, featuring clusters of delicate flowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, and bright red or blue berries in the fall.
Native Plants for Low-Maintenance Beauty
Native plants are naturally suited to Deerfield’s climate and soil, making them a smart choice for a sustainable landscape. Because they are adapted to local conditions, they require less watering and fertilizing than non-native plants. Milkweed is an essential plant for supporting pollinators, especially monarch butterflies. Wild bergamot thrives in Illinois soil and provides fragrant flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. Prairie dropseed adds fine-textured greenery to planting beds, forming soft, flowing mounds that work well in naturalized landscapes.
When to Fertilize New Plantings?
Fertilizing isn’t just about adding nutrients to the soil—it’s about feeding your plants at the right time so they can establish strong roots and grow to their full potential. Timing is everything, and fertilizing too early or too late can do more harm than good.
Fertilizing Spring Plantings
For plants installed in the spring, patience is key. Fertilizing too soon can push weak, rapid growth before the roots have had a chance to settle. Waiting about four to six weeks after planting allows the root system to establish itself before nutrients encourage top growth. Once the plants have adjusted to their new environment, a balanced fertilizer helps them develop stronger stems, leaves, and blooms.
Fertilizing Fall Plantings
Fall is an excellent time for planting, as cooler temperatures reduce stress on new plants while giving their roots time to develop before winter. Unlike spring plantings, fall plantings benefit from a light dose of fertilizer immediately after planting. A mild, slow-release fertilizer provides essential nutrients to encourage root growth before dormancy sets in. This gives plants a head start so they emerge strong and healthy when spring arrives.
Fertilizing Perennials and Shrubs
Perennials and shrubs do best when fertilized in early spring, just as new growth starts to appear. A well-balanced fertilizer supplies them with the energy needed to support strong stems, vibrant flowers, and lush foliage. Applying fertilizer too late in the season can lead to weak growth that won’t have time to harden off before winter, making plants more susceptible to frost damage.
Fertilizing Lawns for Strong, Healthy Growth
Lawn care is just as important as plant care when it comes to fertilization. A well-timed application ensures grass grows evenly, maintains a deep green color, and resists disease. The first round of fertilization in early spring helps wake the lawn up after winter, while additional applications throughout the growing season keep it thick and healthy. Fall fertilization strengthens roots for the colder months ahead, ensuring the lawn returns strong in the spring.
Setting Your Landscape Up for Success
Every plant has different nutrient needs, and applying fertilizer at the right time makes a noticeable difference in how well they grow. At Joe and Tony Landscaping, we tailor our approach based on the type of plant, soil conditions, and time of year, ensuring that new plantings and lawns receive the right nutrients at the right time. Proper fertilization supports long-term health, encouraging a landscape that thrives season after season.
What Month Is Best to Mulch a Lawn?
Mulching a lawn isn’t quite the same as mulching flower beds, but it plays an important role in keeping your grass healthy. A thin layer of organic matter, such as finely shredded leaves or compost, can improve soil structure, retain moisture, and protect grass roots from temperature extremes. Timing is everything, and applying mulch at the right time ensures your lawn gets the maximum benefits.
Mulching in Early Spring
March through April is an ideal time to add a light layer of mulch or compost to your lawn. As the ground begins to warm up after winter, a thin application helps the soil retain moisture and provides nutrients that encourage early-season growth. This is especially beneficial if the lawn looks weak after winter dormancy. A properly mulched lawn in spring is better equipped to handle summer heat and foot traffic.
Mulching in Late Fall
October through November is another excellent time to mulch. Applying organic material before winter insulates the soil, helping to regulate temperature fluctuations and reduce the risk of frost damage. A late-season mulch application also improves soil health by slowly breaking down over the winter months, enriching the soil with nutrients that strengthen grass roots.
Mulching Flower Beds for Maximum Benefit
While lawns benefit from light mulching in early spring and late fall, planting beds follow a slightly different schedule. The best time to mulch planting beds is mid-to-late spring, typically from April to May, once the soil has warmed up. This helps suppress weeds, lock in moisture, and create a clean, finished look before the heat of summer arrives.
Applying mulch at the right time keeps both lawns and planting beds in peak condition, ensuring a landscape that stays healthy, vibrant, and well-maintained throughout the year. At Joe and Tony Landscaping, we make sure each mulch application is done with precision and care, providing the right balance of nutrients and protection for every part of your outdoor space.
