The Western Metropolitan Regional Council offers free mulch to residents of its Member & Participating Councils* all year round. Below are some handy hints to help you make the most of your mulch!
Download our factsheet here for a printable version.
Why mulch?
- Insulates the garden
- Suppresses weeds
- Reduces water use
- Reduces the need for fertilisers
- Reduces soil erosion
- Looks good!
What is WMRC mulch made from?
It’s organic mulch made from the prunings, lawn clippings, bark and leaf litter collected from WMRC’s Member Council residents and delivered to the West Metro Recycling Centre. It is then commercially processed to make it suitable to reapply as mulch to your garden – a great example of closed loop recycling!
Is the Polyphagous shot-hole borer affecting WMRC mulch?
No. The West Metro Recycling Centre collects green waste and sends it for processing into mulch at the Western Tree Recyclers facility, a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) approved green waste site. All mulch provided by the West Metro Recycling Centre has gone through two grinds at Western Tree Recyclers, ensuring it is ground to less than 2.5cm in size. The first grind kills all shot-hole borer beetles and larvae. The second pass through the grinder creates a finer ground material.
Find out more about the Polyphagous shot-hole borer.
How do I apply mulch?
- Remove weeds
- Water the garden, if dry.
- Spread an even layer of mulch over the soil’s surface, leaving a gap around tree trunks and plant stems to avoid root rot.
- Apply a wetting agent to the mulch to prevent it from becoming water repellent as it breaks down.
How deep should I mulch?
Up to 75mm is ample to conserve water and suppress weeds. Too much mulch will suffocate plant roots and can kill a plant.
Is mulch the same as compost?
No. Mulch gets applied onto the surface of the soil, like a protective cover. Organic mulch breaks down gradually over time to provide nutrients to the soil.
Compost is organic matter that has been fully decomposed and needs to be mixed into the soil to release valuable nutrients. You can purchase FOGO-based compost at the West Metro Recycling Centre, or learn how to make your own at home with our How to Compost Factsheet.
What can I use WMRC mulch on?
Mulch is great for use around shrubs, trees and native plants, in garden beds, or in pots.
When can I mulch my garden?
Mid-late Spring is the ideal time to mulch, however you can mulch any time of the year!
How long will mulch last?
1-2 years.
Is my council a WMRC member or participating council?
Member councils: Town of Cottesloe, Town of Claremont, Town of Mosman Park, Shire of Peppermint Grove, City of Subiaco
Participating councils: Town of Cambridge, City of Nedlands