There are a few reasons this can happen, but fortunately, there are a few solutions, too.

To stop anyone else from experiencing this common gardening mishap again, we turned to the experts.

Here are their top tips for keeping your freshly laid mulch intact.

Overhead view of dyed mulch in a flower bed

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

If you live in an area known for heavy summer rains, you will probably need to take precautions.

This is especially true if you have any gardens located on slopes.

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This garden terrace behind a slate rock wall has just been completely weeded and cleaned up with fresh mulch spread evenly on the ground surrounding ornamental bushes and flowers

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Prepare Your Garden

The best way to keep your mulch from washing away is by planning ahead.

Valenzuela suggests installingphysical barriers like edging, or using rocks, logs, or other natural materials.

Luckily, according to Gene Caballero, co-founder ofGreenPaland a veteran of the landscaping industry, this is fixable.

Mulching Shrubs

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You dont have to lay something purely functionalyou canselect an edging optionthatfits your homes designand blends seamlessly.

Edging also helps delineate the grass from the garden bed as nice finishing touch.

This is a particularly useful tip if you live somewhere with heavy spring rains.

A newly landscaped flowerbed with flat rocks, orange pebbles, a rose bush, Snapdragon flowers, dark mulch, and a stone bench.

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He suggests using a heavier pop in of mulch.

A good two to three-inch layer is the perfect amount to suppress weeds and help retain moisture.

Mulch mats are pre-made sections of mulch, held together by biodegradable netting, says Muzzy.

Spreading mulch on top of the cutting garden

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

They withstand natural deterioration and washout events well.

Alternatively, mulch binders are sprays that are used on the mulch itself.

These create a semi-permeable barrier that is resistant to weather-related damage.

Natural enzyme spray added to mulch pile below bird feeder

The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala