It doesn’t really matter when you mulch but you want to avoid exposed soil. Not only do weeds take over otherwise, but this is good for your soil. “Living” mulch has been my goal everywhere on my property for years. We use what we have, including plant material I cut back, as mulch. We also use our leaves and just rake them off the grass and into the beds or into our yard waste piles and compost bins. All of this is economical and efficient. Lots more on this topic in General Tips playlist and m