How to Decorate a Yard With Mulch

Mulch is a beneficial addition to any landscape because it dresses up the yard, reduces weeds and helps retain moisture in the soil so you can water less infrequently. There are various types of mulch to choose from, including rubber pellets, stone, wood chips or bark. Along with different types, decorative mulch comes in various colors so you can enhance the look of flower beds in the landscape and increase your home's curb appeal.

Square-edged shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Select the type of mulch you want for your landscape. Different types work best for certain areas. Place bark or wood chippings around trees and shrubs. For a decorative touch to flower beds, wood shavings, rubber pellets or miniature bark enhance the look of the landscape. Crushed stone and gravel offer a cohesive option in a modern or desert landscape.
- 2
  Apply colored mulch to enhance the flower beds or overall landscaping. For long-lasting color, opt for a mulch material like volcanic rock or plastic pellets. While wood comes in various colors, exposure to the sun causes it to fade over time.
- 3
  Spread the mulch around, using the square-edged shovel, so it is evenly placed in flower beds or around shrubs and trees. Leave a space of approximately 2 feet around tree trunks or shrubs to prevent damage. Too much mulch around trunks leads to wood damage and insect infestation.

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