There are many places in the average home yard that can benefit from mulch. Knowing where to use it and what type of mulch to use can improve the health and beauty of your landscaping.

1. Bare Soil Areas

Areas with bare, exposed soil can become a magnet for weeds. Plus, topsoil loss from erosion is a problem. To avoid an unsightly area, cover the bare areas with mulch. Woodchips or bark nugget mulch is a good option if you have future plans for the area, as the mulch will decompose over time. If you plan to leave the area bare and unplanted, consider rock mulch. This is especially good for providing an attractive low-maintenance cover along driveway verges or in unplanted side yards.

2. Around Garden Plants

Garden beds, both perennial and annual, are some of the most common locations for mulch usage. Mulch that decomposes over time adds nutrients to the soil so that plants can grow better. Generally, wood mulch is suitable for both perennial and annual beds. Rock mulch is generally only used in perennial beds that are planted with varieties that require good soil drainage. Avoid rock mulch in annual beds, as it is too difficult to replant in a rock mulched bed each year.

3. Along Pathways

Unpaved garden paths are at constant risk of weed and grass incursion. One way to quickly make a path permanent is to edge it and line it,  then fill the space between edging strips with mulch. Gravel mulch provides a permanent option, but you can also use wood mulch for path making if you don't mind adding fresh mulch each year.

4. Under Play Structures

Whether it's a simple swing set or an entire play structure, soft-cushioned ground beneath is a must. Grass won't last long under the traffic of children's feet, so wood chip mulch is a better option. Playground mulch options typically consist of larger pieces of shredded wood chips, as these are less likely to decompose quickly. This ensures the mulch lasts a long time.

5. Under Trees

Allowing sparse grass or weeds to grow around a tree is both unsightly and damaging to the tree, as the weeds can siphon water and nutrients away. Mulching suppresses the weeds while also improving the look of the ground under the tree. It also provides a safety zone around the tree where you won't need to use lawn equipment, thus minimizing the chances of trunk damage.

Contact a mulching service if you would like to learn more about mulch usage and application.