If you already use mulches in your yard, you’re ahead of the game. Placing a layer of mulch directly around shrubs and trees and on flower beds helps to conserve water. In fact, mulch

• Helps retain moisture in the soil
• Decomposes slowly, adding nutrients to the soil
• Provides habitat or cover for beneficial soil organisms
• Shades soil from the baking sun, reducing the need for water
• Protects against soil erosion and compaction caused by rain
• Reduces weed growth
• Reduces maintenance chores; keeps lawn mowers and weed trimmers from damaging trees and other plants
• Looks good in the landscape

Mulch can include bark chips, pine needles or leaves. Using leaves for mulch eliminates having to burn or bag the leaves for landfill disposal. Cypress mulch, although widely available, is not a good environmental choice because cypress are slow-growing native wetland trees that are often taken as whole, mature trees and chipped into mulch just to help meet market demand. Cypress are far more valuable to us in their environment than as mulch in the landscape. Alternative sources of mulch, such as melaleuca, eucalyptus, Australian pine and recycled matter from yard cuttings, are suggested instead. Some of these environmentally friendly alternatives are obtained from nonnative pest trees and are becoming increasingly available.

For best results, spread 2–4 inches of mulch on plant beds. Keep the mulch several inches away from the plant stems to protect the stems from rotting. Gradually increase the thickness of the mulch layer going out from the plant. Add new mulch as needed, stirring the old mulch to promote air and moisture circulation to avoid matting.

Don’t use compost or mulch that has diseased material. Get mulches from a reputable dealer, as mulches can contain contaminants such as undesirable seeds or insect pests. Mulching holds moisture and may attract termites, so should not be piled up right next to a building’s foundation.

Be aware that inorganic mulch such as gravel or colored rocks will not hold moisture. Moreover, white rock reflects heat, which is stressful to plants.