A mulch layer around trees, shrubs, planted beds and covering bare ground provides many benefits.In areas that are difficult to mow, irrigate or otherwise maintain, use mulch to replace turf orgroundcovers. Also consider placing mulch in shady areas where plants don’t grow well.

Landscape maintenance activities — mowing, pruning, raking — generate yard waste that you can return to the soil, recycling valuable nutrients. It is easy to recycle yard waste.