Seven
Mulch keeps moisture in the soil, moderates soil temperature and reduces erosion and weeds. Keep a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch over the roots of trees and shrubs and in plant beds. Create self-mulching areas under trees where leaves can stay where they fall. Use by-product or alternative mulches such as pine bark, eucalyptus and melaleuca, or use recycled mulches when available from your community.
Combining mulch, drip irrigation and ground cover plants, provides the homeowner a low maintenance, low water demand solution that can replace grassy lawn areas.