Tap into the magic of mulch this season to keep your yard pristine and low maintenance.

Looking to upgrade your yard’s design this winter without taking on a major landscape overhaul? Mulch is the magical miracle you need to add to your outdoor space — and it’s one of the easiest yet rewarding renovations you can do.

What is mulch?

Mulch is sustainable material made of leaves, grass or wood chips that is spread on top of soil to protect plants, retain moisture and suppress weed growth. It’s easily found at any nursery or garden store, or you can make your own with organic compost, backyard leaves or grass clippings.

What’s so magical about it?

There are many benefits to incorporating mulch into your yard design. Mulch protects plants, conserves water and enriches the soil — meaning you have to do less to keep your dream outdoor space in pristine condition.

While you can add mulch to your yard yearlong, winter is an opportune time to do so to take advantage of wet weather. After rain, mulch acts like a natural sponge, absorbing the moisture and slowly releasing it back into the soil. This keeps soil moist longer, decreasing your need to run sprinklers or water your plants.

The art of mulch

Not only is mulch functional, but it’s incredibly aesthetic with a variety of color options to complement either the existing design of your backyard or a new vision still in the works.

Wood and bark chips come in a wide range of colors. Choose brown mulch for a rustic, woodsy look; black for a crisp, refined aesthetic; or red to add a vibrant, earthy feel that helps green plants pop. You can also brighten up a smaller yard with light-colored mulch in yellow or white wood tones.

If you’re aiming for a more natural, subtle change to your garden, explore mulch made of organic materials such as grasses, leaves, pine needles or compost. This type of mulch resembles dirt much more than wood chips and will improve the upkeep and maintenance of your yard this winter without a major change in overall look.

When adding mulch to your yard, first remove any debris, weeds and rocks from the area. Spread the mulch in a 2 to 4 inch layer, making sure to avoid piling too much directly against any plant trunks or stems. Water the area lightly within the first day or so, then relax and enjoy the revamped look of your outdoor space.

What color mulch took your Yardtopia to the next level? Send photos to yardtopia@irwd.com and be featured in our Inspiration gallery and social media.