Mulch Landscape Ideas
Learn the best way to choose plants,
trees and mulch for your new landscape.
Plants
Southern Nevada is home to a broad cross-section of desert-friendly plants. A visit to one of our local demonstration gardens, such as the one found at the Springs Preserve, can give you a good idea of how these plants interplay in a landscape and provide inspiration.
Our landscape sample designs offer ideas by landscaping professionals to guide you toward complementary plants. Use our Plant Search to find plants best suited for your landscape needs and to get helpful tips to care for the plants.
Mulch
Mulch, also known as “top dressing, ” is a protective covering used to protect plants. Placed around the plant, mulch reduces water lost to evaporation by as much as 30 percent. Mulch also helps plants stay healthy by preventing frozen roots and weed growth.
Other benefits of mulch:
- Helps drainage
- Encourages root development
- Insulates soil and plants in winter months, while cooling the soil and reducing water use during hot summer months
- Decorative
Organic Mulch
If possible, consider using organic mulch. Organic mulches are those that used to be living material, such as bark, wood chips, straw, leaves, grass clippings, compost, and pine needles. Nurseries have specially prepared mulches as well. Rocks, a good inorganic and decorative alternative to organic mulch, can get hot and should be shaded with water-efficient plants.
