The edge does most of the work

A bed reads as intentional because of its line, not its contents. A spaded V-trench cut into the soil between lawn and bed holds the mulch in, stops turf creeping across, and gives the whole planting a defined shape. A set stone border does the same job permanently and adds a visual weight that plastic edging never has. Lay any curve out on the ground and look at it from the street before committing — a bed that looks generous from the porch often disappears from the kerb.

Two to three inches, and never against the stems

Mulch deeper than about three inches starves roots of air and grows fungus. Mulch piled up against a trunk holds moisture against bark that is not built for it and rots the flare — the volcano of mulch around a young tree is one of the most common and most damaging things done to landscape plants. Pull it back so the trunk flare is visible.

Rock where mulch will not stay

Mulch belongs in planting beds, where it improves soil as it breaks down and holds moisture where roots want it. It does not belong under a downspout, on a steep slope, along a windward foundation or in a narrow strip beside a driveway — in all of those it washes or blows out and you buy it again next year. Rock over quality fabric with an edge to hold it is a one-time job in those places. Plenty of yards want both, in different spots.

Weed first, or buy three weeks

Mulch laid over living weeds suppresses them for about a month. Beds need clearing before anything goes down, and perennial weeds need pulling with the root rather than snapping off at the surface. This is the step that gets skipped when a price looks too good.

Refresh, do not rebuild, every year

Hardwood mulch breaking down into thin grey material has done its job — it is feeding the bed. Usually the right move is to break up the crust and top-dress over it. Only when three or four years have built up, and the surface sheds water instead of taking it, is it worth stripping the old material out first.

A cut edge, clean beds and mulch at an honest depth will do more for your kerb appeal than any single plant you could buy.