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Replace organic mulch every one to two years, depending on the variety. Wood chips and straw, for example, will last a couple of years, while grass clippings and pine needles need replacing every several months. Inorganic mulch—such as rock and rubber chips—can stay in place for up to four years, depending on erosion and general garden upkeep. 

When it rains, decomposed granite can become muddy and mushy in texture and start to wash away, leading to erosion of the surface. Decomposed granite’s inability to endure heavy rainfall is one of its biggest drawbacks.

You can use regular sand as the base for your pavers and in between pavers to seal the joints. Many pros reach for polymeric sand, also known as all-purpose sand, because it has been sifted and washed to remove impurities. But you can easily level ground and fill gaps between pavers for a clean look using regular sand, sometimes at a lower cost.

Before you begin landscaping with rocks, put down a weed barrier or landscape fabric to prevent pesky weeds from poking through.