HGTV's Tarek El Moussa's Smart Hack To Create Driveway Interest While Sticking To A Budget

You may already be familiar with the best type of mulch for your garden if you have a green thumb. While mulch is spread on top of soil to aid soil health and prevent weeds from sprouting, you may also have other outdoor uses for it. According to HGTV star Tarek El Moussa in Season 1, Episode 3 of "Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa," mulching can help cut down on the cost to pave a driveway and add a different visual element.

Your driveway may be having some aesthetic issues due to unsightly cracks, which may occur due to aged cement or water damage. El Moussa recommends redoing your driveway but laying the surface to be a bit narrower than normal to save money on material. Then, fill up that remaining space by using something cheap, like mulch. Mulching doesn't cost a lot of money upfront — according to Angi, the average mulch project costs about $180. It also potentially pays you back by enhancing curb appeal, thereby improving your home's value.

A mulched driveway can seamlessly blend with the rest of the area, especially since mulch is often used on lawns around trees and flowerbeds. Whether you use natural or inorganic mulch, it also provides different textures and colors to create visual impact. Another advantage is you may protect your driveway from further damage, as mulch acts as a barrier against weed growth. Certain invasive plants can pass through pavements, but having mulch there already can help prevent that.

When choosing mulch for your driveway, think about maintenance, traffic, and your climate. Organic mulches like wood chips and pine needles will eventually decompose on their own, so be prepared to replace them every one to four years. Wood chips can wear down especially quickly in high-traffic areas. However, they're lightweight and easy to lay down quickly, and they give your outdoor space a warm and rustic look.

Certain inorganic mulch can be tempting to use, as it can stay in place longer, but don't ignore potential environmental hazards. Rubber mulch comes from recycled tires, is easy to install, and lasts 10 to 20 years. Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic driveways, and it maintains its color well. However, this mulch has its share of controversy because of the chemicals and toxins rubber can leak under certain conditions. Those chemicals mean it's the worst mulch for your flower bed and anyone living in areas with extreme heat. That heat encourages a strong odor of rubber and the release of volatile organic compounds.

There are better inorganic options, like rock and stone mulch, that provide longevity and low maintenance for any homeowner using it on their driveway. You can buy rock mulch in several colors, sizes, and textures to create a diverse surface. It's also helpful for preventing erosion and improving water drainage.