First of all mulch looks good!  Mulch gives your landscaping a clean look that highlights your plants and flowers.

Trees and shrubs love a fresh coat of mulch.  Not only because it looks good but it helps your plants retain moisture, blocks the intense sun in turn cooling the soil and making it a better place for your plants.  The mulch holds the water allowing it to be absorbed into the soil as opposed to running off or drying up.

Proper application is key to getting all of the benefits of mulch.  You should apply 2-3″ of mulch to the flower beds making sure not to pile it high around the base of the plants.  To keep the weeds down throughout the season make sure to apply a pre-emergent to the flower beds every 2-3 months.