Once micro-irrigation is installed, the array of pipes can be unsightly, even if the non-emitting lines were buried. As plants grow, their foliage will help hide the lines, but in the meantime, you can mulch.
Decorative mulches do not block emitter outlets as soil can and therefore can be used to cover up emitter line, porous pipe, and any other landscape pipe that cannot be buried. Mulches come in a variety of textures, forms, and shades, from bark pieces to chopped cacao hulls to decorative stone.
Mulches also help decrease evaporation, thereby reducing watering needs, and encourage better plant growth. Don’t apply so much mulch that it prevents micro-sprinklers and other sprayers from reaching their entire zone.