Gardeners: should I apply mulch?

I have a ton of white golf-ball-sized rocks in my front yard from the previous owners. I think it looks elderly and I’ve been working hard to remove them all to my back yard.

I’m thinking about applying a natural mulch, but I really don’t want to go through the hassle of picking up from those same areas.

If I apply mulch, will I eventually have to pick it up again? What mulch has worked best for you? What do you recommend?