What can I use in my flower beds that will replace beauty bark?

Pine needles.

Hi Dawn. I'm Cindy. Ground up leaves or pine needles are an affordable alternative to beauty bark. They are both rich with nutrients. Good luck Dawn.

Cindy, so sweet of you to give such great suggestions. Pine needles are something that we have plenty of. What is the pest way to grind these up?

Just spread the pine needles around like mulch, they don’t need to be ground up. They decay slower than bark and are much cheaper to use even if you have to buy bales.

Martha, thanks for the help

Check what plants you have first and find out if they like acid. Pine needles are acidy and some plants don't like that. Some like the acid (roses and azaleas are two). Boxwoods don't like acid and will grow poorly. Otherwise pine needles work great.

Thank you Darlene, Hometalkers like you rock