Use rocks instead of mulch
Rock vs. Mulch In Planting Beds – Things to Consider
If you listen to us at all, you already know the wonders of mulch.
But you can never hear it too many times, so here’s a brief re-cap:
Mulch helps your soil retain moisture, so you won't have to water as much. It keeps pesky weeds at bay by blocking the sunlight they need to sprout. It prevents rain from washing away your landscape soil.
We love mulch. And here at Level Green Landscaping, we use bark mulch much more often than rock. But there are times rocks are a great choice.
Rock vs. mulch in planting beds?
Let’s take a look.
Differences Between Rock and Mulch
Bark mulch comes from a variety of trees, from cypress and cedar to pine, hemlock and oak.
Our favorite mulch here at Level Green is double shredded hardwood bark mulch. We go the extra step to use dyed dark brown mulch. The added color helps it stay nice and dark longer, without fading as quickly. It costs a bit more, but our customers appreciate the rich, dark look throughout the year.
Rock mulch is decorative gravel or rocks ranging in size from pea-size to golf ball size, often sourced from river beds.
It’s available in a wide variety of sizes, colors, textures and shapes, from porous, lightweight red or black lava rock to pretty, smooth quartz gravel mulch in purple or pink.
When Is Rock A Good Choice for Plant Beds?
Most of the time, we prefer the look and cost of bark mulch, and the way it breaks down over time to feed the soil.
But when is rock a good choice for landscaping?
- If you have drainage issues on your property, rock is a great mulch choice, allowing water to drain quickly.
- If you have open bed areas without plants, rock is an easy, no maintenance option.
- Rocks are great for high-traffic areas, where pedestrians tend to take short cuts. Trampled plants look terrible, but rocks stand up to the stress.
- If you’re considering a fountain or statue for a high-impact entrance, rocks make a great backdrop.
- If you’re a no-nonsense property manager who wants to mulch then forget it, rock is your thing.
How About Maintenance?
There’s nothing like a fresh layer of dark brown mulch. It makes your beds look instantly fabulous.
If only it stayed that great looking. But it doesn't. Mulch fades and breaks down over time, so you’ll need to replace it every spring.
Some Level Green customers replace it twice a year, in spring and fall, to ensure it always looks fresh.
Rocks on the other hand, require little maintenance. They may need an occasional washing to keep them looking clean and tidy. Over time, you might want to add a new top layer after they settle.
Note: rocks are heavier to move than mulch. Be sure you know exactly where you want it.
Is Rock or Mulch Better For Curb Appeal?
This is really a matter of taste and design preference.
Some people are mulch people, and seeing a load of the rich brown stuff delivered just makes them happy.
Others like the bright, clean look of rocks.
A bed of rocks with crisp, square corners punctuated with contemporary ornamental grasses creates a clean, modern feel.
But if you love the look of curvy beds filled with colorful drifts of annuals and perennials, bark mulch is your top pick.
Cost of Mulch vs. Rock
Rock is more expensive than bark mulch.
The cost of rock mulch varies, depending on the type and size, but generally costs two to three times more than an application of mulch.
But remember, it doesn’t break down and disappear into the soil like bark mulch does. You don’t need to replace it every year. So you may actually save money over time.
What Does Your Soil Prefer?
Mulch made from organic material like bark or wood chips decays over time, crumbling into nutritious bits that actually feed your soil.
Rocks don’t add anything to the soil. So plants that grow in beds mulched with rocks may need extra fertilizing.
Things To Consider When Choosing Mulch or Rocks
- If your landscape has trees that drop a lot of leaves and debris, rock mulch might not be your best choice, as it accumulates and sticks in the rocks.
- Rocks require a fabric weed barrier underneath to discourage weeds from poking up through the rocks.
- Rocks need steel edging or a raised concrete barrier to keep stray rocks from shifting into turf areas. Edging keeps rock beds looking tidy.
- Flowers don’t thrive in beds mulched with rocks, but sturdy, drought-tolerant plants like succulents do well. Rock beds are naturally warmer than beds of mulch, so plants there need to be able to take the heat. Consider your plant material before you decide on a mulch.
Can’t Decide? Let Level Green Help
At Level Green Landscaping, we’re mulch experts. Rock vs. mulch in planting beds? We can size up your property’s unique needs and recommend the perfect mulch for your planting beds.
If you’re not already a Level Green Landscaping client, we’d love to add you to our growing list of happy customers.
Our focus is on commercial properties like offices, mixed-use sites, HOAs, municipalities and institutions in Maryland, Washington DC and parts of Virginia.
Contact us at 202-544-0968. You can also request a free consultation online to meet with us one-on-one.
We’d love to hear from you.
Using rocks instead of mulch: the versatile alternative |
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(Image credit: GettyImages)
Thinking of using rocks instead of mulch in your garden? This naturalistic technique is amongst the most effective ways to control some weeds and improve drainage, and its natural aesthetic will accentuate almost all spaces instantly.
If you're looking for a timeless way to elevate your rock garden ideas – whether that is in terms of landscaping or plant health – using rocks instead of mulch may be the solution you desire.
Here's what the experts want you to know before bringing this organic material into your exteriors.
Using rocks instead of mulch – 3 benefits of this stylish alternative
This method is a favorite amongst the experts, but its benefits extend beyond its style – here’s how rocks can improve your garden, fast.
(Image credit: GettyImages)
1. Rocks are the aesthetic alternative
While the advantages of using rocks instead of mulch are not limited to its good looks, it's still a great place to start.
'In a garden, garden rock creates a sharp, clean look. It contrasts nicely with the rich textures of the plants, unlike mulch,' explains Zaeem Chaudhary, an Architectural Draftsman at AC Design Solutions . Every type of stone has different benefits to improve your garden landscaping ideas – whether you choose pebbles or crushed gravel – that are particularly popular choices in the garden.
'Crushed gravel, for example, is a popular choice for paths because, unlike other hardscaping options, it has a natural feel.
It can also be used to create a natural border across walks and garden bed ideas,' Zaeem says.
The architecture expert suggests creating a 'zen portion of the landscape' by also using sand that can act as an alternative to water.
2. Rocks are a durable solution
While mulch is described as a 'porous material' that degrades over time, rocks will stand the test of time.
'Rock is [strong enough to survive] rain and wind and heavy enough even to stay put even in the face of powerful winds and storms,' Zaeem says. After laying rocks in your garden, they have no defined lifespan and, as the expert suggests, care is simple. He recommends scrubbing the area occasionally to ensure the pebbles look fresh throughout the seasons.
(Image credit: GettyImages)
3. Impact weed control and drainage
In some cases, using rocks instead of mulch can promote better drainage in your garden and control weeds. But you do need to use this method carefully.
'Mulch retains excess water, resulting in unattractive puddles that can lead to root disease and plant death.
On hot days, the liquid evaporates quickly, producing too dry conditions; nonetheless, rock maintains a comfortable balance,' Zaeem explains. 'It helps drainage by preventing extra water from being absorbed by the ground beneath it, while also providing shade on hotter days to keep the soil moist.'
However, if you're looking at how to get rid of weeds above the stones, this method may not help. Tim Sheppard from Soil Shepherds warns that while weed fabric may stop the seeds currently on the ground, it does not consider all weed seeds that will be deposited on top of the rocks. So, if you're looking to get rid of all weeds, you may need to rely on another tactic.
Whatever your reasons for using rocks instead of mulch, this alternative has benefits that will work in every garden – and we expect it will stay in style for many more seasons to come.
Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes.
As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
Bark mulching or rock filling? Advantages and disadvantages! |
Topsoil adds beauty and health to your garden. Mulching with rock or organic fill keeps the ground warm and moist. Prevents the growth of weeds.
Old school gardeners prefer open ground as a way to grow their garden naturally. Keeping up with the times, site owners know about the benefits of mulch firsthand.
The main advantage of the coating remains the suppression of weeds that interfere with the growth of the roots of the planted plants. Competing with them for natural resources. nine0003
There are 2 main types of mulch. organic and artificial. We recommend reading about it in a separate article on our website.
5-10 cm backfill creates an extra layer on top of the soil. Maintains a favorable microclimate for beneficial microorganisms. Feeding and development of the root system. By covering the surface of the earth, you protect fertile soil from erosion, retaining the nutrients that plants need.
Decorative stone filling
Covering the soil with stone is used in landscaping and maintenance work. There are 7 basic materials for decorating the site:
- pebbles;
- stones;
- shells;
- marble chips;
- stone chips;
- tumbled marble;
- sand.
Pre-prepared filling helps to zone - visually highlight certain areas.
Reduce labor costs for maintaining the beauty and health of the garden. nine0003
For example, marble is used in rose gardens, fountains, alpine slides. White and colored chips are ideal for garden paths. Large stones are suitable for a dry stream, a small pond. The ways of using decorative stone in design are limited only by the imagination of a specialist.
What is stone mulch?
Filling with small stones is actively used in horticulture and horticulture. The most popular varieties are crushed stone, pumice (other substrates), gravel. Mulch differs in appearance and compound characteristics. The main advantages of stones are beauty and durability. However, they do not enrich the nutrient medium of the soil. Let's talk about the benefits in more detail. nine0003
Consistent and unpretentious
Stone mulch is reliable. Does not require regular maintenance. It is not subject to decay, decay. Not consumed by slugs and rodents for food. The stone does not need to be watered, dug up or mowed.
Dumping practically does not lose color, is not afraid of moisture, frost and drying. The desire to “put it and forget it” is the main motivation for gardeners using this material for mulching.
Cost savings on course
From the point of view of investing in the beauty and health of the garden, backfilling with decorative stone saves money for the future. It provides reliable protection of plants from weeds, soil from freezing or drying out without the need to change the material.
For example, tree bark enriches the soil and nourishes the root system through natural decomposition. Despite the benefits of organics in horticulture and a noticeable difference in the cost of the material, the stones pay off faster at a distance. Mulch should be changed or refilled twice a year. Stones are laid once and almost forever. nine0003
Sustainability
The material is ideal for zoning the site. Design of paths, dumping around trees, lawns. Environmentally friendly mulch is ideal for lawns.
The stone does not take moisture and does not require additional care. It is pleasant to walk on it without fear of spoiling the soil cover.
Beauty
Rare landscape design without stones. To decorate the local area, use:
- granite;
- slate; nine0019
- basalt;
- marble;
- sandstone and tuff.
Due to their enviable strength and unpretentiousness, the stones are suitable for paving paths and driveways. Visual division of the territory into sections. Large boulders form rockeries and flower beds. Backfilling with decorative stone around flower beds and trees looks expensive and spectacular. Zoning allows the use of several breeds for the play of color, the selection of even and curly lines.
The main disadvantage of the stone remains the relatively high cost, along with the available larch or pine bark, free leaves and grass clippings. The material does not supply the soil with nutrients. It is easier for weeds to germinate through large stones.
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Bark mulch
Organic cover keeps moisture in the soil. Helps retain heat without the risk of drying out. During the natural decomposition process, the mulch provides the root system of plants with additional elements. Microorganisms useful for fertilizing and loosening the soil use organic matter as food. Let's talk about the benefits of bark for mulching in more detail.
Less start-up costs
Along with rocks and inorganic mulch, organics make spring gardening faster and cheaper. The bark, depending on the fraction and volume, is distinguished by an affordable price. Does not require additional backfilling for 6-12 months. nine0003
By retaining moisture in the ground, the frequency of watering and the amount of water used are reduced. Based on the advantages of "live" mulching, small costs will pay off with the enviable beauty and health of your site.
Soil microclimate
The bark protects the earth from overheating in summer, early spring and late autumn frosts.
Maintains optimal temperature, retains moisture and prevents evaporation. Controls soil acidity. Due to the activation of microorganisms and earthworms, the soil is loosened and saturated with oxygen. nine0003
Weed control
Mulch prevents the growth of weeds that compete with plants for nutrients and root space. Caring for a garden is easier when the soil is covered with a layer of bark. Annual weeds will never grow through it. Years will have to work hard.
One of the main advantages of organic mulch is also a disadvantage. The bark is subject to decomposition, eaten by insects and microorganisms. nine0003
In the process of decay, it gives the soil elements useful for the development of plants. The thickness of the layer and the amount of mulch are reduced, requiring additional care. At least twice a year, the gardener should pay attention to backfilling the bark.
Which material is best?
We considered two options for soil mulching.
Use of decorative stone or bark. What's better? You will have to answer this question yourself. On the one hand, it attracts ease of care and comparative advantage at a distance. On the other hand, an enviable saturation of the soil with oxygen, moisture and useful substances. nine0003
Green-Yard has been providing landscaping, landscaping and gardening services for over 13 years. We offer bark of our own production and buy stone only from trusted suppliers.
Regardless of the choice of materials, living in Rostov-on-Don and the region, you know who to contact.
Call Green Yard +7 988 998-69-96 or fill out the simple form at the bottom of the page. For you consultation and departure of a specialist - for free!
Stone mulch: all about its origin and application
Stone mulch is different from other types of mulch in many ways. Where is the best place to apply it? How to lay down? What should be the care of stone mulch? Let's talk about all the features of bulk coating.
Mulch can be organic or inorganic. Each type has its positive aspects.
The most commonly used organic mulches are grass, tree bark, sawdust, leaves, needles, peat, compost, cardboard. nine0003
Inorganic mulch is pebbles, gravel, crushed stone, film.
Why stone mulch is needed
Mulch is not a new trend in gardening. In Europe, it was already used in the 17th century, when plantings were covered with straw from buckwheat. The use of mulch simplifies summer work and improves crop growth conditions:
- plantings can be watered less often. nine0019
- A layer of mulch restrains, and with some types of materials even stops the growth of weeds - there is no need for frequent weeding.
- The soil is not compacted, remains loose, which has a positive effect on the development of the root system of plants.
- Organic mulch, among other things, in the process of decomposition also improves the properties of the soil, enriching it with nutrients.
As for stone mulch, it is believed that it came to us from China, where it was also called stone steam. The inhabitants of this country in ancient times noticed that the stones have a positive effect on the growth of plants. They slowly heat up during the day, preventing the soil from overheating, and at night they gradually give off their heat to the earth. As a result, there is no sharp change in temperature, which favorably affects the development of plants. In addition, with a sharp change in night and day temperatures, condensation forms on the surface of stones - then moisture enters the soil and is absorbed by plant roots, which is especially important in a dry climate. nine0003
However, stone mulch not only helps plants, protects the soil from evaporation of moisture and the appearance of weeds, like other types, but also performs a decorative function. It, unlike organic mulch, is used not in the garden, but in gardens and flower beds, stones decorate lawns and the territory at the entrance to the house, they are used to decorate a Japanese garden, etc.
Mulch stones are selected based on needs. For example, in a sunny area, it is better to take a stone of light shades, because. from the dark ones, the soil will heat up more and this can lead to overheating of the root system of plants. Gravel or crushed stone up to 5 cm in size is suitable for neighborhood with shrubs, conifers or in a rose garden. Pebbles are usually poured in rockeries or used to create dry streams. Limestone contains alkali in its composition, so its use can change the pH of the soil. If your pH is above 7 then use this stone with great care. nine0003
Advantages of stone mulch
Stone mulch has many advantages:
- This is the most durable mulching material: stones do not rot from moisture, do not crack from frost, do not collapse from the sun.
- In windy areas, tree bark or grass will simply be blown away by the wind - heavy stones are not afraid of any drafts.
- On slopes, rock mulch is the best choice because not only does it not get blown away by the wind or washed away by water like lighter materials, it also prevents soil from washing away, which is one of the main problems on slopes.
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Disadvantages of stone mulch
One of the biggest disadvantages of stone mulch is its cost. However, unlike cheap bark or free grass, this material can last a very long time.
Another disadvantage of stone mulch is some difficulty in maintenance. With a stone, it will not be possible to live according to the principle "Pour it in and forget it." In order for it to retain its attractive appearance for a long time, it needs to be regularly looked after. We will talk about caring for stone mulch below. nine0003
How to lay stone mulch correctly
Before laying stone mulch, pay attention to the advice of those who have used this type of mulching material on their site:
- when moving, the decorative appearance of the layer will be disturbed. Think in advance where the tracks will be located.
- It is not recommended to use stones in the immediate vicinity of playgrounds to avoid injury to babies. nine0019
- Best of all stone filling will feel in the sun and in dry places.
In damp shady areas, moss is likely to appear, which you will have to fight. - It is undesirable to place stone mulch at the foot of deciduous crops: removing fallen leaves from stones is not very convenient. But, for example, next to coniferous stone filling will look great.
- Using rock mulch in annual beds is not the best option. Caring for such flowers will be difficult. It is better to use stone filling in flower beds with perennial crops. nine0019
Stone Mulch Steps
- Clear the area where the stone mulch will be placed of debris and weeds. If possible, remove all weed roots from the ground so that you do not have problems with weeding in the future. Level the ground.
- Lay a layer of geotextile with a density of at least 120 g/m2 on the prepared soil. Geotextile performs several functions. Firstly, it prevents soil and stone from mixing. Secondly, it does not allow weeds to germinate: the denser the geotextile, the better it copes with this task.
Thirdly, due to its water permeability, it allows water to pass through and acts as a drainage (for this reason, it is impossible to use a film as a separating layer in any case). nine0019 - Create a demarcation border to separate the rock mulch area from the remaining area. A wide strip laid from larger stones can become a border; sometimes a metal profile is used as a border. Often summer residents install a ready-made plastic curb tape, deepening it into the ground. You can also divide the plots using paving slabs, paving curbs, bricks, etc.
- Place a layer of stones 5-10 cm high and level it with a rake. nine0019
- In planting areas, move stones, make a cross cut in the geotextile, move the edges of the fabric and plant flowers, bushes or trees. After that, return the stone backfill to its place.
If you want to apply stone mulch to an area where there is already vegetation, then change the procedure: lay a layer of geotextile between the plants, and then pour stones on top of it.
How to care for stone mulch
Once the mulch is in place, only regular care will keep it looking attractive for a long time.
- Moss is one of the main enemies of stones. If, for some reason, moss has appeared on the stones, periodically water your mulch with biocides - preparations for the destruction of harmful organisms - to clean up. Also, ask in advance if your stones are prone to moss. So, for example, very beautiful white marble has such a drawback, but granite does not. nine0019
- If weeds appear on the surface of the stone mulch, remove them immediately before the seeds ripen, otherwise it will become much more difficult to deal with excess vegetation.
- Remove leaves and grass that have fallen on the stone fill before they begin to rot. Decayed vegetation is more difficult to remove, moreover, weeds will actively begin to develop on it.
Mulching soil with stones is not an easy process and not the cheapest.
