Should I Mulch, Use Stone or River Rock Around My House?

Did you know that our ancestors are a great source of landscaping solutions? 

In the history of farming and gardening, over the last several thousand years, your ancestors found a use for rock and stone. They placed it around their gardens to minimize weed growth, and to keep rodents and small animals away from their gardens. Their innovation would later become one of the most popular ways to decorate–and optimize–landscapes everywhere.

Have you been debating using mulch, stone, or river rock for your property? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you settle mulch vs rock.

Continue reading to determine whether you should use mulch or stone in your project.

What Are the Benefits and Disadvantages of Mulch?

If you’re planting or remodeling a garden or decorative landscape, mulch is a great contender. With its easy installation and minimal upkeep, mulch keeps nutrients in your soil and hides imperfections.

Hardwood, dyed mulch, and color-enhanced mulch are also wonderful for harsh winters, keeping your plants warm and safe through cold weather. 

Mulch is a common addition to landscaping projects to add something extra and to tie everything together. Available in natural bulk and color enhanced options, mulch is a great organic option to finish your project with.

Mulch is the byproduct of trees such as cedar, pine, and oak, mulch offers nutritional value to your soil and to your plants. 

By spreading mulch throughout your area, you’ll reduce erosion, conserve water, regulate plant temperature, and prevent weeds from poking through. 

Unfortunately, mulch does not last more than a few years at a time. Even though its natural decay is good for your soil, mulch will lose its color due to sun exposure. It will also suffer through rain and wind, causing you to have to completely replace your mulch periodically.

The Benefits and Disadvantages of River Rocks

River rock is a great solution for a low-maintenance, quality appearance. Since it is durable and long-lasting, river rock doesn’t need to be replaced. It serves as a great decorative aspect to your project and will stand the test of time and weather.

When considering river rock, take into account where you’re placing them. These suit areas around buildings, swimming pools, and fire pits.

Due to their heavy-duty qualities, river rock and stone are long-lasting solutions and require some upkeep to maintain their shine.

These rocks are fireproof, which is great for areas that are prone to heat and wildfires. River rock and stone can also prevent soil erosion, ensuring that your land is safe from fungi and rot.

However, river rocks don’t keep weeds at bay. You’ll have to manually remove weeds and other pesky plants growing underneath your river rocks or use a manufactured weed barrier or weed stopper. 

Choosing What Works for Your Landscape

Depending on where you live and what purpose you’re considering mulch, stone, and river rock for, these factors will play into how you proceed.

Still wondering “Should I use mulch, stone, or river rocks?” We have experts on our team who are here to help you decide whether river rocks, stones, or mulch is the right landscape spread for you. 

Interested in solutions for your yard? If so, contact us today.