With spring and summer comes blooming flowers and returning plants that make our yard and our homes look alive and healthy. Using mulch or rock is very beneficial to the look and health of your flower beds. These materials help to retain the soil’s moisture, which is great news for you because you don’t have to water your beds as often. Using mulch and rock in your beds also helps to keep weeds away by blocking them from the sunlight, making it hard for them to grow. Knowing which one to use can help you achieve the perfect yard. Keep reading to learn more! 

Mulch Vs. Rock

Both mulch and rock have their fair share of benefits and drawbacks. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you determine which is the best one to use for your garden beds. With this knowledge, you can choose the filler that will ensure your beds look their best. 

Mulch 

Mulch is sourced from shredded or chipped tree bark and comes in many different varieties. Mulch is very important to the health of your garden, but that doesn’t mean that it is right for every garden. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks can help you decide if it is right for you. 

Pros

Mulching your garden is great for conserving water. When you use mulch, it helps retain moisture, which means that you get to spend less time watering your plants and flowers. It also comes in a variety of colors, such as black, dark brown, and red. This is great for those looking to add a personal touch to their beds. It is also relatively inexpensive, usually only costing about $0.70-$0.80 per square foot. Mulching typically does not require any edging or weed barriers, and it adds nutrients to your soil as it decomposes. 

Cons

There are also some drawbacks to consider when determining if mulch is the best filler for your beds. For example, it has to be replaced every one or two years as it can fade, wash away, and decompose. Mulch made from tree bark is flammable, so it is important to keep it away from any open flame, including outdoor candles, torches, and cigarette butts. Mulch also attracts insects and can be washed away from heavy rain. 

Rock 

Some homeowners choose to use rocks in place of mulch. Rock-based groundcovers can be sourced from gravel, pebbles, stones, and volcanic rocks. If you are considering whether you should use rocks instead of mulch, take a look at the benefits and drawbacks below. 

Pros

Rock mulch is long-lasting and never needs to be replaced as it doesn’t easily wash away or fade from the sun. While it is more expensive to purchase, it lasts much longer, making it a lower cost over a longer period of time. Like mulch, there are also many different varieties to choose from with unique shapes, colors, and sizes – so, there is a perfect option for everyone!

Cons

As mentioned above, rock mulch can help to save money over time, but the upfront costs are more substantial than that of bark mulch. Installation usually costs between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot; however, this can vary drastically. Rocks are also very heavy, making it hard to install yourself. To keep your beds in check, you must use edge barriers and a weed barrier beneath the rocks. To prevent the growth of weeds, leaves and plants must be picked up regularly. Rocks also reflect and absorb heat which makes both the ground and your plants warmer. 

Types of Mulch 

If you have decided to use bark mulch for your landscaping, there are many different types to choose from. With so many different kinds of mulch, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your garden. Here are a few that you can consider when it comes time to mulch your beds. 

Shredded Bark 

Shredded bark is not only one of the most common types of mulch, but it also happens to be one of the least expensive varieties. Shredded bark mulch is sourced from many different trees and is great to use on sloped landscaping as it takes a long time for it to break down. Some manufacturers use mulch that is a byproduct from other industries making it an environmentally friendly option. 

Compost 

Compost is made from heavily decomposed organic matter such as plants and manure. It can be made at home or purchased in bulk. Compost is great for nourishing soil, insulating your pants, and reducing evaporation. In addition to acting as mulch, it is also a natural fertilizer for your garden. 

Straw 

Straw is a very economical and widely available mulch choice. It typically comes from barley, wheat, or oat straw. While it sometimes has to be treated with herbicides and pesticides, straw decomposes and offers organic matters and nutrients to the soil underneath. 

Hardwood Mulch

Hardwood mulch is made from the byproduct of tree-trimming jobs and old wooden objects. Hardwood mulch is usually very inexpensive and is best used for plants that don’t need very much acid – it breaks down into an alkaline as it decomposes. Hardwood mulch is prone to gray over the years, meaning it has to be raked and turned over regularly.

Red Mulch 

Red mulch is, you guessed it – red! Very red, in fact. While some barks are naturally red, the red mulch used for garden beds is typically artificially colored. Red mulch is similar to hardwood mulch and is usually sourced from construction projects. While it is very eye-catching, it can potentially leak undesirable chemicals into your flower beds. 

Cocoa Chip Mulch 

This very unique mulch is sourced from cocoa bean husks. It is a great mulch containing nutrients like nitrogen and phosphates. This helps to enrich the soil and create a better environment for the plants. They naturally eliminate weeds but can be toxic to wildlife and pets. 

Types of Rock

Just like wood-sourced mulch, rock mulch comes in many different varieties. We have already discussed the many benefits of rock mulch, but let’s take a look at a few of the different kinds that you can choose from. 

Brick Chips 

Brick chips are made from crushed brick fragments. This kind of rock mulch is a deep red and brown color about the size of a medium-sized pebble. This type of rock mulch can be used for many different purposes. 

Pea Gravel 

Pea gravel is about the size of a pea and ranges in color from brown to tan to white. This type of rock mulch is incredibly versatile and can be used between stone pavers and as a weed barrier. 

Lava Rock 

Lava rock is sourced from actual volcanoes and provides vibrant and bold colors. This creates a beautiful look to any landscape. Lava rock is great for dry climates as it helps to absorb heat during the day, and then it releases it overnight. 

River Rock 

River rocks are from, you guessed it, rivers. They are very smooth in texture and tend to be larger. These rocks come in various colors and create a calming, natural look when used in flower beds. River rock also helps with drainage. 

Marble Chips 

Like brick chips, marble chips come from broken down marble. They are sleek and white in color but aren’t ideal for plants that need a lot of acids. This is because marble chips can change the pH level of your soil.

Edging

Edging makes it easy to create clear and solid boundaries between different parts of your lawn. Edging helps both the design and functionality of your landscaping. Just like rock and bark mulch, there are a few different kinds to choose from. 

Strip Edging 

Strip edging is a shallow barrier that is anchored below the ground. The top part of this kind of edging creates separation between your yard and your flower bed. This kind of edging comes in many varieties, such as plastic and metal, and it is useful for creating curved edges along your beds. 

Wood Edging 

Wood edging resembles a tiny wooden fence. It comes in pre-cut sections of various heights and typically has flat boards or round logs. This type of edging is both affordable and durable, and it is sourced from woods such as redwood, cypress, and cedar to help it resist rot. 

Masonry Edging 

Made with stone, concrete, or brick, masonry edging is attractive and comes in many different styles and shapes. This type of edging is usually more expensive than the other types. 

Implementation 

When it comes time to mulch your garden beds, you will have to determine the best method of implementation. Of course, you can purchase, haul, and install the mulch yourself. This requires the proper tools and manpower necessary to transport the mulch to your flower beds. If you are using rock mulch, be prepared to do some heavy lifting as it is incredibly heavy. 

If you’d prefer to have an extra hand, you can have your mulch delivered to your home. However, most delivery services will dump the mulch somewhere on your property, and you will still have to transport it from the drop location to your beds. The easiest and most convenient option is to hire a professional to deliver and install the mulch. They will take care of everything from getting the mulch to your property and properly installing it into your beds.