When planning the landscaping for your yard, it can be difficult to decide on the types of materials you would like to use. Of course, different options provide varying benefits to your lawn and flowerbeds. With so many choices, your professional landscaping company in Kingsport, Promier Landscapes, can help you decide which option is best. In today’s blog, we are examining whether it is better to use rocks or mulch in your plant beds.
What is the difference?
Other than the obvious aesthetic differences, both rock and mulch perform differently when used in a flower bed. Rock is a decorative way to showcase various size stones typically from a riverbed. It remains a solid substance that does not break down over time and feed the soil below it. Wood mulch is often a combination of bark from various trees like cypress, hemlock, cedar, and pine. The mulch is made from previous living trees and will, therefore, break down and fertilize the ground over time.
When should I use rock?
Drainage on your property could be a key factor in your choice of rock over mulch. Since the rocks do not absorb water but instead allows it to pass through, rocks can be more beneficial if you have problems with drainage. Another great reason to use rocks is around a major traffic area since grass struggles to survive as people walk across it. Also, if you have a water feature near your home, rocks surrounding the bottom area of the fountain can provide an elegant space that requires low maintenance and will assist in draining excess water.
When should I use mulch?
Mulch can transform an ordinary flower bed into a picture from the Better Homes & Gardens magazine. With its contrasting color, it gives your lawn an extra “pop” that could satisfy a gardener’s soul. Since mulch is made from natural materials that will decompose, it will provide additional nutrients to the plants and flowers. Unfortunately, since the mulch does break down over time, it will need to be replaced approximately twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
What is the difference in cost?
Typically, rock is more expensive than mulch. The price of rock varies up to two to three times the price of mulch and can fluctuate depending on the size, type, and availability of materials. But remember, unlike mulch, rocks do not breakdown. Mulch decomposes over time, requiring you to replace it a minimum of every year if you want to reap its aesthetic benefits. So, when comparing the difference in cost between rock and mulch, keep in mind how long it will last, and needed maintenance. If you need assistance estimating the cost of materials, reach out to Promier Landscapes, your local lawn care company in Johnson City.
Can I plant any type of plant in either a rock bed or a mulch bed?
Unfortunately, not all plants survive in the same conditions. When deciding on rocks or mulch for your flower bed, keep in mind the types of plants you want to showcase. If you want beautiful flowers with blooming buds, then mulch would be a better choice as it provides additional nutrients to the soil. However, if you are planting sturdy, drought-tolerant plants like cacti and succulents, rocks might be a perfect choice.
Landscaping in Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City
Deciding which mulch is best for your lawn and plants can be difficult due to multiple available options. For the most part, the final decision weighs on how you want to design your landscape. When you are ready to plan your lawn and garden project, feel free to reach out to the lawn care experts in Bristol for an appointment by calling (423) 872-2988 or visit our website, and we will contact you as soon as possible to get your project underway.