When it comes to making enhancements to your lawn, it’s important to consider both function and beauty. Mulch is made from different tree types, such as cypress and cedar. Landscaping rock, on the other hand, refers to decorative gravel or stones that come in a variety of sizes, colors, textures, and shapes.
You may prefer rocks or mulch aesthetically, but one may serve the needs of your lawn better than the other. Rock and organic mulch both have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to lawn maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of each material so you can assess which is best for your landscape design. Keep reading to learn more.
Whether you’re interested in larger rocks or stone gravel, incorporating rocks into your landscape design has obvious aesthetic benefits, but it can be beautiful and functional at the same time.
Learn more:Which landscaping rocks are ideal for your project?
Rocks provide better weed prevention than traditional mulch. They are a great choice for Florida lawns because rocks can reduce the amount of water that evaporates from the soil, which allows more water to be available to your plants’ roots.
Rocks can also be an excellent choice to invest in if your home happens to be in a wildfire area since they are not flammable. Using rocks also requires less regular yard maintenance because they need to be replaced less often and can be left alone throughout the year.
Landscaping rocks may not be right for your lawn if you’re working on a budget. While they don’t need to be replaced and keep their quality for an extended time, they’re a more expensive initial investment. Rocks are also not a good choice for garden cover because they retain more of the Florida heat than mulch.
Traditional mulch is a staple of high-quality landscaping. Organic or bark mulch is light, cheap, and easy to work with. Mulch, in general, is such a common feature in Florida lawns because of its many functional benefits.
It regulates soil temperature throughout the year, protecting the plants’ roots, which is essential in Florida’s hot summers and cool, dry winters. Bark mulch also controls the growth of weeds while preventing the spreading of their seeds, making it a long-term solution to weeds.
Organic mulch can also improve plant growth speed since it naturally decomposes over time, breaking down into particles that enrich the soil. Mulch can also be installed without lawn edging or a landscape fabric barrier, which is convenient.
Mulch needs to be replaced at least once a year, and it can lose color over time in the Florida sun. When done too early in the year, applying mulch can delay the warming of the soil, potentially resulting in later-than-usual plant blooming.
When storms roll in, mulch is also more easily washed away than stones or rocks. An unexpected risk associated with mulch is attracting unwanted insects that lay eggs in large piles of sitting mulch.
Yes! Combining rocks and mulch in gardening and landscaping is a common practice. Rocks can be used for decorative purposes or as a functional element, such as creating pathways or retaining walls, while mulch retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and improves soil health. The combination of rocks and mulch can add visual interest and enhance your garden's or landscape's overall aesthetics while providing various benefits to plants and soil.
Rock and stone can be beautiful, low-maintenance options if you’re willing to make an investment in your yard design. While mulch is a great way to help your lawn or garden stay green and healthy at a lower cost.
If you’re still unsure if rocks or mulch are a better choice for you, a professional landscaping company could provide you with sound advice and help with the installation and landscape maintenance of your new feature. If you’re looking for a yard maintenance partner you can trust, call RLC Landscaping today at 407-366-5629 or click here to request a quote.
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