Using rocks for landscaping can be very beneficial. Landscaping with rocks brings a permanent solution. Using organic mulches means you have to continuously replace the mulch when it decomposes.
Both types of landscaping mulch have their unique pros and cons. Although, choosing rock landscaping over organic mulching offers more long-term benefits.
Benefits of Landscaping with Rocks
On one hand, rock landscaping involves the use of inorganic materials such as river rocks, sand, and crushed gravels. Using this method provides a more aesthetically pleasing space. In contrast, rock landscaping is more expensive to put in place versus organic mulching.
However, the lesser cost of maintenance makes it a cheaper option overall. This is because homeowners do not have to reapply each season. Also, rocks are more effective weed deterrents, so chemicals are not necessary to keep weeds at bay. They are immune to fungal invasion, so the appearance perseveres for a longer period. In addition, it does not harbor risks of fire disasters due to its fireproof nature.
Benefits of Organic Mulching
On the other hand, mulching with organic materials has many benefits for your plants. In some cases, plants like eucalyptus and some species of grasses are introduced to give a garden-like look. Using this method provides a cheaper means of applying landscaping to a structure as necessary materials are found in nature.
Furthermore, the ability of mulches to hold the top soil together helps to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture. In terms of further benefits to the soil, mulches provide nutrition when they decompose and also help to maintain balanced soil temperature.
Additionally, mulch landscaping provides an attractive view. Especially to individuals who are obsessed with gardening due to the natural feel it provides. Whereas, organic materials are biodegradable, they require regular replacements after they have decomposed. This makes it costly to maintain. Its organic nature also presents a fertile ground for fungal growth which sometimes counteracts its initial purpose.
Additionally, the flammable nature of organic mulch materials poses a serious fire risk especially in areas that are prone to wildfire. Growths of weeds are also common drawbacks of mulches unless natural weed deterring plant species are used such as eucalyptus.
Wrapping Up
Overall, both inorganic and organic mulches are effective landscaping materials. Organic mulch is the most preferred option for individuals who love natural environments. However, it is not safer and cheaper owing to its flammable nature and annual costs of renewal when compared with rock materials. In this regard, decorative rocks present greater value in terms of appearance longevity, non-flammability and lower costs of maintenance.
Also, choices can be made as it comes in different sizes, shapes, and colors; it could also be adapted to suit different environments whether residential or commercial, unlike mulches which are best used in residential buildings.
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8 Responses
I like that you mention how rocks are weed resistant and immune to fungal invasion so you can preserve the appearance. If you can preserve the appearance, it could help you keep your landscape looking amazing. In order to enjoy the landscape, you’d probably want to find a company that can provide you with decorative rocks that will be able to improve the appearance.
I hadn’t really thought about it before, but you do make a good point about how costly it can be to maintain mulch. After all, it is pretty obvious that rocks are going to last a lot longer than old tree bark and other organic waste. Not to mention that, if done right, you can make some very nice and colorful rock beds for your plants to reside in.
My husband and I are wanting to redo our landscape, and we are looking for different ways about how to go about it. It’s good to know that when it comes to using rock that there are a lot of different benefits that can go along with it. Personally, I like how you pointed out that are able to effectively deterrent weeds.
I like that you mentioned that mulch is more costly to maintain than rocks. My wife and I have been trying to decide between the two. Thanks for the information–I’ll be sure to talk to our landscape designer about incorporating some rocks into the design of the yard.
I have my whole front yard with rocks, and I have done nothing but weed!!!!I will never choose rocks or pebbles again. I am going to mulch!!!
I liked what you said about rocks being effective weed deterrents. I have been discussing with my husband about using some rocks with our landscape design because I love how it looks. I never even thought about how it would help with weeds. Thank you! https://greshamrock.com/products/flagstone-and-step-stones
You really caught my eye when you talked about how using rocks for landscaping is great if you want a fire-proof method to decorate your property. Fires have always been the number one biggest fear I’ve had as a homeowner, so doing what I can to keep them away is helpful. Now that I have a good idea on how to do this, I’ll go and look for a paving contractor in the area that can assist me right away.
I love how you talked about the ways that landscape rocks can be used to make a property a lot more maintenance-free. Decorating an entire property with flowers and bushes could be extremely difficult, so I do think that we should try and utilize this kind of idea moving forward. Once I find a landscaping expert in the area, I’ll seek their assistance with getting some rock ideas done.