Mulch vs Rock: What’s Better for Your Yard?

When you’re standing in your yard, the question of “Mulch vs Rock” might not seem like a big deal at first glance. But, as you gaze upon your garden, considering its potential, this choice becomes a pivotal decision that shapes the very ground beneath your feet.

In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances of mulch and rock, helping you transform your outdoor space into the envy of the neighborhood. Let’s dig into the details and discover which ground cover will crown your yard the jewel of the block!

Mulch vs Rock: Summary Comparison Table

Factor	Mulch	Rock
Initial Cost	Generally lower than rock, but varies by type.	Higher than mulch, especially for premium types.
Longevity	Needs replacing every 1-4 years.	Lasts indefinitely, rarely needs replacing.
Maintenance	Requires regular replenishment and may scatter.	Minimal maintenance, occasional cleaning.
Installation	Easier to install, often a DIY job.	Heavier and may require professional installation.
Soil Health	Improves soil quality by adding nutrients.	Does not improve soil, can cause compaction.
Moisture Retention	Excellent for retaining moisture in the soil.	Poor moisture retention, can lead to hotter soil.
Weed Control	Good at suppressing weeds.	Excellent at preventing weed growth.
Aesthetic Variety	Wide range of colors and textures.	Vast array of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Environmental Impact	Generally eco-friendly, but dyed variants exist.	Low degradation but mining has environmental cost.
Insect Repellence	Certain types (like cedar) can repel insects.	Does not repel insects.
Suitability for Plants	Beneficial for most plants, encourages growth.	Can be restrictive for plant roots and growth.
Temperature Regulation	Helps regulate soil temperature.	Can increase soil temperature significantly.
Weight on Soil	Light, does not compact soil.	Heavy, may lead to soil compaction.
Renewability	Renewable resource, often from recycled materials.	Non-renewable, mined from the earth.
Accessibility	Easy to walk on and generally safe for play areas.	Can be rough or sharp, less suitable for foot traffic.

Mulch

Let’s have a look at bark mulch (or wood mulch) first.

Several types of mulches can be used in your garden and within your garden beds or flower beds, including straw mulch and wood chip mulch. But in this article, we’ll be discussing bark mulch since it is the most common and affordable type.

Mulch contains one or several types of wood. It is tree bark shredded into many different sizes and pieces.

It often comes from the trees’ bark, but these days, it has waste material of sawmills and furniture manufacturers. The bark mulch can either be natural or dyed in a dark color for a rich, expensive look.

In the bark mulch, the trees’ bark usually comes from pine, oak, and cedar. Typically, a mulch blend will include bark from multiple types of trees.

There are different types of mulch that include bark from specific trees, like pine mulch or cedar mulch.  You can also find variations of organic mulch.

We know mulch is a preferred choice for the yard, but there are still some pros & cons that you need to know before making your decision.

Bark Mulch Pros and Cons

Using mulch is not for every landscape, but it certainly has some advantages.

When to Use Bark Mulch in My Yard?

If you have trees, shrubs, and garden beds in your backyard, bark mulch is an excellent choice because it makes it easier for you to dig to add or remove plants. Bark mulch is a great option if you have a garden bed, in particular.

Furthermore, as we have mentioned in the benefits, it keeps the soil in good condition, which is necessary for the plants.

Keep in mind; it is possible to buy a specific bark mulch type as well.

For example, if your primary concern is to keep pests at bay in your backyard, opt for Cedar Bark Mulch. This type of mulch has a natural, gifted repelling oil that protects your beautiful flowers and plants from problematic insects.

But in case you want your plants and flowers to thrive, Pine Bark Mulch is a good option. It retains moisture and has the best nutrients that keep your backyard’s soil healthy.

Rock

Now, let’s have a look at adding rock to your yard.

Rock is an ideal landscape material in the backyard. It has different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures.

Some of the common varieties of landscaping rock include pea gravel, landscaping gravel, decorative gravel, river rock, lava rock, and granite. There are other different types of rock that you can use as well.

People often use them for the borders of their backyard or specifically for walkways. Unlike bark mulch, rock doesn’t need periodic replacements.

They also have high aesthetic value that makes people fall in love with your backyard.

People who are particularly interested in one-time purchases and don’t have enough time to maintain their backyard typically choose rock. Rocks can also help in preventing soil erosion.

Here are some pros & cons about the rocks that will help you decide whether they are the right choice. Though, bear in mind, they aren’t totally without maintenance.

Some people think putting rocks in their backyard is enough; this isn’t true at all. They need attention as well.

Rock Pros and Cons

When to Use Rock in My Yard?

When you use rock, you need to focus on the design of your backyard first.

The primary purpose of using rock is to avoid invasive plants efficiently and to be able to deal with different weather conditions. They work best around the fire pit and heat-resistant shrubs.

If you plan to get rock, you have to buy some steel edging or a raised concrete or plastic barrier to ensure the rocks don’t shift into turf areas, especially where children are playing or walking.

Experts also recommend using rock and stone for walkways and patios since they don’t deteriorate from foot traffic.

So, What’s Better? Mulch vs Rock

The reality is that there is no set determination to know what’s better between mulch vs rock. It all depends on what you’re looking for in your yard.

In summary, for backyards that need fertilization or have lots of plants, go with bark mulch. This will help with your plant growth.

But if you already have long-lived trees or shrubs or don’t have plants in your backyard, rock is the best option to make your backyard more attractive. Unlike mulch, it does not do as well for plant growth but will also give you fewer weeds.

I know we spent this article discussing mulch vs rock, but don’t be afraid to use both bark mulch and rock!

However, you’ll have to be a tad creative. It would be best to put bark mulch in those areas where you plan to do gardening and install rock in areas for walkways, fire pits, and patios.

Important Tip: Before laying down any mulch or rock, it’s recommended that you cover the ground with a weed barrier. Having this layer of fabric weed barrier underneath the mulch/rock will prevent weeds from taking root and growing through. See below.

Make sure your purchase a good quality weed barrier. If your weed barrier breaks or degrades quickly, you’ll spend more time and money trying to replace the barrier in the future.

Get Help If Necessary

You can also contact your local landscaping companies for special assistance if you are in a tough situation. They work on both residential and commercial properties and help you decide what is best for your yard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much mulch do I need?

One cubic yard of mulch covers almost 110 square feet at three inches deep. If you need need a thicker layer of mulch, it’ll cover a smaller area. It’s always best to get a few extra bags as a contingency.

How many mulch bags are in a yard?

Standard size bags of mulch contain 0.074 cubic yards (or 2 cubic feet) of mulch. This means you’ll need 13.5 bags for a full cubic yard of mulch.

What’s the best time to put down mulch?

Most believe that the best time to put down much is just after the rainy season, usually late spring or early summer. Mulching too early could lead to an increase in weed growth.

Do I need organic mulch?

Mulch is organic if it’s made from recycled yard debris or composted plant material. Mulches that are not organic can be chemically applied to the ground and may release toxic fumes in the air, especially when they’re burned during a wildfire.

Is mulch or rock cheaper?

Mulch is often less expensive than rock because it’s a lot easier to get.

What is the most common landscaping rock?

River rock is the most common landscaping rock. It’s beautiful and comes in various colors, including brown, gray, red, pink, white, and mottled combinations. 

How long does landscaping rock last?

Landscaping rock lasts for a very long time. Its life span is dependent on environmental factors, such as weather and temperature, but it can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance.

Where to Buy Mulch and Rock Materials:

1. Home Depot: A wide variety of mulch and rock options with home delivery available.
   • Website: www.homedepot.com
2. Lowe’s: Offers an extensive selection of landscaping materials including different types of mulch and rocks.
   • Website: www.lowes.com
3. Local Garden Centers: Often provide high-quality materials and personalized advice. Look for ones well-rated in your area.
4. Bulk Material Suppliers: Check local listings for suppliers that can deliver large quantities of mulch or rock for bigger projects.

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