If you are looking for a type of ground cover for your garden, you are most likely looking into mulch or rocks. And it may be a hard decision because both of them are a great option. But it depends on what will be the best fit for your plants and what will help keep your yard looking beautiful all year round.
Mulch
Mulch is shredded bark usually from cedar, cypress, hemlock, pine, eucalyptus or oak trees and has many benefits. One of the initial attractions may be the cost. It can cost as low as 70 cents per square foot. You can also save a bit of money on watering. Mulch can hold onto moisture.
In some cases, it can hold on to 3.5 inches per foot of mulch. It is straightforward to install, and most people would have no problem putting it in themselves on a casual DIY weekend project. The upkeep is relatively simple as well. You will not need an edge created between the mulch and your grass, and as the mulch decomposes, it can add nutrients to your plants.
Rock
Rock cover can come in many different forms, such as lava rock, river rock, granite, quartz or pea gravel. While rock may have a higher initial cost, it can be a better investment because once you have put it in, you will never have to replace it. Rock will not blow away or decompose over time. Rocks help keep weeds away from your planter areas.
This decision can ultimately come down to what will be the best fit for your type of garden. If you have many annuals, we may suggest using mulch. If you have a cactus garden, we would recommend rock. If you are unsure of what would be the best fit, please feel free to come to see us. We can help you find the best option for your landscape.