Has a homeowner here in Central Florida, you want your landscape and garden to look great and easy to maintain. You take the time to carefully choose the plants, flowers, and trees to plant, but what about the mulch? It’s an important decision, rocks, stones, or organic bark mulch?
Each choice has its own set of unique benefits, depending on practicality and personal preference.
“Mulching is one of the simplest and most beneficial practices you can use in the garden” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
Pros And Cons Of Mulch And Rocks
Organic Bark Mulch
Natural charm of mulch
Mulch has a beautiful organic appeal with earth tones that enhances your landscapes aesthetics.
Weed control
Weed control: In the correct thickness (3-4 inches) mulch will prevent weed seeds from germinating, thus leading to fewer weeds for you to pull.
Soil moisture
Mulch reduces evaporation, which in turn leaves more water in the soil, in a prime location for plant roots.
Temperature
Mulch shades the soil, helping to protect fine feeder roots that occupy the first few inches of soil. Like a blanket, mulch will protect those roots from sudden swings in temperature, lowering the risk of plant stress.
Organic matter: As organic mulch decomposes, organic matter and nutrients are released into the soil, readily available for your plants
Rocks and Stones
They are very low maintenance
Since rocks and stones don’t break down, they last a very long time without any maintenance. When you have plants, shrubs, grass, or even organic mulch, you need to stay on top of the maintenance. Watering, trimming, fertilizing, and replenishing. To keep it lookout its best. But with rocks and stones you can leave them and forget them. The color doesn’t fade in the sun and they stay the same size.
Weather resistance
Because of our Environmental conditions here in Central Florida, anything left outside undergoes tremendously harsh conditions, high winds, torrential downpours, the heat of the sun, not to mention, children and pets trampling through the yard. With rocks and stones you don’t have to worry, even after a hurricane, they will still be there.
They keep weeds and bugs away
Not only to rocks and stones look great, they keep your yard work light. Just a few inches of rocks can keep weeds from growing. Rocks are a great deterrent for weeds, reducing the time spent working out in the yard. Stones also help keep pesky insects at bay, minimizing infestation
Prevent erosion
Rocks are beneficial for areas in your yard that are prone to soil erosion. Rocks act as a protective layer, reducing soil loss and adding stability to your flower beds and garden.
