Rock Mulch
Everything you ever wanted to know about rock mulch
There are many different kinds of mulch, including rock mulch, but it’s important to understand the benefits of each kind. Mulch can add beauty, control weeds, and hold the moisture in, but the best kind of mulch for your project depends on exactly which of these three functions is the most important. Different plants have different needs, so understanding the needs of your plants is vital to choosing the right kind of mulch.
One of the first things to consider is whether you need rock mulch or wood mulch. If the plants you’re planting require organic mulch, then wood mulch is obviously the way to go. However, you may want to consider rock mulch if you’re planting in an area that gets a lot of wind. This is because wood mulch tends to blow away much more easily than rock mulch. You should really look at the area you’re planting and try to determine if wood mulch is even an option. This may drastically change the type of plant you intend to plant.
Another thing to keep in mind about wood mulch is that it is organic, which means it will decompose into the soil. This will provide some food for your plants, but it does require replenishment once in a while. Rock mulch, on the other hand, pretty much stays where you put it.
Rock mulch is perfect for trees and shrubs or anywhere you have plants that tend to be a bit hardier. Rock mulch is also great for controlling weeds, although you may find yourself using some weed control products to kill off the hardier weeds. You also may need a very thick layer of rock mulch to help avoid weeds altogether.
It’s also important to understand the disadvantages of rock mulch. You probably won’t want to use rocks in areas where you are constantly digging. Rocks are difficult to move, and they may even begin to sink into the soil. Some types of rocks will even reflect the heat right onto your plants, which means your plants could overheat. Of course this may be a good thing in the cooler climates, but it’s something you should always keep in mind when you’re planning your outside space.
You also may want to plan some sort of border around your planting area to help keep the mulch in. This is especially important with rock mulch because you don’t want to end up getting rocks caught in the lawn mower.
No matter what kind of mulch you choose, always make sure that it’s right for you and your yard. You have to find the balance between mulch that looks great and mulch that fulfills whatever role you need it to fill. You also have to figure out what kind of mulch you can live with. Choosing the wrong kind of mulch can leave you frustrated and not wanting to take care of your yard. If you’re still not sure what kind you should by, ask an expert at your local garden center.