Landscaping Rock vs. Mulch
Comparing things can be quite enjoyable.
Pineapple or ham on pizza? Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt in a leading role? Coffee grounds or tea leaves for composting?
Grab a slice of pizza, and let's explore. Mulch and Stuff by Smart Choice has some advice.
Mulch
What makes mulch so great? Let's break it down:
Mulch helps your soil retain moisture, meaning you won’t need to water as often. In the hot, sunny climate of Central Florida, that’s a huge benefit.
Mulch blocks the sunlight that weeds need to grow, keeping them at bay.
Mulch prevents rain from washing away your soil.
Mulch and landscape waste decompose together, enriching the soil with nutrients.
Budget tip for landscaping: Mulch is much cheaper than landscape rock. However, mulch does fade in the strong Central Florida sun and decomposes over time, so you’ll need to replace it once or twice a year. A fresh layer of rich, dark mulch can instantly make your landscaping beds and entire yard look fantastic.
What to Know about Rock
Is mulch or rock better for landscaping in Central Florida? Sometimes, rocks might be the better choice:
For drainage issues, rock allows water to drain quickly.
If you prefer low-maintenance landscaping and have open bed areas without plants dropping debris, rock is a hassle-free option. Unlike mulch, it lasts for years without needing replacement.
Rocks are ideal for high-traffic areas where pedestrians take shortcuts, as they won't trample plants.
Mulch and Stuff by Smart Choice offers a few tips:
Keep landscaping beds to a minimum so the rock doesn’t distract from the beauty of your house.
The fewer plants in rock beds, the better. It makes it easier to clean out the inevitable debris.
You’ll need edging to keep the rocks from straying into your landscaping, and landscape fabric underneath to keep the rocks from sinking into the ground.
If you live in a HOA, check your community’s rules before investing in rock. It might not be allowed, or there might be restrictions on certain colors or types.
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