Quicker Drainage
If you need the water to drain quickly, decorative rocks should be your first choice. The stones you select for your yard will allow water to drain much more quickly and reduce the pooling size compared to mulch. However, mulch can prevent runoff by absorbing the water, which reduces water costs and removes pollutants from waterways. As a result, mulch can stop your plants from drying out, and decorative rocks will make it more difficult for air to reach them. These are things to consider when selecting between the two options.
Appearance
Since both decorative rocks and mulch can help with drainage problems, your tastes and preferences will play a major role when choosing between the options. Both could give your garden or yard more curb appeal and catch the eye of visitors, but replacement issues will be a factor. For instance, decorative rocks such as Mexican beach pebble are inorganic, so they don’t decompose like mulch, meaning they won’t blow away and cause a mess in the yard or garden. Instead, the stones stay in place, keeping their attractive appearance and reducing the need to top off the soil every few months.
Weed Control
Both decorative rocks and mulch can handle drainage problems, but you should be aware of other issues, especially weeds. If weed prevention is at the top of your list when selecting between the two, decorative rocks should rank ahead of mulch. The former can suffocate weeds and slow down their growth rate.
Specific layers of stone need to be added to help with weed control, depending on the type of garden or landscaping features you’re setting up in the yard. Dirt and dust can continue to settle between the stones, so this isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent weed seeds from germinating, but decorative rocks are better at weed prevention than mulch.
Maintenance
Adding mulch or decorative rocks to your yard can handle current drainage problems. However, you must work to maintain the option you choose. Therefore, the type of maintenance you’re up for could play a crucial role in your decision. For example, fresh layers of mulch could provide a blanket over your soil that protects the roots of plants and eliminates some erosion while adding appeal to the yard. However, this option can fade and break down with time, increasing the need to replace the mulch regularly.
On the other hand, landscaping rocks such as white pebbles require minimal maintenance, such as occasional rinsing or adding top layers. The type of work you want to put in will determine which option you prefer. Decorative rocks are heavier to move, so once you set them down, make sure you want to leave them there.
When you use decorative rocks such as polished black pebbles, landscaping tasks, including ensuring proper drainage and controlling weeds, can be much easier. When you’re ready to get started on your landscaping plan, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rock Stones & Pebbles, a premier provider of river rock, beach pebbles, and a wide variety of decorative stones. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today at (866) 380-0770.