Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
River Rock Vs. Mulch
River Rock Vs. Mulch. The most common reasons for mulching are preventing moisture loss, weed prevention, control soil temperature and aesthetics. River rock heats up soil but is effective at retaining moisture. Rock works well at controlling many weeds when laid above a weed barrier. Wood mulch gradually releases nutrients into the soil as it...
The most common reasons for mulching are preventing moisture loss, weed prevention, control soil temperature and aesthetics. River rock heats up soil but is effective at retaining moisture. Rock works well at controlling many weeds when laid above a weed barrier. Wood mulch gradually releases nutrients into the soil as it decomposes and improves drainage. It prevents frost damage to certain plants and cuts down on weeds while making them easier to pull.
Cost and Maintenance
River rock presents a higher initial cost than wood mulches but is permanent, whereas wood mulches should be reapplied yearly. Lay landscape fabric below the rocks to block weeds. River rock mulch is difficult to move, so installing it is a permanent decision. Wood mulch is more inexpensive by the yard. Although it must be reapplied, it constantly adds organic matter and minerals to the soil, and can be left as is when changes are made in the garden.
Water Retention
River rocks are best used in environments with little rain and plants that don't need large amounts of water. The landscape fabric and unamended soil below often result in poor drainage, which causes root rot. Drip irrigation provides regular, small amounts of water. Wood mulch is an excellent choice for moisture retention. As it decomposes, it adds humus to the soil, which improves drainage and water retention.
Weed Control
Multiple layers of landscape fabric combined with river rock are great barriers against most weeds. Aggressive perennial weeds may still be able to break through, making weeding difficult. Mulch will not create as strong of a barrier but reduces small weeds and makes large weeds easier to pull. In time, mulch and manual weeding significantly reduces the weed population.
Aesthetics and Use
River rock looks great in dry or desert gardens, or in dry riverbeds. For areas with foot traffic, smaller rocks compact slightly, making walking easier. Rocks are helpful in areas with strong wind. In lush gardens with abundant, layered plants, wood mulch is a natural-looking material that aids these plants with drainage and water retention. In these type gardens, small areas of rock could complement the natural bark mulch around plants.
