Mulch or Stones?
Question:When landscaping your yard which is better?
Answers:
i guess this depends on what you like. there are good and bad points for both. one good point about mulch it will add nutrients to your soil.but stones will last longer.write down the good &bad points of both.this could help by seeing it on paper. your choice.
I was reading on a news website on landscaping and it recommended using mulch because it helps the plants or trees retain moisture better, cutting down on the amount you water. If you like the look of stones better then put a thin layer of mulch then the stones...not sure what you are trying to do though.
Depends on your landscape, is it an area that the mulch gets washed away everytime it rains? If so, I would definitely say stone. We put it in out yard and it holds up well, hardly any weeds are coming through two years later and the plans are more then healthy enough. We haven't had to water them anymore then usual anyway.
How 'bout this one? My brother just emailed me about an old, favorite bar we used to go to in NJ that burned down because someone threw a cigarette butt out in the mulch! It is actually very common (my bro's an insurance guy). I don't smoke, but a consideration if you do. Aside from that, I prefer stone for asthetic reasons as well as for drainage purposes. Also, bugs are more apt to be in mulch than stone.
It really depends on the effect your looking for, the plants involved and the climate. Stones retain heat which is not good in most gardens that heat extracts moisture from the plants they surround so if you are looking to spruce up a flower garden then do not use them (except as accents). Stones are good in areas you don't want plants to grow (although some weeds will still thrive there) and cactus beds. Mulch retains moisture while helping inhibit weed growth which is ideal for flower gardens.
Mulch will be better for the plants. Over time mulch will decompose and help to enrich the soil which is another advantage. I use no float Cypress mulch with great success even in a sloping area. Cocoa bean shell mulch is also fun, making your area smell like a chocolate bar. Unfortunately the aroma it doesn't last long enough.
I would recommend against using stone. It's really hard to get rid of once it's down. If I were deciding between 2 houses to buy, the one without stone would be my final choice. I really hate stone. But if you're going for a xeroscape (dry landscape) look, then stone would be an appropriate choice.
try both you could use much up around plants the use a stone to make a boarder around your mulch and the edge of your beds
More Related Questions & Answers...