Since 83% of Americans feel that having a yard is important (and 90% of those who have a yard think it’s important to maintain it), it’s no surprise that you’ll want to spend some time outside on your property this season. But if you don’t make the proper landscape improvements, your backyard may not be as visually appealing or fully functional as it could be. Whether you’re working with professional landscapers or have decided on making DIY property improvements, you might have questions about the type of materials you should use around trees and in flower beds. While there are several different materials to choose from, today’s blog post will discuss some of the differences between two main types: landscaping rocks and a popular type of mulch known as barkdust.
Landscaping Rocks Can Be Beneficial in Some Cases…
Having garden or landscaping rocks can be the right choice, depending on the circumstances. If you have existing drainage issues or have areas without any plants at all, you may want to consider using landscaping rocks. Areas with more foot traffic may also require rocks, as mulch can be messier and won’t provide as much protection for plants. Homeowners who don’t want any maintenance at all might find landscaping rocks to have a lot of appeal. Rocks are also resistant to wind, fire, and weeds, which can be a perk in some parts of the country.
…But Barkdust is Often a Better Choice
Just because landscaping rocks have their place doesn’t mean they’re inherently superior to mulch. In fact, as barkdust specialists will gladly tell you, barkdust and other kinds of mulch can often add a ton of value to your property. Unlike rocks, mulch can hold in nutrients and moisture, thereby allowing plants to thrive. This also means you won’t have to water your trees and flowers as often, which can provide you with more free time to actually enjoy your outdoor space rather than work on it. Barkdust can also provide insulation for plants, meaning that they’ll be protected more adequately when temperatures spike or drop. Mulch can also drastically reduce soil erosion and compaction, making for a healthier and more beautiful garden overall. What’s more, you’ll be able to choose from a few different colors (instead of a basic gray) and will benefit from lower costs associated with installation and replacement. Barkdust is ideal for many types of plantings, while rocks are used mainly for ground cover or cacti. Landscaping rock installation also requires more prep work, while barkdust specialists can quickly and easily improve the look of your outdoor area.barkdust specialists
Ultimately, the correct choice will depend on your climate, the type of garden you have, your personal preferences, and your budget. Now that you’re more familiar with these materials and how they’re used, we hope your final decision will be a bit easier to make. For more information, please contact our barkdust specialists today.