Summer is the perfect time to invest in your landscaping. Not only will your summer plants need additional care as the weather heats up, but you’ll want to make a positive impression as more and more customers start visiting your storefront. However, choosing the right landscaping look for your store can be tricky. One of the most difficult decisions to make is whether to lay down rock or mulch for your outdoor landscaping.
MaintenX wants our customers to always make informed decisions about their indoor and outdoor maintenance. Below we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for both rock and mulch to help you better understand your options for this summer:
The Pros and Cons of Mulch
Mulch is a natural landscape bedding option that helps to deter weeds and uneven grass growth around flower beds or shrubbery. While it is great for nurturing plants, it can cause other issues in your landscaping project.
The Pros
- Mulch retains moisture which can help plants stay hydrated and grow
- Mulch naturally deters weeds from growing
- As mulch breaks down, it provides nutrients for the soil to facilitate plant growth
- Mulch naturally insulates the ground to keep plants alive in winter
The Cons
- Mulch must be replaced annually as it breaks down
- Over-mulching can smother plants and cause issues in their growth
- Cheap mulch can come with weed seeds that ruin your plant beds
The Pros and Cons of Rock or Gravel
Rock and gravel can be used in landscaping beds for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Not only does this option look clean but it is easy to maintain. However, rock is not the best option for every commercial landscape.
The Pros
- Though rock is more expensive upfront, it is cost-effective in the long run because it does not need to be replaced
- Rock provides protection against weeds in your plant beds
- Rock is lower maintenance than mulch
The Cons
- Rocks can sometimes affect the pH levels in the soil
- Rock can also raise soil temperatures in some cases
- Rock does not provide any nutritional benefit which means that the care of the plant bed will be more intensive than with mulch
MaintenX can help you make the right choice for your specific needs and lawn care maintenance plan. To learn more about our landscaping services, contact your local MaintenX today!
