Which is better for a landscape, mulch or stone? That is a question with no definitive answer. However, we will take a look at some of the pros and cons of each to help you to decide on which you would like for your property, mulch or stone.
Stone
Pros:
- Does not need yearly refreshing
- Comes in a variety of shapes and sizes
- Helps to slow water and control erosion
Cons:
- More expensive than bark
- Not completely maintenance free, when maintenance is needed, it can be rather costly
- Stones out of the landscape bed can cause damage if picked up and thrown which may cause more damage than bark
Mulch/Bark
Pros:
- Less Expensive up-front
- Many color options to choose from
- Easy to change colors from year-to-year
- Organic matter for the landscape beds
- Better at moisture retention than stone
Cons:
- Needs to be refreshed every year to maintain a fresh look
- Can be easily moved out of a landscape bed by heavy rain or strong winds
Each option has its pros and cons. There is no definitive answer to which is better. They both have their place in the landscape. Next time you are trying to decide mulch or stone, remember, there is more to it than just the cost.