Mulch is a common tool for yard owners and landscape professionals. It can make your landscape look better, keep weeds at bay, and reduce water and upkeep overall. But before you reach for those wood chip mulch mixes, it's time to consider an alternative: stone mulch. Why might it be a great choice for your yard? Here are a few of the best reasons.
1. Lasts Longer. Organic mulch will naturally break down and fade in the constant sun and weather. Various types of wood and natural mulch last for different lengths of time, but they all need topped off at some point to return their vibrancy and beauty. Landscape stone doesn't need this regular maintenance, so its long-term costs and upkeep are lower.
2. Fewer Weeds. All forms of mulch also serve as a weed deterrent because it covers the soil with a protective layer. But when you introduce organic material like wood chips that decompose, you also give weeds more nutrients for growth. The right landscape stone materials will provide a more durable and impenetrable barrier against weed growth.
3. Color Options. Today's landscape owner has a wider array of color and texture options with stone and man-made mulch than ever before. You can not only select from curated color combinations as well as texture choices, but you can also mix and match to get exactly the look you want for areas of your yard. Traditional mulch offers some variety — but much less.
4. Pest Repellant. Many pest control professionals recommend keeping wood mulch away from the immediate base of your home and other wood structures. Why? Wood-loving pests like termites use it as a base of operations where it provides plenty of food and easy access to the house. So, when you need to spruce up the foundations of buildings, reach for gravel and other stone materials instead.
5. Brightening Effects. The lighter shades of stone and gravel mulch can help brighten up your yard. Do you have dark, shady spots that become unwelcoming or claustrophobic? If so, use the decorative trick of adding white or other light colors. Bright mulch reflects the sun better and provides more visual interest than darker shades.
Where to Learn More
Want to know more about using landscape stone as mulch in your yard? Start by talking with a landscape stone delivery service in your area to learn about options, prices, and tips for success. No matter which type or color you choose, you're sure to have a beautiful, healthier yard for many years.
