Rock, Mulch Gravel & More – Landscape Maintenance Near You!

Mulching maintains healthy landscape plants. What is mulch? It is any material applied to the soil for protection or improvement. Mulching is a natural process that happens all the time. If you have mulch now that has gotten tired and weathered looking it is time to refresh it with new! There are many benefits to mulching, especially when applied correctly. Mulch will help maintain soil moisture and reduce weed growth. It can also improve the soil structure adding nutrients. And of course, it adds beauty and interest to your property.

Types of Mulches Available

Both organic and inorganic types of mulch have their specific duties in a lanscape. Organic mulch comes from natural materials like pine needles, grass clippings, leaves, bark and wood chips. Inorganic types of mulch include landscape fabrics, newspaper, stone, rock and gravel. It does not decompose like organic mulch.

Pine bark should be applied as a 2-3 inch layer for controlling weeds. It is usually darker and adds an attractive accent to borders, beds and around trees, shrubs and bushes. Pine needles work well for acidic trees, shrubs and plants and will allow for the absorption of water readily. For stunting the growth of weeds, shredded hardwood mulches work well and will decompose slowly. If you need to add nitrogen to the soil choose a wood chip with varied bark and pieces of wood. Be aware that wood chips will attract insects and possibly termites. For soil erosion choose perennial ground covers such as pachysandra, ivy, periwinkle, creeping myrtle and colorful phlox.

Gravel, crushed stone and small pebbles are permanent solutions but should not be used around acidic plants. Rock materials get hot and add heat to the planting bed or border. This should be taken into consideration because plants may need more watering due to evaporation.