Almost every homeowner strives to have a beautiful lawn and landscape. Ground covers such as mulch, pine straw, or rock can be the finishing touch to bring your landscape together. When choosing the right ground cover for your home, there is a lot to take into consideration. You should consider the color of your home, the layout of your landscape, and the level of maintenance you desire. If you are looking for a ground cover that is versatile and low-maintenance, rock may be a great option for your home.
Top Benefits of Mulching With Rock
Low-Maintenance
Many homeowners do not have the desire, time, or money to frequently touch up their ground cover. However, rock is typically known as the lowest-maintenance ground cover. Unlike other ground covers, it does not need to be watered or fluffed. Additionally, one of the major factors that make it so low-maintenance is that it often does not need to be touched up or replaced. Other ground covers, such as pine straw and mulch, decompose over time and require touch-ups several times a year. Then, they require replacement every 1-2 years. Because of rock’s durable, resilient nature, it does not break down over time. This can allow it to last for many years. If you are interested in pairing your rock with other low-maintenance options, we can help.
Long-Term Low Cost
While we all want our landscape to be beautiful, low-cost materials are always a perk. Unfortunately, rock can sometimes be more expensive upon initial installment. However, since rock does not require frequent replacement like mulch or pine straw, it ends up being a lower cost to you long term. After several years of not replacing your ground cover, you will notice the positive impact on your budget. To learn more about what installing rock may cost you, contact us for a free estimate.
Fireproof
Rock is fireproof, serving as a protective cover for homeowners in areas that commonly experience wildfires. However, in areas like Pageland, Jefferson, and Monroe, we do not have this issue. Although we do not typically experience wildfires in our area, rock’s fireproof nature still benefits us. We often experience extreme heat in the summer, and sometimes this heat leads to drought. As a result, your grass, plants, and vegetation can dry out. When you combine dry vegetation with heat, fires are more common. Luckily, rock prevents fire from spreading. This can definitely protect your landscaping, and it may even protect your house from catching fire after what started as trivial grass fires.
Windproof
A common issue with ground cover is that wind can move it out of place, leading to frequent touch-ups and maintenance. However, while wind often has negative effects on organic mulch and pine straw, it rarely causes rock to move out of place. Rock is the heaviest ground cover, and its weight makes it difficult to move out of place. This is one of the factors that contribute to its low-maintenance nature.
Withstands Foot Traffic
Many busy families have a lot of foot traffic on their lawn and landscape. Whether it’s children or pets, foot traffic can cause your ground cover to move out of place. However, the benefits of rock’s weight are not limited to making it windproof. Rock’s weight also makes it resilient against foot traffic, giving highly trafficked areas a cleaner, less messy look.
Repels Weeds
Are you looking to minimize weeds in your landscape? Installing rock may alleviate the weed problem in your garden. When paired with landscaping fabric, rock can significantly cut down on the number of weeds in your landscape. As a result, you will save time weeding your garden, and you will save money on weed killer.
Repels Pests, Insects, and Disease
Since organic wood mulch decomposes, it often attracts insects, bacteria, and fungi. This can lead to diseased or damaged plants. Rock, however, does not attract insects, bacteria, or fungi. As a result, your plants will be healthier and more protected from damage. In the long run, you will save money by not having to replace diseased or dead plants.
Survives Harsh Climates
We have already discussed rock’s resilience in wind, fire, and foot traffic. Rock is also able to withstand very harsh climates. It survives through snow, ice, extreme heat, and other conditions without breaking down or drying out. Other ground covers are likely to deteriorate in harsh climates, but rock remains the same. This is yet another reason why rock is a low-maintenance, cost-effective option for your ground cover.
Effective Drainage
Some ground covers, like pine straw and organic wood mulch, end up compacted after being in place for a while. As a result, water cannot effectively drain down to the soil and the plants’ roots. Rock, however, will always have crevices that allow water to reach the soil and hydrate your plants. This will result in healthier, more fruitful plants.
Beautiful Year-Round
Many homeowners deal with their landscaping being perfect in the warmer months and lackluster in the colder season. Since many ground covers decompose in the winter months, your landscape can be left looking sub-par. However, rock typically looks the same year-round, giving you the best chance for a beautiful winter landscape. When paired with evergreens and winter plants, your landscape is sure to make neighbors jealous.
Lots of Variety
Another benefit of installing rock is that there is a wide variety of choices available. You can choose the rock that will pair best with your home, lawn, and landscape. Some of the most common types of rock mulch are:
- Gravel
- River Rock
- Crushed Granite
- Lava Rock
Virtually any homeowner will be able to find a rock that will beautify their lawn. Need help deciding which type of rock is best for your landscape? Contact the experts at Rivers Lawn and Landscape, and we will be glad to help.
Tips for Rock Installation
Installing rock is a great long-term solution for your landscape. However, your rock mulch will not live up to its maximum potential without proper preparation and installation. Refer to the following tips for the best installation.
- Prepare the area by removing any grass or weeds. Leaving these in place will cause them to grow through the rock eventually.
- Pair your rock with landscaping fabric. This will further prevent weeds from growing through your rock and taking over your beds.
- Spread the rock in a 2-3 inch layer for optimal ground cover.
- Rock is the heaviest form of ground cover. Ask a partner to assist you with the installation.
Next Steps
If you are looking for a new ground cover option, rock has many benefits. Rock’s resilient nature leads to weed prevention, resistance to the elements, and longevity. Additionally, the wide variety of rock available allows you to find an option that will complement your home, lawn, and landscape beautifully. Although rock is one of the best ground cover options, it can often be difficult for the average homeowner to install. If you need assistance with rock installation and landscape design, feel free to reach out to us.