Should I use mulch or landscaping rocks around shrubs and flowers for our landscaping around the house?

I know mulch is good for adding more nutrients in the ground, but in the long run mulch becomes VERY expensive. Rocks on the other hand look great and are cheaper in the longrun, but they don't add nutrients in the ground like mulch does.

Should I use mulch or landscaping rocks around shrubs and flowers for our landscaping around the house?
If you live in a hot climate, rocks can actually harm your plants by heating the plant roots and reflecting a lot of sunlight that can burn the plants.





It's much better in most places to use mulch. It doesn't have to be expensive. Many public utilities offer the wood chippings from trimming trees by utility lines for free. Some tree maintenance companies also offer wood chippings for free.





Check with your local utility company and perhaps call some local tree trimming companies to see what they do with their green waste.





If you're going to spread any kind of mulch over your ground, I suggest you lay down a barrier of about 8 - 10 sheets of newspaper then put the mulch over it. If you dampen the newspaper once you lay it down, that will keep it from blowing around while you cover it. Old newspaper is free (much cheaper than landscape fabric), and it's easy to plant through. It blocks a lot of weeds, and it will break down over time along with the mulch and will enrich your soil.





Good luck with your gardening.
Reply:One problem with rocks is weeding. It's a pain. Black plastic? Forget it. You're left with chemical answers, like casseron or roundout. Go with mulch. Mulch doesn't have to be expensive. Dedicate a corner to building your own pile from autumn leaf fall, lawn clippings and maybe even seaweed and straw...turn it occasionally and youll make the best stuff in town, free.
Reply:I prefer Mulch. It holds moisture and helps plants and shurbs.


Rocks look nice but they get hot and do not help the shrubs, flowers etc and you will need to water frequently.


Stick with mulch.
Reply:Rocks are not good for flowers and shrubs, they got very hot and take the moisture from you plants. Stick with mulch, you can't go wrong.
Reply:use a good mulch leave the rocks . if you choose rocks you will find em all over the place from kids . and if you changeyour mind later its easier to pick up the mulch.
Reply:Definitely mulch! Rocks are hard to weed and clean up fall leaves, weeds etc. After a few years, the mulch just needs a bit of topdressing to keep it looking nice. Weeds pull out easily with mulch. And mulch will keep plants and shrubs much happier!