What do most of the top commercial landscapes have in common? Their success is partly owed to the best mulch being chosen. Sometimes it’s a combination of mulch materials that make the difference.
To help you decide on the best mulch for your property, take a look at the comparison chart below. After the chart breaks down wood mulch vs. river rock vs. decomposed granite, you can see more detailed information.
That chart is pretty handy, but more details are coming up. We’ve also sprinkled in seven frequently asked questions (#2 has a big effect on tree health).
Key Factors for Landscaping Mulch
FAQ #1 When is the best time to install wood mulch?
Early to mid-spring is the most popular time to put out mulch.
It can be tempting to only consider the basic options when it comes to landscaping mulch. Color is important, but your budget also comes into play. So does the long-term value of each mulch type. Even the local climate should be considered. Why?
- Heavy rains can wash away mulch
- Temperatures affect each mulch type differently
- Sun exposure can impact the vibrance of the mulch
You also want your mulch material to go nicely with the landscape design and sustainability goals. But care is needed when choosing which mulch to use—due to non-obvious factors (e.g., foot traffic and the type of plants used).
Wood Mulch: The Best Budget Friendly Landscaping Option
The simplest definition of mulch is—material used to control weeds and present a tidy look to landscape beds. Mulch could technically be produced from almost any type of wood. Listed below are the five most common wood types, though.
- Pine
- Cedar
- Cypress
- Redwood
- Hardwood mix
Additionally, recycling is a great practice. Just be wary of mulch made from recycled pallets. Nails might remain in the ground-up wood. Plus, most pallet wood is treated with chemicals.
Wood Mulch Options
Some property owners prefer naturally-colored mulch, while others like having the option of red, black, dark brown, etc. with dyed mulches. Many times it comes down to what looks best with the plants in the beds and surrounding structures.
Another important option is the texture and size of the material. This affects aesthetics, of course. It also impacts the longevity of the material. Larger chunks of mulch last longer since they break down slower than smaller pieces. Plus, smaller mulch is subject to be scattered by wind and lawn equipment.
Wood Mulch Benefits for Landscaping
At Yellowstone Landscape, we use various types of mulch. Each type has pros and cons, as you saw in our comparison chart. We work with property owners to choose the right mulch for their specific property, budget, and goals.
Generally, wood mulch is the most affordable for landscaping. It may cost more than pine straw in the short term, but wood mulch will likely last roughly 2.5 times longer. That means you save money in the long run.
Most wood mulch is environmentally friendly, preventing weeds through organic suppression. Keeping weeds away improves plant health, and so does the moisture retention wood mulch provides. Another benefit is the enhanced soil through natural breakdown.
Finally, wood mulch is available in a wide range of colors to accommodate your brand colors or architecture. It’s wise for mulch color guidelines to be part of an HOA’s plant palette. As for installation, it’s a simple process. However, a wheelbarrow full of mulch is heavy. Be sure your landscape provider has properly trained and insured employees to avoid injuries and liability.
Wood Mulch Disadvantages and Limitations
FAQ #2 Are there dangers of using mulch around trees?
Yes. Piling mulch up on tree trunk bases (mulch volcanoes) invites pests and disease.
Mulch is a must for curb appeal and keeping beds neat. Still, there are things to be aware of. Mulch has to be replaced eventually as it decomposes or the color fades. On slopes, wood mulch can be washed away by heavy rains. Certain pests or wildlife could be attracted to some mulches.
Below are the best applications for wood mulch:
- Around trees and shrubs
- Flat to gently sloped garden areas
- Budget-conscious landscaping projects
- Areas where soil improvement is needed
- Flower beds and perennial garden borders
Wood Mulch Cost Analysis
The initial costs of mulch are moderate. The material will cost more than pine straw but less than river rock and decomposed granite. Installation costs are fairly similar for all four material types. Pine straw is less time consuming to install, but will need replenishing sooner than the other materials.
River Rock Mulch: The Premium Landscaping Stone Solution
FAQ #3 How does Yellowstone help protect the environment with mulch suppliers?
To maintain our documented sustainability goals, we work with reputable suppliers with similar environmentally-friendly aims.
River rock is an incredible natural mulch material. Its smooth features make the stones attractive while providing biophilic benefits to people viewing the earth tones and hues.
Typical river rock size ranges from 3/8 of an inch to half an inch. However, some suppliers offer larger stones that can provide a unique look.
Where is river rock sourced from, though?
- Alluvial deposits
- Riverbeds
- Quarries
You can’t go wrong with river rock if you’re looking for mulch that stands the test of time. It can last over a decade with little maintenance. It won’t decompose, fade, or blow away. Another advantage is debris can be blown off of river rock. And it won’t need yearly replacement like other mulch materials.
River Rock Landscaping Benefits
FAQ #4 Does river rock in mulch beds make planting difficult?
Changing out plants in river rock beds isn’t easy, but new landscaping beds are easy as the rock is added after plants are installed.
The top benefits of river rock for landscaping beds are as follows:
- Easy to clean
- Weather resistant
- Avoids erosion worries
- Most eco-friendly mulch
- Light colored rocks help regulate soil temperature
River Rock Disadvantages
The downsides of river rock? It is roughly 2.88 times more costly than wood mulch.
Furthermore, there’s no organic breakdown benefit to the soil. And rocks can create glare from sunlight. As for weeds, space between river rocks isn’t as tight as with wood mulch or pine straw. So weeds have a little more space to grow, making landscape fabric installation under the rocks almost mandatory.
Best Applications for River Rock Mulch
These natural stones are perfect for drainage areas and water features. The same goes for steep slopes and areas subject to erosion issues. And while river rock looks great on many walkways, loose rocks or uneven stones may be an issue for some people, causing falls.
River Rock Cost Analysis
The cost is higher upfront, but the longevity and minimal maintenance make river rock a good value in the long-term. On the right type of property, it can outlast wood mulch by years.
However, if you expect numerous changes to your property, you might not want to invest in this mulch material. The reason? Removing it due to new construction (for example) erases the long-term value.
Decomposed Granite Mulch: The Versatile Landscape Material
FAQ #5 Where is decomposed granite most popular as a mulch?
California, Texas, and Arizona.
Decomposed granite mulch has a size range of ⅜ inch down to fine particles (and even dust).
While a soft pinkish hue is the most common color, the warm hues include golds, browns, and grays. These appealing colors blend hardscapes into softscapes perfectly.
One of the best features of this versatile mulch is the ability to provide stability on walkways while being permeable to avoid puddles. Also, it’s a great mulch choice for xeriscaping in drought-stricken areas of the U.S. It lasts longer than wood mulch and no pests are drawn to granite.
Decomposed Granite Benefits
The most notable benefits of this landscape mulch are its drainage properties, versatility, and how it accentuates large boulders. Many consider it more sustainable than wood mulch. That’s a big consideration if your brand is aiming higher on sustainability goals.
Plus, the natural coloring goes great with native plants and near pollinator gardens. This provides visual appeal combined with the positive mental health benefits of natural environments.
Decomposed Granite Disadvantages
Before choosing granite, be aware it’s about 1.83 times more expensive than wood mulch. Work with your landscaper to determine exact costs in the long-term, though. Many times the true cost comes down to where the mulch is being used and the site conditions (e.g., slope, sun exposure, foot traffic, etc.).
Another disadvantage is the possibility of having to put landscape fabric under the rock for better weed prevention. This mulch is known to stick to footwear, too. Lastly, it’s lighter than river rock and more likely to be pushed out of beds during downpours.
Best Applications for Decomposed Granite
Again, its versatility is unmatched. So, it can be used in a variety spaces, such as:
- Trails
- Patios
- Play areas
- Driveways
- Garden beds
- Water gardens
- Landscape borders
- Between patio stones
- In drought-resistant landscapes
Decomposed Granite Cost Analysis
This mulch material falls in the middle range for initial investment. The ongoing maintenance isn't a deal-breaker, but it requires more upkeep than river rock. Your budget can benefit from the longevity if your landscaping company understands the best site conditions for this material.
Pine Straw & Rubber Mulch
FAQ #6 What type of mulch is best for large properties?
Pine straw is easier to transport and is less costly initially, but wood mulches generally last much longer.
We didn’t want to leave out these other two mulch materials—pine straw and rubber mulch.
Pine straw is highly popular in certain parts of the country, namely Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. In regions like this, it is an enormous industry. As this resort property shows, pine straw is easy on the eyes in the right location.
The appeal of pine straw is the affordability and ease of installation. You don’t need any tools to spread it.
As for affordability, it is less costly initially. But, depending on the quality of the pine straw, it won’t last as long as wood mulch. Poor quality pine straw often has debris inside it (twigs and leaves) and might need refreshing in less than six months.
Rubber or Inorganic Mulch
It’s great that some materials are being repurposed into useful landscape materials. Mulch is a good use of recycled rubber, especially on playgrounds. Great news that the material is kept out of landfills.
Plus, the inorganic material won’t break down like wood mulch. That gives you longevity and could provide more long-term savings.
The downsides are something to mull over, however. Rubber can absorb heat, which can negatively impact plants it's meant to protect. Creating inorganic mulch may not be the best for the environment—depending on the manufacturer’s process.
Environmental Impact of Each Mulch Type
FAQ #7 What should be done with old mulch?
If your old mulch hasn’t fully decomposed and isn’t moldy, fluff it with a rake and mix with fresh mulch. In HOA community gardens, add it to compost bins.
As long as you have a sustainability strategy, you can use any of the mulch types we’ve discussed. It’s all about intention and planning. Where you use the mulch factors in also. For example, 30% of your property could be more eco-friendly if pine straw is used, whereas the other 70% could be more sustainable using river rock.
Key environmental points on each mulch type are listed below:
Wood Mulch: Repurposes wood and improves the soil
Pine Straw: Byproduct of forest management and fully renewable
River Rock: Durable and low-maintenance. More sustainable when locally sourced
Decomposed Granite: Lasts for years, reducing emissions-related replacement
Inorganic / Rubber Mulch: Recycles waste but doesn’t decompose
Landscape Design Integration with Mulch and Stone
We noted that a variety of mulch materials can be used on a single property. Now, let’s see the best ways to combine mulches.
For starters, stones make great dividers between turf and wood mulched plant beds. Rocks and pebbles can also provide a unique layered appeal through banding stones at the front of landscape beds, using wood mulch inside the band.
Small decorative stones can draw the eye toward focal points such as boulders and specimen plantings. Stones can even serve as artwork carefully laid out in pine straw areas. For transitions, experienced landscape designers often create mini terraces that let a mulch bed flow into a stone area (or vice versa).
Colors, Tones, and Shapes
Warm-toned mulch contrasting with grayish blue stones is a bold way to draw attention to garden spots. The same can be achieved with smooth river rock alongside large “sharp-edged” bark mulch.
Getting creative with arcing shapes can make your landscape stand out from cookie-cutter designs, too. Rounded corners are naturally attractive, yet there are many other shapes that add interest and could complement your brand image.
Conclusion
You now have solid guidance on which mulch material is right for your property.
Not only do you see how wood mulch stacks up to river rock and decomposed granite, you got a look at the variables involved. Property conditions play a role. So do your near-future property plans. Every factor deserves thought, so you get the most value from the mulch. Not just in year one, but for the next several years.
We’ll wrap up with a simple chart that highlights the ideal installation methods for wood mulch, river rock, decomposed granite, pine straw, and rubber mulch.
If you’re looking for a landscaping provider that gives you the full picture on material costs and labor costs, contact Yellowstone Landscape for your next project.
