Mulches are used in landscaping for a variety of reasons; including erosion control, weed suppression, moisture retention, plant and root insulation, soil nutrient addition, and aesthetic appeal. For different uses, different mulches are superior. The type of mulch you select might have a beneficial or negative impact on your plants. If you live in MI area, Cutting Edge provides the best services for Mulch- rock installation Downriver Michigan; they also provide lawn care services. This article will explain what river pebble mulch is and provide landscaping ideas using rocks and pebbles.
Landscaping using Pebbles and Rocks
We usually think of wood chips, straw, or composts when we hear the phrase “mulch.” Landscape rocks, on the other hand, are frequently referred to as mulch. Rock and pebble mulches, like biological mulching materials, offer advantages and disadvantages in the landscape. While rock mulches are effective in preventing erosion, they do not help to retain moisture in the soil like organic mulches. In reality, rock mulches absorb a lot of heat from the sun, making the soil beneath them hot and dry. They also reflect sunlight upwards at plants, resulting in excessive transpiration and dryness. Rock mulches perform well to suppress weeds because of the heat, dryness, and dense coverage.
Organic mulches decompose and degrade in the landscaping bed over time. They are also adding vital nutrients to the soil, which are beneficial to the plants. Unfortunately, organic mulches must be reapplied and replenished every year or two due to this breakdown. Rock mulches do not decompose and do not require reapplication on a regular basis. They do not, however, add any nutrients to the soil. While filling garden beds with rock mulch can be expensive at first, the rock lasts far longer and saves you money in the long run. Another advantage of rock mulch over organic mulch is that, unlike organic mulches, beds mulched with rock do not provide hiding locations or appropriate breeding grounds for many pests and illnesses. Another disadvantage of rock mulch is that it is difficult to sow fresh plants in and is rather permanent once laid.
Ideas for River Rock Mulch in the Garden
River pebble mulch is obtained by harvesting riverbeds. It’s one of the most popular types of rock mulch, and it goes by several names, including river rock and Mississippi stone. River rock is available in a variety of sizes, from little pebbles to big pieces, at most garden shops and landscape supply stores. River pebble mulch, unlike granite or lava rock, is made up of smooth stones in natural tones of tan, grey, and other colors. They do not have the same vibrant color or texture as other rock mulches, but they’re perfect for creating natural-looking beds.
It’s probably not a smart idea to use river rock mulch in your annual beds or vegetable garden because it’s difficult to plant in several inches of stone. It’s fine to use in permanently planted beds, such as rings around huge trees or other locations where you want to plant once and forget about it. Rock mulches are ideal for usage around fire pits and barbecues since they are not flammable like some organic mulches. River rock mulch can be used to maintain the area surrounding pools and ponds clean and dry. Rock mulches are best used with drought-tolerant or rock garden plants because of their lack of moisture retention.
