When it comes to choosing a ground cover for your landscape in Iowa, both mulch and rock offer unique benefits. Mulch is great for weed prevention, soil erosion control, soil temperature regulation, and moisture retention. However, it decomposes over time, releasing nutrients into the soil but requiring more frequent replenishment. On the other hand, rock doesn't decompose, meaning it doesn't provide nutrients to your plants but also doesn't need to be replenished as often. The choice between mulch and rock ultimately depends on your personal preference and aesthetic taste, as both are excellent options for a ground cover.

Mulch and rock both provide similar benefits to your landscape.

Walkway along a mulched landscape in Ankeny, IA, with shrubs.

When it comes to choosing a ground cover for your landscape, both mulch and rock offer similar benefits. Below are the key benefits provided by these ground cover options:

  • Weed Suppression: Mulch and rocks both create a barrier between the soil and the sun, therefore helping to suppress the growth of unwanted plants.
  • Soil Erosion Control: Both mulch and rock provide a protective layer that helps to keep the soil in place, especially during strong winds and heavy rain.
  • Soil Temperature Regulation: These ground cover materials cover the soil and provide insulation during harsh temperatures. This means the soil maintains a stable environment during the summer heat and cold winter.
  • Soil Moisture Retention: Mulch and rock help the soil retain more moisture by reducing the rate of evaporation caused by warm temperatures! This means your plants are kept hydrated for longer periods, which are essential during warm summer months.

The main difference between mulch and rock is that mulch decomposes while rock doesn't.

Landscape in Ankeny, IA, with rock ground cover and two small plants.

The main difference between mulch and rock is that mulch decomposes while rock doesn't. As mulch breaks down, it releases nutrients into the soil, providing an added benefit to your plants. However, this also means that you'll need to replenish it more often than rock.

On the other hand, rock doesn't decompose, so it doesn't provide nutrients to your plants. While that's the case, rock ground covers don't need to be replenished as often as mulch. You can replenish rock whenever the color starts to fade or it looks worn down.

Replenish your mulch ground cover every year and your rock ground cover every 2-3 years.

Which ground cover is better for your landscape?

When it comes to choosing a ground cover for your landscape, both mulch and rock are excellent options. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and aesthetic taste. Mulch is a great option if you're looking for a natural, earthy look. It's also a good choice if you want to provide your plants with additional nutrients as it breaks down over time.

On the other hand, rock is a great option if you're looking for a more modern, sleek look. It's also a low-maintenance option that doesn't need to be replenished as often as mulch. Ultimately, the choice between mulch and rock depends on your personal preference and the needs of your landscape.

Call us today to schedule our mulch and rock installation service.

Make your landscape beds more refined and polished with a mulch or rock ground cover! No matter your choice, you can be confident that you have a great selection of mulch and rock options when you work with us. The best time to schedule your mulch or rock installation is in the spring to help set up your landscape for success.

At ETCH Outdoor Living, we offer our mulch and rock installation service to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, IA, and nearby areas. Whether you want to go with mulch or rock for your ground cover, we can install it for you! Call us at (515) 654-5447 to schedule our mulch and rock installation service today!