I want to put decorative stone down instead of mulch around our house when the snow melts and the weather gets warmer. My big question is whether I should remove all the mulch before putting down stone, or if I can put stone right on top of the mulch. I’m worried that over time, the mulch will start to show through the stone, since the stone would be very light or white and the mulch is black. One way to keep the mulch and new stone from mixing is to put down landscape fabric. But I don’t like the fabric and think it’s a waste of money. Besides that, there are landscape lights in the ground where the new stones will go, which will make it even harder to remove the mulch. Anyway, do you think it makes sense to put the new stone on top of the mulch that’s already there, or should I get rid of ALL the mulch that’s there?
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Mulch is a common sight in many gardens and landscapes It provides a range of benefits like retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and improving the look of plant beds Some gardeners also choose to place decorative rocks on top of mulch for visual interest or practical reasons. But is this actually a good practice?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential advantages and drawbacks of using landscaping rocks over mulch so you can decide if it’s suitable for your garden.
Why Put Rocks on Mulch in the First Place?
There are a few key motivations for placing stones or pebbles on top of mulch
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Enhanced aesthetics – Rocks can add color, texture, and contrast to garden beds. The right rocks can beautifully complement plants and tie the landscape together.
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Longevity – Inorganic rocks last longer than organic mulches like wood chips or bark that break down over time. Rocks don’t need frequent replenishment.
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Weed prevention – A thick layer of rocks can block light and smother out weeds. Less light means fewer weeds sprouting up.
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Erosion control – Rocks form a protective barrier to keep mulch and soil in place on slopes or in windy areas.
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Drainage -Spaces between rocks allow rainwater to penetrate into the soil more easily compared to dense mulch.
Those can be compelling reasons to incorporate rocks. But are there any downsides? Let’s look at that next.
Key Considerations When Putting Rocks on Mulch
While rocks offer Clear benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to having them directly on top of mulch that require consideration:
Heat Retention
Dark-colored rocks like black lava or basalt can absorb heat, becoming hot to the touch in sunlight. This extra warmth radiating down can damage delicate plants or dry out mulch.
Choose light-colored rock and larger sizes to prevent excessive solar heat gain if this is a concern in your climate. White marble chips or pea gravel are good reflective options.
Soil Moisture Imbalance
If placed too thickly, rocks may block water from penetrating into the soil and mulch. This could lead to the area under the rocks drying out. Check soil moisture routinely and water sufficiently to hydrate the root zone.
Also ensure rocks have drainage channels between them. Avoid densely packing them together.
Limited Nutrient Replenishment
Since rocks don’t break down, they don’t contribute nutrients and organic matter back into the soil like wood-based mulches. Rely on fertilization and compost to provide adequate nutrients for plants.
Gas Exchange Hindrance
A thick, air-tight layer of plastic under rock mulch can prevent oxygen from reaching plant roots and lead to root rot over time. Ensure porous landscape fabric is used that allows gas exchange.
Plant Access Difficulty
It’s tougher to dig through rocks to access and work around existing plants. Consider plant maintenance needs before applying deep layers of rocky mulch in planted beds.
Random Settling and Scattering
Loose rocks on steep slopes or in heavily trafficked areas can shift out of place and scatter. Use restraint and protective edging when placing rocks on mulch in high-activity spots.
Added Weight and Pressure
A thick layer of heavy rocks directly on mulch or soil can compact the underlying area over time. This can affect soil health and plant growth. Keep rock layers under 3 inches deep.
With care and foresight, these issues can be prevented. Next we’ll look at best practices.
Techniques for Successfully Putting Rocks on Mulch
Here are some tips for thoughtfully incorporating rocks on mulch:
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Start with a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like shredded bark or pine needles. This gives you the soil and plant benefits of mulch.
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Add 1-3 inches of decorative rocks on top. Adjust depths based on climate, plant types, and aesthetic preferences.
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Leave some areas of mulch exposed around plant stems and bases so water can directly reach the soil.
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Ensure rocks have drainage channels between them and aren’t tightly packed together.
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Use an open-grid landscape fabric between the mulch and rocks to prevent sinking.
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Choose light-colored and flat-shaped rocks if heat buildup is a concern.
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Amend the soil with compost before mulching to introduce nutrients. Fertilize annually.
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Avoid deep rock layers on slopes or high foot traffic areas. Use restraint on edges.
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Replenish mulch as needed over time as the lower organic layer decomposes.
Think of rocks as more of an accent, not a full ground cover. Strategically place them to enhance visual interest and maintain access to the soil.
The Pros Outweigh the Cons When Done Properly
When adequately balanced with mulch and applied conscientiously, the benefits of putting rocks on mulch usually far outweigh the drawbacks. Not only can you add beautiful stonework to your landscape, but also prolong the functional lifespan of the mulch and boost weed suppression.
The key is finding the right proportional balance and depths for your specific needs and climate. Test out a small area first to see how the rocks and plants respond before expanding the treatment.
Also keep soil health and plant growth needs at the forefront by fertilizing annually, checking moisture levels routinely, and leaving ample exposed mulch around plant bases.
With a thoughtful approach, plus patience and care as the landscape evolves, you can achieve the best of both worlds by topping mulch with decorative rocks. A dual-layered mulching system unifies beauty and function.
Just take precautions if you live in an intensely hot and dry climate or have tiny alpine plants. And as always, moderation is wise when initially integrating new materials.
But in most cases, the harmonious merger of rocks and mulch can be safely accomplished to enhance the form and function of your landscape!
Frequently Asked Questions About Putting Rocks on Mulch
What size rocks look best on mulch?
Pea gravel, 1-2 inch river rocks, and marble or granite chips work well. Larger cobbles can also add unique texture. Avoid very fine sands that migrate easily.
Should landscape fabric go under rocks on mulch?
Yes, use a porous landscape fabric to prevent the rocks from sinking into the mulch over time. This maintains a layered look.
Do you put weed barrier under rock mulch?
It’s smart to install landscape fabric under the rocks to block light and reduce weed growth in the mulch layer. Choose a breathable, porous style fabric.
What plants tolerate rocks as mulch?
Succulents, lavender, rock garden plants, and most perennials do fine with rock mulch. Avoid using rock on delicate ferns or plants that prefer consistent moisture.
How thick should rock mulch beds be?
1-3 inches of rock is usually sufficient. Deeper than 3 inches can inhibit water penetration and gas exchange to plant roots. Adjust as needed.
Should there be space between rocks in mulch?
Yes, leave drainage channels between rocks and avoid tightly packing them so rain can trickle down to the soil. This prevents waterlogging.