Mulch or Rocks: Which is Better?
When considering the best material to keep moisture in and the soil healthy around your trees, mulch and rock are the popular choices to consider. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that you need to weigh carefully when making your decision.
Rocks are considered an inorganic type of mulch, which is due to the fact that they do not decompose into the soil like organic types of mulch do. People choose these often for appearances, such as lava rock. They can retain moisture in the soil, but don't do anything as far as increasing the health of the soil beneath and around the plant. In other words, they don't add any value to the soil like nutrients and other vital ingredients. The main advantage of rocks is that they don't have to be replaced as often as organic mulch does.
If these are piled too high around the base of the tree, they can actually choke off much needed moisture from the roots. This is caused by a lack of proper drainage that allows surface moisture to get to the soil. If a homeowner does use rocks, they must be very careful how high they lay them. Depending on the type of rock that you use and where you purchase it, it can be costly to use rock around your trees.
Organic mulch, such as wood chips and compost, does have to be replenished as needed, which can be frequent depending on the type of mulch used. It does have numerous benefits over rocks, including adding numerous beneficial nutrients and other materials to the soil as they decompose naturally. The homeowner actually gets a double return on the investment in this kind of mulch, as it not only keeps moisture where it belongs but also adds value to the soil. If you use compost from your home, then it actually costs you nothing.
They do their best when used in the right amount, as too much can actually do damage. This can range from too much moisture to attracting animals and insects that can harm the tree. About two to four inches is good, depending on the tree's height. This allows water to properly drain and prevents animals from bedding down in mulch and damaging the tree. The best tactic is lay the mulch out in a thinner, wider circle around the base of the tree. This keeps it from building up too thick and allows water to get to the roots.
When considering the two options of rock and mulch, mulch is by far the better option. Its ability to replenish the soil and hold in moisture is very advantageous, if used properly. That makes it the best choice for your property's trees.
