Preparing your garden beds for winter requires more than raking them, weeding, and tilling the soil. It also requires choosing between natural stone and bark mulch. Here, review what you need to know about both options to make a mulching choice you’ll feel good about all winter long.

Bark Mulch

What Are the Benefits of Bark Mulch?

Bark, or wood chip, mulch adds to the natural beauty of a landscape's design. Since it’s an organic material, bark mulch eventually decomposes to add nutrients to the soil. It retains moisture without trapping heat to keep soil and root systems from drying out.

Bark mulch also comes in numerous colors, including brown, red, and black, and it does not require edging to install, while also slowing the growth of weeds. It’s also an inexpensive mulching solution.

When Should Bark Be Used?

Use bark mulch in garden beds that lack soil nutrients or feature plants that require more moisture to thrive. It’s also ideal if you have a serious weed problem, need to exercise more control over soil temperatures or deal with consistent erosion issues. Your gardening budget can also influence your decision to use bark mulch, or your desire to utilize an eco-friendly option.

Rock Mulch

What Are the Benefits of Rock Mulch?

River rock, lava rock, and granite are among the natural stones used to create rock mulch. A one-time investment that never requires replacing, rock mulch also offers outstanding fire and wind resistance, prevents weed growth, and helps control landscape drainage. Rock mulch offers a variety of choices as well since natural stones come in a comprehensive range of sizes, shapes, and colors.

When Should Natural Stones Be Used?

Rely on rock mulch to landscape walkways, fountains, statues, and firepits, and prevent excessive drainage around garden beds. The mulch is ideal if your landscape features heat-resistant shrubs and trees because they retain heat, or if your area is windy. You should also consider rock mulch if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option or want to landscape garden beds featuring cacti and other desert blooms.

Whether bark or natural stone mulch is right for your property, procure what you need from Edgefield Plant & Stone Center. Our garden center in Greensboro, NC, has served the Triad Area since 2003, offering full-service landscaping as well as plants and gardening supplies. Call (336) 662-0081 today to request a quote or visit us online for more info.