04/25/2026
Mulch vs. River Rock???? A lot of questions this spring!
What’s Right for Your Landscape in 2026?
A crisp, spade-edged bed finished with fresh mulch has always been the gold standard. But lately, river rock and decorative stone are having a moment and for good reason.
Mulch still delivers where it matters most. It locks in moisture, regulates soil temperature during those hot summer stretches, and naturally feeds your beds as it breaks down over time. It’s one of the best things you can do for plant health and long-term soil quality.
The tradeoff? Maintenance. Mulch needs to be refreshed seasonally or at least every other year, and it does require ongoing weeding to keep beds looking sharp.
River rock and decorative stone bring a different kind of advantage, longevity and low maintenance. With commercial-grade landscape fabric installed underneath, weeds are significantly reduced and cleanup is simple. A quick pass with a blower in the fall and you’re done.
But there are tradeoffs here too. Rock doesn’t contribute nutrients back into the soil, which can impact plant health over time. And when it comes to reworking beds, planting, removing, or redesigning, it’s a heavier, more labor-intensive process.
At the end of the day, both options look incredible when installed correctly.
It comes down to your priorities, plant health and richness with mulch or clean, low-maintenance longevity with rock.
Either way, done right, your beds will stand out all season long. ✔️🌱