River rock vs. mulch: which is better?
Neither option is universally better — they suit different situations. River rock is lower-maintenance and holds up well in drainage areas or beds with few plants, while mulch retains soil moisture and benefits actively planted beds more directly. The right choice depends on the specific bed.
River rock does not break down like mulch, so it needs less frequent replacement, but it does not add organic matter to the soil the way mulch does.
Mulch helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperature around plant roots, which is more valuable in beds with a lot of plantings.
Drainage areas, downspout run-off zones and low-plant decorative areas are usually better suited to rock than mulch.
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