What are the advantages of using river stones around shrubbery in place of mulch?

Question

I am thinking of using egg size or larger.

Answer 1

When you use river stones it is much easier to pull weeds and control them. Also, you don't have to replace every couple of years as with mulch because the color fades and they decompose. You also don't have to worry about strong winds blowing you rocks or heavy rains washing your rocks away. The downside of rocks are they are heavy and once they are in, you probably won't want to move them! But they will hold their color and they won't mold (mulch will sometimes). The biggest thing I see in my area is I have large trees that drop nuts (hickory and acorns). These nuts given enough time and moisture can take root in your mulch and start to grow!!! Also in the fall, it is much easier to use a blower or vac to remove leaves and debris from rocks than it is much. You can also rake over rocks with a regular yard rack and not disturb the rocks. Mulch is a whole different story. Hope this helps, I changed my mulch to rocks just last year. So much better and easier.

Answer 2

1. They help the soil retain moisture.
2. They don't have to be replaced year after year.
3. They are colorfast, so they don't fade and look unsightly.
4. They don't mold.
5. They aren't acid.
6. They are attractive.
7. They don't harbor insects.
9. You don't have to worry that they might bring a disease into your garden.
10. Heat. They do get hot and hold it a long time. (This is only an advantage in the winter)

Disadvantages:
1. Expense.
2. Heat. They do get hot and hold it a long time.

Buy light colored ones so they don't get too hot and retain too much heat.

Answer 3

Well, beside being prettier, they would also help deliver water to the root system better. However, mulch add nutrients that isn't as easily delivered from the minerals in the stones.

Answer 4

well theres a lot of advantages..... 1st they dont rot, and they won't house roaches and other bugs.2nd mulch attracts termites !!!!not good...3rd it gives the landscape a more appealing look, its the new thing every ones doing..4th the rocks absorb moisture and drains well...mulch is biodegradable and you will be adding more and more every year...rocks dont fade or need any maintaince...

Answer 5

They never rot. They don't encourage mice to spend the winter among them. They don't blow away if you use a leaf blower in the fall. They come in colors that don't deteriorate over time.

Answer 6

You really only have to install it once. Your dog won't eat stones, stones won;t get a fungas, and stones don't smell bad.

Answer 7

Uhhhhhh, your shrubs don't blow away ?