Gravel and mulch are two popular landscaping materials for covering bare ground, lining gardens and flower beds, and protecting plants. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and the best one for you project depends on your needs and the look you are trying to achieve.
Mulch is chopped or ground up woody material such as pine bark or cypress while gravel consists of either small, naturally smooth pebbles or crushed rock. Both gravel and mulch are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and textures to achieve whatever look you desire.
Gravel and mulch are both excellent choices for ground cover. They help control erosion, conserve moisture, inhibit weed growth, enhance the visual appeal of your landscaping, protect your shoes and clothes from mud and dirt, and help insulate the ground.
One of the primary advantages of mulch is that it decomposes and adds nutrients and increases the depth of the topsoil. This makes mulch particularly suited for flowerbeds or any area where a rich layer of topsoil is important.
However, because it decomposes, Mulch often starts to look tired after six months and new mulch must be put down every year to replace the decomposed mulch. After the first few years, the annual layer of mulch does not have to be as thick as the original layer.
If you do not want to have to mulch every year, gravel may be an excellent alternative. Gravel does not decompose so it does not add to the topsoil, but it also does not have to be replaced every year. Gravel has an almost indefinite lifespan and always looks grea
