Every decision you make in landscaping will ultimately have an impact, which is why it’s always important to go over the benefits and disadvantages of each action you are considering. That way, you can gain clarity and have realistic expectations before you make any final calls. The truth is that there are so many different ways you can improve your landscaping, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when the time comes to make choices. With so much variety in terms of landscaping products and strategies, it can really pay off to dive deep into the implications of certain actions before you move forward.

One example is deciding how to put the finishing touches on the areas on your property that contain plants like trees, shrubs, and flowers. While it’s crucial to choose plants that add texture, color, and green foliage on your property, adding landscaping products like mulch or rocks to your landscaping can really take things to another level of success. Most landscapers use these landscaping materials to cover their planting beds and protect their plants from harsh temperatures. There are plenty of great benefits in suing mulch and rock in your planting beds, but which one is better? Ultimately, that choice will depend on your own personal style and preference, but there are certain differences that landscapers should note before they move forward. Below, we’ve put together a brief overview of both options so that you can gather the information you need to make the right decision for your property. Keep reading below to learn more and remember to reach out to Cal Blend Soils if you are interested in purchasing landscaping products like mulch and decorative gravel.

Organic Mulch

Many landscapers choose organic mulch like bark to cover their plant beds thanks to its natural look and various benefits. Organic mulch is typically made from natural materials such as trees that add a rich appearance to your landscaping. It’s a fantastic option to consider thanks to the ways it can improve your plant beds and add unique design elements to your property. Let’s take a look at some of the major advantages and disadvantages of organic mulch.

One of the big benefits of going with organic mulch is that it can improve the growth of your plants. Since it is made from organic materials, nutrients will be absorbed into the soil over time as the mulch breaks down. It can also reduce water evaporation in your garden beds, meaning that your plants will get the hydration they need to really flourish. Organic mulch is also a great option for plant beds because it can help landscapers to suppress weeds. We all know how frustrating it can be for landscapers to deal with weeds once they start sprouting up, and the fact that organic mulch can prevent weeds from ever taking root is a huge advantage. Finally, the fact that organic mulch can help to regulate the temperature of the soil and reduce erosion is another great reason to consider going with this popular landscaping product.

With that said, there are certain disadvantages to using organic mulch that you should consider before moving forward. First, you need to remember that organic mulch will have to be replaced every once in a while. Since it breaks down over time and loses its color, you will need to invest in the more organic mulch at a later date if you want to keep your property looking great. Also, if you add too much organic mulch to your plant beds, it can actually stress out your plants and keep them from growing to their full potential. Finally, organic mulch that is laid down too early can prevent the soil from warming up as quickly during the growing season, so be conscious of when you are adding organic mulch to your plant beds.

Rock Mulch

Now that we know more about organic mulch and how it can benefit your landscaping, let’s take a deeper look at using rocks for your plant beds. Rock mulch usually consists of small rocks that are created by river beds. They offer a unique look and texture that can really contrast well with the natural life of your landscaping. Rock mulch has several distinct advantages that landscapers should keep in mind when they are evaluating their options.

First, the great thing to consider about rock mulch is that it is very low maintenance. In fact, you will typically never need to replace it. It’s also generally less expensive to mulch your plant beds with rock since it’s a one-time expense and won’t need to be refreshed as organic mulch does. Rock mulch is also useful for keeping weeds at bay, which is a welcome benefit for many landscapers since weeds can be so difficult to deal with. Rock mulch is the perfect option for rock and cacti gardens if you are interested in developing an area of your landscape with succulents. Finally, the fact that rock mulch can help you prevent erosion in windy areas is another strong reason to consider this fantastic landscaping product.

Rock mulch isn’t perfect, and there are some downsides associated with this landscaping material to consider. For example, rocks can raise the soil temperature during hot summer days, which might be bad for the plants in your garden beds. It also doesn’t add nutrients into the soil or help your plants to grow, which is a pretty big disadvantage when you compare it to organic mulch. Finally, the fact that it can be difficult to remove manually is another thing to consider if you are planning to add rock mulch to your property.

Final Thoughts


As you can tell, both organic mulch and rock mulch have their own unique sets of advantages and disadvantages for landscapers to consider. With that said, using either one on your plant beds can really make a positive impact on your property. Reach out to Cal Blend Soils today if you would like to purchase high-quality mulch at great prices.