non organic mulch

2 years ago

This pic is a commercial setting in Maryland. The stone mulch is covered by a juniper loaded with blue berries. The reason that I like it is it is absolutely maintenance free. Blow in weeds do not take up root in stone mulch. One thing to note is no overhanging trees therefore no leaves. Bark mulch would not behave like this. Do you have a preference for mulch, if so why?

Featured Answer

floraluk2

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

"Blow in weeds do not take up root in stone mulch."

The picture does show weed free stones but that is not what I see around here. Unless regularly maintained, stone mulches soon become weedy in our conditions. I wonder how much work is done to keep that bed clear. Stones are also usually laid on landscape fabric which introduces yet more plastic into the environment.

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Comments (6)

annpat
2 years ago
I like a compost mulch. I like the color and I like the texture and I like the way it attracts worms to work my soil.
chloe00s
2 years ago
I would prefer a dark brown mulch. Not sure I agree that stones like this are totally low maintenance. They get loose, get on walks or driveways, and get all kinds of leaves and organic debris caught in them that has to be picked out!
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HALLETT & Co.
2 years ago
Blown in seeds 100% will root (and thrive) in stone mulch. Stone mulch is fine as an accent but bark mulch is better for plants and the environment.
sam_md
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks for the responses,

stones are usually laid on landscape fabric...

I agree with that and absolutely detest that stuff, it always comes back to haunt you and yet is very popular. Following is one alternative, intead of landscape fabric I used two layers of extra heavy cardboard and topped with gravel. The cardboard will decompose in time which is a good thing. I maintain this site, I visit it once a month and it is weed free. Will it get an occasional piece of crabgrass, sure but it is easily removed from the gravel.

oyster shell mulch. You will have to go over this site once a year with the leaf blower.
klem1
2 years ago
Gravel drives and parking is popular around here and any place tires don't touch daily has grass and weeds growing. Compacted rock and gravel is 8 to 12 inches deep between tracks and the only reason Sunflowers and Johnsongrass don't get 5" tall is because traffic undercarriages keep it pruned.