Mulch
Mulch looks natural, feeds the soil as it breaks down, and keeps roots cool. The catch: in Florida it breaks down fast. Expect to top it off every year, and heavy rain can wash it out of sloped beds. Brown and black mulch hold their color longer than red.
Rock
White marble, lava rock, and river rock cost more up front but last for years. Rock does not wash out, does not fade much, and blocks weeds well when weed fabric goes under it. It does hold heat, so keep it a few inches back from tender plants.
Where each one wins
Rock is the better choice along foundations, around tree rings, and in beds near the driveway where mulch would scatter. Mulch is the better choice in plant-heavy beds where you want the soil to improve. Many Spring Hill yards use rock in front and mulch in back.
The mistake to avoid
Never lay rock straight on soil without fabric. Within a season, dirt works up between the stones and weeds take over. Fabric is a small cost that saves the whole install.
Not sure?
Send us a photo of the bed. Supreme Landscape installs both across Hernando County and will tell you straight which one fits. Call or text 727-809-8150.
