Mulch and gravel are two popular landscaping products used to protect garden beds and cover the roots of trees and shrubberies. Both offer numerous benefits, although many homeowners prefer one over the other. To help you choose, below is a discussion of the advantages of each, along with a look at the benefits of using both in your yard.

Mulch

The primary advantage for many people is that mulch is less expensive than gravel is. Both materials help control weed growth, but mulch absorbs water and keeps moisture close to the soil, slowing evaporation. This means you must irrigate less frequently and use less water. 

Because it is organic, it returns nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. This can lead to faster growth and healthier plants. However, the moisture and decomposition might draw insects, so mulch is not the best choice for gardens close to your house.

Gravel

Gravel is more expensive, initially, but it does not decompose or need to be replaced every year as mulch does. Moreover, because it is heavier than mulch, there is less worry of it washing or blowing away in heavy rain or high winds. 

Gravel offers better protection against weeds and comes in a wide selection of colors, sizes, and textures. Because it offers exceptional drainage, it is ideal for plants that don't require a lot of water. 

Combining Both 

Together, these two landscaping products offer all the benefits and few, if any, disadvantages. Consider planting dry-loving species in gravel near the house, and you'll avoid the bugs. Locate plants that need more moisture and nutrients further from the home and cover the soil with organic mulch. 

That way, you'll get the growth you want without the need to irrigate frequently. In this way, you limit the amount of ground cover you must reapply every year while enjoying the cost benefit of a less expensive material.

If you seek a supplier of bulk mulch or gravel for your landscaping projects, contact Fick Supply Service in Wildwood, MO. They hand-select their products to provide the best performance, and they carry a wide selection of materials to meet any need. In addition to landscaping products, they also specialize in land clearing and yard waste disposal. Learn more about them on their website or call (636) 532-4978 to schedule a delivery of landscaping products.