Mulch vs Rock: Which Is Actually Better for Your Beds?

Both have a place. The right answer depends on what's planted, how much sun the bed gets, and how often you actually want to touch it.

Mulch is better for plant health. It holds moisture, regulates soil temperature, and breaks down into something your plants want to live in.

Rock is better for low-maintenance zones with hardy plants — think along the foundation or in xeriscaped corners.

The mistake we see most: rock around thirsty perennials. The plants cook, the weeds still come through landscape fabric, and you've locked yourself into pulling them by hand.