Choosing the right ground cover for your landscape can be a tough decision. Whether you are trying to find the perfect material that will enhance its aesthetics or provide health benefits to your plants, mulch and rock are both great options! Mulch is ideal if you want to boost the curb appeal of your property while also giving your plants numerous health perks like weed suppression, moisture retention, soil temperature regulation, and more. On the other hand, rocks make excellent ground covers because they last a long time and look beautiful in various landscapes here in Nebraska. It all comes down to personal preference and what you think will best suit your specific needs.

Mulch is great for enhancing the aesthetics of your landscape while also providing benefits to your plants!

Mulch installed in landscape bed in Omaha, NE.

If you want to improve the overall aesthetic of your landscape, then mulch is an excellent choice for a ground covering. This natural material comes in different colors and textures and offers several health benefits for your plants when used as a ground cover:

  • Weed Prevention: One of the biggest advantages of using mulch as a ground cover is that it helps prevent weeds from growing. Because mulch blocks sunlight from reaching the weeds, they won't have enough resources to grow and compete with your plants.
  • Moisture Retention: Mulch as a ground cover helps keep the soil moist by reducing evaporation. This means your plants will stay hydrated for longer periods without needing as much watering!
  • Soil Temperature Regulation: Mulch acts as insulation, keeping the soil cool during hot summers and protecting the roots of your plants from frost in the winter. This is especially beneficial for young plant roots that need stable temperatures to thrive.
  • Soil Erosion Control: By holding the soil in place, mulch protects against erosion caused by rain or wind. It does this by creating a barrier between the topsoil and the elements, preventing nutrients from being washed away.
Mulch should be replenished every year to ensure it continues providing its intended benefits to your plants.

Rocks make an excellent ground cover and can enhance the curb appeal of your landscape.

Rocks as ground cover in Omaha, NE.

When deciding whether to use mulch or rocks as a ground cover, it is important to consider the maintenance required to continue benefiting from your ground cover. Rocks generally require less maintenance than mulch. Unlike mulch, rocks do not decompose over time, so you won't need to replenish them as frequently. Additionally, rocks have a timeless, modern aesthetic that will boost the curb appeal of any landscape.

Which option is better - mulch or rock?

Both mulch and rock are excellent options for ground covers and can greatly benefit your landscape beds. So, which one you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference and fits your aesthetic preferences better. However, if you want a natural-looking ground cover that provides countless benefits to your plants, mulch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-maintenance alternative that doesn't break down, rocks are a great option, too.

Call us today to schedule our mulch installation or rock installation service!

Whether you want to install mulch or rock in your landscape beds, we've got you covered! At UPL, we offer a professional mulch installation service and rock installation service to give you just what you want. Both services are available to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Omaha, Elkhorn, Gretna, NE, and throughout the surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (402) 590-2040 to sign up for our mulch installation or rock installation services!