Adding rock and/or mulch adds color and contrast to a landscape, emphasizing tones and features that wouldn’t otherwise be noticed. Our years of experience have enabled us to develop the following guidelines:
For a maintenance-free installation, rely on rock.
When installing, we almost always put fabric (not plastic*) under the rock. This prevents weeds from coming through, while allowing water to seep through for plants.
*Note: The only time we recommend using plastic is when you have a history of water going into your basement, and you want to direct all water away from your house.
If a little maintenance is no problem, go with mulch.
The most popular mulch we install is Western Red Cedar. This is a soft wood, lasting three times longer than its hardwood counterpart.
Fluffing your mulch with a metal rake 2-3 times a year disrupts the decomposition stage, and will extend the life of your mulch.
We recommend not putting fabric under your mulch. Why not you ask?
Fabric will act like a slide for mulch; each time it rains mulch will end up in the yard.
Mulch will eventually break down and become dirt, inviting neighboring weeds and grass to germinate.
Pulling weeds is much harder through fabric than through dirt alone.
Contact a landscape designer at Warner’s to determine what approach best fits your property.