It’s well known that southeast Wisconsin residents face many challenges when maintaining their properties. Effective landscaping requires a lot of effort throughout the year if you want to achieve superior outcomes. Using stone mulch rather than the traditional wood variety has several upsides. Here are seven benefits of using stone mulch for landscaping purposes:
1. A Slew of Stone Types to Choose From
When you opt for wood mulch, the look and consistency of the product won’t vary greatly regardless of what you choose. Stone mulch gives property owners more choices when it comes to texture and density. Everything from granite to lava rock to limestone is available depending on the performance characteristics you desire.
2. A Diverse Array of Available Colors
Landscaping with stone mulch is a good choice if you place a high priority on color palettes. While different wood species boast some diversity of color, the range of shades that you’ll end up with isn’t broad. Stone mulch can be white, black, gray, red, orange, blue, turquoise or yellow if you choose.
3. Far Fewer Maintenance Requirements
Keeping landscaping trees and shrubs in good health with wood mulch typically necessitates annual replenishment of the ground covering. When you opt for stone mulch, you can go years without having to apply a new layer. Ultimately, stone mulch is a set-it-and-forget-it option that will save you a lot of time and hassle when installed properly.
4. A Fantastic Return on Investment
In many ways, using stone mulch to maintain the health and looks of your property’s flora is one of the cheapest landscaping plays one can make. While stone will naturally cost more up front to install due to weight considerations, it will more than pay for itself over time since it won’t need to be replenished that often.
5. Far Superior Resistance to Erosion
As great as wood mulch can be at retaining moisture, it’s not the best option when it comes to retaining critical soil nutrients. Wood-mulched trees and bushes on inclines can be susceptible to erosion around their vulnerable bases. Stone mulch prevents rich soil from being worn away every time a hard rain hits.
6. Fewer Threats to Animals and Children
While wood mulch is generally safe under most circumstances, don’t eat it! Dogs and toddlers will eat pretty much anything they can get their hands on if given the opportunity. Rock mulch won’t leach substances or present an attractive meal to small mammals.
7. A Serious Decline in Pest Populations
One of the biggest downsides to wood-based mulch is its ability to nurture the growth of various insects that can ultimately hurt landscaping plants. Stone mulch provides a far less hospitable environment for pesky spiders and termites that often end up in the house. Porous rocks that leach minerals can even nurture soil microbes under the right circumstances.
Making Stone Mulch Work for Your Property
The secret to getting the most from stone mulch in southeast Wisconsin is using the best product. A vendor like Melvin Mulch can deliver a wide array of stone that will perfectly complement your grounds. If you need stone mulch in the greater Milwaukee area, Melvin Mulch is the place to call.
Photo by Jarren Simmons on Unsplash