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Don’t use rock as a ground cover around trees and shrubs. Half-inch to two-inch rock – often touted under the name “decorative rock” – is the worst possible choice for covering the ground around plant material for a wide variety of reasons.

We first saw rock used in this manner in the ’60s, and many homes across America can be dated by its use. May 11, Rocks vs. Mulch–Which Is Better in Flower Beds and Around Trees? Pros and Cons of Organic Mulch Pros. Better Growth: Mulch can nearly double how fast trees and plants grow, according to this study. Less Water: Mulch reduces water evaporation, so you spend less time and money watering!

Jun 06, To mulch around a tree, start by shoveling away old mulch, dirt, grass, weeds, or rocks so you can see the tree trunk.

This outdoor feature in the transitional backyard is just inspiring.

Next, cut up-growing roots with pruners to allow the tree to get enough oxygen. Once the area is cleared, buy a medium-textured mulch, which will hold water and won’t starve the tree’s 98%(62). Dec 05, Using river rock mulch is probably not a good idea for your annual beds or vegetable garden, as it is very hard to plant in several inches of stone.

It is fine to use in permanently planted beds, like rings around large trees or other areas where you plan to just plant once and be done with treecutter.barted Reading Time: 3 mins. Dec 15, Rock mulch is ornamental pebbles or stones that act as a decorative ground cover on flower beds, around tree bases, fire pits, gardens, pools, ponds, and a host of other applications. Pea to ping-pong ball-sized gravel (sometimes much larger) are sourced from river beds or Author: Jeffrey Douglas.