Is stone or mulch better over dirt and why?

Donna Debon
by Donna Debon
  14 answers
  • Mac14396386 Mac14396386 on Jul 19, 2017

    stone is horrible to keep up with- heavy and always gets weeds and grass in it. I would rather deal with mulch than stone any day. My daughter has white stone in her driveway and cries about it all summer!

  • Dfm Dfm on Jul 19, 2017

    depends on what type of terrain you have. Also any near by plantings. I've found rock mulch is better in an area that is frequently water collecting...it doesn't wash away as quickly as chip mulch. It will still need maintenance. Weeds will still grow between the rocks.


    wood chips will break down and feed the soil....and will need a top dressing of more wood chip each spring.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jul 19, 2017

    I've even had a stray stone fly up and break a 2nd story window. Mulch feeds the yard and doesn't destroy anything. My 1 variance for this is I love a rock garden but even those don't need small stones and gravel.

  • Sachelle Sachelle on Jul 19, 2017

    Rock is difficult to work with, and seems to get everywhere when we used it, we prefer mulch!!! It looks nice, stays in place, and is fairly inexpensive!! You can also call matter service companies to see if they offer it free or at a discounted rate!!! our local parks does mulch days where they trim up all of the local trees and pass out mulch to whoever needs it!!!

  • Peg Peg on Jul 19, 2017

    Stone will still allow weeds to grow. I would go with mulch.

  • Amanda Amanda on Jul 19, 2017

    I like mulch better. Stones are hard to keep clean.

  • Rose Middleton Rose Middleton on Jul 19, 2017

    Mulch is better, as it will deteriorate over time. Add new mulch every year, and soon the area will become enriched soil you can plant in!

  • In my area it helps keep the moisture in and gives the beds or areas a more "finished" appearance. Keeps weeds in check and everything stays more tidy. I have tumbled gravel, stone and mulch in several areas of my property. Plus keeps the cats and dogs from getting dirty feet and tracking into the house.

  • Juy9173868 Juy9173868 on Jul 19, 2017

    Dirt and mulch have to be replenished. Dirt makes mud which causes it's own issues. Stone is more upfront cost but a one and done type project.

  • Holly Kinchlea-Brown Holly Kinchlea-Brown on Jul 19, 2017

    Having had two homes where previous owners used stone, I would definitply stay with mulch. Stone is next to impossible to totally get rid of if you change your mind on the look. mulch is lighter and so not as hard to work with and can be refreshed easily. Additionally, if you have to relay your base because of weeds, it can be done rather easily. Which ever you choose, ensure that you use cardboard or landscape fabric before the top dressing to stay as weed free as possible

  • Donna Debon Donna Debon on Jul 19, 2017

    Thanks for the feedback, it gets harder each year to put down mulch when you get older, so I thought about the stone.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jul 19, 2017

    Mulch is much better than stone or bare soil. Bare soil allows every weed in the book to grow and take over. Stone will dig in if you don't put down plastic, which causes problems on its own, Every couple years stones need to be moved to get stuff off the plastic, as that allows weed to grow. If you don't use plastic the stones will go down into the soil and they are almost impossible to get back up. Much will need to be replenished as needed, at least once a year. but always looks neat and won't get spit out by a lawn mower and damage something. You can use purchased mulch or use shredded leaves or even grass clippings. That is what I use in my veggie garden, grass can be put down frequently as it breaks down and nourishes the soil fairly quickly.

  • Sue Ramirez Sue Ramirez on Jul 19, 2017

    I prefer stone, I have replaced my mulch areas with stone. Stone does not fade, blow away or easily wash away. Initially it is more expensive but will last far longer than mulch.

    And the colors of stone just highlights your vegetation beautifully.

  • Jason Walker Jason Walker on Jul 19, 2017

    for what reason