How should I replace lawn in my back yard, with pebbles or mulch?

Brenda
by Brenda

which is cheaper to use initially and cheaper and easier to maintain? Also would like a path and garden beds.

  7 answers
  • 1401470 1401470 on Jan 26, 2019

    mulch will be cheaper but you could do a combo would would look neat. Cost will depend on the area you plan to cover. I've got a gravel calculator that may help.


    always less expensive to order by the truckload than by bags.


    https://www.gardenupgreen.com/2017/09/calculate-gravel-for-delivery.html


    Here's a peak at my garden space, it may give you some ideas

    https://www.gardenupgreen.com/2018/10/creating-a-new-garden-space.html





    • See 1 previous
    • If you are doing a yard, plan it out well and get help if you need it. The guys at the landscape supply will help you calculate how much you need, provided you supply them with photos and accurate measurements. My girlfriend has a sizeable piece of property and part is covered with gravel, river rock, crushed granite, etc. Divided with metal bender board so it stays properly separated and doesn't turn into a jumbled mess. They sketched it out on paper. Then went to their local landscape supply houses and talked to all of them. They hired a day laborer to install the metal edging in an attractive random shape and design. Each area has a different material. It looks stunning. I am visiting in the spring, unfortunately I don't have any photos to share at the current time. Flip through Pinterest and look at jobs from the landscaping supply houses. Think it through well and it will turn out beautifully.

  • Ohhhdear Ohhhdear on Jan 27, 2019

    Before choosing between mulch and stone...if you live in a condo or area with landscaping rules, check what the rules might be, especially if you have a mowing service. Stone gets caught in mower blades and thrown at high velocity into windows, cars, and siding.

  • Trudy Trudy on Jan 27, 2019

    Stone is a pain in the butt, natural materials get in it (leaves, plants, grass) and it is hard to clean. Then it looks sloppy and the weeds grow in it anyways.

    • See 1 previous
    • Trudy Trudy on Jan 28, 2019

      Mulch absolutely. I forgot to mention how difficult it is to pull weeds out of it, and then when you try the dirt from roots comes with it and makes a bigger mess!

  • Dsouther Dsouther on Jan 27, 2019

    If you have trees that will be dropping leaves and branches just stick with grass. Mulch and stone are both hard to maintain with trees around. Also, I would not want mulch up against the foundation of my house due to possible termite infestation.

  • Oliva Oliva on Jan 27, 2019

    A 1" layer of mulch over a 40' x 12' area runs nearly $1000, in this area of the country. Considering most mulch should be 4" in depth and needs replaced every few years (or sooner, in event of heavy downpours) the cost of mulch applied by others is becoming cost prohibitive. If you're physically capable of doing it yourself, it may be more feasible to install mulch, but you'll still be stuck with removing leaves and twigs/pinecones, raking to fluff it and remove fungal growth, etc.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Dec 17, 2020

    I put in 5/8" minus gravel from front to back of house on both sides between concrete curbing. We only have a small grass area in back (dog's poop area). Front and side yard is all rock (about 2") with a few trees and flowers - drip irrigation at each plant. The remainder of back yard is all bark mulch. It holds water for plants and doesn't get hot like rocks. It is also easy to walk on.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 23, 2021

    Call in a Garden Designer and tell them your requirements and they will be able to help you.