Standing in the landscaping aisle can feel overwhelming because of the endless bags of wood chips and stones. You want your flower beds to look beautiful and polished. But the material you choose to spread on top of the dirt directly controls how well your plants can breathe and drink. Choosing solely based on color can lead to hard, dry soil that refuses to grow anything at all. Thinking about what’s happening beneath the surface will help you create a backyard that truly flourishes.
The Natural Boost of Wood Mulch
Wood mulch is natural and allows plants to thrive and breathe. The wood chips also serve as a food source. As they sit on the ground, they rot and break down, which enriches the soil with nutrients. If you use cedar or pine bark, you’re also helping the soil stay cool and moist even when the summer sun is beating down on your yard. Because wood is organic, it creates a welcoming home for earthworms that tunnel through the ground and keep the soil fluffy and aerated.
The Heat Trap of Decorative Rock
Lava rock or river stones never rot and don’t need to be replaced every year. While rock looks clean and modern, it can actually be very tough on the health of your soil over a long period. Stones absorb a considerable amount of heat during the day. Then, they continue to radiate that warmth into the ground long after the sun has gone down. This high temperature can “bake” the soil. This can kill off the helpful bacteria and dry out the roots of your favorite shrubs. In a hot climate, using dark rocks can raise the soil temperature so much that it stresses the plants until they eventually turn yellow and die.
Compaction and the Oxygen Struggle
Another issue with heavy rock is the physical weight it places on the delicate structure of the earth. Over several years, the weight of the stones can squash the tiny air pockets in the dirt that roots need to survive, especially if they aren’t installed properly. When the soil becomes compacted, water cannot soak in properly and runs off the surface instead. This creates a situation where your plants are thirsty even though you’re watering them every day. Wood mulch is much lighter and allows the soil to remain porous and springy. This is why farmers and professional gardeners almost always prefer organic materials.
If you need help choosing the right cover for your plants and trees, consult a certified arborist. They can look at your property and make personal recommendations that will ensure the utmost success. To ensure that your plants and trees on your Birmingham, AL property remain healthy for years to come, contact Gray’s Tree Service for soil treatments.
