Pea Gravel Vs. Mulch

Pea Gravel

• Pea gravel is small gravel that's usually in the range of 3/8 of an inch and screened so no silt or fine particles remain in it. This means it doesn't compact. Pea gravel is a rock material, and it will last a long time in your landscape. Pea gravel is both decorative and functional. It offers a striking visual and textural contrast against green lawns and shrub beds, and it's often used effectively in Asian-themed gardens. It's a low-cost, low-maintenance choice for ground cover and informal walkways.

Mulch

• Mulch is any organic or inorganic matter that's used as a protective covering over soil. For landscape projects, bark chips, bark nuggets or composted bark mulch can be used to cover soil and insulate the soil around new plants. The mulch prevents moisture from evaporating too quickly and helps maintain a consistent soil temperature. It provides a finished appearance on new beds. Bark mulch is an organic material, improving the soil as it decomposes. It should be replenished every year, until the plants have grown large enough to fill in the space. The remaining mulch can be tilled into the soil.

Where They Go

• Bark mulch is best used in conjunction with plants, as it works to benefit soil and plant growth. It needs to be refreshed periodically until the plants are established. It also remains stable on slopes. Pea gravel is durable, though it can scatter and shift over time and requires raking and some occasional cleaning.

Installation Materials

• When used for surfacing or finish landscaping, both pea gravel and bark mulch should be placed on professional quality landscape fabric to suppress weeds and contain the gravel or mulch. Edging is also desirable, to reduce maintenance and enhance the visual impact of the landscape.

  Various kinds of mulching are available in local garden centers and pea gravel is sold by gravel suppliers.