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Landscape rock vs. mulch
Rock costs more up front and lasts decades. Mulch is cheaper, better for plants, and needs topping up every few years. Which is right depends on the bed and how much you want to fuss with it.
Get a Free QuoteWe install both. Here's how we help customers choose.
Straight comparison
| Landscape rock | |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $12–$25/sq ft |
| Lifespan | decades |
| Ongoing cost | ~none |
| Good for plants | reflects heat, poor |
| Weed control | excellent with fabric |
| Changing your mind | hard — rock is forever |
Mulch runs roughly $3–$7/sq ft installed, breaks down over 2–3 years (feeding the soil as it goes), needs a top-up every second spring, keeps roots cool and moist, and is easy to dig through when you replant.
Choose rock when…
- It's a low-planting or no-planting area — foundation strips, mow bands, side yards
- You want zero ongoing maintenance
- It's a windy spot where mulch blows away
- You're doing a full xeriscape / low-water front yard
Choose mulch when…
- The bed is planted with perennials, shrubs or a garden you'll change
- Budget matters and you're okay with a top-up every couple of years
- Plant health is the priority — mulch keeps roots cooler in July
What most Calgary yards end up with
A mix: rock in the structural zones (against the house, along fences, mow strips) and mulch in the planted beds. We'll lay it out that way in the quote. See rock landscaping and mulch installation.
FAQ
How deep should each one be?
Rock: 5–8 cm. Mulch: 5–8 cm. Both need commercial fabric or a clean edge to actually work. Rock depth & coverage →
Does rock really never need maintenance?
The rock doesn't break down, but windblown seed can grow in it over years. A spray once a season keeps it clean.
Can I put mulch over rock, or vice versa?
Not well. They fight each other and you get a mess. Pick one per bed.
Have a question about your yard?
Ask us directly — free on-site quote across Chestermere and Calgary.
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