Mulch or stone?

I have about 15 stepping stones from my gate to my backdoor. I'm having some trouble getting the grass to grow b/c of the dog (see previous post, lol). So, for around the stepping stones I was thinking of doing either mulch or red rock. My BIL told me the rock would be better for drainage. But its much more costly. Which could be better?

Re: Mulch or stone?

Your BIL might be right about the drainage reason but just going for looks alone I would say mulch. I've never really been a fan of stones.

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Do you have an issue with water pooling on the stepping stones? If not I would think the mulch would be fine

Re: Mulch or stone?

Re: Mulch or stone?

Then go for the mulch.

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Mulch needs to be added to over time, since it's biodegradable. If you don't want to mess with it ever again (other than getting rid of weeds), go with the stone. You'll never have to buy more stone, so at some point in time, the stone will actually be cheaper over the long run.

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Mulch. I just paid 1000 to have those rocks removed from my yard. Previous owners were super rock happy. Mulch is so much better.

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I don't like the look of stone, so I say mulch.

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if your dog is peeing in that area, you don't want to go with mulch, it will stink in the summer! rocks would be better for that, but if the dog isn't an issue, mulch is nicer looking

the cost is really not less because every year you will need to fill in with mulch where as the stones will be a higher cost 1 x. i bet in the long run the stones work out to be cheaper and a lot less work, but IMO they aren't a nice look

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Rocks at my parents, like little pebbles, hurt my feet, even though they are round. MULCH!

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Mulch is also a more termite-friendly environment than stone. If you use mulch, make sure it's not too close to your siding, or any wood products.

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Also if your dog eats random things, mulch may be an issue. I know some types of mulch can be poisonous to dogs. Also another thought, if your DS goes back there, would be pick up the rocks and put them in his mouth (not sure how old he is now)?

Message edited 5/3/2011 7:56:31 AM.

Re: Mulch or stone?

I would do stone. I think mulch can getting messy and muddy.

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Also think about winter and shoveling, you want something that you can clear so it's not icy for you and your son. I think I'd prefer rocks in this situation.

Re: Mulch or stone?

Stone