How to Use Rock As Mulch
- 1). Weed the area thoroughly before mulching to prevent weeds from growing through the rocks later. Pull up all visible weeds and dig out plant roots in the bed.
- 2). Lay a weed barrier over the bed. Use landscape fabric, a weed mat or plastic. Fabric and weed mats last longer than plastic, which eventually tears and degrades from the elements. Fabric also allows water and air movement through the barrier to the soil beneath. Anchor the edges of the barrier within a dug trench around the bed so the barrier doesn't pull up.
- 3). Plant desired plants in the bed prior to mulching. Cut an X in the fabric or plastic and plant through the X.
- 4). Spread the rock mulch over the bed. Lay the mulch to a depth of 1 to 3 inches. Cover the weed barrier with rocks completely so it is no longer visible.
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