I'm looking to switch from black mulch to something else, as my dogs love to play—and dig—in it, leading to black stains all over my house. My husband suggested using rocks or pebbles instead since they won't get my dogs dirty. Is this a wise choice? I'm curious about the drawbacks of rock landscaping, especially since it's right next to the house, about 6 feet wide and 30 feet long. What size rocks would look best?
3 Answers
Rocks can be a real pain in the long run. They tend to attract weeds, and if you're not careful, they can get super hot in the summer. Unless you're looking for a fire barrier, I'd suggest just sticking with regular undyed mulch. It’s far easier to manage and will still keep your yard looking nice without the hassle of rocks.
I'd be wary of using rocks. They can heat up and actually bake your plants. Plus, if you want to switch things up later, removing rocks is a nightmare. Instead, try natural brown mulch. It’s cheaper and easier to maintain, and your pups can dig in it without leaving black stains everywhere!
Rock landscaping? No thanks! They get super hot, track everywhere, and are hard to clean. I've got rocks and honestly, I'm in the process of replacing them with mulch because it just creates too many problems. If you want a long-term solution, how about some cedar chips? They look good and are dog-friendly too!