Designing a Sustainable Yard: The Power of Rocks and Mulch

When it comes to designing an outdoor space that’s both beautiful and functional, the materials you choose play a crucial role. Two unsung heroes in the landscape design world are rocks and mulch. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard by creating a finished look, but they also offer practical benefits like improving soil health, reducing water usage, and supporting local ecosystems. Let’s dive into how you can use gravel and mulch to create a sustainable, low-maintenance yard that’s as gorgeous as it is eco-friendly.

One of the simplest ways to reduce the environmental impact of your yard design is to opt for locally sourced rocks and gravel. Why? The primary reason is the shipping footprint. Sourcing materials close to home reduces transportation emissions, making it a more sustainable option overall. But the benefits don’t stop there. Local stone types—whether they’re used for paths, walls, or decorative features—help your yard resonate with the surrounding natural landscape. By selecting stones that are native to your area, you create a seamless transition between your garden and the wider environment, giving your space a grounded, natural feel.

If you live in a hot or dry climate, consider using lighter-colored gravel and stones in your landscape design. Light hues, such as pale tans, soft grays, and creamy whites, reflect sunlight, helping to keep soil temperatures cooler. This can be especially beneficial in preventing plant stress caused by excessive heat, which can reduce the need for extra irrigation. For modern looks, neutral, uniform gray gravels have been a trend, but we’re seeing a shift towards warmer, desaturated tones, like sandy beiges and light taupes. These colors not only complement a wide variety of plants but also create a softer, more inviting atmosphere.

When using decorative rocks, bigger is often better. While small stones might seem like a versatile option, they can easily get lost in larger planting areas. Instead, aim for fewer but larger boulders—around two feet in length—so they can act as focal points within your design. Larger stones hold their own visually and help anchor the space, creating a sense of balance in wide planting beds. For added contrast, pair large rocks with fine-textured plants like ornamental grasses. The mix of heavy, solid rocks with the soft, flowing movement of grasses creates a beautiful contrast between stillness and motion in your landscape.

Having trouble deciding between pea gravel, river rocks, and other gravel and stone options? Take a look at our Hardscaping 101: Gravel blog post for a breakdown of our favorites!

Mulch might seem like a simple material, but it offers numerous benefits that go far beyond aesthetics. When used around your plants, mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, keeping your plants hydrated during hot weather and reducing the need for frequent watering. This moisture retention also prevents soil erosion, which is especially important on slopes or areas prone to runoff. Plus, mulch serves as an effective barrier against weeds, reducing the need for chemical herbicides.

 Just as with rocks, sourcing mulch locally is a sustainable choice. In the Western U.S., options like redwood, cedar, and fir mulches are popular, while hardwood and pine mulches are common in other regions. 

Local mulches typically come with the added benefit of being suited to your specific climate and ecosystem, so they’ll work better in your yard over the long term.

When using mulch in your landscape, it’s important to apply it correctly for maximum effectiveness. A typical mulch layer should be around 2 to 4 inches thick. Too little, and it won’t do much to suppress weeds or retain moisture; too much, and it can smother your plants and prevent water from reaching their roots. The right amount of mulch also helps insulate your plants, protecting them from extreme temperature fluctuations in both winter and summer.

This modern Los Gatos front yard leans into drought resistant plants and mulch in place of traditional lawn

 In fire-prone areas, top dressing on the soil – especially rocks or gravel – can be an essential tool for creating defensible space around your home. By using fire-resistant materials in the “zone 0” (the 5-foot buffer along your home’s exterior), you create a fire-safe zone that not only protects your house but also looks visually appealing. Mulch can also serve as a natural deterrent for pests, helping to reduce the presence of insects and other critters that might otherwise damage your plants.

Learn more about how our designers approach fire resistant landscape design here

Both gravel and mulch have their places in landscape design, but knowing when to use each is key. Gravel, for example, is excellent for paths, driveways, or areas where you want good drainage and low maintenance. It’s also ideal for preventing erosion on slopes and can provide a solid, visually appealing backdrop for plants.

Mulch, on the other hand, is best for areas where you want to nurture plant growth, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Mulch is especially beneficial for garden beds, around trees, and under shrubs. It also helps improve the soil structure as it decomposes, enriching the earth with organic matter.

Incorporating rocks and mulch into your landscape design doesn’t just improve the visual appeal of your space—it also makes your garden more sustainable and easier to maintain. By selecting locally sourced materials and using gravel or mulch to control moisture, reduce weeds, and provide fire protection, you’ll be supporting both the environment and the health of your plants.

With the right materials in place, you can create a yard that’s not only beautiful but functional, sustainable, and in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, minimalist look with gravel paths or a lush, natural garden bed with mulch, these materials help lay the foundation for a resilient and thriving outdoor space.

Thankfully, you don’t have to make these choices on your own. Our world-class landscape designers are here to create a plan for your yard that is both beautiful and functional, with these details taken into consideration already. You can get started on your own dream designs with our quick design profile quiz.