Rock vs. Woodchips/Mulch for Patio Garden

[Doonbuggy]

I have a small area around my patio that currently has some small colored rocks as the top layer. The rocks sit around a few plants. Diameter of the rock is 1" max.

I'm thinking of adding some 'fresh' rock to color it up a bit more, but am wondering perhaps I should look at a woodchip or mulch in lieu of the rock.

The area I'm considering is small enough that cost isn't a factor.

Pros/cons for either? Thanks.

DB

[Roofer]

There was a post on this last year. There are some professionals on here that will probably help you out. I know one thing they will say is that woodchips stay cooler than rocks. Which is true, but rocks stay cleaner, and if they have some shade, they don't get hot anyways.

[Surface Tension]

How many trees are in your yard.

Using a leaf blower on rocks works well.

Using a leaf blower on wood chips, not so good.

[eurolarva]

Rock gardens even with landscaping plastic will develop weeds. Leaves decay and become dirt and then weeds start to show up. I replaced a rock garden only to find below the landscaping carpet was another layer of rock and landscaping fabric. Wood chips have to be replaced every year for they decompose.

[sparcebag]

Yoy might try this question in the Lawn&Garden there are guys there who do this work & upkeep on it also.

[Doonbuggy]

Thanks for the feedback. It's just a small 'L' shaped area around my townhome patio so no trees are in the way and no leafblower is needed.

Given that woodchips needs to be replaced yearly I may just opt to add some new colored rock to freshen things up and to keep it simple.

DB