Types of Landscaping Materials at Do it Best
The materials you place on top of the soil can have a major impact on the appearance, maintenance, and health of your landscape. Whether you're making a flower bed, building a pathway, improving drainage, or protecting newly seeded areas, choosing the right landscaping material can make the project easier and more effective. The table below outlines all the landscaping materials offered at Do it Best:
Material | Best For | Key Benefits |
Flower beds, gardens, trees, shrubs | Moisture retention, weed suppression, soil protection | |
Landscape beds and accent areas | Natural appearance, weed reduction, moisture retention | |
Decorative landscaping, drainage, walkways | Long-lasting, low maintenance, erosion control | |
Paths, driveways, drainage projects | Durable surface, drainage improvement | |
New grass seed, erosion control, garden protection | Seed protection, moisture retention, biodegradable |
Benefits of Mulch vs Gravel & Rock
Mulches are among the most popular landscaping products because they provide both functional and visual benefits. Products like cedar mulch, cypress mulch, hardwood mulch, and color-enhanced mulch help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth by limiting sunlight exposure. Many options also gradually break down over time, giving the soil nutrients over time.
Cedar mulch is often chosen for its natural oils and aroma, and hardwood or cypress mulches are popular for general landscape beds. Color-enhanced mulches can provide a more appealing finish that lasts throughout seasons.
Unlike mulch, rock and gravel provide a more permanent ground cover solution. They don’t decompose, require less replenishment and maintenance, and can withstand heavy rain or severe weather without washing away easily. Decorative stone, river rock, marble chips, and pea gravel are commonly used around foundations, pathways, drainage areas, and landscape borders.
Rock products can also help improve drainage in low areas where mulch may stay wet for a longer period. For homeowners wanting a lower-maintenance landscape, decorative stone is also a better option than mulch.
Long-Term Weed Control with Proper Ground Cover
One of the primary reasons homeowners install landscaping materials is to reduce weed growth. A properly placed layer of mulch can help block sunlight and suppress weeds and improve moisture retention. Decorative rock and gravel can provide similar benefits when combined with landscape fabric or other weed barriers.
For areas prone to washout or shifting materials, landscape adhesives and mulch bonding products can help hold mulch, rock, and other landscaping products in place during heavy rain and harsh weather.
Get Your Landscaping Materials at Do it Best Today
The right products can improve how your landscaping looks while solving problems like weed growth, moisture loss, drainage issues, and erosion. By matching the material to your project goals, you can create landscaping areas that look better and require less maintenance long-term.
Shop landscaping materials online today at Do it Best and take advantage of home delivery or same-day pickup at your nearest Do it Best store.
Landscaping Material FAQs
Mulch, decorative bark, and landscape rock can all help suppress weeds. The best option depends on whether you prefer an organic ground cover or a more permanent solution.
Most mulch applications perform best at a depth of 2 to 3 inches. This provides effective moisture retention and weed suppression without smothering plants.
Yes. Mulch, straw, gravel, and rock can all help reduce erosion by protecting soil from rain and runoff when laid properly.
Straw is commonly used after seeding lawns to help retain moisture, protect seed from erosion, and improve growth.