We’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners in Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Nocatee Beach, and the most common question we hear is:

“Should I go with mulch or stone?”

That question isn’t as simple as it sounds. The right answer depends on your goals: plant health, drainage, maintenance, budget, and aesthetics.

At Coconut Grove Landscape & Design, we’re here to break it all down—real talk, no fluff. Whether you’re installing fresh sod, building out a landscape design, or adding hardscape features like palm trees and shrubs, here’s everything you need to know about using mulch vs. stone.

Applying mulch around ornamental shrubs to retain moisture and reduce soil erosion in a coastal landscape.

What is Mulch?

Mulch is a layer of material placed on top of the soil to insulate, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. In Florida’s beachside communities like Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Nocatee, mulch is commonly used to soften beds, enrich the sandy soil, and protect delicate root systems from the sun.

Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of the soil. Organic mulch, such as bark, wood chips, leaves, and compost, is a great option, as is inorganic mulch, like black plastic or landscape fabric.

Organic mulch decomposes over time and adds nutrients to the soil, while inorganic mulch is longer-lasting and easier to maintain. Using organic mulch in garden beds will result in more acidic soil, which will result in better growth. The type of mulch you use can affect the pH of alkaline soil, which can be vital if you’re trying to grow certain plants.

Benefits of Mulch when Landscaping

  • Moisture Retention – Mulch locks in moisture in sandy Florida soils, which drain quickly. In places like Atlantic Beach, where the hot sun and salty air quickly dry out the soil, mulch helps keep roots hydrated between waterings.
  • Soil Health – Organic mulch (like pine bark or wood chips) gradually decomposes and enriches the soil—especially helpful in Nocatee, where new construction often leaves soil depleted and compacted.
  • Temperature Regulation – Coastal areas like Jacksonville Beach can experience wild temperature swings. Mulch acts as a buffer, keeping roots cool in summer and warm in winter—critical for plant survival.
  • Weed Suppression – A thick mulch layer prevents invasive weeds (like dollarweed and crabgrass) from taking over your beds in Ponte Vedra Beach, where lawns transition into landscaped beds.
  • Visual Appeal – Whether you’re going for a rich, natural pine look or bold-dyed red mulch to make your plants pop, mulch adds warmth and texture. It’s commonly used in residential communities throughout Nocatee to unify design themes.

Drawbacks of Mulch

  • Needs annual replenishment—especially after Florida’s stormy seasons
  • Can attract pests like termites or ants if placed too close to the house
  • May grow mold or fungus in humid, shady areas
Decorative landscaping stones cover the surface of a garden bed, enhancing drainage and protecting plant growth in hot weather.

What Is Stone?

Stone refers to gravel, river rock, lava rock, pea pebbles, and crushed granite. In Northeast Florida, it’s especially popular in modern, low-maintenance landscapes and coastal designs where longevity and drainage are key.

Benefits of Stone for Landscaping

  • Low Maintenance & Longevity – Unlike mulch, stone won’t wash away in Florida’s heavy rains. In Jacksonville Beach, stones stay put even during summer downpours and hurricane season. No reapplication needed for years.
  • Excellent Drainage – Perfect for areas like Ponte Vedra, where standing water can be a problem near foundations or walkways. Stone allows water to percolate quickly, reducing erosion.
  • Superior Weed Control – When combined with a landscape fabric base, stone creates a weed-proof barrier—ideal for low-maintenance vacation homes in places like Atlantic Beach.
  • Modern, Clean Aesthetics – White marble chips or black lava rock can modernize a property instantly. Stone is a favorite in new Nocatee developments, where clean, structured garden beds are part of the curb appeal.

Drawbacks of Stone

  • Higher initial installation cost
  • Can retain heat and stress shallow-rooted plants
  • Difficult to relocate if you want to redesign

Let’s Build Something Beautiful

Your perfect retreat awaits. Let’s get the ball rolling!

How They Stack Up in Real Landscaping Use

Mulch:

  • Great for creating a soft, organic look in tropical designs with palm trees and flowering shrubs.
  • Used extensively in Atlantic Beach gardens to contrast with bright blooms and natural palms.
  • Works well in native plant landscapes—like butterfly gardens in Nocatee.

Stone:

  • Provides a structured, upscale look—ideal for xeriscaping or Mediterranean-style homes in Ponte Vedra Beach.
  • Helps define modern hardscaping features like fire pits, patios, and gravel walkways.
  • Popular in coastal front yards, where wind and rain might wash away mulch.

Mulch:

  • Easy to work around raised beds, pavers, or tree rings—good for flexible garden layouts in Jacksonville Beach backyards.
  • Blends naturally with wooden features like fences, arbors, or pergolas.

Stone:

Mulch:

  • Great for bordering sod with clean, soft transitions—but must be edged properly to prevent mulch from spilling onto grass.
  • Helps retain moisture at the base of shrubs or ornamental trees planted within sod.

Stone:

  • Creates durable edging and prevents sod overgrowth into garden beds.
  • Ideal in high-traffic areas—like pathways next to the lawn—where mulch would get kicked around.

Mulch:

Stone:

Mulch:

  • Ideal for hedges, gardenias, hibiscus, and other thirsty shrubs—it keeps moisture locked in and roots protected.
  • Adds a polished look to shrub lines in Nocatee community entryways.

Stone:

  • Best for low-water, heat-tolerant shrubs like Indian hawthorn or dwarf yaupon holly.
  • Looks clean year-round and discourages weeds in formal layouts.

Mulch:

Stone:

  • Good for drought-tolerant perennials like lavender or sedum.
  • Requires careful placement—rocks can trap heat and dry out fragile plants if not managed well.

The Verdict: Mulch or Stone?

Feature Mulch Soil
Soil Health Adds Nutrients Inert Material
Weed Control Good with Thick Coverage Excellent with Fabric Base
Maintenance Needs Replenishing Set & Forget
Drainage Slower Excellent
Cost (Initial) Lower Higher
Longevity Breaks Down Last Years
Aesthetic Flexibility Natural Look Clean & Modern
Mixed-use landscape design featuring organic and inorganic mulches with lush foliage and stone hardscaping to extend garden life.

Serving Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Atlantic Beach & Nocatee

No matter where you are along the coast—from Jacksonville Beach to Nocatee—Coconut Grove Landscape & Design is your go-to crew for smart, stylish, and sustainable landscaping.

Here’s What To Do Next:

Book a Free Landscape Consultation
We’ll walk your property and help you decide which material makes the most sense—visually, functionally, and financially.

Get a Custom Quote
Whether you need mulch beds refreshed or stone installed around new sod, we’ll give you an honest, detailed estimate.

Trust the Pros
We’ve transformed hundreds of landscapes in your neighborhood. Let’s make yours next.

Call us today at (904) 868-6835 or visit our Contact Page to schedule your consultation.