Mulch & Rock
Installation in
Cambridge, Ontario

Bark mulch breaks down over time and adds organic matter to the soil. It holds moisture, keeps roots cooler in summer and suits planting beds you'll keep adding to. It does need topping up, usually every year or two.

River rock and decorative stone don't break down, so they rarely need replacing, and they're good along foundations, in side yards and wherever water runs. Stone holds heat and doesn't feed the soil, though, so it's not ideal around plants that like cool, moist roots. Plenty of yards use both: mulch in the planting beds, rock where it's practical.

Ground cover laid over weeds, or too thin, looks good for a few weeks and then doesn't. We clear the beds first, cut an edge so the material stays where it belongs, and spread it deep enough to hold back weeds without smothering roots. Mulch is kept off stems and trunks so they don't rot.

We also spread gravel and crushed stone along driveway edges, in side yards and paths, and for drainage strips. A compact loader moves the material quickly, without wheelbarrow ruts across your lawn.

Late April through May is the busiest time for mulch in Waterloo Region, so book early if you want beds refreshed for spring.

River rock or gravel along a foundation is a practical choice for low-maintenance yards and for spots that collect runoff.

The Region of Waterloo has been asking residents to save water outdoors. Mulched beds hold moisture and need less watering in summer.

Last updated November 2026.