The main differences between the two options include

• Price (pea gravel is the more expensive)
• Aesthetics
• Maintenance – pea gravel is basically maintenance free for years to come. Cedar mulch will need topping up every one to two years. Additionally, as the mulch breaks down, it leaves behind a growing medium that can host weeds.
• Cedar mulch smells just beautiful! Pea gravel, not so much.
• Cedar is a natural insect repellent, so it can reduce the presence of mosquitoes, although not to any huge extent.

To a large degree, this is a consideration of aesthetic preference, but keep in mind that mulches that are dyed (usually black or red) can be of unknown and unreliable sources. Although most elements used to die mulch is free from poisonous chemicals, this is not a guarantee unless you know the source. Dyed mulches can also rob the soil of important nutrients that the mulch uses to break down over time, leaving the soil depleted of these elements (mostly nitrogen). And finally, mulches are often used as a moisture-retaining element. Dark or black dyed mulches heat up significantly more than natural mulch, and water therefore evaporates much more quickly, defeating one of the main purposes of mulching.

Just some basic information, including:

• The installation area width and length;
• The number and size of raised beds being placed within that area (that saves on the amount of mulch/gravel required)
• Are there are any obstructions along the path used to access the installation area (stairs, for instance)?
• Are there any in-ground obstructions we should know about such as irrigation lines or electrical lines for landscaped lighting?
• Oh, and of course, which material you’d like us to use.

There are a number of variables that will inform us as to what features you’ll need on your custom bed. For instance, where is it being installed – on a second floor deck or on a ground-level patio? Would you like the bed to be on wheels so it can be moved now and again (for instance, to access storage under your porch, or to chase the sun throughout the season on your deck). Often times, it’s best to contact us by phone to discuss your particular requirements.