Fresh ground cover is one of the quickest ways to make a whole yard look finished. In the Pacific Northwest, the two most common choices are bark dust and decorative rock, and each has its place.
Bark dust is the classic Northwest look. It holds moisture in the soil through dry summers, keeps roots cool, and breaks down slowly, adding organic matter as it goes. That makes it the better choice around shrubs, perennials, and trees. Since it breaks down, plan on topping it up every year or two to keep the color fresh and the depth where it blocks weeds.
Decorative rock, from river rock to crushed gravel, is the low-maintenance option. It doesn't decompose, wash out, or fade much, so once it's installed over landscape fabric it can go years with very little attention. It works well along foundations, in side yards, around downspouts and drainage areas, and in modern or low-water designs.
Rock does hold heat and doesn't improve the soil, so it's not ideal around plants that like cool, rich ground. It also costs more upfront, though it saves on top-ups over the years.
Many of the best-looking yards use both: bark in planting beds, rock along the house and in high-traffic edges, separated by concrete curbing or a clean steel edge. We're happy to walk your yard and suggest the right mix.