I have a large, landscaped area under a big old Silver Maple, and next to our screen porch (It takes about eight yards of mulch to cover this one area). It's planted with hosta, coral bells, and other dry-shade perennials. A few years ago, when this bed was created, I mulched it with wood mulch. However, in a few months fine roots from the maple rose up into the mulch and formed a virtual mat of hair-like roots over the entire area. Now the bed needs additional mulch applied, but instead of an organic material, I was considering putting down about two inches of decorative gravel. I figured this would last a lot longer, and since it's all shade, I wouldn't have to worry about the stones heating the area up too much. The plantings are all fairly substanial, and if I use a small stone they should have no problem emerging each spring.

After reading some postings, it seems gravel isn't too popular among forum members. But, I have to tell you, I do have gravel around the beds that are next to my house (planted mostly with evergreen shrubs) and I like it. It stays in place, I can vacuum all the maple and ash leaves off of it every fall, of which I have tons), and I don't worry about termites or other bugs up next to my house. What would be the down side to gravel in the above described space? Do you think it would solve the "up-lifting root" problem, or would eight yards of organic mulch every two years, or so, still be the right way to go?