Along foundations and drip lines. Water coming off the roof beats mulch into the dirt and washes it into the lawn. Rock takes the hit, drains fast, and keeps moisture moving away from the house instead of sitting against it.

On slopes and anywhere water runs. Mulch floats. One heavy Minnesota rain and it's down at the bottom of the hill or across the driveway. Stone stays put and can be shaped into a runout that actually handles the water.

Around downspouts and low spots. A rock runout takes a downspout discharge and spreads it instead of digging a trench in the lawn. It solves a drainage problem and looks intentional doing it.

In tight, low-traffic areas. Side yards, strips between buildings, around AC units and utility boxes — the places nobody wants to mow or mulch every year. Rock makes them maintenance-free.

When you're tired of buying mulch every spring. Mulch breaks down; that's what it's for. Rock doesn't. If a bed is more about a clean look than growing things, stone is the last time you'll pay for that area.