When looking to improve your landscape, the first thing you might be inclined to add is plants or mulch. Both of these are excellent choices that we applaud profusely.
But – stay with us now – WHAT IF rock and gravel could add just as, if not more, appeal to your landscaping AND save you money on water and maintenance? Friends, we’re here to reveal some of the best suggestions for landscaping rock and gravel as well as the most frequently asked questions that come along with the installation decision.
Let’s dive into some rock and gravel options for color, texture and functionality.
Top Picks for Landscaping Rock & Gravel
Decomposed granite is usually reddish-tan and sandy and provides landscapes with a soft, rustic look. This affordable option is often used around trees, garden trails and as a xeriscape ground cover.
Pea gravel is – you guessed it – the size of a pea, usually 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch in size. Colors range from white to tan to brown. Pea gravel is very versatile, often used to cover driveways and fill spaces between stone pavers. It also serves as a good weed barrier and won’t decompose like mulch.
This gravel has larger particles than decomposed granite and provides a nice, natural look for your yard. It makes a good transition between garden plants and pathways.
Composed of actual lava from volcanoes, this rock boasts explosively bold colors, providing a pretty accent to any landscape design. It is ideal for drier climates, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it throughout the night. Lava rock is very lightweight that makes it easy to transport and spread.
You don’t have to live by a river for your landscape to rock. River rocks are smoother in texture and larger than pea gravel. Pull together their different hues to create pretty garden borders or dry creek beds. While looking pretty, they can also be used to direct drainage through a property.
We’re bringing out the big guns for this one. Along with smaller pebbles, larger rocks like flagstone are great for stepping stones, garden paths and walkways between different elements of your landscaping.
We’re changing things up and going against the grain. This next one isn’t technically a rock, but it’s still a popular choice for hardscapes. Brick chips are made from crushed fragments of bricks (shocking, we know) and come in reddish and brown hues. These chunks are great for driveways and landscaping paths.
Tell countertops to step aside…marble isn’t just for the kitchen anymore! Marble chips are sleek and classy options to cover soil around container gardens and landscaping design elements. Helpful hint – avoid using them around plants that need high levels of acid since marble changes the pH level of soil.
How much landscaping rock do I need?
The exact amount will depend on two things:
The size of the area
The depth of coverage
First, you’ll need to determine the exact square footage of the area. For square or rectangular shapes, this is fairly simple: multiply the length and the width of the area.
Length X Width = area in square footage
Next, you’ll want to determine the depth you’d like your rocks to lay. This will differ depending on the size of your materials. For rocks that are 3 inches or bigger, you may only need one heaping layer to achieve a 3 – 3.5 inch depth, whereas smaller rocks or gravel may require a couple more layers to achieve the same.
This rock coverage calculator is a great tool to get you started, however, it can be difficult to calculate to predict the precise amount of rocks or gravel needed. We recommend partnering with a team of professional landscapers to do the work (and the install) for you.
Does rock landscaping attract bugs?
We know what you’re thinking – any time you’ve lifted a rock, there have been critters underneath. Sure, bugs may hang out in the rocks and gravel, but because there is no food source, they won’t stick around.
Landscaping rock and gravel don’t attract insects, unlike mulch which decomposes over time and attracts all kinds of pests.
Which is better for landscaping –
rocks or mulch
?
Landscaping isn’t one-size-fits-all, so the decision between rocks and mulch will depend on where you live and your landscaping needs.
For garden areas, mulch may be a better fit. It doesn’t retain as much heat as stones and gravel and because of that, it doesn’t dry the soil/plants out as much. However, mulch will decompose and need to be replaced annually. Not to mention, the decomposition may attract unwanted pests and insects – including termites. If you’re not interested in replacing your mulch on a regular basis, rock and gravel may be a better fit.
While they are the more expensive option, landscaping rocks and gravel will last much longer in the end.
Still not sure? Our team would be happy to advise your decision and bring it to life!
Can I install the rocks on my own?
If you have the tools, materials, and experience, you can certainly try!
This task may take you longer – especially if you are purchasing the materials and laying them yourself. However, we do not recommend DIY installations. Wheelbarrows of rock are extremely heavy and the process can be labor-intensive and tedious.
To keep your yard (and your back) in great condition, call the professionals next time you’re wanting a landscaping rock and gravel transformation.
How long should my landscaping rocks and gravel last?
Typically, your landscaping rock and gravel should last you 8-10 years, so once it’s installed, the maintenance is really low touch.
From charming rustic pathways to artistic courtyards, rock and gravel will contribute to a versatile landscape. Let us help you choose the best rock for your design and lifestyle. Chat with us today to get started!
Other posts you might like:
6 Benefits of a Unique Hardscape
Why Pavers Are Great for Northern Colorado Landscaping
9 of the Most Popular Colorado Landscape Additions
In the previous blog I talked about using mulches and comparing the different kinds available in our region-the central Great Plains. This week I am going to discuss using rock instead of mulch. The main thing to remember with using rock is that you must use a weed barrier fabric underneath for it to be effective. In our region the most common found rock mulches are lava, Kansas river, Colorado river, pea gravel, white quartz, and Colorado cobble.
Lava rock can be found in many older landscapes and is still available at many big box stores. This lightweight rock was a favorite in the 1970s and 80s and is still liked by older customers for its ease of use. However, lava rock does little to beautify a landscape, unless you have a red colored house. Many people associate lava rock with an aged landscape that needs renovation. I would not recommend lava rock for that reason, as well as the pores in the rock can hold bits of soil, allowing for more weeds to grow.
White quartz is another landscape rock sold mainly at big box stores geared towards unknowing customers. Most new homeowners see the sparkle of the white rock and think that is just what they need for their new home landscape. However, the quartz can become quite expensive, bulk rock sold by landscape companies and garden centers cover more area for the price. Again, there are few places anywhere, that white rock looks good in the landscape.
Pea gravel is more commonly used as a material for paths in the landscape, but is occasionally used as a bed covering. I have seen it used in conjunction with Kansas river rock in a landscape for a wonderful effect. If applied thick enough, pea gravel’s fine texture can beautify a landscape. When using it as a pathway covering, be sure to pack it firmly with a plate compactor and use edging to confine it to the space.
Colorado cobble is usually found in water gardens, but has become increasingly popular as a landscape covering. Sizes range from 1 ½” to 6” in diameter. The look of Colorado cobble is what is most attractive to customers. Shades of gray, red, green, pink, and brown give color and depth to the landscapes it is is. However, Colorado cobble can be a maintenance nightmare; such large rock can create big gaps in the layering, giving weeds a better chance to attack.
Colorado river rock is similar to Colorado cobble, but is much smaller and contains many more broken pieces than the rounded cobble. Colors range from gold to brown and pink to green. The pores size is smaller, making Colorado river a better choice for weed control, though it will still need cleaning every 5 to 7 years.
Kansas river rock is probably the most commonly used landscape rock in our region. It may have other names, but it all comes from rivers in Kansas. Made up of pieces of flint, chert, granite, and limestone, this landscape rock lightens the landscape up with its muted tones of white, gray, and bronze. If you have a landscape that uses a lot of evergreens, Kansas river rock will help them stand out. Since this rock is naturally found in this area, it complements its surroundings well so that your plants and your house stand out.
Normally I don’t recommend landscape rock as an alternative to organic mulches, but there are some applications where it may be more desirable. In commercial settings, such as a bank or restaurant, where both the landscape and the drives need to be kept clean, landscape rock may be better than mulch. Mulch can blow around, causing extra maintenance time for cleanup on drives. However, when laying down rock, it is important to remember that weed seeds, dust, dirt, and debris will blow in and accumulate in the spaces between the rocks. Both mulch and smaller rocks can be moved by flowing water in a landscape, so be sure and bury the downspouts or use larger rock where the water comes out.
Be sure and use a high quality, long lasting, weed barrier underneath any application of rock. It is tempting to use the cheap, plastic barriers sold at box stores, but they can break down quickly and some don’t allow water and air through to the soil. Dewitt Pro weed barrier can be found at garden centers and lasts up to 20 years. It is a woven fabric mesh that allows both water and air to get to the soil.
Keep up the good work!