Decorative rock is frequently used in planter beds and other areas to add color and enhance your landscape. Unlike bark products which are generally limited in color and only vary by size, decorative rock comes in many sizes, colors and densities. Choosing the right rock for you can be made easier if you ask yourself a few questions first.
What look are you trying to get? Color can be important in landscape rock. Too much rock in a very large area can end up looking bland, regardless of color. Likewise, a rock that closely matches the color of your home can present a look that there is little difference from where the house ends and the flower beds bordering it begin, lending to a bland look. For areas bordering the home it’s best to have a little contrast to highlight instead of blend in. How large the contrast is your own personal taste.
Besides color, the size of the rock can offer a contrast in texture that you may find appealing. Many decorative rocks come in sizes ranging from 3/8” up to 1-1/2”. However, keep in mind that the larger the stone, the more you will need to get good ground coverage of the area.
Where is the rock going? Leaving aside rocks used for driveways, kennels, and the like, decorative rocks are usually used in flowerbeds or areas acting to accent the landscape with color and texture. When choosing a rock to be put near plants keep in mind that all rocks will hold the heat of the day, and in severe climates that can damage plants. Both the density of the rock and the color of the rock will vary the amount of heat given off. This will also be a possible factor in your home cooling bills. This factor doesn’t matter nearly as much for rocks in the flowerbeds against the fence away from the walls of the home.
Is there foot traffic in the area? As a rule, you likely try to keep from walking around in your flowerbeds. However, sometimes you may need to get to a water spigot, clean up wind-blown debris, or (if you were bad little boys and girls and didn’t use a weed barrier cloth or plastic!) pull weeds. In some landscapes, there may even be a path through a rock-covered area by design. In cases where foot traffic is probable, round rock (sometimes called river-rock) isn’t the best choice.
Round rock is usually dredged rock that is screened, cleaned and then sold in varying sizes. It’s also, well…..round! Like most round things round rock will roll: away from your shoes, away from the tire of the wheelbarrow, etc. This will cause the rock to migrate to the outer edges of the traffic area and before you know it you’re walking on your weed barrier which could cause tears.
For the traffic areas in your landscape a crushed rock is better. Although some river-rock is crushed, much of it is mined or quarried. The rock, in large pieces, is put into a crusher which breaks them into small pieces. Those pieces are screened to varying sizes. Crushed rock, with it’s flat sides and sharp edges will lay flatter and pack down. Once compacted even just a little, the rock will stay in place to moderate foot traffic.
- Scott Crist has over 20 years experience operating and setting up landscape material yards.
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