Learning the best ways to use landscaping rocks will add style to your yard or garden. Knowing which stones to use for a project can be crucial to great design. These durable rocks can turn a backyard into paradise while also reducing your maintenance commitment. The trick is figuring out which landscaping rocks will be the best choice for your space.
Landscaping stones have many advantages over wood or rubber mulch. And because stones don’t degrade over time, there is less maintenance to deal with to keep a garden bed looking great.
Types of Landscaping Rocks
When deciding on a style of landscaping rock, there are different factors to consider.
Crushed stone is one of the most popular styles and has many applications, but it’s frequently used as a mulch replacement. These stones look great around most types of plants and, since no one would be walking on them, their jagged edges aren’t a factor. Also, crushed stone makes a great base material to place under patios and walkways.
River rocks are stones of a wide variety of materials removed from a riverbed. Due to water currents and erosion, these stones are smooth and rounded. They come in a wide range of sizes, from under an inch to more than a foot wide, with just as varied of a color palette. They are more comfortable underfoot for a walkway.
Pea gravel is composed of small, rounded rocks that are roughly the size of a pea or bean. There’s a mix of individual stones of different varieties and colors. The rounded shape of pea gravel makes it beneficial for walkways, dog runs, patios, or even playgrounds.
Lava rock is made of molten discharge from volcanoes. It comes in both red and black colors. It is not suitable for walkways or patios due to its rough and uneven texture. It’s great in place of mulch and provides a unique look, but large-scale drainage projects can be expensive.
Flagstone can consist of sandstone, slate, bluestone, limestone, or quartzite. This shape is particularly suitable for building walkways and patios. Since the stones are extremely flat and level, they can be laid down in such a way that there are very few variations in height between the stones.
Fieldstones are suitable for many tasks. If used properly, they can work as retaining walls, lining walkways, or even stone wall fences. Depending on their size and shape, they can function as seats around a bonfire or stepping stones in a walkway.
Lawn Edging Stones
When it’s necessary to separate a walkway from the grass, border garden beds, or simply divide the yard into different spaces, lawn edging stones can do the job beautifully. These stones can prevent the spread of grass into a walkway or stop smaller stones from escaping into the grass area. Fieldstone makes an attractive lawn edging stone.
Spring has sprung and it’s time to style the yard and garden. Landscaping rocks might not be your first thought when it comes to redesigning your yard, but these versatile materials are worth considering. We hope you have fun in the yard and enjoy the spring weather.