Landscaping with Rocks

Landscaping can be a fun activity, allowing you to plan your yard around the look and feel you want. While many people think about plants when they consider what they want to do with their landscaping, rocks can be a great option to help you create a unique oasis you will enjoy spending time in. The following tips will help you build a landscape you can be proud of.

Choose the Right Rocks

There are a lot of options when you’re looking at landscaping rocks for your yard. These rocks come in a variety of sizes and styles. Each one has different uses, which why it’s essential to understand how you want to use the rocks before you even get started. The type of stone you use will also impact the overall cost of the project. In some situations, fake rocks can be a viable option. These rocks are lighter and cost much less than natural rock but will need to be replaced more often as they weather.

Types of Landscape Rocks

In general, small and medium-sized rocks are best for landscaping projects, though you can make use of larger landscaping boulders to help break up larger areas or to create a layered look for your landscaping. There are three basics types of rocks often used in landscaping projects:

Flagstone

Relatively flat in nature, these rocks are often used to create pathways, patios and other flatter features in the yard. Smaller pieces can create a cobblestone look for garden foundations and more.

Schist

These rocks come in a vast array of colors, which is why they are so popular for landscaping projects. These work well if you’re planning a shallow garden stream or other water feature. They can also be used for wallscapes, polishing, dramatic pond backdrops and more.

River Rocks

These rocks often have rounded edges and are great for projects that require good drainage. These rocks can also be used for water features and even attract butterflies when scattered throughout your landscaping.

Planning for Your Landscaping Rocks

There are many things you can do with your rocks to create the perfect landscape to relax and enjoy the outdoors. While they work great for accents in gardens and water features, they can even create a rock garden by itself, creating a unique area in your yard. However, it’s important to remember that working with rocks, especially natural rocks, can be heavy work. Once you place a rock, particularly larger ones, you won’t want to have to move it again. For this reason, it’s essential to do some planning ahead of time. Being aware of how large your yard is and what size the rocks are will help you create a scale drawing of your landscape to assist in positioning rocks correctly the first time.

Plants aren’t the only thing you have to consider when you’re planning your landscaping project. If you intend to use rocks as part of your landscaping, it’s essential to understand what types of rocks are available and how they can be used, so you can get the work done relatively quickly and be able to enjoy a beautiful oasis right in your own back yard.