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Landscape rocks arizona8/30/2023 River rock can be used as a mulch, as a landscape border, or to line dry riverbeds and water features. River rock is a collection of smooth stones in hues of white, gray and brown. River rock is one of the most common landscape rocks because it is cheap, versatile and beautiful. The light weight also means the soil is not as compacted as it would be with other rock mulches. Lava rock is used mostly as a mulch material, and it allows more water to penetrate into the soil than river rock or gravel. Most lava rock is a rusty red color, but it is also available in black, although that color is less common. Lava rock is a unique landscape rock, because it is light, porous, and able to absorb heat throughout the day and release it at night. Pea gravel is much easier to walk on, but it doesn’t pack as well as crushed stone. Pea gravel ranges in size from ⅛” to ⅜”, and the stones look like miniature, smooth river rocks. Crushed stone can be quite sharp, which makes it more common as a mulch than as a pathway material. Compact each layer as you build up a pathway or foundation.Ĭrushed stone has a similar appearance and use as decomposed granite, but the rocks are larger and come in more colors, although the most common by far is gray. The three most commonly used types of gravel include:ĭecomposed granite, a very fine material, is used for walkways, as a filler between pavers, and as a foundation layer for other landscape fixtures. If you decide rocks would make a good addition to your landscape, you will be faced with an array of colors, shapes, sizes, and costs, and it can be difficult to decide which ones to use.ĭare we say that without a basic knowledge of the different options and uses, you may be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Weed seeds can germinate, and they are much more difficult to remove from rocky, compacted areas. While weed fabric and a heavy rock layer will suppress most weeds, soil and debris can eventually collect in the cracks and crevices of rock features. Weeds are a point of contention for landscape rocks. Also, rocks do not break down like compost or wood chips, so you will have to add more synthetic fertilizer to the landscape. This is not a concern with patios or borders, but river rock and gravel can compress the soil beneath them, which can constrict roots. This may be especially noticeable around conifers and other acid-loving plants. Over time, rocks can break down and change the pH of the soil. The soil under rocks can get very warm in hot climates, which can harm the roots of landscape plants. Rocks can get hot, especially when used as mulch.Whether used as mulch, a border or accent boulders, it’s more difficult to move rocks to perform maintenance on landscape plants or irrigation lines. The four major drawbacks to adding rocks to your landscape include: Rocks are heavy, and once they have settled into the soil, they can be difficult to maneuver. However, adding rocks to the landscape comes with some compromises. Rock gardens, cottage gardens and native gardens have a more natural feel with the addition of small boulders or a rock border. In hot, dry climates susceptible to wildfires, rocks help reduce the fire risk around your home. Rocks are cheap (although delivery may be expensive).Rocks are low-maintenance, and they don’t break down like mulch or wooden landscape features.The four major benefits to adding rocks to your landscape include: While some of these features may be a perfect addition to your landscape, others may be unnecessary or even cause future problems. Rocks can be used as a statement piece, to build walls and patios, as a mulch or border, to build water features ‒ and the list goes on. Like all landscape components, there are pros and cons to consider.Īre rocks a good addition to your landscape? A well-placed boulder, or dry riverbed, can add depth as well as give the landscape a natural appeal.Įight types of landscape rocks are commonly used, and they’re used in many creative ways. Landscape rocks are a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to a landscape.
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