Landscape rocks can add charm and structure to your yard. But today's homeowners have seemingly unlimited choices when it comes to which rocks to use. How can you decide? Here are five of the most common types of landscape rocks and what they bring to the table.
1. Crushed Rock
This type of rock is pretty self-explanatory, as it's basically just rocks that have been made smaller and a more uniform size. These rocks — often called gravel — make great inorganic mulch. Gravel is inexpensive and suited to many uses, including weed control and covering up unsightly ground. However, it's not particularly comfortable, so you may not want to use it where people and pets play.
2. River Rock
Natural water flow makes river rocks smooth and round. These are then useful in several ways throughout your yard. They make good mulch in larger beds and help with weed control. The larger size also gives a space more texture and interest compared to other inorganic mulch choices. However, that large size may also mean they're harder to work with and not scaled for all areas.
3. Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is the smallest type of landscape rock. With each individual stone being roughly the size of a pea and with a smooth finish, it's more comfortable. That small size also means that pea gravel can have a much more smooth finish and fit snugly into places that larger gravel can't. It gives a more elegant and refined look without feeling stuffy.
4. Fieldstone
Want a rustic and organic appearance to your yard? Then fieldstone may be right for you. Literally describing stones which have been dug up from fields and cast aside, these are perfect for rustic walls. Their original use, in fact, was to create stone fences between fields. Today, fieldstone makes great retaining walls and larger backdrops in more distant parts of your yard.
5. Boulders
Finally, there are boulders. These come in many sizes, from the relatively easy to maneuver to boulders that require heavy equipment to move. They add height to beds and help smooth transitions between elevation changes. Large boulders provide structure and you can use them to easily dress up a difficult spot in the landscape. These boulders are an investment, but they add a great deal.
Where to Start
Which type of rock would be perfect in your landscape? Should you use one, two, or more styles? Learn more about integrating landscape rocks by meeting with a residential landscaping service in your local area today.
