How to Choose The Right Rocks for Your Next Landscaping Project

As any landscaping contractor will tell you, rock landscaping is all the rage, but it can be hard to know where to start. Finding the right rocks and incorporating them into your design is a challenge. Here are some top tips on selecting the right rocks for your next landscaping project.



Landscaping Contractors Can Help You Calculate the Average Rainfall in Your Area

If you're building a rock wall or landscape and want to use natural stone, it's important to consider the average rainfall in your area. Natural stones need water to stay healthy.

Some rocks in your area may have been treated with chemicals like silica gel or sulfur, which help keep them dry by absorbing moisture from their surroundings and releasing it back into the air. These "damp proof" stones come in handy when they're needed most, but they may damage other plants if they're used in landscaping projects throughout the year.

Consider What Features You Want in Your Yard

Your landscape is a reflection of who you are, so it should reflect your personality and interests. When choosing rocks for your landscaping project, think about what features would be most useful to have in your yard. Considering the aesthetic details of your landscaping project will put you in an ideal position to choose the right rocks.

For example, if you want a place where you can relax in the shade, consider using rocks with large flat surfaces or creating a seating area by stacking them up. If you want to create an interesting focal point in your yard, use rocks of different sizes and colors to draw attention to them.

Understand How Much Sun Exposure Your Yard Gets

The amount of sun exposure your yard gets will determine the types of rocks you can use and how much upkeep they require. If your yard gets a lot of sun, you’ll want to choose rocks that require little maintenance. Gravel is a great choice for this type of yard because it doesn’t hold moisture and will not grow mold or mildew like other types of stone. If your yard receives less sun exposure, you can use more porous stones such as flagstone and slate.

If you want an outdoor area that’s shaded by trees, bushes, or buildings, then you’ll want to choose a rock that is naturally dark in color (black, gray, or brown) and has a matte finish so it absorbs heat better than shiny rocks do. This will help keep the temperature down when the sun is shining on it.

Know What Kind of Soil You Have

You should also know the type of soil you have. Different types of rocks are better suited for certain soils, so if you don’t know what kind of soil is under your feet, it will be difficult to choose the right rock for your project. You may have to do some digging to learn about your property before you begin your project.

For example, if you have sandy soil with little drainage and high winds, then choosing river rocks would be a mistake because they absorb water easily and tend to get slippery when wet. On the other hand, if you have clay-like or loamy soil with good drainage but low wind exposure, then a landscaping contractor may dissuade you from using cinder blocks, as they may not hold up since they don't drain well and could be prone to cracking in rainy seasons.

Don’t Forget About the Maintenance

It’s important to consider what you will do with the rocks when they don't look as good anymore. Rocks are not maintenance-free. They need to be cleaned and cleared regularly, and as they erode away, you may need to replace them every few years. You also want to think about how they might be damaged by animals or children playing around them, or by weather such as snow or rain.

A Landscaping Contractor Can Help You Choose the Right Rocks for Your Next Project

A landscaping professional can help you choose the right rocks for your next project, and if you’re unsure where to start, it might be worth asking them for advice. If they have experience in this area, they may have some suggestions on what looks good or what would work well with your landscaping plan.

We hope this guide has helped you get started on your next landscaping project. Our landscaping contractors can help you choose the right rocks for your project, so contact Canepa Landscaping today.

Sources:

https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/landscaping-and-hardscaping/how-to-use-rocks-in-your-landscape-pictures

https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/landscaping/best-rocks-for-landscaping-projects/

https://www.minickmaterials.com/blog/landscaping-rocks