| Question:
We're looking to buy landscaping rock to add to our current front
yard landscape project. Any tips you can offer on rock selection
and use in the landscape? Pam, Athens, Georgia
Answer: Before you buy any landscaping
rock step back and decide exactly what you want to accomplish. Landscaping
with natural stone in your design can add depth and texture to the
landscape. Rock and stone come in many different forms, sizes, kinds,
textures and colors.
Different designs require different landscaping rock
to achieve the look you want - everything from small rock or stone
used as accent or a path or large permanently placed landscaping
rock or boulders.
Successfully Landscaping with Stone and Rock
 To
successfully incorporate rock in the landscape design larger
stones and boulders where they add to the yard and become a
focal point. Don't put them in spots where you're trying to
disguise, cover up or hide things. Each rock or boulder needs
to be placed with purpose for looks, design and balance. Plan
ahead of time exactly where each landscaping rock will be placed
for the ultimate best effect.
Make Landscaping with Natural Stone Look Natural
Don't just drop a rock down and consider the placement
in the landscape done! If you take a little extra time to bury
the rock you'll achieve a much more natural look. This makes
the rock look planted and blend in with the overall landscape.
How far should you bury your rock in the ground?
The depth depends upon the overall landscape rock chosen. As
a rule a very large landscaping boulder would be planted deeper
than a smaller landscaping rock. Four to six inches is a good
depth for the rock base to be buried.
Dig a spot a little larger than the size of the
base of the rock and them place the rock into it. Then backfill
some dirt into the spot around the rock and then you are done.
Think About Landscaping Rock Placement
When your out to buy landscaping rock make sure
you consider the size, weight and placement in the landscape.
Often the cost of the rock isn't as much as the delivery and
placement. Ask yourself:
- How will the rock get to its ultimate destination in the landscape?
- Will special equipment like a loader or bobcat be needed to
place the boulder?
- If so - can the equipment maneuver or destroy anything when
placing the rock?
Once you've selected the landscape rock you plan
on buying - does it have a face? by that I mean, does it have
a side or face that would or should be displayed when placed
in the landscape.
Think what the rocks and boulders look like in
nature and try to imitate the look. The next time you're out
walking or hiking keep an eye out for any large rocks used in
the landscape or nature, Notice how they sit in the ground and
then try to get the landscaping rock in your yard to look just
as natural.
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