4 Common Questions about Landscaping Rocks

A great addition to any outdoor space that brings a natural element to an elevated landscape design is the use of landscaping rocks. This material can be used as a retaining wall, walkway, and patio flooring. Options can also include the use of landscaping rocks to surround a natural water feature like a backyard river or waterfall. Additionally, can even be used as a mulch option for tree planters and garden beds. Landscaping rocks are offered in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to match your backyard design. Below we will go over common questions about landscaping rocks. 

What are the most common different types of landscaping rocks? 

There is a large variety of landscaping rocks, we will go over the most common for Utah landscaping designs. 

River Rocks 

The wide range of size and shape options make river rocks one of the best landscaping rocks and are good with retaining walls and filling spaces. River rocks also offer a range for budget options so style can be varied depending on what you can spend to the vision you are looking to achieve in your outdoor space. 

Flagstones 

This is a flat and tile-like option that lay on a  base layer of concrete paving or soil. Primary use is for pavers for walkways, patios, and decks. It is important that flagstones are installed properly to even the ground and allow the stone to sink in to avoid any wobbling. The style of flagstone is more commonly used for large pieces of rock with varying shapes making it more interesting than brick. 

Polished Pebbles or crushed stone

Polished pebbles are smooth surfaced rocks with low maintenance. The shape is typically round and coloring comes in dark variations between black, deep red, or dark gray. This type of landscaping rock is used in xeriscape landscape designs. Crushed stone is a similar size to what you would get with a polished pebble but offers a completely different look. Similarly to xeriscape options, crushed stone can be used in surrounding certain types of drought-resistant plants. 

Boulders 

Boulders used in landscaping are best for accents or creating layers in landscaping. Boulders can come in granite, which is very common in Salt Lake City landscaping with the natural granite that our canyons contain. Other options include marble and quartzite and can range in cost. Boulders are also commonly used in front yard space to increase curb appeal as they provide structure for landscape features.

How do you landscape with pebbles and stones? 

Rock mulch can be a great alternative to wood mulch. Granite, lava rock, quartz, and pea gravel, are forms of rock mulch, otherwise known as stone mulch. This is great for creating borders, walkways, or garden and planter beds with the high advantage of weed control. This a great option for Xeriscaping, as well as to fill in spaces to bring more colors and textures to your outdoor space if you do not want to be limited to the browns and reds that are typically the color of wood mulch or soil options for planters.

How do I choose a landscape rock? 

Landscape rocks are most likely going to be a landscape feature that compliments the overall backyard design. Our landscape designers and contractors will take the guesswork out of which landscape rocks to choose from when considering retaining wall, patio, and walkway options. The first place to start with this decision is if you would like a natural design that uses landscape rocks to add texture and layers to your backyard. Or if you want a more modern design that is more concrete paving. Xeriscape options will most likely include landscape rocks so if that is an important landscape design, choosing a landscape rock will be based on the colors and patterns you want to achieve with your xeriscape.  Our team can create a 3-D design of your options so you feel confident in your choice of landscape rock.

How do I maintain landscaping rocks?

Land Design by Armstrong sources high-quality materials so your outdoor living space lasts for years to come. However, that doesn't change the weather can make an impact on your landscape. Especially with Salt Lake City and Park City backyards. As a full-service landscape company, we offer maintenance services where we can replace and add more landscape rocks should they have gone through changes due to snow, rain, and wind. Other maintenance for landscape rocks includes laying a fabric liner between the soil and rocks. Another way that your landscape rocks can stay in place is the use of edging strips, a key reason to allow Land Design by Armstrong installs your landscape rocks, so you ensure you have as little maintenance as possible with the job done right.