5 Types of Landscaping Rocks and Their Usages: What You Need to Know
With the right landscaping, your outdoors can stand out from the rest of your neighborhood. It can also increase the resale value of your home. It’s no surprise an increasing number of homeowners want a stunning landscape. In fact, the landscaping industry has been expanding steadily over the years. It has grown at 2.5% per year for the past few years. According to the latest market projections, it is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% per year.
One of the best outdoor landscaping elements includes landscaping rocks. They can add a new shine to your back or front yard. The question is, which types of landscaping tocks can you use? There are so many options, so choosing the ones that best fit your landscape design is often challenging.
Let’s learn about the five most popular decorative landscaping rocks and how to use them.
1. Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite is fine gravel that forms after igneous rocks–such as feldspar, quartz, and mica–deteriorate or weather. It has a reddish tan with a soft, rustic look.
This is one of the best low-cost landscaping alternatives. Assuming a depth of 6 inches, the average cost of decomposed granite amounts to $0.50 to $1 per square foot. It’s a lot cheaper than granite or most other types of landscaping rocks. But that’s not the only reason it’s so popular.
Decomposed granite can also prevent the growth of weeds in your fertile lawn. That’s one reason why homeowners prefer to build driveways and walkways with decomposed granite. You can also use it to pave a patio or replace a section of your lawn. Many homeowners use it to create a fireproof perimeter around fire pits in the garden.
2. River Rock
This is one of the most popular landscape rocks, thanks to its fine-looking appearance. River rocks are a type of smooth landscaping rock with varying hues. They are small rocks, gravel, or boulders straight from a river bed.
River rocks are larger than pea gravel, making them suitable for creating garden borders or backyard water features. If you don’t want to create a water feature, you can use these landscaping rocks to build a dry river bed.
It is also a durable alternative to mulch. You can use these landscaping rocks as cover instead of mulch as they provide excellent drainage. However, the usage of landscaping rocks like these has a limit. As they require regular cleanup, avoid using them to decorate or pave high-traffic areas.
3. Pea Gravel
As the name suggests, this landscaping gravel is composed of pea-sized rocks. Like river rocks, these decorative landscaping rocks also have a smooth, attractive finish, making them a popular choice. This type of rock comes in different natural colors, including shades of brown, gray, and white.
It is the simplest way to give your garden a facelift. The usage of landscaping rocks like pea gravel ranges from patios and driveways to walkways and garden edges. Pea gravel is incredibly versatile, easy to install, and cost-effective. And most importantly, it requires little maintenance.
Like river rocks, it also suppresses weed growth. Plus, it doesn’t decompose like regular mulch, making it one of the most suitable rock mulches for a garden. Make sure to ask your landscape rock supplier if they have pea gravel in stock.
4. Boulders
Boulders are one of the decorative landscaping rocks that never go out of fashion. You can tuck boulders into your garden in clusters or use them as a focal point. Even just one boulder standing in the middle of your garden will make heads turn.
Moreover, boulders bring out the natural color and character of your garden. They are not only attractive but also functional. You can use these landscape rocks as retaining walls or levels. In other words, you can use them in your front yard, back yard, and near a water feature.
One of the most popular ways to use these landscaping rocks is by surrounding boulders with small gravel. Pea gravel blends naturally with large boulders, creating an eye-catching focal point. Plus, small rocks prevent large boulders from shifting out of place.
Boulders, when used with lighting, can add to your curb appeal. You can use landscape lighting throughout the night. Just make sure to point the lights at your boulders. Lighting can help you highlight the shape and structure of your boulders in attractive ways.
5. Lava Rocks
The final piece on the list of our landscaping rocks is lava rock, also called volcanic rock. These rocks are formed when the erupted lava cools down. As a result, lava rocks are porous in nature and lightweight. You will also see bubble-shaped holes throughout. They are available in natural reddish-brown, black, and gray colors.
Lava rocks are an excellent alternative to mulch. They are porous, attractive, lightweight, and durable. These landscape rocks also prevent soil erosion, require low or no maintenance, and help prevent weed invasion. It essentially eliminates all the drawbacks of artificial mulch.
You can use them for practically any landscaping purpose. For example, you can use big volcanic slabs and small lava rocks to create a beautiful walkway. Lava rocks also prevent soil from clumping together in your herb garden.
However, avoid using these landscape rocks as mulch for your kitchen garden. This garden requires regular fertilization and aeration; which lava rocks can’t provide. Secondly, you will replant this garden frequently. So, lava rocks are not suitable mulch for this garden.
Need a Trusted Landscape Rock Supplier?
From walkways to water features, decorative landscaping rocks will add beauty and functionality to your garden. Before your next landscaping project begins, think about adding one or more rocks from this list to your design. These five landscaping rocks will be a versatile, durable, and sophisticated addition to your garden.
Haven’t found a trusted landscape rock supplier yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Pioneer has been the go-to for landscape and hardscape supplies in both Arizona and Colorado since 1968. Call (866) 600-0652 or email customersupport@pioneerco.com.