There are many options to choose from when it comes to landscaping your yard. Others may prefer rubber strips or landscape fabric, while some people choose mulch. Some homeowners choose rock, while others may prefer mulch. Rock landscaping is it a bug magnet? Fortunately, no. It is not a food source, and unlike mulch, it does not decompose. This makes it a good choice for landscaping.
We’ll compare rock landscaping to other landscaping materials. We’ll also examine the pros and cons to help you decide which works best for your yard.
Landscape Rocks vs. Mulch and ground cover
Landscape Rock Doesn’t Decompose
Landscape rocks last longer than mulch because they don’t decompose. This can last for a lifetime. You will need to replace or add more if your landscape changes or you lose some rocks due to flooding. Consider this when planning your next landscaping project.
Mulch breaks down and becomes soil, so it is recommended that you replace it every year. Organic mulch, on the other hand, is composed of materials such as wood chips, bark, straw, and animal remains that were once alive. It suppresses weeds, and it looks beautiful in landscape designs.
Landscape Rock Doesn’t Attract Pests
Unlike mulch, rock landscaping doesn’t attract bugs. Since there is no food underneath the rocks, pests will not stay. Mulch, on the other hand, decomposes attracting pests. Keep in mind that depending on what you purchase, the mulch can also attract termites.
Trample on the ground cover
Footsteps and furry creatures can trample on ground cover. Animals can destroy ground cover as well by digging and using it to do their business. The ground cover also needs to be maintained because of weeds, fertilizer, and other factors. Landscape rocks, on the other hand, are durable enough to withstand animals and people. You can also lay landscape fabric to prevent weeds from growing between the rocks. Or, you can cover the ground with a thick layer of rock.
River Rock Absorbs Water
It is also used for landscaping. River rock absorbs water and helps to reduce runoff. It helps sloped areas by keeping the soil in place.
Landscape Rock: Cons and Cons
There are some downsides to landscape rock.
- Injury caused by rock – Be careful when mowing your lawn to avoid getting landscape rocks caught in the mower. The rock can cause injuries if it flies at high speeds. It is important to take care and avoid the rocks.
- Even though it looks great, rock can sink in the ground. It happens more frequently if the area is heavily trafficked. You may need to add additional rocks if the sinking occurs.
- Landscape rock is a heat absorber. This rock will heat up when temperatures are high in your area. If there is enough stone, it can even heat your home, so be careful.
- Rock and stone do not provide soil nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphorus, so they cannot help flowers and plants to grow.
How Much Does It Cost?
Installing medium-sized landscaping rocks costs between $500 and $1500.
The cost to install large stones, boulders, medium-sized rocks and other materials in a yard can range from $460 to $1,000. The price per cubic yard can vary from $25 to $105 depending on the type of material. You will also need to include the cost of hiring a professional to do it for you.
Recommended Maintenance
You may want to consider other options now that you are familiar with landscape rock.
What to do around the foundation of a home is one of the things to consider. If you don’t want to use rocks, the answer is flowers, grass, or plants. Mulch is also a good option in certain cases. What works best depends on your location.
Brick pavers are another area that you should consider. Over time, your brick pavers may need to be cleaned. Baking soda and detergent are needed to clean them. Before cleaning, you will also need to remove the weeds from the pavers and move your patio furniture.
There are also bucket tests, water pooling in the yard, bubbles in the return lines, cracks in the pool or Ph not balancing well. You can also do a bucket test, and look for water in your yard, bubbles on the return line, cracks, or a PH that is not balanced. You can catch the leak earlier if you keep an eye on all of these areas.
When to Call a Professional
If you need help with questions regarding the type of landscaping or rocks you would like in your garden, you can contact a professional. A professional with expertise in the area may be able to help if you are having trouble or if your question is complex. A home inspector or a pest inspector can also help you by telling you what will work best. You may want to consider a complete home inspection if you find other problems.
Conclusion
It can be both fun and stressful to plan the landscaping of your home. There are pros and cons for all materials, so it really depends on your needs and preferences. Now that you know landscaping rock doesn’t attract bugs, it should be fun choosing what looks good in your yard.
This post was written by a professional at 345 Landscaping. 345 Landscaping in Blacksburg, Virginia, turning outdoor areas into breathtaking retreats. With over a decade of experience, 345 Landscaping offers services which include landscaping Blacksburg VA, and hardscape design, custom pools, retaining walls, patios, 3D designs, and lawn maintenance. Their expert team is committed to excellence, blending innovation and skill to exceed your expectations. Whether it’s creating new spaces or maintaining existing ones, 345 Landscaping ensures your outdoor space reflects your dreams. Let them transform your outdoors into stunning retreats for lasting enjoyment. Trust 345 Landscaping for unparalleled outdoor transformations.
