When it comes to creating outdoor spaces that are both durable and visually stunning, landscape rocks are a game-changer. These natural elements add texture, contrast, and structure to your landscape, making them a versatile choice for enhancing everything from garden beds to pathways.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, landscape rocks are low-maintenance, long-lasting, and eco-friendly, making them an ideal addition for homeowners seeking beauty and practicality in their landscaping.
Whether you’re aiming for a modern, minimalist look or a rustic retreat, the right combination of rocks can transform your yard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor oasis. In Denver, Mile High Lifescape is the trusted expert in designing custom landscapes that incorporate landscape rocks tailored to your style and needs.
Ready to explore how these natural elements can elevate your outdoor space? Let’s dive into the possibilities!
What Are Landscape Rocks?
Landscape rocks are a popular and reliable material used in landscaping to enhance the beauty of your yard, create useful features, and solve problems in tricky areas. They’re natural, durable, and best of all, they don’t need much maintenance.
One of the best things about landscape rocks is how versatile they are. You can use different sizes, from small stones to big boulders, depending on what your project needs. While this variety gives you plenty of options, it can also be a bit overwhelming for new homeowners. But with the right choices, landscape rocks can really bring your outdoor space to life!
Benefits of Using Landscape Rocks
When it comes to covering the ground in your yard and garden, you have many choices, like grass, shrubs, wood chips, or even recycled rubber. But many people are finding that using landscape rocks is a great option for part of their yard, and here’s why:
- Easy Maintenance: Unlike grass, rocks don’t need to be mowed, watered, or fertilized, making them super easy to care for.
- No Pests: Unlike wood chips, which can attract termites, rocks don’t create a home for pests. This helps keep your yard free from unwanted critters.
- Durable: Rocks can handle a lot of foot traffic. Grass or plants may get damaged from kids or pets running around, but rocks stay strong, no matter how much use they get.
- Long-Lasting: Unlike wood chips, which break down quickly from weather, rocks last much longer, saving you the cost and hassle of replacing them.
- Variety: There’s a wide range of rocks to choose from. Whether you want small pebbles or big boulders, you’ll find different sizes and colors to fit your style.
- Better Drainage: Gravel and other rocks are great at letting water pass through, which helps with drainage, so you won’t have puddles forming after a rainstorm.
- Saves Money: With rocks, you don’t need to spend money on a lawnmower or landscape maintenance. Your water bill stays low, and you don’t have to buy fertilizer.
10 Types of Landscape Rocks and Their Uses
Flagstone
Flagstone is a great option for patios and walkways because it’s flat, strong, and lasts a long time. The flat slabs make it easy to create a smooth, safe path with little difference in height between the stones.
While it’s about the same price as concrete pavers, flagstone takes a bit more effort to install because it comes in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. Common types of flagstone include sandstone, slate, bluestone, limestone, and quartzite, with sandstone and limestone typically being the least expensive.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is commonly used for driveways, walkways, playgrounds, and dog runs because it’s small and easy to walk on. It’s also great for filling around larger stones or as a mulch in gardens.
This gravel is great for improving drainage, especially in wet areas or around underground pipes. Since it’s permeable, it’s an eco-friendly choice and helps prevent water runoff. Plus, because the stones are small and fit together closely, they reduce weed growth.
River Rock
River rock is larger than pea gravel and has a smooth surface because it’s been worn down by moving water. These rocks come in many colors, like black, gray, brown, and green, and are about 3 inches wide.
River rock is perfect for drainage, walkways, and filling gaps between stepping stones. It’s also used in water features, dry river beds, and as a mulch alternative in gardens.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is a low-maintenance option for garden beds, paths, driveways, and patios. It’s made by crushing large rocks like limestone or granite into smaller pieces. This type of stone works best as a base layer or for areas where people don’t walk often. It’s great for preventing runoff and controlling erosion. Crushed stone is sturdy and can last for years with little care.
Boulders
Boulders are large rocks that are at least 1 foot across, and they can be bigger than that too! These giant stones come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. Not all boulders are round; some can be flat or angled. In fact, flat boulders are great for creating steps!
These big landscape rocks are often used for building retaining walls or to hold soil in tiered yards because they’re heavy and stable. They also make great focal points in your yard—under trees, in garden beds, along walkways, or even in the lawn itself. Boulders add texture and help catch the eye!
Fieldstone
Fieldstone is a type of rock that is large and round. These stones come from many different types of rock. A long time ago, farmers who worked in rocky areas would collect the stones they found while plowing their fields and use them to build walls. These walls were one of the first ways people used stone.
Fieldstone can be stacked without mortar if the rocks are flat enough. You can also use flat fieldstones as stepping stones for garden paths. Large, flat fieldstones are perfect for creating seats around a firepit too!
Lava Rock
Lava rock is made from the hot, melted lava that comes from volcanoes. It comes in red or black colors and is lighter than many other landscaping stones. Lava rock is great for drainage areas because it’s full of tiny holes, but it’s mostly used as a mulch replacement that doesn’t break down over time.
Riprap
Riprap, also known as shot rock, isn’t the most beautiful of landscape rocks, but it’s really useful for specific areas. It’s mainly used along shorelines, stream banks, culverts, or storm drains to stop erosion. Riprap is made up of large rocks that fit together like a puzzle. In home landscaping, it can be used to build gabion walls, which are a simple and affordable type of retaining wall.
Riprap rocks come in all sizes, usually ranging from 2 to 24 inches. The variety of sizes helps the rocks lock together tightly. Smaller rocks can also be used in grout or cement mixtures, where the binder helps keep everything in place.
Cobblestone
Cobblestone is made from tough natural stones like granite, limestone, or basalt. These stones are sold in small blocks, with Belgian blocks being a popular choice. Belgian blocks are nice because they are fairly even, making them easier to lay down.
Cobblestones need little maintenance and are easy to fix if needed, making them a great option for walkways or decorative paths in your yard.
Brick Chips
Brick chips are small pieces of bricks that have been crushed and sorted. If you want a unique idea for landscaping with rocks, brick chips are a great choice. They can replace mulch or ground cover in flower beds.
Unlike mulch, brick chips won’t break down, fade, or attract insects. They help the soil stay moist and keep the temperature steady, which helps your plants grow strong. Plus, because they’re full of tiny holes, brick chips allow water to seep into the soil below.
How to Choose the Right Landscape Rocks
Determine Your Purpose
Before you choose landscape rocks, think about what you want them to do. Are they for a decorative feature in a water garden, covering the ground, creating a path, or helping with drainage? It’s important to pick the right rock for the job because different types of rocks work better for different purposes.
For example, if you want your landscaping to look nice, choose rocks with a smooth finish. On the other hand, if you need something to help with erosion or keep soil in place, larger, rougher rocks like boulders are a good choice.
Stay in Line with Your Home’s Style
Make sure the landscape rocks you pick match the style of your home. Different rocks can create different looks, so choose the ones that work best for your space and what you like.
For example, flagstones are perfect for making outdoor paths and patios because they’re natural and versatile. Travertine is great for things like outdoor showers and fire pits, while granite is a popular choice for features like patio tables and walkway steps.
Pick the Right Stones for Your Climate
Think about your area’s weather before choosing your rocks. If you live in a place with a lot of rain, pick rocks that drain well, like river rocks or Mexican pebbles, to help prevent flooding.
If you’re in a windy area, be careful with lighter rocks like gravel or pea pebbles, as they can blow away easily. Instead, choose heavier stones that stay in place better during strong winds.
Popular Applications of Landscape Rocks
Rock Garden Ideas to Enhance Your Landscaping
Rock gardens are a great way to use landscape rocks in your yard. They are easy to maintain and can add cool textures and designs to areas where regular plants may have a hard time growing. Here are some fun rock garden ideas for your outdoor space:
- Alpine Rock Garden: Create a mini mountain with different-sized rocks and alpine plants. This type of rock garden is perfect for slopes or small areas.
- Zen Rock Garden: Inspired by Japanese design, a Zen garden uses carefully arranged rocks and gravel, with a few plants, to create a peaceful, calming space.
- Succulent Rock Garden: Combine water-saving succulents with rocks for a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that doesn’t need much water.
- Colorful Rock Garden: Use a mix of colorful rocks like red lava rocks, white quartz, or blue slate to make a vibrant garden that grabs attention.
Using Rocks as a Border in Landscaping
One easy way to use landscaping rocks is to make borders in your garden. Rock borders can define different areas and make your landscape look clean and organized. Here are some ideas for using rocks as borders:
- Flower Bed Borders: Place medium-sized rocks around your flower beds to create a neat edge that separates your plants from the lawn.
- Pathway Borders: Use small rocks or pebbles to line pathways, making them look natural and guiding visitors through your yard.
- Tree Ring Borders: Surround trees with a circle of rocks to make the area tidy and make mowing easier.
- Property Line Borders: Use large boulders or a row of rocks to mark your property line in a beautiful and natural way.
Replacing Mulch with Rocks in Your Garden
If you want to reduce upkeep and give your garden a fresh look, you can replace mulch with rocks. Here’s why rocks are a great option:
Benefits of Using Rocks Instead of Mulch:
- Longevity: Rocks don’t break down like mulch, so you won’t need to replace them every year.
- Weed Control: Rocks help stop weeds from growing, keeping your garden clean.
- Moisture Retention: Rocks help keep the soil moist by reducing water evaporation.
- Pest Control: Unlike mulch, rocks don’t attract pests like termites or ants, keeping your garden healthier.
FAQs about Landscape Rocks
What is the rock type that forms the landscape?
There are several types of rocks commonly used in landscaping to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces:
- River Rocks: These smooth, rounded stones are shaped by water and are great for pathways or water features.
- Lava Rocks: These rocks are made from volcanic lava, and they’re often used as mulch or in fire pits.
- Decomposed Granite: This is granite that has broken down into small particles. It’s perfect for making walkways or patios because it packs down nicely.
What color is landscape rock?
Landscape rocks come in many different colors, adding variety and charm to your yard:
- River Rocks: These are usually gray, brown, or white, giving them a natural look that blends well with most outdoor spaces.
- Lava Rocks: Lava rocks are often red or black, adding vibrant colors to your landscaping.
- Decomposed Granite: This type of rock is typically reddish-tan, offering a warm, earthy tone for pathways and patios.
What is the best rock for landscape walking?
For a smooth and steady walking surface, consider these options:
- Pea Gravel: These small, round stones are comfortable to walk on and create a smooth, stable surface for paths.
- Crushed Granite: This rock creates a firm, solid surface, making it ideal for pathways and patios where you want a stable walk.
Can I paint landscape rocks?
Yes, you can paint landscape rocks to add a personal touch to your yard! Just be sure to clean the rocks well and use outdoor paint that will last, so your design stays vibrant over time.
Conclusion
Landscape rocks are a versatile way to enhance your yard, combining natural beauty with practicality. Whether you’re creating pathways, designing a rock garden, or replacing mulch, they offer durability and low upkeep.
With endless options in colors, sizes, and styles, you can craft a unique outdoor space that matches your taste and lifestyle. Mile High Lifescape specializes in designing landscapes with rocks that elevate your property’s appeal while staying eco-friendly and functional. Start your journey to a stunning, rock-inspired yard today!
