Replacing a traditional grass lawn with a rock landscape, a practice often called xeriscaping, offers a sustainable and appealing alternative for homeowners. This approach significantly reduces the need for constant watering, mowing, and fertilization, leading to substantial savings on water bills and maintenance time. The increasing popularity of rockscaping reflects a broader trend toward low-maintenance and water-wise outdoor spaces that remain attractive year-round. This transformation involves careful preparation and installation, ensuring a durable, attractive, and functional yard that conserves resources.
Planning the Rock Landscape
The success of a rock landscape begins with thoughtful planning and material selection. Before purchasing materials, measure the area’s length and width to determine the total square footage. This measurement is used to calculate the volume of rock needed, typically measured in cubic yards, based on the desired depth of coverage.
Selecting the right rock type involves considering its aesthetic, local availability, and functional properties. Crushed granite locks together well, making it suitable for pathways. River rock is a popular choice for decorative ground cover and dry creek beds. Lightweight lava rock is highly porous, offering better soil insulation and coverage per ton compared to denser materials.
Most projects require a rock depth of 2 to 4 inches for effective weed suppression. A cubic yard covers about 80 to 160 square feet at this depth. To calculate volume, multiply the area’s length, width, and depth (in feet), then divide the total by 27. Order an additional 5 to 10 percent of material to account for settling. Homeowners must verify local HOA or municipal regulations, as some communities have specific requirements for landscaping changes.
Removing Grass and Preparing the Base
Removing turf and its root systems is necessary for the new rock landscape to last. Failing to remove the grass completely allows persistent weeds to push through the new barrier and rock layer. For small areas, mechanical removal using a flat-bladed shovel or a grub hoe is effective. Larger areas often benefit from renting a motorized sod cutter, which quickly shears off the turf in manageable strips.
Alternative methods for grass eradication include solarization or chemical application. Solarization involves covering the area with plastic sheeting, trapping solar heat to kill grass and weed seeds over several weeks. A non-selective herbicide can also be applied, but requires several weeks for the grass to die fully. All dead organic material and debris must be cleared from the base soil before proceeding.
Once the turf is removed, the soil base needs to be leveled and graded for proper water management. The soil should gently slope away from the home’s foundation at a minimum grade of one inch for every four to six feet of distance. This slope prevents water from pooling against the structure, directing runoff toward drainage areas, and ensures the final rock layer is uniform.
Installing the Weed Barrier and Edging
A high-quality weed barrier prevents residual weeds from sprouting and keeps the rocks from sinking into the soil. Use heavy-duty woven or non-woven landscape fabric, as it allows water and air to pass through to the soil, unlike plastic sheeting. Roll the fabric out across the prepared base, ensuring it extends slightly past the planned perimeter.
When multiple pieces of fabric are needed, overlap them by at least six to eight inches to prevent gaps where weeds can emerge. Secure the fabric tightly to the ground using U-shaped landscape staples along all edges and seams every 12 to 18 inches. Small “X” shapes can be cut in the fabric to allow for planting drought-tolerant plants before the rocks are laid.
Installing perimeter edging is necessary to contain the rocks and provide a clean boundary. Edging materials like rigid plastic, metal, or stone borders create a crisp, finished line. Set the edging so the top edge is slightly below the final intended rock level; this helps hold the material in place.
Placing the Rocks and Finalizing the Design
With the base and barrier prepared, the final step is to move and spread the chosen rock material across the area. A wheelbarrow is often used to transport the rocks from the delivery point to the installation site. Dump the rocks onto the landscape fabric and spread them evenly using a rigid rake or shovel.
Maintain a consistent depth of between two and four inches across the entire area, depending on the size of the stone. Pea gravel or crushed stone can be installed slightly shallower, while larger river rock may require the full four inches to suppress weed growth. The depth must be sufficient to completely hide the landscape fabric beneath it, providing a visually continuous surface.
Once the rocks are spread, rinse the area with a hose to wash away fine dust or silt, immediately enhancing the color and texture of the stone. Routine maintenance is minimal, primarily involving spot-treating occasional weeds that take root in accumulated organic debris. Use a leaf blower or a stiff broom periodically to remove leaves and keep the rock surface clean.