6 Popular Types of Decorative Landscape Rocks

When taking a look at your landscape, you can see how it is a composition of many components. Nicely manicured plant beds adjoined by a lush lawn. Trees and shrubs act as large plant materials providing cover and privacy, while also showing the maturity of the property. Edging keeps each of these areas separate, while walkways connect them. Landscaping and hardscaping come together to create a cohesive, living landscape that attracts business and wows neighbors. It is the latter that we will discuss today, as one component we find often overlooked is decorative rock. Used subtly throughout the landscape as a substitute for mulch, an aesthetic addition, or for drainage, decorative rock quietly plays an important role. Here are six popular types of decorative landscape rocks that you need to know.

1. Pea Gravel

One of the most common decorative landscape rocks, often used as a material for driveways and walkways, as well as a replacement for mulch. Because it is a much smaller rock, it can create a relatively smooth service for people and vehicles to traverse, while providing the same insulation to your soil as organic mulch options. You can’t go wrong with deciding to use this swiss army knife of the decorative rock world.

2. River Rock

With many of the same uses as pea gravel, river rock is notably porous in nature. This allows for easier drainage in wet areas. River rock is also fireproof and can be used to prevent soil erosion, with water flowing through them, instead of taking your soil with it. They can also be substituted for mulch, although they should be used in conjunction with fabric or sand beneath.

3. Lava Rock

The name is derived from the fact that they come from hardened magma, and are volcanic rock. With their existence spanning thousands of years, you can expect premier durability no matter their use. They are also known for their eccentric rust and black color options, which are complementary colors in any landscape. For a surely unique option, lava rock is the way to go.

4. Flagstone

These are truly natural rocks, and no two flagstones look the same. They are typically flat in nature, although everything from their shape to size can vary. However, because of their generally flat nature, they are often used for patios and walkways, being put together to create a truly unique look. We also love flagstone as a border for a garden, or pool.

5. Brick Chips

As a direct competitor of mulch, brick chips are almost exclusively used as an inorganic mulch option. This is because of their extreme durability, where they are sure to stand strong against any weather. They also hold in a ton of moisture, which is good for the roots of your plants, and the soil. Although they are not natural, they are manufactured through the crushing of developed brick.

6. Crushed Granite

Probably the most versatile decorative rock on this list, it can be used in any of the ways we have mentioned for every other stone type. It does great with drainage as a replacement for mulch, but can also be used like gravel for a driveway, walkway, or path. Known to be used as the base for fire pits, perhaps you can consider the addition of such an amenity.

 

 

Your landscaping is the first thing noticed by your visitors, friends, and customers. Let OakLawn Landscaping ensure that your first impressions are top-notch and have your guests in awe before they even reach the door. Visit our website, or contact us today at (301) 854-0684 for any of your landscaping needs, commercial or residential.