7 Ways to Use Boulders in Your Landscaping | The Rock Garden (2024)

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7 Ways to Use Boulders in Your Landscaping | The Rock Garden? ›

Highlight a single boulder as a focal point. Incorporate rocks or boulders into your water features , such as a pond or fountain. Build a retaining wall using boulders to define different levels of your landscape. Group boulders together to create a cohesive and natural look .

Highlight a single boulder as a focal point. Incorporate rocks or boulders into your water features , such as a pond or fountain. Build a retaining wall using boulders to define different levels of your landscape. Group boulders together to create a cohesive and natural look .

Big rocks can be tucked into garden beds or used on their own as eye-catching focal points. The reasons for the trend: Boulders offer a natural way to bring color and character to your landscape, while also being low-maintenance or completely maintenance-free.

Set boulders into the ground

Boulders in nature are almost always partially buried, so in order to achieve a natural look, any boulders you install in your yard should be dug down at least a few inches into the soil.

Set Each Boulder Down into the Dirt. Landscaping rocks and boulders must go deep into the earth. This allows them to sit well without shifting dangerously over time and also gives a natural, long-lasting look. The size and shape of a boulder will determine how deep it needs to go into the ground.

These natural stones are resistant to decay and damage, and they do not require regular pruning or watering like plants do. Landscaping boulders can also add a sense of permanence and stability to a landscape design, as they are not likely to blow away or need to be replaced like other landscaping materials.

Dig a trench for the base course

Take the time to find rocks that lock into place, without leaving gaps. Randomly lay your largest rocks along the front edge of the trench. Set the first stone, shifting it around until it sits securely without being rocked easily, and then fill with the remaining stones.

Small rocks, three inches or so and less, can be tilled in or turned under if they are a problem. Larger rocks would have to be dug up and used for landscaping projects or disposed of. Very large rocks might be dug up with a small excavator, or you might need to work around them.

Crushed rock and gravel are popular choices for landscape pathways due to their affordability, versatility, and ability to provide excellent drainage. Their varied textures and colors allow for creative designs, offering a wide range of aesthetic possibilities to suit different preferences and landscape styles.

How do you arrange rocks in landscaping? ›

Start with a few large boulders or stones, and then add smooth pebbles and smaller rocks in the background to create layers. Or, arrange everything in random groupings for a more natural appearance. Now that we've covered the basics of creating a rock garden, it's time to share some examples for inspiration!

Unlike mulch, rock doesn't decay and will last for years. Fewer pests: Because mulch is made of wood, it tends to attract pets, some of which can wreak havoc on your house; termites, for example. Conversely, with rocks, there's no need to worry about pests, because it doesn't attract bugs or insects.

Average Boulder Weights by Size

A one-foot boulder can weigh 80 to 100 pounds, a two-foot boulder could be 300 to 450, and a three-foot boulder can weigh anywhere from 1,200 all the way up to 1,800 depending on length, width, and height.

To estimate how much you need, calculate the surface area as you are looking at the wall by multiplying the height by length to get square feet of surface area. Divide your estimated surface area by the rough estimate of coverage per cubic yard for each boulder size.

Non-woven fabrics are suitable for adding stability and blocking weeds under stones. If you're creating a gravel pathway, rock gardens, or using it in areas where you won't need to water often, non-woven fabric works best.

If the stone size is 1/2-inch or less, the suggested depth is 2-inches. Stones that are 3/4-inch to 1-inch should have a depth of about 3-inches. Stones that are 1-inch or larger should have a depth of 4-inches.

Larger garden rocks can start sinking into the ground over time. To prevent this and fix it, apply gravel underneath them, as well as a base gravel layer that will allow water to drain out.

There are unlimited possibilities for using rock and stone to enhance your landscape. Pleasant likes to use them as accents both in garden beds and containers. If you have a water feature, you can use stones to create a more natural-looking setting.