Backyard landscaping doesn’t have to be simple lawn care; its time to spice things up a bit by adding some hardscaping materials to your backyard landscaping design. Hardscaping is the use of inorganic materials to enhance the aesthetic appearance of a landscaping design. It can also be used as a support structure or drainage solution.
About two-thirds of homeowners will get 60% of their landscaping investment back when they sell their house, and adding features such as landscaping rocks can only add to the value — as long as you do it right.
Here’s how to choose the right landscaping rocks for your backyard landscape.
Importance of a Professional: Before you begin, is it always important to hire a professional when considering hardscaping because their work can keep little problems from becoming costly disasters down the road — they’ll make sure everything is installed properly. First, they will take a site inventory and analysis of the soil, climate conditions, vegetation, and drainage.
Understanding Function:
Next its your turn to choose what type of landscaping rocks you’d like to add to your backyard environment.
Beach pebbles or river rocks can add warmth to any outdoor space. White marble chips can help brighten shaded areas, while flat terracotta stones can add to a tropical-themed landscape. Black lava rocks are also popular for a modern landscape design. There are plenty of options!
Mulch Replacement: Although mulch is less expensive than rocks, at least they don’t have to be replaced every year. They are more durable and will keep the topsoil from eroding away. Stones also offer a better contrast than mulch and come in almost unlimited colors.
Rock Gardens: Rock gardens are a great way to fill in that empty space in your backyard. Choose an area that gets lots of sunlight (because it will be hard to grow plants there anyways if it gets too much sun) and install a few small boulders. Surround these with smaller pebbles or stones and a few flowers or cacti for a modern look.
Center-stage: Lets say you’ve already got a garden centerpiece, but it’s in the form of a tree or large bush. What happens when these plants die or get destroyed? Instead, opt for an eye-catching, oddly — yet intriguingly — shaped rock. Then fill in the rest of the garden bed with low-lying shrubs and flowers.
Border-Line Genius: If you’ve got an artificially-made pond, you may want to consider using landscaping rocks to hide that unsightly black pond liner. Choose flat slate stones or any other flat cut stone to create a lovely perimeter which can also serve as a small walkway.
Consult your professional landscaping company if you’re considering landscaping rocks in your next big outdoor project. They will be able to assess what type of rock works best with your surroundings. Read more articles like this.
