Understanding the Best Types of Rocks for Landscaping

Several elements beyond plants may play a key role in your landscape design, and rocks are some of the most common examples. You have a huge range of different rock types to choose from if you want to utilize rocks in your landscape, each with its own qualities and considerations.

At Wright Landscaping, we’re here to offer the best landscaping services around Salt Lake City, Kaysville, Layton and nearby areas, with expert landscapers who offer numerous different solutions – hardscape elements like concrete products, rocks and more among them. Here are some of the different varieties of rocks you might consider for your landscape, plus some basics on each of them.

Crushed Stone and Pebbles

Starting on the small end of the spectrum, pebbles and crushed stone are two popular options for landscape rocks. Crushed stone is usually used for driveways or other areas that see heavy foot traffic, while pebbles tend to be used in garden beds or other decorative features.

For instance, maybe you want to build a dry creek bed or river rock feature in your backyard. In this case, pebbles are great for representing the river while larger rocks like boulders can represent the banks and shores.

River Rocks

Slightly larger than crushed stone or pebbles, but still relatively small, river rocks are another popular option to consider. These rounded rocks come in various sizes and colors, making them versatile for a variety of landscape designs.

One common use for river rocks is as mulch – when placed around trees and plants in garden beds, they help to retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing. They can also be used in water features like ponds or fountains.

And because they’re naturally smooth and rounded, river rocks are generally safe for pets and children to play on.

Flagstone Slabs

While rocks might often be thought of as primarily decorative elements in landscaping, they can also serve functional purposes. For instance, flagstone slabs are a popular choice for patios and walkways. Coming in different shapes, sizes and colors, flagstone can give your outdoor areas an elegant and natural look.

Because of its flat surface and durability, many homeowners also use flagstone as a base layer for outdoor furniture or grills.

Cobblestone

A similar option to flagstone, cobblestone is another type of natural stone that can also serve as a functional and decorative element in landscaping. Cobblestones are larger, rounder rocks often used for driveways or walkways. They come in different sizes and colors, and their rough texture provides excellent traction.

They also have a great aesthetic that can add a touch of charm and character to your landscape design.

Fieldstone

When we talk about fieldstone, we’re referring to naturally occurring rocks that have been collected from fields or other areas. These stones can vary widely in size and shape, making them a versatile option for landscaping.

Fieldstone is most commonly used for retaining walls – its natural irregular shapes give the wall an organic and rustic appearance that can enhance the overall look of your landscape.

Boulders

And finally, boulders are the largest type of rock you might consider for your landscape design. Depending on their size and placement, they can serve as focal points or anchor features in your yard.

Boulders are also great for creating natural seating areas where you and your family can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. They can also be very helpful with erosion control or as barriers for privacy.

Common Combinations

As you may have already known based on other landscapes you’ve seen, many homeowners choose to combine different types of rocks in their design. Here are some of the most common combinations you might see:

• River rocks and boulders: This combination is great for creating natural looking water features, such as a stream or waterfall.
• Flagstone and cobblestones: Using these two types of stones together can give your outdoor living spaces an elegant yet rustic appearance.
• Fieldstone and pebbles: The contrast between the large fieldstones and small pebbles creates a visually interesting landscape design.

These are just some examples, but feel free to mix and match different types of rocks to create a unique landscape design that suits your personal style. Remember, there are no hard rules when it comes to landscaping – let your creativity shine!

And at Wright Landscaping, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life with our expert landscaping services. From choosing the right rocks for your design to proper installation and maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about how our landscapers can transform your landscape into a beautiful and functional outdoor oasis, whether you’re in SLC, Kaysville or Layton.