Your Guide to Selecting the Perfect Stones for Your Landscaping Project
Selecting the right stones for your landscaping project can have a big impact on the look and feel of your outdoor living space
When it comes to landscaping jobs around Rock Hill SC, there are all kinds of resources we use to beautify outdoor living spaces. From backyard ponds to mulching, our team works one-on-one with each customer to find the perfect design for each property.
Although every landscaping job we complete in the Rock Hill area is different, there’s one thing that many of them have in common: landscaping stones. Stones are a versatile and timeless element that can add beauty, texture, and character to any landscaping project, and the team here at Ground FX Landscaping and Water Features uses stones for all kinds of projects in the area. We source many of our stones from local suppliers like McGirt Supply in Fort Mill SC, and we also get many of our paving stones from brands like Cambridge Pavingstones.
Stones Can Benefit Almost Any Landscaping Project
Whether we’re designing a garden pathway, building a retaining wall, or crafting paver patios, walkways, and driveways, choosing the right stones is essential for achieving a complete look. The right stones can tie together any landscaping project, and there are so many options to choose from these days.
If you’re considering the addition of stones to your next landscaping project, we’ve put together a guide to help you out. In this guide, you’ll learn:
How to choose the right stones for your landscaping project
Factors to consider that can extend the life of your landscaping stones
What to do about landscaping stone maintenance
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how stones can benefit landscape design, and you’ll feel more comfortable working with your landscaper to choose the right stones for your project.
Planning your project by defining it is vital to get the right landscaping rocks that will look good and last a long time
1. Define Your Project Goals
Before selecting stones for your landscaping project, we recommend that you take some time to define your goals and vision for the space. Below are some factors to consider when shaping your vision for your outdoor living space:
Functionality
What purpose will stones serve in your landscape? Are you looking to define a space or do you want to add some accents to a larger space? Will your stones be the focal point of your outdoor living space, or will they serve as adornments?
Aesthetics
What style and atmosphere do you want to create in your outdoor space? Are you drawn to natural or rustic looks, or do you prefer modern designs? How do you want your stones to add to the feel, character, and atmosphere of your outdoor living space?
Durability
How durable and weather-resistant do the stones need to be to withstand the elements and foot traffic in your landscape? Heavily-trafficked areas typically require stronger stones, but if your stones will not be walked on, then you may not need to be as concerned with durability.
Once you’ve had a chance to flesh out how you want your stones to work with your landscape design, you’ll have an easier time working with your landscaper to choose the right solutions.
Different stones behave differently in various environments. Choosing the right stones with the right characteristics can make or break a landscaping project.
2. Consider Stone Types and Characteristics
Stones for landscaping come in a wide variety of types, sizes, shapes, colors, and textures, each offering unique characteristics and benefits for landscaping projects. Some common types of stones used in landscaping include:
Natural Stone
Natural stone can be beautiful to look at, but durability varies. Although natural stone is found in nature, we still recommend sealing some stones that have porous surfaces. This can add to durability and protect your investment. One of the major benefits of natural stone is that these stones can blend into rustic and natural landscape designs with ease and are a great choice if you want to create a backyard that looks and feels like a wilderness retreat.
Some examples of natural stone we recommend include:
Flagstone
Flagstone is a type of natural stone that is typically flat and irregularly shaped, making it ideal for creating natural-looking pathways, patios, and stepping stones. Flagstone comes in various colors and can be laid in a variety of patterns to achieve different aesthetic effects.
River Rock
River rock is smooth, rounded stones that are often used for decorative purposes, such as edging garden beds, lining pathways, or creating dry creek beds. River rock comes in a range of sizes and colors, from small pebbles to large boulders, and adds texture and visual interest to landscapes. Because of the small size of river rock, these stones are usually best for enclosed spaces as we don’t want loose rocks to get into your yard where they can get hit by lawnmowers or tripped over while walking.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone, such as gravel or crushed granite, is a versatile and cost-effective option for pathways, driveways, and ground cover. Crushed stone comes in various sizes and colors and can be compacted for stability or left loose for a more natural look. Like with river rock, we typically don’t recommend loose crushed stone installation since stones can get everywhere. Instead, crushed stone is best used for filling in empty spaces.
Boulders
Boulders make a big statement. Even if you don’t use huge boulders for your landscaping project, these large stones can offset green areas or water features and really make a statement. Our team has the tools and equipment to easily load in large boulders to your landscaping project so you don’t have to worry about trying to maneuver huge rocks.
The condition of your property and soil can make a difference in what types of landscaping rocks are right for you
3. Think About the Condition of Your Property and Installation Requirements
Before we get started on a landscaping project that involves stones, we have a checklist that we use to ensure a smooth installation. Below are some of the things we look for when starting a project in the Rock Hill SC area. Feel free to use this checklist when thinking about the types of stones you would like to incorporate into your own project:
Soil Type
In the Rock Hill area, our soil is often made up of clay, but some new-construction homes and neighborhoods have different types of soil. No matter what type of soil you have, your choice of stone can be determined by what’s in the ground around your property.
Soil management is important to keep a landscaping project on track, and it’s also crucial for extending the life of your project and minimizing the need for landscaping maintenance.
Drainage is the biggest issue when it comes to soil and landscaping stones. Stone installation can help with drainage in some cases, but it can hinder it in others. Your landscaper will be happy to provide an evaluation of your soil to let you know what you can expect from different types of stones.
Don’t forget to plan for maintenance and care when selecting landscaping rocks
4. Plan for Maintenance and Care
One of the things that often gets overlooked by people planning a big landscaping project involving stone is future maintenance. Although stone is fairly easy to maintain, it does require some maintenance in order to continue looking great and performing year after year.
Cleaning is a good idea, and we mentioned sealing above. Inspections for landscaping stones is also vital, and replacement may be needed for loose stone that has gotten kicked around over the course of months or years. We also recommend having your landscaper check the level of loose stone to ensure that it continues to safely fill in gaps.
Contact Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features to Learn More About Landscaping Stones
Whether you’re planning a DIY project at your home or business in Rock Hill or you want a professional landscaper to take care of everything for you, contact Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features. Our landscape design professionals in Rock Hill can help you find the right stones to bring your vision to life, and we can also handle your landscaping needs from start to finish.
Call our team today to schedule a free estimate and consultation by dialing (803) 371-2324, or use our contact form to reach our experts on the web right now.
