What is best to put under landscape rock?

Author: Prof. Darrel Zboncak PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025

Sand is often used as a base material for landscape rock due to its excellent drainage properties and ease of use. Good Drainage: Sand allows water to pass through easily, preventing waterlogging and promoting a dry surface. This makes it a perfect option for regions with heavy rainfall.

What do you put down before rocks for landscaping?

Spun landscape fabric is a good choice for placing underneath pathways, gravel mulches, and even behind retaining walls. You can purchase landscape fabric for rocks at most home improvement, hardware, and garden supply stores.

How do you keep landscape rocks from sinking?

Add a layer of sand or small rocks (optional): If you want an even base for your drainage rock, you can add a layer of sand or small rocks before adding the larger river rock. This not only helps with drainage but also prevents the larger rocks from sinking into the soil over time.

How do you make landscape rocks stay in place?

Place one layer of landscaping fabric or landscaping plastic on the flowerbed's soil. Put the small rocks on top of the fabric or plastic. The fabric or plastic helps to keep the rocks from sinking into the ground.

Should I put sand under landscape rocks?

Landscaping rocks can cause drainage issues if not properly installed. Make sure the ground is level before installing your rocks, and add a layer of sand or gravel before laying your rocks. Place landscaping rocks so they don't touch the ground or underground pipes.

12 Types Of Landscaping Rocks To Use In Your Next Landscape Design Project

Should I put plastic under rocks?

If all you're worried about is killing off weeds, black plastic will work. However, landscaping fabric is a better option if you prefer to put decorative rocks down.

Why do landscapers use sand?

Advantages of Using Sand with Landscaping Projects

Base structure: Sand forms effective bases that are easier to maintain and more attractive and consistent in appearance than mulch. Convenience: Sand has no specific storage stipulations and can be stowed in bulk for contractors or landscapers that need a lot of it.

How do you make landscape rocks look wet permanently?

To achieve a permanent wet look for rocks, you can consider using a professional-grade penetrating sealer specifically designed for natural stone.

Can you put pea gravel directly on dirt?

If you have loose or sandy soil, you'll need a base layer. If your area has hard clay soil, it may support the pea gravel on its own. You may just need to dig out and tamp down the area and add 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel over landscape fabric.

Is mulch or rocks better for landscaping?

Both landscape rock and mulch are important for making your yard look nice. They can also help your plants grow better by controlling the temperature of the soil and keeping moisture in. But they do this in different ways. Rocks last longer but don't add nutrients to the soil.

How long does landscape rock last?

Typically, your landscaping rock and gravel should last you 8-10 years, so once it's installed, the maintenance is really low touch.

How do you keep landscape rocks from turning green?

Here are some tips for keeping your rock landscaping clean: * Remove debris : Use a rake, broom, or leaf blower to clear away loose dirt, leaves, branches, and weeds. * Rinse with a garden hose : Rinse the rocks from top to bottom with a garden hose to remove loose debris.

Will pea gravel wash away?

Pea Gravel Upkeep

If you live in a place where rain is constantly washing it away and you haven't developed a drainage solution, you may need to replace it sooner. If you decide to use pea gravel in a place that requires snow shoveling, you will want to invest in some salt.

How to prevent landscape rocks from sinking?

Applying foundation fabric may also prove helpful as it provides a more secure base. The stiffness of the polyester or linen fabric prevents the rock from sinking deeper into the soil.

How do you prepare ground for rocks?

Prepare the ground for a rock garden by clearing the area of all grass and organic material, amending the soil for any plants, and adding sand. Do I need sand to make a rock garden? Most rock gardens will require a layer of a few inches of sand on top of the soil.

What do you put under decorative stones?

Place a thin layer of sand on top of your landscaping fabric or weed membrane to create a base for your aggregate, level off using a rake. The aggregate is ready to be laid, for the best coverage the depth should be around 40-50mm but this may vary depending on the stone being used.

Why not to use pea gravel?

Because it's small, pea gravel will move easily if not edged properly. If you're going to add it to a walkway or a flower bed, be sure that you have concrete blocks or landscape trim set up to keep the pea gravel in place.

Can mice dig through pea gravel?

Filling the trough with pea gravel makes it virtually impossible for rats and mice to maneuver through the ditch, he adds. Installing a flat cement shelf 24-inches below ground level when foundations are laid for new buildings also provides a solid barrier to entry.

Can dogs walk on pea gravel?

The majority of dogs have no issues running and playing on pea gravel.

How do you keep landscape rocks from washing away?

Another effective method is to create a drainage system within your landscaping. Proper drainage will help direct water flow away from your rock areas, reducing the risk of washing them away.

Why are my landscape rocks turning black?

Mold, algae, and moss can leave unsightly stains on rock surfaces.

What can I spray on rocks to make them look wet?

Choose Wet-Look Sealants, the Practical Way on How to Make Rocks Look Wet. In our online store, we recommend two specific wet-look sealants: the TSSPro 300 & the TSSPro 400. The TSSPro 300 is a wet-look low-sheen sealer. On the other hand, the TSSPro 400 is an HD wet-look high-gloss sealer.

What is the best dirt to level your yard with?

Topsoil: When you need to level your lawn at depths greater than 3″, topsoil is the best option. Both Topsoil and Top-dressing Mix are available for pickup or delivery. Both of these products are kept ready to be picked up in 1/2 cubic yard increments.

When to aerate a lawn?

You want to aerate the lawn when your grass is in its peak growing period so it can recover quickly—think early spring or fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through early summer for warm-season grasses. If you have high-traffic areas or heavy clay soil, you will want to aerate every year.

Can you use play sand for landscaping?

Yes, you heard right, White play sand is a multipurpose material that is used in various landscaping projects to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. From creating pathways and borders to filling spaces around water features or playgrounds, white play sand is a creative addition to any landscape design.

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