Erosion prevention: If you're concerned about erosion, river rock is a great choice, as it prevents soil from moving. In fact, it can stay in place on even steep slopes and hills with no problem. Cost-effective: Because of its longevity, there's no upkeep, which means rocks are more cost-effective than mulch.
One subtle advantage of rocks is security. Compared to mulch, rocks create noise from people moving about on it, and it's often used in shrouded areas like behind shrubs, right up next to the house. Dogs especially can pick up on it, but depending on the rocks, so can humans.
Unlike mulch, rock landscaping doesn't attract bugs. Some pests may hide underneath the rocks, but since there is no food source, they won't stay. Mulch on the other hand decomposes and then attracts pests. Also, depending on the mulch you buy, it can attract termites so keep this in mind as well.
Landscaping rocks can transform an ordinary yard into an outdoor oasis. From creating eye-catching water features to building sturdy retaining walls, these versatile materials offer endless possibilities for enhancing your property's aesthetic appeal and functionality.
It adds weight to the roof, preventing it from lifting or shifting during storms or other extreme weather events. Additionally, gravel can assist with water drainage. It creates a textured surface that helps to disperse rainwater and prevent pooling, reducing the risk of leaks or structural damage.
Choose from brick chips, crushed gravel, lava rock, river rock and marble to create pathways, mulch for garden beds, driveways and more. These popular types of landscaping rocks are widely available.
Install Pea Gravel around the Foundation of Your Home
This suggestion is only for homeowners serious about preventing termites. Install 8-10 inches of pea gravel next to the foundation of your home to keep your mulch from touching your home's foundation. Termites have a terrible time tunneling through pea gravel.
In addition, rocks don't hold moisture, so they help to prevent mosquito breeding.
Stones or Pavers: Placing pavers or stones around the foundation creates a strong physical barrier that prevents soil erosion and directs water away from your home. We recommend choosing materials that permit water to drain through them, such as porous concrete pavers or permeable natural stone.
Stone piles have been built by world cultures from nomadic to agricultural to tribal. Ancient Mongolians erected cairns, as did mountain dwellers in South America. Often, the stacks were intended to help people find their way safely around areas with little vegetation.
Avoid using mulch and large rocks in your landscape, as they attract snakes and their prey and can create breeding and overwintering habitat. Instead, use smaller, tight-fitting rock such as gravel or river rock. Also avoid landscaping with water gardens and Koi ponds.
It kind of depends on the type of rock or mulch, how thick you lay it on, etc. But, weeds can come up through either. Rock is more expensive but is basically permanent; mulch, you have to redo every year or so. Depending on where you live, you might end up with more bugs, if you have mulch.
If this is the case, you should think about replacing the mulch with river rock or gravel. The rock or gravel won't attract termites, offers the same rain-dispersing benefits, and lasts forever. It also won't be blown away when you are blowing leaves in the Fall.
You'll often find spiders under rocks, woodpiles, or piles of leaves and dirt. An easy way to reduce the number of spiders crawling in your yard is to remove any debris they can use as hiding spots. 3. Remove the webs.
The best way to prevent water damage on your home's foundation is to improve the drainage system. This can be done by grading the soil around your home using dirt. By adding dirt around a foundation, the water will flow away from your house, preventing moisture buildup and water damage.
First, multiply the length and width of the area to determine the total square footage (length x width = area in square feet). As landscape rock is often sold by the cubic yard, divide the total square footage by 324 (since 1 cubic yard covers 324 square feet at a depth of 1 inch) to get the cubic yards needed.
When it comes to landscaping to divert water from the house, gravel is an excellent option. It is vital to note the benefit of rocks around the house for drainage. Ensure the gravel bed does not slope towards the foundation.
Coins as Good Luck
Another way to begin a good tradition that's going to be hidden but meaningful is to drop one or two coins into the forms of the foundation before it is poured, or directly on top of the slab during the pour. They won't be able to see the coin, but they'll know it's there.
Water is the most common cause of foundation damage. It can lead to erosion, settlement, and structural damage over time. Signs of water damage include visible moisture on walls or floors, mold growth, and a musty odor in basements or crawlspaces.
Inorganic Choices: Gravel, river stone, lava rocks, and seashells will neither invite nor repel insects. Though it may be a little costlier upfront, it doesn't breakdown like its organic counterparts, so it's not necessary to replace as often.
What colors are mosquitoes attracted to? Compared to humans, mosquitoes see a smaller range of colors. One study found that red, orange, cyan (blue-green), and black tend to draw mosquitoes, while colors that make you more difficult to see can repel mosquitoes, including white, green, blue, and purple.
Termites dislike certain odors that act as repellents to them. Some of the common smells they hate include orange oil, neem oil, garlic, cinnamon, vinegar, mint, and citrus.
Benefits of Gravel for Foundation Protection
Acts as a Natural Drainage. Pest Deterrent/Stays Dry. Aids in Heat Distribution. Natural Yet Attractive Appearance.
1) Newspaper and cardboard sheet mulches can become pest havens. Termites were found to prefer cardboard over wood chips as a food source, and rodents such as voles often nest underneath mulch sheets.