The Water Spot

Balanced Landscaping: Using Rocks Wisely

Rocks are fine as landscape accents, but not as THE main event

Excessive heat, freezing temperatures, and drought have taken a toll on many Central Texas landscapes, particularly those laden with lush lawns. So, it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions we get is about a rebate for rocks (or artificial turf). After all, they don’t require any water.

When used strategically and effectively — as a border, around an A/C unit, in between a flagstone patio or walkway, or as a “dry creek” feature to correct drainage issues on your property — rocks rock!

But using them in place of foliage simply because they don’t need any watering isn’t the solution. Let me tell you why.

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ROCKS GENERATE HEAT.

River rock and decomposed granite absorb the sun’s radiation and retain it far into the night. Compared to organic mulches, rock can reach 140-170 degrees in the summer while woodchips or pine bark is a relatively cool 80-85 degrees. I think we can all agree we don’t need any additional heat during our Texas summers.

THEY INCREASE STORMWATER RUNOFF.

The impact may not be as significant as a parking lot or street, but rocks are also an impermeable surface, and in large quantities will increase stormwater flow, thus increasing flooding. Likewise, smaller rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite will collect at drains and grates, blocking stormwater from entering the drainage sources.

THEY INCREASE SOIL EROSION.

Since rocks don’t have any roots, they will not hold down soil during rainstorms.  This increases the likelihood that your lawn’s soil will be washed away during rain events, as the water washes over your yard.

THEY OFFER NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE.

Rock does not provide nutrition or carbon, the gasoline of the soil ecosystem. Without carbon, fungi, protozoa, and other microfauna and flora cannot survive, and plants will eventually suffer or die.

ROCKS ARE NOT MAINTENANCE-FREE.

One of the most frequent responses we hear concerning rock is that they’re less maintenance. In the short-term perhaps, but rocks need to be blown or cleaned weekly to prevent debris from collecting. If debris accumulates, nature takes its course and plants begin spreading, even if there’s a weed barrier.

While flagstone and paver patios are good components of an ideal landscape, entire yards or beds of river rock and gravel don’t make sense. And they don’t look so great either.

If less maintenance is what you’re really after, use rocks in shady areas that will naturally suppress sun-loving weeds. For areas near the street, select larger sized stones that are less likely to wash away and clog up storm drains.

Don’t forget, the city offers rebates on lawn aeration and compost additions to your lawn.  There’s no point in watering if there’s no soil to hold the water in.  And if you are removing or changing landscaped areas, make changes to the irrigation system too; individual heads may be capped, or removed completely to best care for changes.

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