lansWhen you think about landscape, chances are your first thoughts are what plants you should add to your yard. However, one thing that you should also consider is adding some rocks to your landscaping features. Rocks provide different focal points to your landscaping as well as vertical features to an area that is otherwise flat. In addition, rocks can be functional barriers and help with drainage. You can choose a single type of rock or add several different types of landscaping rocks based on your particular needs. Here are some of the different types of landscaping rocks that are available.

Large Stones

Large stones come in a variety of sizes. The smallest stones will be about the size of a soccer ball and the largest about the size of a small car. These large stones can be used as a decorative piece or they can be functional. If you place a large rock at the edge of your driveway it can block people from driving into your garden. Placed alone, a large stone can provide a focal point for your landscaping. You can choose to plant some flowers around the stone to make it even more dramatic. If you have a waterfall feature or a pond, adding a large stone will provide you with a more natural look.

River Rock

River rocks are stones that are rounded. These landscaping rocks are typically between a quarter inch to six inches in size. Small and medium sized river rocks can be used as mulch for plants that love heat or for French drains. These rocks also work around plants that are located in shady areas. If your plants are not heat tolerant, you should not use river rock around them. These stones will retain the warmth from the sun and can overheat plants that are sensitive to heat. Placing large or medium sized river rocks along a path can create a path that looks like a river bed. This type of rock looks very attractive when placed at the base of a large stone.

Gravel

Gravel may refer to either pea gravel or crushed gravel. Pea gravel is made of small smooth pebbles and offers a great visual appeal. This type of gravel is often used in a Japanese garden to create the look of a pond. This is also a good choice for traffic pathways, but needs to be used with edging in order to keep the pea gravel in place. It also is a great mulch for container plants as it will not retain heat well so it will not cause your plants to overheat. Crushed gravel is best for unpaved driveways or for a layer in a French drain. It should not be used in areas where people will walk because it has rough edges.

Lava Rock

The bright color of lava rock is attractive to many gardeners. It can be used to fill in easements and driveways. Lava rock is a good choice if you have cactus or yucca plants in an arid garden. The coarse texture of lava rock can hurt your feet, so it is best not to use it in areas where people might be walking barefoot.

Flagstones

If you are going to make a path or want to build a patio, flagstones are the perfect choice. A flagstone is a landscaping rock that is wide and flat, which is why they are the perfect stepping stone. If you are laying a path or a patio with flagstone it is important to make sure that you place the stones over sand to provide a more stable surface with proper drainage. Creeping thyme and other low growing ground cover can be placed in the spaces between the stones to help create a more natural look.

The type of rock that is available to you will depend on where you live. Decorative stone is taken from quarries, and the types of stone will vary greatly by your location. Shipping stone from other areas can be quite expensive and is often not worth the price tag.

Arbor Hills Landscaping Company Omaha | Best Landscaping Company in Omaha, NE

Arbor Hills Trees & Landscaping Services can provide you with everything from detailed maintenance programs to unique plant production, and other services in between. That means we build water features, walls, patios, irrigation, walkways, outdoor kitchens, lighting and anything else you can help us dream up. Our professionally trained staff can build the landscape of your dreams and keep you from breaking any Home Landscaping Rules.

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Fire Pit Designs Landscaping Services

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Outdoor Living Landscaping Services

Unlimited Outdoor Kitchen offers professional outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor living room design, building, and installation services with FREE ESTIMATES. More…

Retaining Walls Landscaping Services

Enhance the beauty of your landscape with a retaining wall that is customized to coordinate with your home’s exterior. At Arbor Hills, our retaining wall designer will create a functional retaining wall that is aesthetically pleasing for your personal taste, and within your target budget. With the many materials available today, the retaining wall project you’ve been considering is just a phone call away! More…

Stamped and Colored Concrete

It is time to upgrade or replace some of the hardscape features surrounding your home? Stamped and colored concrete is beautiful and affordable material. It enhances the color and texture featured on your home’s exterior. Stamped concrete in textures from modern to rustic is available to coordinate with your home’s existing design features. Colored concrete can be blended to match or enhance your home’s exterior color scheme. A designer from Arbor Hills will consider all these existing features at your site visit and when designing your project. More…

Patio Pavers Landscaping Services

Concrete pavers are a great way to improve your landscape and garden. They are super strong and lend themselves to many hardscaping projects. They rarely crack but if they do, each piece is easily replaceable. More…

Landscape Lighting Designs

Outdoor lighting can be nearly as important to the overall look and feel of your home as the landscaping itself. So you shouldn’t short-change yourself by skimping on quality lighting products. We are a full-service landscape and waterscape company that can solve all of your residential and commercial lighting needs anywhere in Omaha and the surrounding areas. More…

Water Feature Landscaping Designs

Imagine the sight and sound of bubbling water as you relax in your outdoor sanctuary. A water feature can give just the right ambiance to your outdoor retreat. Or, if you are looking for a water feature with traffic-slowing curb appeal, a designer from Arbor Hills will help you choose the water feature that best enhances your home. More…

Sod Installation Services

Whether you have just built your home, cleared agricultural land for your personal use or simply want to improve the look of your existing yard, having sod installed is a fast way to create the lush, green carpet of grass you want. It offers instant satisfaction rather than the weeks of waiting and anticipating whether or not your grass seed is going to grow. Plus, using sod offers a host of other benefits. More…

Mulch & Rock Landscaping Services

The concept, to design, to delivery and installation, we have more than 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry in Omaha and surrounding areas. Our services include delivery, full installation, and clean-up of mulch and rock around your beds, trees, and more. More…

Plants & Shrubs Landscaping

Plants and shrubs are the backbone of your landscape and should be the first things you plant. Proper selection will enhance a home’s appearance and increase property value while reflecting the homeowner’s style and personality. More…

Tree Nursery

Let our trained nursery professionals assist you in selecting the perfect tree or shrub to complete your landscape. We carry a selection that is unmatched in the Omaha and the surrounding areas and are willing and eager to explain our favorites. Improved varieties are introduced each year and we always strive to carry the best and newest – varieties more resistant to disease, shade trees better able to withstand storm damage and ornamentals in unique colors, shapes, and sizes you have to see to believe. More…