Many homeowners prefer using rocks for landscaping because they provide beauty and don’t require a lot of maintenance. Compared to classic lawns, trees, and shrubs, rocks are much cheaper to maintain. Despite that, they need some little touch-ups to enable them to preserve their beauty overtime. The good news is that there are several ways to maintain the rocks in your landscape. This article discusses 4 essential tips for landscape rock maintenance.
Perform Constant Inspections
Inspecting the rocks on your landscape’s pathways can help you preserve their beauty. Take a walk on your landscape and assess the level of wear and tear. During the assessment, check also for signs of accumulated debris or damage. Regular examinations will enable you to catch issues early on and take the appropriate measures before it’s too late. Additionally, it will enable you to nip the problems in the bud before they become major issues.
Hose The Rocks Frequently
Clean rocks add to the sparkle of a landscape. You can keep your rocks clean by simply spraying them with a garden hose. Overtime, the rocks may accumulate dust, debris, and grime. Using a nozzle in front of your hose will enable you to provide the required pressure to eliminate these elements. Ensure that you use the recommended pressure to avoid splitting the rocks. A high pressure may also penetrate the sand, displacing the rock’s foundation, and causing it to spill.
Get Rid Of Weeds
Using a fabric barrier between the soil and pathway rocks can help to keep weeds at bay. However, some weeds may grow despite the barrier. These weeds should be uprooted before they multiply and form a bush over your pathway. You can use many options to kill the weeds growing between the rocks. If they aren’t many, you can simply uproot them by hand as you walk by. If your budget allows, you can buy a weed killer. These chemicals are sold in many stores and can help you get rid of these unwanted plants. Before purchasing a chemical weed killer, explore its pros and cons. Some sprays may leave an undesirable and permanent color on top of the rocks, causing them to look unsightly. Uprooting the roots by hand could also lead to injuries if done without the right equipment. Exercise caution when killing the weeds, or hire a professional landscaper to do the job for you.
Apply Mulch On The Rocks
Landscaping rocks look more beautiful when paired with mulch. However, as years go by, the rocks may break, and the mulch could be eroded. To maintain your landscape’s elegance, it may be essential to often replace the mulch and broken rocks. While rocks can be replaced after many years, you may need to add a layer of mulch annually. Rocks that are laced with mulch retain moisture, wear out less frequently, and don’t experience weed growth. For a cohesive look, select mulch that compliments your landscape’s design and color.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your rocks pristine isn’t a difficult task. Using these tips, you can make your landscape maintenance routine effortless and enhance your home’s appearance. You can also contact a professional if you don’t have the time to do the maintenance yourself. Most landscapers will do the job excellently at an affordable cost. Regular rock maintenance will keep your outdoors shining throughout the year.
