Remove Loose Debris
Most debris that winds up in decorative rock beds is large enough to pick up, such as a fallen leaf from a plant. But you might want to use a leaf blower if you have a large amount of broken leaves, flower petals, or other types of debris to remove. Once you’ve removed the majority of the debris in the decorative rock beds, you’ll have a better idea of whether you need to move on to the next steps.
Scrub Away Tough Dirt & Stains
The hard surface of landscaping rocks is resistant to stains. However, you might find that dirt gets caked on the surface of larger decorative rocks, and it’s common for property owners to find mildew appearing on white pebbles that resolve drainage issues. Using a pressure washer or brush with stiff bristles helps you remove tough dirt that might not blow away. Depending on the size of the decorative rocks, you can scrub each individual one or use a sweeping motion to hit the majority of them. Pressure washing is typically the fastest way to remove visible dirt from larger decorative rock beds with smaller beach pebbles.
Spray the Decorative Rocks with a Cleansing Solution
For a natural approach, you can mix warm water with vinegar to remove dust and dirt from the decorative rocks. This is particularly effective if you have lighter-colored decorative rocks, such as snow-white pebbles, that have a little mildew growth. You can also find special cleaning solutions you can use on landscaping rocks and other outdoor surfaces to remove tough dirt. Either way, you’ll simply spray the decorative rocks down and use water to rinse away the cleaner to avoid leaving residue behind. Then allow the decorative rocks to dry to see the full effect.
Consider Adding a Sealant
If you discover you prefer a wet look, which is especially popular on dark-colored decorative rocks such as polished black river rock, you can add a sealant to clean rocks. Landscaping rock sealers can also prevent stains and mildew buildup by filling in the small pores that naturally exist on the surface of beach pebbles. Once the decorative rocks are sealed, you’ll find you can refresh them faster in the future by hosing them down.
Replenish as Needed
Landscaping rocks can sometimes settle as their weight puts pressure on the ground beneath them. If this happens, you might notice they’re no longer level with the edging or surrounding landscape. Adding more beach pebbles can refresh the entire decorative rock bed, and covering older decorative rocks with a light layer of new ones can make the whole yard look brand-new again.
For expert advice on using river rocks and beach pebbles in any area of your yard, reach out to the pros at RS&P Rocks Stones & Pebbles, a premier decorative rock and supply superstore. We specialize in drought-tolerant landscaping materials, including a variety of Mexican beach pebble and river rock. To learn how we can help you enhance your landscape with beautiful decorative rocks, call us today.
