Weed Prevention
If weeds grow near your fireplace, they can increase the risk of fires and other hazards. However, setting river rocks in a safe and secure location near the feature can prevent weed growth and keep your landscaping design safe.
The rocks act as a decorative barrier to cover the ground, as opposed to using mulch and other options. Installing the stones above a weed barrier fabric can suppress weed growth even more, preventing you from needing to monitor and manage the unwanted plants as much. This is true even if you live in a cold climate. For example, if they use river rocks or Mexican beach pebble, Chicago homeowners will find it a lot easier to get started on spring landscape maintenance if they don’t have to tackle weeds first.
Cautious Use
Although river rocks can be used with fireplaces, it’s important to learn more about their heat resistance and risk of explosion. For example, if the trapped moisture from a fireplace heats up rapidly, it can cause pressure to build up and lead to shattering rocks. This is due to the high mineral content of the stones.
Out of caution, place gravel and crushed stones closer to the fireplace to create an additional layer or border. If there’s a seating area near your fireplace, decorate the ground below the chairs with gravel, as this can keep the decorative rocks away from direct heat. Otherwise, you’ll need to continuously monitor the decorative rocks to ensure they’re not wet and dry them as quickly as possible to prevent their risk of shattering and exploding.
Durability & Reduced Maintenance
These two advantages make adding river rocks around a fireplace even more beneficial. The stones can last for years without losing their functionality or appeal. Their durability can increase the safety of your guests around the fireplace and boost the feature’s longevity, lowering the need for costly repairs and replacements.
Durability also leads to low maintenance, especially regarding weather resistance and cleaning requirements. Over time, mulch could degrade from normal wear and tear in the heat, especially in hot areas like Houston. Mexican beach pebble and river rocks, on the other hand, don’t decompose or rot.
Decorative Options
Enhancing pathways and borders are some of the options you have when it comes to adding river rocks to your fireplace. The stones can also be used as planters and Mexican beach pebble pots, giving the area around the fireplace more of a garden appeal. In addition to a decorative feel, the river rocks can help with the fireplace’s cleanliness and prevent erosion.
You should speak with a supplier of decorative rocks, stones, and beach pebbles to learn more about their products and decide which options suit your landscaping project best. The objective is to avoid safety risks while boosting the decorative appeal of the fireplace and the surrounding area.
For advice on how to properly use decorative rocks in your landscape design, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rock Stone & Pebble, a premier landscape rock and supply superstore. We specialize in drought-tolerant landscaping materials, including a variety of colored river rocks and Mexican beach pebble. To learn how we can help you enhance the character and beauty of your outdoor space, call us today.
