Start with Landscaping Fabric
Some types of soil are more likely to shift, and the weight of your landscaping stones could cause your soil to sink in and completely change the way your landscape looks. To support the weight of your river rocks, you can use landscaping fabric or plastic sheeting to strengthen the ground underneath the stones. This will also provide a stickier surface for the river rocks to grip onto.
Plant Your Stones in the Ground
One of the simplest ways to keep your decorative rocks from shifting is to dig a shallow hole in the area you’re going to cover with landscaping stones. After you’ve dug the hole, pack the ground and make sure it’s as level as possible. Next, simply pour out the river rocks into the space you’ve created. The walls produced around the hole’s edges will hold the decorative rocks in place more effectively than if you just placed them on the surface of the ground
Use Larger Stones to Hold Smaller Ones in Place
To keep your landscape looking natural, use larger stones to cover smaller river rocks to hold them in place. Try putting down a base layer of smaller beach pebbles, then place the larger stones on top. You could also create a border using larger river rocks to hold smaller beach pebbles, such as Mexican beach pebbles or white pebbles, in place. This method is ideal for spaces where you want your decorative rocks to fit in with the surrounding landscape, such as near a water feature or a flower bed.
Create a Border with Edging Strips
Edging strips are often used in decorative rock gardens and flower beds as well as along pathways to keep landscaping stones in place. Edging is available in an assortment of various materials, from plastic to steel and concrete. Most types of edging strips are usually placed slightly or completely in the ground, then the area is filled in with the landscaping stones. Edging strips are particularly well suited for pathways, where people can unintentionally move your decorative rocks as they walk
Be Careful when You’re Using Lawn Equipment
Use extra care when you use lawn equipment such as weed trimmers and leaf blowers near your river rocks, especially if you have smaller stones. You may sometimes need to move a few decorative rocks back into place when you’re working in the yard, but being more cautious can make the difference between adjusting a few of your decorative rocks and having to completely recreate your entire design.
No matter what kind of landscaping project you’re planning, decorative rocks and beach pebbles can give it additional depth, character, and beauty. Whether you’re looking for an assortment of river rock or the highest-quality Mexican beach pebble, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rock Stones & Pebbles, a premier river rock and supply superstore. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today at (866) 380-0770.
