Keep an Eye on Landscaping Fabric
Landscaping fabric isn’t as durable as decorative stones, so it can wear out after several seasons. When this happens, weeds can creep up under your stones and impede drainage or cover the stones. An easy step you can take is to occasionally pick up some of your stones to see what’s going on with the fabric. If it’s starting to look worn and tattered, it’s worth the extra effort to fully replace it. Also, pull any stray weeds you spot to deter growth.
Clear Away Debris After Storms
Storms, regardless of the season, can send leaves and other debris right onto your decorative landscaping stones. Get into the habit of sweeping away this debris to keep it from building up too much. Decorative stones such as polished black river rock and mexican beach pebbles are meant to be seen, so sweeping away debris maintains optimal aesthetics.
Edge Around Your Landscaping Stones
Unwanted growth can affect the overall appearance of your landscaping stones, especially around flower and garden beds. When taking care of your yard, take time to properly edge around places with decorative stones. This means creating some space between the stones and grass. You can also use bricks or other solid materials to create a stronger barrier along edges.
Lightly Hose Off Your Decorative Stones
You could do power washing for river rocks or other heavier stones. However, it’s usually a fairly tedious task, since you’ll likely end up having to put some stones back into place. Instead, use a regular garden hose to rinse off your decorative stones. Do this whenever you’re noticing caked-on mud or dirt and other debris affecting appearance.
Hosing off your decorative stones is also a good way to check drainage. If the water isn’t draining well, see what adjustments you can make to correct this problem. Too much water accumulation can accelerate wear and deterioration. You may prefer to hose off your decorative landscaping stones more often if you have lighter ones such as white pebbles that can become tarnished by debris, dust, or dirt. In this case, what you’re doing is maintaining the stones’ natural luster and shine, which ultimately reflects well on your exterior spaces.
Do Occasional Up-Close Visual Inspections
You may see your decorative landscaping stones whenever you’re outside, but you probably don’t always look too closely at them. This is why it’s a good idea to do a more detailed visual inspection every now and then. Pay attention to things like discoloration and misplaced stones so you can fix any smaller issues.
No matter what type of landscaping project you’re planning, decorative rocks, stones, or beach pebbles can add immense depth, character, and beauty to it. When you’re ready to get started on your landscaping plan, reach out to the experts at RS&P Rock Stones & Pebbles, a premier provider of river rocks, beach pebbles, and a wide variety of decorative stones. To learn how we can help you create the landscape of your dreams, call us today at (866) 380-0580.
