Sand Isn’t Easy to Manage
The phrase “like a rock” is equated to durability for a reason—solid things like white pebble rock landscaping stones tend to stick around and stay in place. Sand, on the other hand, moves. This can be problematic for landscaping purposes, since sand has the potential to:
• Blow away and leave you with uneven surfaces
• Gather or pile up in a way that inhibits plant growth
• Create an environment where weeds can grow as is shifts
Sand Can Become “Less Pretty” Over Time
Sand doesn’t really attract insects the way soil does, but it can trap them if they happen to land on it and have difficulty getting out. Sand can also become cluttered with dirt and debris. Even if you’re diligent about caring for your lawn, various things can still end up in your sand and make it less attractive. If this happens with stones, you can just hose them off. This isn’t something you can do with sand, though.
Landscaping Stones Are Much Easier to Maintain
You’re not going to have to run a rake through landscaping stones to get rid of anything unsightly. Stones in your landscaped areas also don’t usually require too much attention after a storm. Sand, on the other hand, may need to be replaced or cleaned up following seasonal storms.
Water Isn’t Going to Severely Damage Landscaping Stones
You’ll need proper drainage or runoff where you place your landscaping stones, and this can also be helpful with sand. The difference is that accumulated water (from heavy rains, for instance) can leave you with clumpy, water-soaked sand. Landscaping stones such as river rocks can be affected by erosion to some extent, but otherwise, water won’t do all that much to them.
Stones Are Less Expensive in the Long Run
Landscaping stones can be more of an investment up front compared to what it typically costs for sand to fill roughly the same space. However, when you factor in added costs for replacing sand to maintain even levels and change anything that’s no longer a visual asset, landscaping stones can end up saving you a significant chunk of change over time.
You Can Still Get Creative with Landscaping Stones
One of the reasons you may be considering sand is because it can be an out-of-the-box material with different colors and textures. But you can get just as creative with landscaping stones. Possibilities include:
• Larger stones for a more dramatic look
• Smaller stones of varying hues and textures (such as black polished pebbles) to compliment larger stones
• Lava rocks and other more unique stones that can mix in well with other landscape elements
No matter what type of landscaping project you’re planning, leave the sand behind and use decorative rocks, stones, or beach pebbles to save money and add immense depth, character, and beauty to your space. 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 rock, 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.
