Gravity Isn’t Your Friend
It turns out Isaac Newton was right. Even if you’re careful with your stacking efforts, it’s possible to be surprised by stacked decorative rocks or stones that have tumbled out of place because of gravity. This can happen even if the stacked river rocks are smaller than the base one.
Wind & Water Can Contribute to Erosion
Decorative rocks that are stacked can also weaken enough to slip out of place from erosion. It’s a natural process that occurs from exposure to wind, rain, and other sources of moisture. What this does is present the possibility of unexpected slippage or collapse, which is especially dangerous with larger landscaping and river rocks.
Possible Liability & Insurance Issues
Should stacked landscaping decorative rocks collapse, they could roll onto nearby sidewalks or roadways. Legally, this could present some liability issues for residential property and business owners. You may also have insurance concerns to deal with if your insurance provider considers the configuration of your decorative river rock a potential risk.
Underground Pipes May Be Damaged
If you use stacked decorative rocks, you may be placing too much stress on underground pipes. This can affect everything from sewer, drain, and water lines to pipes for septic and sprinkler systems. Smaller stacked decorative rocks, including river rocks, could also be problematic if they’re stacked, since this could make access to underground pipes difficult if repairs need to be made.
Nearby Plants or Trees Could Also Be Damaged
Even with smaller decorative rocks that are stacked, the tendency for whatever is on top to slip out of place could affect living parts of your landscape. For instance, river rocks that fall from their perch may crush smaller plants or gather around shrubs and trees in a way that inhibits drainage.
You’ll Be Limiting Your Options with Landscape Adjustments
From a purely aesthetic point of view, stacked decorative rocks can present some unexpected challenges as well. Because there’s typically more work involved if you prefer to move stacked decorative rocks, you may be limited with how you can adjust your landscape, at least without having to invest in a more complex and involved project.
Options for Securing Stacked Decorative Rocks Aren’t Always Attractive
Depending on the size of stacked decorative rocks, some of the practical options for securing them may not be all that pleasing to the eye. A common way to keep larger stacked decorative rocks in place is with caging. There are other creative methods that may be used to minimize aesthetic concerns. However, it could still be difficult to fully hide support structures.
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 pebbles, 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) 380-0580.
