Having a rock yard or rock garden can provide an attractive, low maintenance alternative to grass or other traditional yard plants. However, while rocks require less regular care than lawns, they do still need some maintenance to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain a yard with rocks.
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Weed Control
One of the biggest maintenance tasks will be keeping weeds under control. While rocks don’t provide the same fertile environment as soil, weeds can still pop up between rocks and along the edges of the rock yard.
Use weed barrier fabric
Laying down a weed barrier fabric before adding rocks can help prevent weeds from emerging. The fabric blocks sunlight from reaching potential weed seeds. Look for a durable, permeable landscape fabric that will allow water to penetrate while blocking weeds.
Apply pre-emergent herbicide
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating, stopping them before they even have a chance to grow. Apply a pre-emergent labeled for use in rock yards early in the spring. This will help control weeds all season long. Reapply as directed on the product label.
Hand pull weeds
For any weeds that do make it through, promptly hand pull them before they can get established and spread seeds. Use a weeding tool to help remove the entire root system. Check for weeds regularly and pull them as soon as you spot them.
Use vinegar or boiling water
For weed control in cracks between rocks, use household vinegar or boiling water instead of chemicals. Pour vinegar or boiling water directly on the weeds to kill them without contaminating the surrounding area. Repeat as needed.
Dealing with Moss
Moss can grow on damp, shaded rocks and give your yard an unattractive appearance. Minimize moss growth by:
Increasing sunlight
Make sure your rock yard gets at least some direct sunlight daily. Thin out trees or plants that are causing too much shade over the rocks. Moss thrives in damp, perpetually shady areas.
Improving drainage
If there are low, chronically wet spots, improve drainage by regrading the area or adding gravel and soil to build it up. Good drainage prevents water from pooling and moss from thriving.
Applying lime
Spread pulverized limestone over the rocks to raise the pH, which helps inhibit moss growth. Limestone also adds calcium which prevents soil from becoming too acidic. Reapply lime regularly.
Using hydrogen peroxide
For small moss patches, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray on the moss and let sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing off with a stiff brush. Repeat as needed.
Controlling Erosion
It’s important to take steps to minimize erosion in a rock yard, as heavy rain can wash away dirt, sand and gravel from between rocks over time. Here are some tips:
Use crushed gravel
Fill in spaces between larger rocks with smaller crushed gravel, rather than dirt or sand. Gravel is heavier and less likely to erode. Larger rocks can help hold gravel in place.
Plant groundcover
Low-growing, spreading plants like sedum, thyme and creeping phlox planted between rocks can also help prevent erosion by holding soil in place with their roots.
Add edging
Borders and edging along the perimeter, as well as around planting beds within the rock yard, help contain gravel and soil and prevent it washing away. Use thick metal, plastic, stone or masonry edging.
Apply soil binder
For extremely steep or erosive areas, apply an organic soil binder like Slopemaster. It will glue soil particles together while still allowing water penetration. Reapply annually.
Filling in Gaps
Over time, gravel and dirt between rocks can wash away or become compacted, leaving unsightly gaps and depressions. Fill these in with new material:
Check for sinking
Inspect your rock yard annually for low spots and depressions developing. This commonly occurs after heavy rains but can also be a sign of soil settling over time.
Add more gravel
Pour new gravel into any low areas that need filled in, then tamp down with a hand tamper or plate compactor. Match the size and type of gravel originally used.
Top up mulch
For planted areas, check depth of mulch between rocks and refresh as needed, maintaining 2-3 inch depth. Good mulch coverage prevents erosion.
Level uneven rocks
For spots where thicker rocks have sunk or tipped, remove rocks, add gravel to level the area, then replace rocks pressing firmly into gravel base.
Controlling Runoff
Properly controlling water runoff and drainage is key to maintaining a stable rock yard. Strategies include:
Grade slope
Grade any sloped areas to encourage water runoff in the direction you want. Use a landscape rake to smooth gravel and create subtle ridges so water doesn’t pool.
Install French drains
For areas with poor drainage, install subsurface French drains to collect excess water and channel it away below ground. Fill trenches with gravel, add drainage pipe, and cover with landscape fabric.
Divert gutter downspouts
Make sure roof and gutter downspouts are directed away from the rock yard to avoid pouring large volumes of water onto rocks. extend downspouts further away with flex pipe.
Build retention basins
Consider building small rock-lined retention basins in low spots to collect runoff and allow it to slowly filter into the ground rather than rushing across the surface. Line with landscape fabric.
Refreshing Rocks
Outdoor rocks can fade, discolor, collect dirt and generally look worn over time. Freshen up the look by:
Pressure wash rocks
Use a pressure washer on a low setting to blast away built-up dirt and grime from rock surfaces. Test first on a small area to avoid damaging rocks.
Scrub stained rocks
For stubborn stains, scrub rocks with a stiff bristle brush and either baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar or commercial rock cleaner. Rinse thoroughly.
Flip rocks over
Periodically picking up and flipping larger rocks exposes the underside so the whole rock gets cleaned by rain over time. Replace rocks in a new position.
Add new rocks
Mix in some fresh new rocks in contrasting colors or textures to renew the look. Arrange rocks for a natural appearance. Blend old and new.
Caring for Plants
For rock yards with incorporated planted areas, don’t neglect regular garden maintenance:
Water plants
Water plants as needed to maintain consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry weather. Less frequent deep watering is best to encourage deep roots.
Fertilize annually
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer annually to nourish plants. Follow product directions. Excess fertilizer can contribute to moss growth on rocks.
Prune and weed
Trim back overgrown plants impairing walkways or views. Stay on top of weeding to prevent invasive weeds. Carefully hand pull weeds around plant roots.
Mulch plants
Maintain 2-3 inches of organic mulch like shredded bark around plantings to reduce weeds, moderate soil temperature and retain moisture. Replenish as needed.
Doing a Deep Cleaning
Periodically do a more thorough cleaning to keep your rock yard looking its best:
Remove all weeds
Pull all visible weeds, even small ones, to prevent further spread and seeding. Dispose of weed plants rather than composting. Spot treat stubborn weeds with vinegar.
Remove debris
Pick up any trash, sticks, fallen leaves/needles and other debris. Hose down or rake entire area to clear. Debris traps moisture and dirt.
Sweep away sediment
Use a stiff outdoor broom to sweep gravel areas, loosening and removing dirt and silt that settles between rocks. Discard debris.
Do a deep rinse
Attach a nozzle to a garden hose and thoroughly rinse entire rock yard, using a stiff pressure stream to blast debris from between rocks. Avoid directing water at planted areas.
Spot clean oil stains
For oil drips or gasoline stains, use a small wire brush and a heavy duty degreaser like Simple Green. Lightly scrub stained rocks and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Winterizing Your Rock Yard
Take a few steps before winter to protect your rocks:
Rake away debris
Rake away fallen leaves, needles and other organic matter that can form a wet mat on rocks over winter. This prevents rotting and staining.
Seal soil between rocks
Use a soil binding agent like Slopemaster to seal and stabilize exposed dirt areas that could erode over winter when freeze-thaw cycles loosen soil.
Make sure drainage is clear
Remove debris from drainage channels and pipes. Ensure downspouts, drains and runoff areas are clear to prevent excessive pooling of meltwater come spring.
Add anti-icing agent
Sprinkle walkways with an anti-icing product like Safe Paw ice melter to prevent buildup of slippery ice during winter weather, allowing for safer use.
Cover delicate vegetation
Protect fragile plants, shrubs and trees from harsh winter wind and cold by draping breathable burlap over them. Remove in spring.
Conclusion
A beautiful rock yard requires regular maintenance to stay looking its best. Control weeds, prevent erosion, maintain plants, clean and refresh rocks, and take steps to protect your investment through harsh weather. With proper care, your rock yard or rock garden will provide lasting beauty and enjoyment for years to come. Consistent upkeep is the key – dedicate time each season to tidy up your rock spaces and keep them in tip-top shape.
| Maintenance Task | Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weed control | Hand pull weeds, reapply pre-emergent herbicide | Hand pull weeds as needed | Hand pull weeds, treat tough weeds with vinegar | |
| Control moss growth | Rake away moss, apply lime | Increase sunlight exposure, improve drainage | ||
| Check for erosion | Fill in gaps between rocks with gravel | Reapply soil binder if needed | ||
| Drainage | Inspect drainage areas, clear channels | Clear drainage channels | ||
| Refresh rocks | Turn/flip rocks, pressure wash | Scrub stains, add new rocks | ||
| Deep clean | Do a thorough weeding, sweeping, rinsing | |||
| Fertilize plants | Apply organic fertilizer as directed | |||
| Winterize | Rake away debris, seal soil, check drainage | Apply anti-icing agent, cover plants |