What are the cons of landscaping rocks?

Landscaping rocks have become a popular choice for yards and gardens in recent years. They provide an attractive, low maintenance ground cover option. However, despite their benefits, landscaping rocks also have some potential drawbacks to consider before installing them. Knowing the cons of landscaping rocks can help homeowners make an informed decision about whether they are the right choice for their property.

High upfront cost

One of the biggest cons associated with landscaping rocks is their high upfront cost. Landscaping rocks are more expensive than other ground cover options like mulch or grass. The rocks themselves can be pricey, especially for larger, decorative stones and cobbles. In addition, you may need to hire professional landscapers to properly install the rocks and create an aesthetically pleasing design. This adds even more to the total installation cost.

For a 1,000 square foot area covered in a 4 inch layer of rocks, you can expect to pay $1,500-$4,000 depending on the type and size of rocks used. Larger project areas or thicker rock beds will increase costs even more. While rocks don’t require much long-term maintenance like mulch or grass, the high initial investment may be prohibitive for some homeowners’ budgets.

Heat retention

Another negative characteristic of landscaping rocks is that they tend to retain heat. Rocks absorb heat from sunlight during the day. Then at night they slowly release that heat. This can make areas covered in landscaping rocks significantly warmer than the ambient air temperature.

This excessive heat can damage or dry out nearby plants. It also makes patios, walkways and play areas uncomfortably hot for bare feet. The warmth radiating off rocks can even impact indoor temperatures if installed too close to homes. Darker colored rocks absorb more sunlight and emit more nighttime heat.

To mitigate this issue, larger rocks should be used to allow airflow between the stones. Avoid dense beds of pea gravel or crushed rock that can trap heat. Also, use light colored rocks like tan, off-white or light gray to minimize heat absorption. Proper spacing between rocks and plants is key.

Weed growth

Over time, it’s common for weeds to start growing in the empty spaces between landscaping rocks. This can give your rock bed an unkempt, unruly appearance. While properly installed landscape fabric underneath rocks inhibits weed growth, seeds often still find their way into the rock layer.

Pulling weeds from rock beds can be challenging and time consuming without disturbing the rocks. Often chemical weed killers need to be applied carefully to control persistent weeds. Hand removal or spraying chemicals takes consistent effort and diligence each year.

Using crushed rock with smaller pieces that fit snugly together allows fewer opportunities for weeds. Avoid smooth, rounded pebbles which have more space between each rock for weeds. Keeping rock beds thicker at 4+ inches deep also helps suppress weed growth.

Restricted use

While an expanse of landscaping rocks may look nice, it limits how that area can be used. Rock beds do not provide a comfortable surface for yard games, pets or children playing. Any items dropped or spilled into the rocks are difficult to find and retrieve. Along with heat concerns, people cannot relax or lay on a rock surface the same way they can on grass or a patio.

If you want maximum flexibility and functionality from your yard space, think carefully about how much area you want covered strictly in landscaping rocks. Homeowners may find that smaller, targeted rock beds combined with grass, mulch and patio areas create a more usable outdoor living space.

Difficult changes

One drawback of installing expansive landscaping rock beds is that they are difficult to modify or remove later. Large boulders and cobblestones are heavy, weighing hundreds of pounds each in many cases. If you eventually want to change the shape or footprint of a rock bed, that will require heavy equipment to move the stones.

Removing rocks entirely is an intensive process to dig them out and dispose of them properly. Then you still have to deal with the bare, uneven ground left behind with no established topsoil. It often makes more sense to simply cover rocks over rather than attempting full removal.

Homeowners should carefully plan out the placement of permanent rock beds they can live with for many years. Allow enough standard lawn or garden space for flexibility. See rock installations as fixed focal points rather than primary ground cover.

Poor drainage

Some types of landscaping rocks can worsen drainage issues in your yard. Pea gravel, crushed rock, and other stones under 1-2 inches in size can compact down over time. This inhibits proper water drainage through the rock layer. During heavy rains, pooling water or muddy conditions can occur on top of compacted rocks.

Larger, uniformly sized rocks allow gaps for drainage between each stone. River rock, chipped cobblestones, and irregular flagstone maintain better drainage long-term. Installing landscape fabric under rocks also improves drainage while suppressing weeds. Adequate sloping and drainage considerations should be made when planning rock beds.

Risk of erosion

In areas prone to heavy water flow like slopes or beneath gutters and downspouts, landscape rocks are at risk of erosion. The rocks can shift and be washed away over time without proper precautions. Using natural stones that fit tightly together mitigates this risk.

For maximum stability, set rocks into a concrete or mortar base rather than simply laying them on dirt. Also, avoid rounded river rocks and opt for jagged, irregular shapes that lock together. Laying rocks on landscape fabric helps prevent them from sinking into the ground. Proper drainage and redirection of water flow away from rock beds reduces erosion as well.

Can be difficult to walk on

Loose gravel, crushed rock, and other small or smooth stones underfoot do not make for safe, easy walking. This type of loose rock can shift while walking, causing slips and falls. The lack of a flat surface also makes traversing rock beds difficult, especially for people with mobility limitations.

Using larger cobbles at least 2-3 inches in diameter provides a more secure stepping surface. Flagstones can create attractive pathways through rock beds that are safer and easier to walk across. For high traffic areas, mortar or concrete may be needed to solidify the stones and prevent tripping hazards. Homeowners should consider the practicality of walking through certain landscaping rock areas during the planning process.

Potential safety hazards

In addition to slick, uneven rocks creating a tripping danger, some types of landscaping rocks also pose other safety issues:

Sharp edges

Many natural, irregularly shaped rocks have sharp edges and points that can scratch skin or potentially cause cuts if fallen on. This is a particular concern in play areas used by kids and pets. When sourcing rocks, look for ones with smoother, more rounded edges and corners. Also consider if smooth cobblestones may be safer than jagged limestone slabs for areas meant for activity.

Heavy to lift

Some decorative boulders and stones weigh hundreds of pounds each. Homeowners should be realistic about their ability to safely lift and position such heavy landscaping rocks during installation. Get help moving large rocks or utilize power equipment to avoid injury when DIYing a project.

Falling danger

Loose stacks of boulders along slopes or retaining walls can potentially shift and topple if not engineered properly. Homeowners should consult a qualified landscaping contractor for these types of decorative rock features. Proper structural design and installation methods are needed to prevent serious injury or property damage from large falling rocks.

Can damage structures

In some cases, landscaping rocks placed too closely to homes, pools, patios and other structures can contribute to physical damage over time:

– Rocks along building foundations can hold moisture and cause leaking or cracks from freeze/thaw shifts. Leave at least 12 inches between rocks and home foundations.

– Rock beds installed right up against wooden fence posts increase moisture exposure and can speed rotting. Allow several inches of space around posts and fences.

– Some types of rocks may stain surfaces like concrete, stucco and wood from long-term contact and runoff. Use an appropriate moisture barrier.

– Flying debris from weed trimmers and lawnmowers can damage siding and windows around rock beds. Use caution when working around landscaping rocks.

Proper placement and drainage planning when designing rock beds near structures helps avoid these types of physical damage. Also use common sense when selecting rock materials and placement.

Pet waste concerns

Landscaping rocks provide no plant growth or soil microbes to decompose pet waste naturally. Any animal feces left in rock beds contributes to unsanitary conditions and foul odors. The loose rocks also make removing every waste pile difficult. Owners are left constantly needing to vigilantly pick up after their pets anytime they go near the rocks. Consider how practical this diligence will realistically be before installing rocks in high pet traffic areas. Especially rough or porous rocks may permanently trap unpleasant waste odors over time as well.

Can transport weeds and pests

Some landscaping rocks and boulders are mined or quarried from natural sources then transported for retail sale. Risks include:

– Imported rocks may contain viable weed seeds that sprout after installation. Ask suppliers about any weed treatment processes.

– Untreated rocks could potentially harbor pest insects like ticks that spread when introduced to your local environment. Verify the source quarry location and pest risk factors.

– Rock piles create habitat for rodents to nest and burrow if gaps between stones are too large. Limiting gap spacing or use of landscape fabric helps deter this possibility.

When sourcing landscaping rocks, do adequate research to understand these risks. Reputable suppliers will know the details about where their materials come from and any quarantine or treatment processes. This allows informed decisions.

Visibility concerns

Landscaping rocks look nice, but they can create some visibility drawbacks in certain locations:

– Rock beds around corners or along driveways can create blind spots for both foot traffic and vehicles. Ensure good lines of sight or use lower profile ground cover in high traffic areas near intersections.

– Loose gravel is easily scattered and kicked up. It can dent vehicle paint or be flung at speed into windows or pedestrians by passing cars and lawn equipment. Use larger rocks or avoid softer gravels for driveways and parking areas.

– Decorative rock walls over 3-4 feet tall block views from windows and sight lines for exiting driveways if placed poorly. Think about sightline impacts before designing tall landscape rock features.

With good planning and placement choices, landscaping rocks typically do not significantly obstruct visibility. Just be aware of their potential effects near roads, sidewalks, and other traffic areas.

Children safety concerns

Special considerations are needed if landscaping rocks will be installed near areas frequented by small children. Potential risks include:

– Sharp or heavy rocks can obviously cause cuts, bruises or other injuries if fallen on or handled roughly. Supervise young kids closely and only use child-friendly smoothed stones.

– Small pebbles or gravel are choking hazards if placed in mouths by toddlers and babies. Avoid any rock material under 1 inch diameter in play areas or use barriers like landscape fabric.

– Make sure play structures, equipment, and swings on either solid footing or deep ground cover besides loose rocks. This prevents injuries from falls.

– Consider if design choices like stacked boulders or retaining walls could potentially topple onto children if climbed on. Avoid inherently unstable rock features in kids’ activity zones.

With proper rock selection and design, landscaping rocks can still be used safely in family-friendly areas. Take the necessary precautions to minimize injury risks.

Environmental impact

Some environmental drawbacks are associated with landscaping rock installation and sourcing:

Runoff and erosion

Rainwater will carry silt, sediments, and traces of weedkillers and pesticides from rock beds into local watersheds. This contributes to environmental pollution. Proper drainage planning, limited chemical use, and soil erosion barriers help make rock beds more eco-friendly.

Quarrying operations

The quarrying and mining processes used to gather many landscaping rocks disrupt natural habitats and groundwater systems at sourcing sites. Supporting sustainable quarry businesses who limit their environmental footprint is ideal.

Manufactured products

Some decorative crushed rock and pebbles are artificially created products. Manufacturing and transporting these rocks contributes substantially more carbon emissions than using locally available native stone. Understand where your rocks originate from and select natural options when possible.

Heat generation

The increased heat radiated from landscaping rock beds contributes on a small scale to global warming in urbanized environments. This is another reason why homeowners should limit the footprint of heat-generating rocks in their yards.

With careful planning and moderation, landscape rock installations can be designed with minimal negative environmental impact. The benefits rocks provide for erosion control, water conservation, and weed suppression often outweigh their drawbacks. Just take advantage of eco-friendly rock materials and sustainable practices when possible.

Alternatives to Consider

If some of the drawbacks of landscaping rocks seem too problematic for your needs, what are some good alternatives? Here are a few ground cover options with fewer cons to consider:

Mulch

Shredded wood, bark chips, and other organic mulches breakdown over time. This requires periodic replacement. But mulch is inexpensive, suppresses weeds moderately well, and retains less heat. It’s a better choice around plants and play structures.

Gravel and Decomposed Granite

Though it scatters easily, gravel made from decomposed granite provides a natural, attractive alternative to ordinary pea gravel with better drainage. Just mind the tripping hazard tradeoff.

Flagstone

Natural quarried flagstone has smooth, walkable surfaces. Properly mortared patterns create eco-friendly patios and pathways with fewer downsides than loose gravel and mulch.

Grass

In moderate traffic areas, a lawn is always a safe, playable, and cooling ground cover option. There’s a reason grass remains the default residential yard surface. Just factor in its higher maintenance needs.

Concrete

Poured, stamped, or stained concrete offers the greatest smoothness, durability, and customization potential. But concrete’s environmental impact and water runoff issues make other options like flagstone preferable when practical.

Wood Planks

Timber or composite wood decking, when properly installed, provides a warmer, more comfortable walking surface than rock. Just watch for potential splintering, rotting, and warping over time.

Key Considerations When Choosing Rock Beds

Landscaping rocks can make great additions to any yard when used thoughtfully. Here are some final tips for minimizing their drawbacks:

– Limit overall rock coverage to 30% or less of total lawn size

– Use larger cobbles, not drainage-clogging gravels and pebbles

– Leave ample space between rocks and structures for airflow

– Keep rock beds thin and avoid heavy rocks on steep slopes

– Place rocks far back from high foot traffic areas

– Buy local rocks whenever possible to reduce environmental impact

– Carefully level and tamp ground beneath rocks to prevent shifting

– Use weed barriers, edging, and drainage solutions to reduce maintenance

– Expect some ongoing weed control and replenishing needs

– Don’t overlook more functional ground cover alternatives like pavers or mulch

– View rock installations as permanent due to their difficulty to modify or remove later

With proper planning and reasonable expectations, a well-designed landscaping rock feature can provide natural beauty without negatively impacting the overall functionality and enjoyment of your yard. What landscape rocks lack in terms of playability and flexibility, they offset with their visual appeal, durability, and ease of care compared to high-maintenance lawns and gardens. Just weigh the pros and cons carefully before committing to a large area of rock ground cover.