What is the best rock to replace grass?

Grass lawns have been a staple of yards and gardens for decades, providing a lush green carpet that is pleasing to the eye. However, maintaining a grass lawn requires regular mowing, watering, fertilizing and treatment for weeds and pests. This can be quite time-consuming and expensive over the long run. For homeowners looking for a lower maintenance alternative, replacing grass with rock may be an attractive option. But what type of rock works best for replacing grass? There are a few key factors to consider when selecting the right rock.

Durability

First and foremost, the rock needs to be durable enough to withstand exposure to the elements year-round. Large temperature swings, heavy rain, snow and ice can slowly break down softer rocks over time. Harder, dense rocks like flagstone, granite, limestone and cleft bluestone resist weathering and last longer. Stay away from sedimentary rocks like sandstone or shale that erode more readily. The rock should also be able to handle foot traffic without cracking or sinking into the ground. Angular and irregular shaped rocks with sharp edges lock together when tamped down, creating a stable surface.

Texture

Smaller pea gravel or crushed rocks smooth out and become slippery when walked on, which can lead to tripping hazards. Larger rocks with more texture provide better traction underfoot. The irregular surfaces of tumbled or broken stones create friction and grip when walking across them. Mixing together rocks of different sizes and shapes improves overall stability too. Just be sure to avoid very sharp or jagged edges for safety.

Permeability

Proper drainage is key for any kind of landscaping rock. The rock must allow rainwater to seep through into the soil below rather than pooling on the surface. This prevents the buildup of puddles and slippery moss. There are a few ways to ensure the rock you choose has good permeability:

– Pick rocks with lots of open gaps between them – this allows water to easily drain down. Pea gravel often fails in this regard because the small granules clump together when compacted.

– Use a porous aggregate base underneath the top layer of rock, such as crushed stone. This acts like a reservoir to collect water that trickles through the rock, dispersing it gradually over time.

– Consider poured permeable paving stones that have porous surfaces to let water infiltrate while still providing a smooth, level walkway.

Appearance

Curb appeal is important for landscaping projects, so the aesthetic of the rock matters too. Neutral earth tones like tans, browns and grays blend in well with natural surroundings. Flagstone and slate have attractive irregular shapes and striated layers that add visual interest. For a neater, cleaner look, cut flagstone can be pieced together like a puzzle. Those seeking brighter colors can use vibrant Mexican beach pebbles or rainbow rock mixes. The options are endless!

Cost

Price can play a big role in deciding which stone to use, as some come with quite a hefty price tag. Here is a rough pricing guide per ton:

Rock Type	Price Per Ton
River Pebbles	$50
Crushed Granite	$55
Mexican Beach Pebbles	$60
Decomposed Granite	$65
Limestone	$70
Slate	$75
Bluestone	$85
Flagstone	$90
Cut Flagstone	$100
Granite	$120

The more durable and resilient rocks tend to be more expensive. But keep in mind long-term value for money rather than just initial cost. The pricier options will usually hold up better and longer compared to basic crushed gravel or limestone.

Weight

The sheer mass of rock required to cover a lawn area is often underestimated. Having heavy equipment deliver and spread the stones is the way to go. But if you plan to manually move the rock bags yourself, pay attention to the weight. One cubic foot bag of granite or flagstone can weigh 50 pounds or more. Compare that to a 25 pound bag of pea gravel. The type of rock you can comfortably handle and transport is a practical consideration.

Regional Availability

Utilizing rock native to your geographic region is ideal, as local quarries will stock an affordable supply. Granite and sandstone are prevalent in many Northeast areas, while Southwest states have lots of decorative limestone and volcanic rock. This minimizes shipping costs of materials sourced from other parts of the country. Check with nearby quarries and stone yards to see what’s readily available. Unique rock might be tempting but the effort to source and transport it could become unrealistic.

Conclusion

When selecting the best rock for replacing grass, consider all the factors – durability, texture, permeability, appearance, cost and weight. The right choice depends on your specific needs and project circumstances. Often a blend of different rock sizes and shapes delivers the most natural looking pathway or patio. Crushed granite makes a solid base layer due to its excellent drainage properties, while jagged surface rocks like flagstone or cleft bluestone provide long-lasting stability on top. For a visually pleasing yet budget friendly option, go for earth toned pea gravel accented with some larger Mexican beach stones. Take time to plan carefully and the end result will be beautiful, low maintenance rock ground cover instead of traditional grass lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using rock instead of grass?

Some key benefits of rock over grass include:
– Lower maintenance – no need for regular mowing, watering, fertilizing, etc.
– Stays neat looking with no overgrowth
– Doesn’t require treatment for weeds, pests, or diseases
– Stands up well to heavy foot traffic
– Provides better drainage during rains
– Offers design flexibility with shape, color, and texture options
– Long-lasting durability, often lasting decades without replacement

What types of projects are best suited for using rock instead of grass?

Some ideal uses for rock instead of grass include:
– Pathways and walking areas
– Patios and seating spaces
– Driveways and parking spots
– Areas with poor soil or drainage
– Steep inclines or banks that are hard to mow
– Near pools and water features
– Areas with intense sun exposure
– Outdoor kitchens and living spaces
– Commercial sites like resorts and public parks

What preparation is needed before laying down rocks?

Proper preparation is crucial for long-lasting results when switching from grass to rock. Here are some key steps:
– Remove existing grass completely – this may require sod cutting, tilling, or use of herbicide
– Level and grade the soil, fill any dips or holes
– Compact the soil thoroughly, wetting it down to optimal moisture content
– Install durable landscape fabric to block weeds and contain rocks
– Create a crushed stone base layer for drainage, 4-6 inches deep
– Install edge restraints to keep rocks contained – use metal, plastic, stone, or concrete edging
– Follow a sloped grade away from structures for proper runoff

What are some tips for maintaining a rock lawn?

To keep rock looking fresh long-term:
– Periodically rake and redistribute stones to fill gaps
– Remove fallen leaves, debris, and weeds quickly
– Re-compact the rocks if they get loose or shifting
– Replenish rock layers that get too thin over time
– Clean oil drips or stains promptly to prevent penetration
– Clear sediment buildup, moss growth, and algae as needed
– Re-apply polymeric sand between pavers occasionally
– Ensure proper drainage, prevent standing water
– Shovel/plow snow carefully to avoid displacing rocks

How difficult is it to convert back to grass later on?

Converting from rock back to grass takes work but is certainly possible:
– Remove all rocks and aggregate completely (rent a dumpster)
– Excavate down 4-6 inches and grade smooth
– Spread new nutrient rich topsoil evenly across area
– Apply starter fertilizer and lime as needed per soil test
– Seed, sod or lay grass plugs for new grass installation
-Water frequently for first few weeks to establish roots
– Be patient – may take many mows over a season to fill in fully

What size rocks work best for a replacement lawn?

A mixture of rock sizes delivers the most natural looking results:
– 3/4 inch gravel makes a good base layer
– 1 – 2 inch stones for main coverage area
– Sparsely mix in some 3-5 inch accent rocks
– Use fist-sized river rock near edges and borders
– Moss rock interspersed provides color variation

The most important thing is ensuring the rocks lock together tightly – angular shapes and irregular profiles help prevent shifting. Be sure to tamp down throughout installation.

How deep should the gravel base layer be under the rocks?

A 4 to 6 inch deep base of crushed gravel is ideal underneath the top layer of decorative stones. The angular gravel fragments lock together when compacted, providing excellent stability. The base layer also acts as a reservoir to collect drainage and prevent puddling on the surface. Using road base gravel works well, as this aggregate mix contains various sized crushed stones that compress nicely.

What should be used to contain the rocks and keep them from spreading?

To keep rocks neatly in place, some type of edging is required. Good options include:

– Landscape timber or treated wood boards
– Aluminum, steel or plastic landscape edging
– Cinder blocks or bricks
– Poured concrete curbing
– Bender board or commercial paving edge
– Larger rocks lined vertically along perimeter

The edging should be installed along the perimeter as well as around tree rings, garden beds and anywhere the rock borders another material. Allow 1-2 inches of clearance so rocks don’t creep underneath.

How much does it cost to replace grass with rock per square foot?

The cost per square foot can vary based on the rock types used and amount of labor involved, but a typical range is:

– Crushed stone base layer – $0.75 – $1.50 per square foot
– Pea gravel or decomposed granite – $1 – $2 per square foot
– Flagstone or pressed concrete pavers – $2 – $4 per square foot
– Cut stone slabs or granite – $4 – $8 per square foot

Additional costs may include equipment rental, base preparation, weed blocking fabric, edging and delivery fees. Expect to pay $5 – $10 per square foot on average to have rock professionally installed.

What kind of maintenance is required for a rock lawn?

Rock lawns are quite low maintenance, but do benefit from occasional upkeep:

– Inspect for weeds growing in gaps and remove promptly
– Rake loose debris and redistribute rocks as needed
– Re-tamp rocks if they become loose and shift around
– Clear leaves, sediment and grime from rock surfaces
– Replenish worn areas with new rock layers every few years
– Trim back vegetation that starts encroaching on edges
– Re-apply polymeric sand for stone pavers occasionally
– Remove snow carefully without displacing rocks
– Re-level any spots that settle or sink over time

Plan to spend an hour or two twice per year tidying up a rock lawn to keep it looking great.