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Achieving a Beautiful New Rockscape
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Bulletin #TP1011 |
Horticultural Observations |
Are you considering adding a rockscape in your yard? If so, there are several important issues and detail to consider during your planning phase. Probably the first one is to DO ADEQUATE PLANNING. Determine the minimum amount of rock that you will need.
Estimating Tonnage Required - When you order your rock to be delivered, you will need to know how many square feet that you have to cover, and then how deep you want the rock to be. These figures are an approximation.
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SIZE |
DEPTH |
QTY. REQUIRED |
COVERAGE |
|
Soil & Soil Mix |
2 inches |
1 ton |
≈ 170 sq. ft. |
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¼" to ⅜ Minus |
2 inches |
1 ton |
≈ 160 sq. ft. |
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⅜, ½, ⅝" |
2 inches |
1 ton |
≈ 140 sq. ft. |
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¾, ⅞, & 1" |
2 inches |
1 ton |
≈ 120 sq. ft. |
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2 to 4" |
1 layer |
1 ton |
≈ 80 sq. ft. |
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¾ to 1 ½" |
1 layer |
1 ton |
≈ 90 sq. ft. |
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1 ½ to 3" |
1 layer |
1 ton |
≈ 70 sq. ft. |
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3 to 6" |
1 layer |
1 ton |
≈ 50 sq. ft. |
After a period of time, you will likely notice that spots in your rockscape have become bare. For this reason it is usually a good idea to order a little extra (maybe 5 to 7%), and plan on having small mounds of rock in your design. You can later take rock from these mounds to cover the areas that have become a bit bare.
If the
area(s) you intend to "rock" are irregular or difficult for you to estimate
square footage, draw a sketch of your yard (try to make it to scale), draw your
planned rock area, and bring this into your favorite Rock Yard so their associates can help you
make a successful plan.
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Adding More Rock Later - Do NOT plan on purchasing rock later
for this same area. All rocks are mined and crushed, and as the mining process
advances the color and often size of the rock will vary. You
should plan on receiving all of your rock, for any given area, at the same time
"One Delivery". This will avoid the added work of making the variance in colors
between deliveries match.
Matching / blending, or mixing to match can
be accomplished by raking and moving. But this is considerable extra labor.
It is typical for small grained material (fines) to adhere to the rock. After
your rock has been put down, you can hose these fines off and the beauty of
your new rock will shine through!
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GOOD PLANNING FOR YOUR PROJECT ADDS TO THE BEAUTY of YOUR ROCKSCAPE
AND WILL PREVENT MANY DISAPPOINTMENTS or PROBLEMS!
Weeds in Your Rockscape - Don't forget that weeds can and will become an issue.
Weed barrier is available for placement prior to laying your rock. Make certain
where the barrier needs to be laid side-by-side, that it overlaps at least 4
inches. Without an overlap, the weeds will find the little cracks, and sprout
to life where you least expect or desire them. Anchor your weed block before
the rock goes down so that it doesn't move. Pre-emergent herbicides are
available to help prevent weeds in the future.
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Plan ahead - for the shrubs that may be planted in the future in your rockscape. You can dig the holes for these plants now, and simply place upside-down plant buckets in them until time for planting. Remember to dig twice the width of the bucket, and put a quality Planting Mix amendment with the soil around the bucket. Irrigation will also be required. There are irrigation design buletins on this website. Make sure to design and install any needed irrigation BEFORE you lay your weed block.
STEP 1 - make your rock and plant design
STEP 2 - make your irrigation design
STEP 3 - go over your plan with a nursery consultant
STEP 4 - install the irrigation, lay the weed block and any edging desired.
STEP 5 - order, and install the rock
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