Rock yards and landscapes provide a beautiful, low maintenance alternative to traditional lawns and gardens. However, some periodic care is required to keep a rock yard looking its best.
In this article, we’ll explore 25 tips and techniques for properly maintaining your rock yard landscape so it stays gorgeous year after year.
Reasons for Maintaining a Rock Yard
Before jumping into the specific maintenance tips, let’s look at why proper care of your rock yard is important:
- Keeps weeds under control
- Prevents dirt and debris buildup
- Retains aesthetic appeal
- Allows proper drainage
- Extends longevity of materials
- Makes any necessary repairs easier
- Improves curb appeal
- Prevents safety hazards like slippery surfaces
- Saves money over replacing neglected landscaping
Keeping up with basic rock yard maintenance pays off through added beauty, safety and cost savings. Read on for the key tasks.
1. Remove Debris Regularly
The number one maintenance task is removing fallen leaves, branches and other debris that naturally accumulates. Aim to clear debris weekly or biweekly. Use a leaf blower, rake or broom to make quick work of this task. Failure to remove debris leads to a messy, unkempt look.
2. Check Drainage Areas
Make sure drainage areas around rocks and gravel are clear of debris so water can flow freely. Clogged drainage can lead to flooding, erosion and property damage. Unclog drains and add more gravel if needed.
3. Inspect for Damaged Materials
Walk your entire rock yard frequently checking for any damaged materials like cracked pavers or shifted gravel. Repair or replace damaged areas promptly to maintain safety and aesthetics.
4. Scan for Weeds
Unwanted weeds sprouting up can ruin the clean look of a rock landscape. Do a thorough weed inspection every few weeks. Pull weeds as soon as you spot them before they spread seeds. You can also apply organic herbicide.
5. Rake Gravel Areas
Use a stiff rake monthly to smooth out any gravel areas where the rocks have shifted. This helps keep the gravel neatly contained and looking uniform. Rake gently to avoid damaging any underlying weed blocking fabric.
6. Check for Rock Movement
Certain landscape rocks and boulders can shift over time, especially after heavy rains. Scan for any rocks that may have moved from their original placements and reposition them for optimal aesthetics and function.
7. Clean Rock Surfaces
Buildup of dirt, grime, algae and debris will happen naturally on rock surfaces. Clean rocks every 3-4 months using mild soap and water with a scrub brush. A pressure washer also works for larger rocks.
8. Sweep Hardscape Surfaces
Use a broom to regularly sweep any patios, walkways or other hardscape elements clear of dirt and debris. This keeps high traffic areas looking new.
9. Maintain Healthy Plants
For any live plants mixed into your rock yard, provide regular care like pruning, watering, fertilizing, etc. Maintaining the health of landscape plants is key. Remove dead plants immediately.
10. Check for Rock Damage
Certain rocks, especially porous natural stones, can become damaged from exposure to sun, water and freeze-thaw cycles. Look for cracking, pitting, flaking or eroding rocks which may need replacement.
11. Replenish Mulch
Mulch in garden beds will decompose and fade over time. Replenish mulch annually using a natural material like shredded bark that complements your rock yard. Mulch keeps plants healthy.
12. Clean Garden Art and Accessories
Any decorative garden art pieces, lighting, water features and other landscape accessories should be cleaned periodically to keep your yard looking its best.
13. Repair Structures
Inspect any wooden or masonry landscape structures like benches, retaining walls, raised beds, etc. Repair any damage like cracks promptly to maintain their beauty and proper function.
14. Seal Rocks and Pavers
Application of a sealing product every few years will help protect porous rocks, pavers, concrete and flagstone from damage. Sealing also makes cleaning easier.
15. Contain Gravel Areas
Use edging material like metal, plastic or stone around the perimeter of gravel beds. This keeps the gravel neatly contained and prevents it from scattering.
16. Weed Barrier Maintenance
Exposed weed barrier fabric can look messy. Re-cover with rocks or gravel if needed. Damaged sections of weed barrier will need replacement.
17. Supplement Rocks and Gravel
Adding fresh rocks or gravel on top of older layers that have sunk down over time keeps these elements looking full. Blend new with old for a natural look.
18. Irrigation System Care
For rock yards with irrigation systems, inspect emitters, pipes and timers for proper functioning. Make any needed repairs promptly. Adjust watering schedules seasonally.
19. Limit Pet Waste
Promptly clean up and remove any pet waste to keep your rock yard clean and prevent damage to lawns and plants.
20. Child and Pet Safety
Scan for potential safety issues for children or pets like unstable rocks, long weeds hiding creatures, poisonous plants, sharp edges, etc. Address any concerns.
21. Maintain Proper Drainage
Improper drainage can ruin a yard. Ensure downspouts, drains, gravel beds and grading keep water flowing away from structures.
22. Check for Erosion
Notice any areas where soil is eroding from beneath rocks or gravel and address the drainage issue. Erosion leads to sinkholes, instability and weed growth.
23. Trim Overgrown Areas
Use pruning shears to trim back any overgrown plants encroaching onto pathways, patios and other areas. Maintain ideal proportions.
24. Keep an Eye on Tree Roots
Tree roots can sometimes crack hardscape elements as they grow. Monitor for any damage and address promptly.
25. Hire a Professional
Consider hiring a professional landscaping company for periodic maintenance if you don’t have the time, ability or resources for intensive yard upkeep yourself.
Maintenance Tools and Supplies
Having the right tools on hand makes maintaining a rock yard much easier:
- Rakes – for smoothing gravel
- Broom – for sweeping hardscapes
- Leaf blower – removes leaves and debris
- Weed puller – removes weeds from the root
- Pressure washer – for occasional deep cleaning
- Garden hose – for rinsing hardscape and rocks
- Landscaping fabric – for renewing weed barriers
- Edging shovel and shears – for crisp edges
- Replenishment gravel, soil, mulch, plants
- Landscape sealant
- Drainage pipe – helps with erosion issues
Staying on top of your unique yard’s maintenance needs will keep your rockscape looking amazing year-round. Pay attention to detail and address any problem areas promptly. With proper care, a rock yard and landscape can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and beauty.
