If you’re laying the rocks in a rectangular shape, measure the square footage. Landscape rocks often list the square footage they’ll cover on the label. If you don’t measure the square footage or the shape you’re filling isn’t symmetrical, rely on your eye to estimate how many rocks you’ll need. It’s okay to have some left over! The rocks tend to go missing over time. Do this during a dry spell when the soil will be loose and easy to remove.
For gravel or any other kind of rock that would easily fit in your palm, dig 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep. If you plan on using larger rocks with a little bit of heft to them, dig 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep. If you’re excavating a large amount of soil, set a tarp next to you before you start. Empty the soil out on to the tarp as you work. This way, you can slide the tarp along the ground to make the soil easier to remove when you’re done.
If you have a roller designed for leveling floors, you can use that instead. If you really want to beat the soil down and compact it, use a motorized compactor.
Skip the crushed stone if you plan on adding any plants, since root systems tend to struggle in stone. If these rocks are decorative and you’re not using them to lay a walkway, you can totally skip the crushed stone. Its main benefit is that it stabilizes the rocks but if you aren’t walking on them, there’s no need.
If you don’t want to use landscape fabric, at least lay newspaper down to snuff out any existing seeds or hidden weeds.
Keep in mind, it will be very difficult for your plants to get water since the surrounding soil won’t be getting much water (if any). Your best bet here are hardy perennials that are drought-resistant. Cacti, yarrow, and hardy bushes should all be okay depending on your climate. Avoid planting any especially fragile plants that require a lot of sun and nutrients. Ferns, most flowers, and palms won’t do well, for example.
Seeds usually won’t have enough space to grow with all the rocks on top, so use mature plants for this.
The edging should also keep your landscape fabric in place over time. Edging isn’t mandatory, but it can look quite nice! On top of that, the edging will help keep the rocks contained—especially if you’re using something small, like pea gravel.
River rock. These smooth, durable stones are a mix of gray, tan, and white. They have a coastal vibe, and look great in the rain. Gravel. Gravel is a natural stone that comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It also tends to be cheap, which is great if you need a lot of it. Lava rock. These rocks come in a variety of colors, and they’re able to reduce weed growth if you’re worried about that specifically. Marble rock. These bright stones look exceptionally elegant, but they do cost a pretty penny.
If the ground isn’t even, start at the bottom of the slope. This way, the stones won’t roll all over the place and disrupt the fabric and soil underneath. Hold on to any extra rocks! Animals, crazy weather, and walking on the stones can compact them or cause them to go missing.
Beyond the occasional rinse whenever the stones get dusty and a light raking to keep the stones in the area, you shouldn’t need to do any maintenance. [11] X Research source
