Whether you’re looking to build a walkway, rock wall, or add a new feature to your garden, rocks are a great addition to your landscape. While many people use the terms stone and rock interchangeably, they’re actually quite different. Stone has been exposed to weather near the surface of the earth, while rock has been taken from a larger mass below ground. The smooth surface makes this material great to add to your landscaping. Here, Rugged Slopes Hawaii of Honolulu, HI, has provided some tips on choosing the right rock for your landscaping.

How to Choose the Right Rock for a Landscape

Size

Landscaping rocks come in many shapes and sizes, with the right size depending on your purpose and personal preference. If you’re building a walkway, use small pebbles that can be easily walked over. If you’re building rock walls or adding it as a main feature, you’ll probably want to have boulders. When boulders are chosen, it’s important to consider the size of the rest of your landscaping, as you don’t want the rock to overshadow other features.

Color

When choosing the rocks for your landscaping, color matters, as you want your rocks to look natural and add comfort. While it may be tempting to use rocks to add different colors and uniqueness, choosing the same type of grain and a similar color will result in them looking natural, as if they had always been there. If you’re building a walkway, a place to sit, or placing them around a flower bed, you might want to consider lighter rocks, as darker ones will absorb heat during the day, making them hotter. Soft-color limestones and moss rocks are great choices for these, as they remain cool when the sun is beating down on them. Another factor is how they blend with the house. If the rocks are near your home and you have rock masonry, you might want to consider a similar color, which will make both look natural.

Shape

The shape of your landscaping rocks largely depends on how you plan to use them. If they are going to be placed among plants and trees or used for rock walls, you can choose uniquely-shaped rocks that add something different. However, if you’re choosing rocks for a sitting area or a water feature, choose flat-top rocks. For a water feature, the flat top will allow water to run over the rocks and provide comfort if being used to sit on. The base also matters, as uneven bases can result in the growth of weeds. Ideally, you want rocks that will lay flat on the ground, making them easier to maintain.

Rocks can be a great addition to your landscaping, but the variety means there are several to choose from. Depending on whether you’ll be using them for a walkway, water feature, or rock walls will impact the type of rocks used. If you’re considering using rock in your landscaping, Rugged Slopes Hawaii serves Honolulu with their rock, stone, and excavation needs. For more information, call (808) 722-4918 or visit their website.