When it comes to easy, low-maintenance summer landscaping, the use of products like gravel, rock and cobblestones is a common approach. But with so many great options out there within these categories, how do you choose the ideal option for your landscape?
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re proud to offer the very best rock and gravel products for any such need around Salt Lake City, from river rocks and gravel rock to black lava rock and numerous forms of landscape gravel. Here are some basics on why rock and gravel products are often ideal for low-maintenance summer landscaping, plus some top such options to consider this year and some basics on how to choose the right amounts.
Why Summer is The Perfect Time to Upgrade With Rock Or Gravel
There are a few key reasons why summer is a great time for homeowners to consider upgrading their landscaping with rock and gravel products, including:
- Low-Maintenance: Unlike traditional grass or greenery options, rocks and gravel do not require constant watering or trimming. This makes them ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance option during the hot summer months when traditional plants may struggle.
- Versatility: Rock and gravel come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures which allow for endless possibilities when it comes to designing your landscape. You can create a natural and rustic look, or go for a more modern and sleek design depending on the type of rocks and gravel you choose.
- Weed Control: Unlike traditional plants that require regular maintenance to keep weeds at bay, rock and gravel landscaping naturally suppresses weed growth. This means less time spent pulling weeds and more time enjoying your yard.
In addition, summer involves dry soil, few mud spots and better visibility than other seasons for these kinds of products.
Rock and Gravel Options to Consider for Summer
While this is far from an exhaustive list, here are some great rock and gravel options for the summer season:
- River rock: This type of rock comes in a variety of sizes and colors, making it versatile for any landscaping project. It also helps with erosion control and adds texture to your yard.
- Chat: Perfect for paths or walkways, chat is small enough to be smooth underfoot but large enough to stay in place. It also comes in different colors, allowing you to customize the look of your outdoor space.
- Lava rock: Whether you choose bold red or deep black, lava rock adds a striking pop of contrast to landscapes and flowerbeds, making greenery and blooms really stand out.
- South Town cobble: These large, rounded stones are a great option for creating borders or edging around your garden beds. They can also be used to add texture and dimension to your landscaping design.
- Travertine: This type of natural stone is a popular choice for patios and walkways because of its durability and unique color variations. It can also be used to create stunning outdoor fireplaces or water features.
- Road base: For patios and driveways, road base is a cost-effective option that provides good drainage and stability. It is typically made up of crushed rock and gravel.
Determining Ideal Rock and Gravel Amounts
Here are some basic steps for determining how much rock or gravel you need for a given project:
- Choosing rock type and size: The first step is to determine what type and size of rock or gravel you will need for your project. This will depend on the purpose of the project, as well as personal preference for aesthetics.
- Coverage depth: Next up, you will need to determine the desired depth of coverage for your project. This will vary depending on the type of rock or gravel being used, as well as the intended use of the area.
- Calculating volume: Once you have decided on the type and size of rock or gravel, as well as the desired coverage depth, you can calculate the volume needed by multiplying these numbers together. Simply multiply the length of the area you’re covering with the width, then divide that result by the coverage depth you need.
- Order: You’re ready to place your order! Make sure to double check your measurements and calculations before ordering, as it’s always better to have a little extra material than not enough.
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re proud to offer a wide range of rock and gravel products for clients around Salt Lake City. Contact us today to learn more about this or any of our landscaping products!