Landscaping Rocks Give Your Yard a Natural Look

Now that temperatures are cooling down, it is a great time to look for natural landscaping rocks for your yard. Cool temperatures mean that natural vegetation isn't going to be as bothersome, insects aren't as bad, and it's much more comfortable roaming the countryside when it is 60 rather than 95 degrees.

Where to Use Landscaping Rocks

The first step is to decide where you might use the landscaping rocks. Smaller rocks often look nice outlining flower or planting beds, or outlining a footpath. You may want to use smaller rocks to create perimeters around large trees, or simply scattered throughout your flower gardens.

Larger rocks often are used as accents in grassed areas of yards. They create an organic feeling of what was once there before a house was built, much like large trees do. Your home looks like it is a part of nature.

Where to Find Natural Landscaping Rocks

One of the best sources of natural landscaping rock is in creek, stream, and river beds. These river rocks are usually rounded from centuries of water flowing around them. They are available in all sizes and colors.

Another useful place to look is around new home developments. Builders often uncover rocks of all sizes when excavating for home foundations, and are usually happy to give them away.

Safety First

When you are looking for landscaping rocks:

• Always ask permission before you venture on to land that may be private property.
• If you will be out during hunting season in your area, wear bright orange.
• Don't try to pick up and carry a rock that is too heavy.
• Wear heavy gloves, and be careful of what may be underneath the rock you are moving.

Jeffrey Anderson has a Degree in English from V.M.I. and served as an officer in the Marine Corps. He worked in Residential and Commercial construction management for 25 years before retiring to write full time.