Landscaping with Boulders: What You Should Know and 7 Ideas for a Big Effect

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Large stones or boulders can turn a dull landscape into a very interesting one. However, this doesn’t mean you can just place a rock anywhere in your backyard and you’ll have a nice design. Things are a little bit more complicated than that. For this reason, today we will show you what you should know about landscaping with boulders and offer you a couple of suggestions.

What Are Some Unique Ideas for Incorporating Boulders in Rock Landscaping?

Boulders serve as impactful focal points in rock landscaping ideas. Consider creating a visually stunning display by grouping different-sized boulders together. Artfully nestle them among plants to create natural-looking formations. Utilize boulders as barriers or create unique seating areas by integrating them as functional elements. Enhance the overall landscape by combining boulders with other textured elements like gravel or pebbles for a harmonious look.

What You Should Know about Landscaping with Boulders

1. What Boulders to Use?

Naturally, not any rock you’ll stumble upon is going to fit your space perfectly. However, it would be best to use a rock either from your property or from a place that is close to your home. Otherwise, if you choose to carry it (or them) from a long distance, it can become quite expensive. Look at the type and the color of the rocks that appear naturally in your area. Choose a boulder that resembles them to make it look more natural. Another thing to pay attention to is the size. The boulder should always be proportional to the location. For example, if you have a small yard, you shouldn’t go for a very large stone. At the same time, if you have a giant property, don’t place small rocks in the center. Lay the rocks in groups if you want them to look natural. landscaping with boulders boulder fire pit

2. Boulder Shapes

Obviously, there are plenty of boulder shapes, which makes a choice even harder. How can you know which one to use? Here you have a quick rundown of the most common boulder shapes:
  • Tall vertical – this shape is taller than wider. Usually, it’s placed on the taller half (for a waterfall, for instance), or set as the central stone in a complex composition. You can think of it as the hinge of a composition on which the other stones rely.
  • Low vertical – this is wider rather than tall. It resembles the first shape but considering its height, it’s much wider. The massive stone often accompanies tall vertical boulders, so don’t place it like a monolith.
  • Arching – The third option is a rather odd shape that overhangs either on the right or on the left. People also call it a thrusting stone. It gets slightly lower than the low vertical type of boulder and it brings stability and strength to the essential points of your garden. Place it at an angle if you want to have a prominent arch.
  • Flat – Perhaps the simplest option, a flat boulder measures less than a foot tall, but it has no limits on width and length. It has a flat top surface and most of the time, people use it in front of a composition, as a bridge, next to a body of water, or as walks and stepping stones.
  • Reclining – The last boulder shape looks like a reclining animal. Its head is on one end, being narrower and higher than the hips found at the other end. It brings plenty of strength to your space, which is why people call it an ox stone. The diagonal top line can be used to draw the eye to other element(s) found nearby in the garden, just like a pointer.

3. Are You Allowed to Use Them?

Before starting to think about landscaping ideas, it would be useful to check if you have the permission to use them. Check with the local government, as well as any homeowners’ association if you belong to one. See if there are any rules or other laws that restrict the use of boulders. Obviously, if you have a landlord, you should ask for their permission first. Lastly, make sure you place it on your property, not on a shared access route or an easement. landscaping with boulders boulder pond

4. Choose the Location

You need to have a clear route if you want to move the boulder into the location. Moreover, the equipment you are going to use needs enough space as well. Before starting work, check if there are any underground pipes, lines, septic fields or tanks. You shouldn’t place boulders over any such places. Furthermore, you shouldn’t restrict any access for the emergency personnel or public utility lines. Finally, think about what other plans you have in the future for the property and see if it’s a good idea to place a boulder where you intended to.

5. Prepare the Site

After you made sure the location is okay, it’s time to prepare the site. Make sure there is no sod or other vegetation in the area you marked for the boulder. Take out around 2 inches of soil from the area where your boulder will be placed. This helps it look more nestled into the environment. Moreover, you can make sure it’s not going to move out of place. landscaping with boulders boulder waterfall

6. Set the Boulder in Place

The next step for landscaping with boulders is to set the rocks in place. If the boulder is very big, make sure you have the right equipment to move it safely. The smaller ones can be rolled by hand, especially if you have a few friends to help you. With the bigger ones, you can use a roller bar system, or a winch placed on a truck. However, for the largest ones, you may want to rent or hire some large earth or rock moving equipment.

7. Use a Base

In some cases, it’s essential for the boulder to stay right where it is. For example, if you integrate it with paving or you make them a focal point in your design. Create a bed of concrete and gravel below the rock. In this way, you will manage to hold it in position and prevent any shifting or settling. It’s a good idea if you want to obtain a dramatic setting as well. If you place the boulder on a hill, it’s important to anchor it in the soil to prevent any accident. This is a useful tip to remember if you’re landscaping with pavers as well.

Ideas on Landscaping with Boulders to Inspire You

1. Lighting Boulders

If you want to create an original setting in your backyard, it’s a good idea to light the boulders. The most important rule here is to light at night only the ones that are focal points during the day. As such, you can use a spotlight that will convey a warm glow. At the same time, you can also go for backlighting. If you have any trees behind a group of boulders, you can up light it and create an effect like a silhouette. landscaping with boulders stepping stones

2. Mimicking Nature

This is a great idea for those who want to achieve a look as natural as possible when landscaping with boulders. For example, if you place all the boulders with the flat side up, you will only have a methodical, mundane aspect. If you look in nature, you will notice that the boulders there aren’t placed symmetrically or in a certain order. Get creative when landscaping with boulders and place them in a variety of ways. Let some of them stay flat, while others should stand upright.

3. Grouping Boulders

A single stone may look a little bit out of place, a reason for which you should always group them. Three stones are enough to form a natural-looking group, so don’t be afraid to mix them up. A good technique is to place two of them close to each other (even touching), and set the third one nearby. landscaping with boulders rock garden waterfall

4. Edging

If you want to obtain a natural edging to a flowerbed, it’s a good idea to use boulders. Depending on their size, they can be used as a retaining wall, which is useful if you want to hold back a slope.

5. Lining the Front Yard

If you have large boulders that reach 3 – 4 feet tall, you can use them to line your front yard. Space them 1 foot apart and create a fence that defines the boundary line. However, make sure you allow for passage between the stones you place. It’s a good idea to use this idea if you live, for example, on a busy street with a house placed near the road. The large boulders can help you protect both the front yard and your home, from the runaway cars. At the same time, you can make use of the boulders and place them in your driveway. They will act as a curb stop for the cars parked there.

6. Concealing Unattractive Features

Your lawn may not be perfect, and it’s okay for it to be like this. However, if there are some parts you want to hide, such as a utility box that is exposed, you can use a large boulder to mask it. However, make sure there is enough room for the utility workers to access the box if that is the case. landscaping with boulders zen stone path

7. Growing Moss

Moss is important because it makes landscaping with boulders look more natural. However, it can take quite a lot of time for it to grow naturally, which is why you can boost it. Blend two parts moss with two parts water and add 1 part buttermilk. Paint the boulder with this slurry in a shaded location to encourage moss to grow there. Mist the boulder with this mixture frequently to offer enough moist for the moss.

Conclusion

Landscaping with boulders is a great idea both aesthetically and practically. Adding large stones to your front yard can make it more attractive, and you can play around with various styles. At the same time, you can use the rocks smartly to conceal certain features in your space. Regardless of the reasons you have for using them, make sure you are manipulating them in a safe manner. Images source: depositphotos.com
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