How to Install Decorative Boulders

Draw out a blueprint or rough sketch of the flower bed that details the placement of the decorative boulders. Scale the decorative boulders to the landscape for a balanced design.

Gather ideas from magazines and books that use boulders in the design. Plan the installation first to help avoid last-minute changes.

Sketch important features into the design like drainage ditches and utility lines, as they can sustain damage when installing rocks in the landscape.

Discard debris from the planting site, including twigs, small rocks and all other items that are not part of the project. Clear out the space with a rake and tamp down for a level, compacted site.

Install edging between the border or bed and where you will situate the decorative boulders, as this guarantees they won't move from the site. Dig down into the soil and create a trench for the landscape edging. Secure the edging into place with a mallet.

Lay landscape cloth over the area where you will place the boulders. Make sure not to use the landscape cloth in areas where you plan to grow flowers or plants.

Rest the boulders over the landscape cloth and adjust their position until you have the preferred design and layout. Rent a loader to help place oversized boulders.