How to Landscape With River Rock in Greenville, South Carolina

Draw a map of your yard, and determine how you would like to use the rock. Get some ideas on where to use the rock by perusing the "Using river rock in your landscaping" page of the Home Buying Institute, or the "River Rock Landscaping Ideas" page of the Backyard Landscaping Ideas web page. One good way to use river rock is to use it in a path that leads from the house to a special feature of the yard, such as a gazebo or garden. For this use, draw out the direction your path will take and use a tape measure to determine how long the path will be. Decide on the width of the path -- which is typically two to three feet.

Multiply the length of your path by the width of your path to determine the total square feet of rock you will need. According to Greenville's Southern Mulch, one ton of their 1.5 to 1.3 inch river rock would cover between 100 to 110 square feet, if the rock is placed two inches thick.

Order the stone from a local landscaping supply company, such as Landscapers Supply, Southern Mulch or Super Landscape Supply. (See resources 1,2,3.) If you do not have your own truck, be sure to ask about their delivery rates to your part of town.

Dig out any grass or weeds from the area you will be covering with river rock, and cover with landscaping fabric. For a more finished look to the edges of the landscaped area, use a black edging material that you bury a few inches into the soil. Since Greenville does get cold in the winters, this part is probably best done in the spring, when the ground is the most moist, as opposed to the winter or fall when the ground may be frozen.

Drop your river rock at the edge of the area you will be covering, and use a wheelbarrow to move the rock to the areas you will be covering. For a more professional and even look, place a plumb line or two over the path or area to make sure you are putting an even amount of rock in all places.