- What is River Rock?<\/a><\/li>
- 15 River Rock Landscaping Ideas<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About River Rock Landscaping<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is River Rock?<\/h2>
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/rsz_pexels-scott-webb-1029604.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Scott Webb<\/a> \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure> River rock is a type of rock that has been smoothed, rounded, and semi-polished by moving water. River rocks can be found on beaches, in stream beds, and riverbeds, and appear in a wide range of shapes and colors. They\u2019re typically 1 to 2 inches in diameter but can vary in size.<\/p>
We\u2019re sharing with you 15 river rock landscape design ideas for a little inspiration and creative guidance for your garden landscaping. From controlling erosion to adding texture to a walking path, to serving as mulch for your xeriscape, water-polished stones will do wonders for your landscape. Not to mention the low-maintenance care that accompanies them.<\/p>
15 River Rock Landscaping Ideas<\/h2>
1. Make a Rock Garden of River Rocks<\/h3>
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/rsz_1024px-walker_rock_garden_river-rock_wall_and_paths.jpg\")
Photo Credit: E. R. Scigliano<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A rock garden<\/a> needs pebbles and\/or boulders, but how about river rocks as a base? <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> Your succulents will pop right out of the garden (visually) with contrasting river rocks as a ground cover. This creative garden design provides a variety of different sizes and different colors of river rock. Not to mention it\u2019s a good option for drought-tolerant plants like succulents.<\/p>
Don\u2019t have a rock garden? Here\u2019s how to build a rock garden<\/a>. <\/p>
2. Build a Walking Path<\/h3>
![\"stone](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: foto76<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> River rocks can be used to create an elegant walking path of these small, round stones. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> The crunchy, clacking sounds as you walk on the rocks will delight your ears, and the path\u2019s texture will please the eyes. This also helps to provide a more natural look in your yard compared to other stonework.<\/p>
3. Spruce Up Your Moon Garden<\/h3>
![\"River](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/rsz_landscape-mansion-house-home-suburb-backyard-137092-pxherecom.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere<\/a> \/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Your moon garden shimmers and thrives under the moonlight with its white flowers and intoxicating blooms. To add extra glow, lay down garden paths or edges with white river rocks. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> The moonlight will reflect off the white surface and give your moon garden that extra shine. <\/p>
4. Encourage Good Drainage With a Dry Creek Bed<\/h3>
![\"Dry](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_rock-cobblestone-home-decoration-architect-pebble-1375803-pxherecom.jpg\")
4. Encourage Good Drainage With a Dry Creek Bed<\/figcaption><\/figure> Because rounded river rock does not fit snugly together to create a compact surface (like machine crushed gravel), water can easily pass through these small stones and into the ground. <\/p>
So what?<\/p>
Poor drainage can lead to contaminated runoff polluting water habitats, such as rivers and streams. Runoff can also damage your home\u2019s foundation or basement. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> A river rock surface has better drainage. Surfaces made of pavers<\/a>, concrete, or asphalt are impervious, meaning they don\u2019t allow water to drain into the ground underneath.<\/p>
5. Control Erosion <\/h3>
![\"River](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_50094072593_304f1a53f4_k.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joe Haupt<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If erosion has been a struggle in your landscape, river rocks are an excellent tool to keep your soil and plants in place in areas with heavy runoff or on a steep hill. <\/p>
If your landscape has naturally flowing water, such as a small creek, install river rock around the creek\u2019s edges to prevent erosion during heavy rain. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> A small pile of river rocks beneath the drain can put a stop to the water from your downspouts creating eroded areas. <\/p>
6. Design a Mosaic<\/h3>
![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/8252726656_6809bfea59_c-1.jpg\")
6. Design a Mosaic<\/figcaption><\/figure> Create a river rock mosaic that can be embedded in concrete to create a one-of-a-kind walking path in your front yard. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> A river rock mosaic in the front yard will have your friends and family gushing over your put-together lawn. <\/p>
7. Mulch Your Flower Beds<\/h3>
![\"Mulch](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Untitled-design-3.jpg\")
7. Mulch Your Flower Beds<\/figcaption><\/figure> Mulch your garden beds with river rock for an added dose of texture. River rock mulch helps prevent erosion and offers various colors and sizes to make those plants stand out in the landscape. It also helps to prevent weed growth in gardens.<\/p>
Better yet? Rock mulch offers a permanence that most organic mulches cannot. Organic mulches<\/a>, like wood chips or shredded bark, need routine replacement. If you\u2019re mulching on a budget<\/a>, a more permanent option may be what you need. <\/p>
Quick tips for drawing your sprinkler system plan:<\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> When using river rock as mulch, lay down landscape fabric underneath. If you ever need to remove the stones, the landscape fabric will make removal much more manageable. Otherwise, the rocks may sink into the soil. <\/p>
8. Landscape Edging <\/h3>
![\"rock](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/6f4a3f87-db9a-4799-a9b2-6bcb99250177-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photoscape<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Place a layer of river rocks around your garden beds as edging. Edging<\/a> accentuates your flower beds and gardens by creating a definitive border, and it helps to prevent erosion. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> Edging with river rocks can keep mulch from spilling out of garden beds after heavy rain or wind.<\/p>
9. Neaten Up Your Flagstones<\/h3>
![\"Flagstone](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_5729002460_6a457785e0_k.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Decorative Concrete Kingdom<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If your flagstone path is looking a little shabby with sprouting weeds and loose dirt, fill the gaps and crevices with small river rock. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> The river rocks will highlight your flagstones and give them a cleaner, striking look.<\/p>
10. Place at the Bottom of Your Water Features<\/h3>
![\"Rock](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_landscape-tree-water-nature-grass-outdoor-1077484-pxherecom-1.jpg\")
16. Rock Garden<\/figcaption><\/figure> If your landscape boasts a shallow pond or graceful water fountain, add river rock at the bottom for a calming, natural effect. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> The clear water will ripple over the beautiful stones. <\/p>
11. Accentuate Your Fire Pit<\/h3>
![\"River](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/9241760990_207e107646_c_11zon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> For a rustic outdoor space, install river rock as a ground cover around your fire pit, or use large river rocks to build a fire pit.<\/p>
The result:<\/strong> The river rock and firepit will make your backyard feel like a campground getaway, and you\u2019ll love how the small stones accent your fire pit\u2019s hardscape features. <\/p>
12. Give Your Poolscape a Makeover<\/h3>
![\"rocks](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_landscape-water-lawn-villa-desert-home-685251-pxherecom.jpg\")
12. Give Your Poolscape a Makeover<\/figcaption><\/figure> Add river rock around your above-ground<\/a> or in-ground pool<\/a>. Your poolscape makes just as strong an impression as your landscape \u2014 spruce up the aging patio and surrounding greenery with various river rock ground covers. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> River rocks will look stylish as a mulch ground cover for your pool\u2019s succulent garden<\/a>. Lay down a river rock walking path to lead the way, or place your pool\u2019s patio furniture on a river rock bed. <\/p>
13. Design Retaining Walls<\/h3>
![\"retaining](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_3126143714_f1c06f80b4_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Field Outdoor Spaces<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Medium- to large-sized river rocks can make useful material for retaining walls. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> Retaining walls help prevent erosion, makes landscaping on hilly terrain more manageable and supports raised garden beds. <\/p>
14. Get Xeriscaping<\/h3>
![\"xeriscaped](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/rsz_51024px-xeriscape_1_hidden_meadows.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Downtowngal<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> River rock will fit seamlessly into your xeriscape and encourage good drainage in your dry garden. <\/p>
Xeriscaping<\/a> is a landscaping style intended to conserve water and require as little irrigation as possible. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> If you xeriscape just right, your garden should require water only from the local climate. <\/p>
15. Turn River Stones Into Stepping Stones<\/h3>
![\"Natural](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/rsz_nature-stone-garden-plant-stone-wurz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure> Carefully placed river rocks can make cute stepping stones leading to the butterfly garden, the front door, or the she shed. <\/p>
The result:<\/strong> River rocks serve as stepping stones and placing them can be a fun, simple project for backyard landscaping<\/a>. <\/p>
FAQ About River Rock Landscaping<\/h2>
How Much Does River Rock Cost?<\/strong>River rock prices will vary depending on the rocks\u2019 size, color, shape, and whether they are polished.\u00a0
How is River Rock Installed?<\/strong>Not all river rock installations are the same. Whether you\u2019re spreading river rock as a mulch, pathway, or drainage system, follow the guidelines for your specific landscape project.\u00a0
Are There Disadvantages to Using River Rock?<\/strong>Some homeowners may prefer to work with other landscape materials besides river rock.\u00a0
When to Call a Professional Landscaper<\/h2>
Landscaping with river rock isn\u2019t always easy. When you have a range of landscaping designs and different river rock types to choose from, sometimes you need a professional\u2019s advice. <\/p>
Call a professional landscaper near you<\/a> if you need assistance with river rock landscape design, installation, river rock removal, or moving large stones.<\/p>
Main image credit: Jeremy Levine<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
River rock, featuring 50 shades of grays, beiges, and browns, can transform your home landscape into a natural beauty. But […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":51830,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[25],"class_list":["post-22771","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping-2"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/rsz_2888120894_a2b9f9e43f_o.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"yoast_head":"\n
How to Landscape With River Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Considering grass alternatives? River rock offers new looks to your landscaping with none of the hassles that come with traditional lawn care.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Landscape With River Rock\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Considering grass alternatives? 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She enjoys teaching readers about the importance of eco-friendly lawn care, integrated pest management, biodiversity, and sustainable landscaping.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/jane-purnell\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\\\/#faq-question-1658831733302\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\\\/#faq-question-1658831733302\",\"name\":\"How Much Does River Rock Cost?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"River rock prices will vary depending on the rocks\u2019 size, color, shape, and whether they are polished.\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>Buying by the ton? Cost may range between $100 and $300 per ton, sometimes costing as high as $800 per ton.<br\\\/><br\\\/>Cost per pound? Prices typically range between 5 cents and $1 per pound.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\\\/#faq-question-1658831769715\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\\\/#faq-question-1658831769715\",\"name\":\"How is River Rock Installed?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Not all river rock installations are the same. Whether you\u2019re spreading river rock as a mulch, pathway, or drainage system, follow the guidelines for your specific landscape project.\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>Many river rock landscape ideas are easy DIY projects, while others may require a professional for installation.\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>In some cases, you may want to use landscape fabric beneath the rocks to control weeds and prevent the stones from embedding in the soil. If you place a few medium-sized river rocks beneath a downspout to control drainage, you may not need landscape fabric.<br\\\/><br\\\/>If you are spreading river rock around plants, you\u2019ll want to work slowly. Lay down your river rock by the handful, and carefully spread it out around your plants.\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>Keep in mind: The depth of your river rock layer will vary depending on the rock sizes you\u2019re installing.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\\\/#faq-question-1658831824943\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\\\/#faq-question-1658831824943\",\"name\":\"Are There Disadvantages to Using River Rock?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Some homeowners may prefer to work with other landscape materials besides river rock.\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>Here are a few of river rock\u2019s disadvantages:\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/> \u2022 Removal from the landscape can be tricky\u00a0<br\\\/> \u2022 May require a barrier between river rock and the soil, such as landscape fabric\u00a0<br\\\/> \u2022 It\u2019s an inorganic mulch, meaning it won\u2019t return nutrients into the soil for your plants.<br\\\/> \u2022 River rock absorbs heat and may become too hot to touch. The excess heat also may harm some plants.\u00a0<br\\\/> \u2022 Adding new plants to a river rock ground cover can be difficult.\u00a0<br\\\/> \u2022 River rock can be expensive.\u00a0<br\\\/> \u2022 Debris, such as seeds and dirt, may build up between river rocks.\u00a0<br\\\/> \u2022 Mowing too close to river rocks may damage your mower. How? The lawn mower may also expel the stones and cause injury to a person nearby.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Landscape With River Rock","description":"Considering grass alternatives? 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River rock offers new looks to your landscaping with none of the hassles that come with traditional lawn care.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/","og_site_name":"Lawnstarter","article_published_time":"2020-10-15T18:30:38+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-12-11T04:38:15+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":797,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/rsz_2888120894_a2b9f9e43f_o.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Jane Purnell","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Jane Purnell","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/"},"author":{"name":"Jane Purnell","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/bf234ce93dddf4eff369346460048449"},"headline":"How to Landscape With River Rock","datePublished":"2020-10-15T18:30:38+00:00","dateModified":"2024-12-11T04:38:15+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/"},"wordCount":1711,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/rsz_2888120894_a2b9f9e43f_o.jpg?wsr","keywords":["landscaping"],"articleSection":["Landscaping"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/","name":"How to Landscape With River Rock","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/rsz_2888120894_a2b9f9e43f_o.jpg?wsr","datePublished":"2020-10-15T18:30:38+00:00","dateModified":"2024-12-11T04:38:15+00:00","description":"Considering grass alternatives? 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She enjoys teaching readers about the importance of eco-friendly lawn care, integrated pest management, biodiversity, and sustainable landscaping.","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#faq-question-1658831733302","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#faq-question-1658831733302","name":"How Much Does River Rock Cost?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"River rock prices will vary depending on the rocks\u2019 size, color, shape, and whether they are polished.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>Buying by the ton? Cost may range between $100 and $300 per ton, sometimes costing as high as $800 per ton.<br\/><br\/>Cost per pound? Prices typically range between 5 cents and $1 per pound.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#faq-question-1658831769715","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#faq-question-1658831769715","name":"How is River Rock Installed?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Not all river rock installations are the same. Whether you\u2019re spreading river rock as a mulch, pathway, or drainage system, follow the guidelines for your specific landscape project.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>Many river rock landscape ideas are easy DIY projects, while others may require a professional for installation.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>In some cases, you may want to use landscape fabric beneath the rocks to control weeds and prevent the stones from embedding in the soil. If you place a few medium-sized river rocks beneath a downspout to control drainage, you may not need landscape fabric.<br\/><br\/>If you are spreading river rock around plants, you\u2019ll want to work slowly. Lay down your river rock by the handful, and carefully spread it out around your plants.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>Keep in mind: The depth of your river rock layer will vary depending on the rock sizes you\u2019re installing.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#faq-question-1658831824943","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-landscape-with-river-rock\/#faq-question-1658831824943","name":"Are There Disadvantages to Using River Rock?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Some homeowners may prefer to work with other landscape materials besides river rock.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>Here are a few of river rock\u2019s disadvantages:\u00a0<br\/><br\/> \u2022 Removal from the landscape can be tricky\u00a0<br\/> \u2022 May require a barrier between river rock and the soil, such as landscape fabric\u00a0<br\/> \u2022 It\u2019s an inorganic mulch, meaning it won\u2019t return nutrients into the soil for your plants.<br\/> \u2022 River rock absorbs heat and may become too hot to touch. The excess heat also may harm some plants.\u00a0<br\/> \u2022 Adding new plants to a river rock ground cover can be difficult.\u00a0<br\/> \u2022 River rock can be expensive.\u00a0<br\/> \u2022 Debris, such as seeds and dirt, may build up between river rocks.\u00a0<br\/> \u2022 Mowing too close to river rocks may damage your mower. How? The lawn mower may also expel the stones and cause injury to a person nearby.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22771"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22771\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51830"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22771"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22771"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}} - 15 River Rock Landscaping Ideas<\/a><\/li>