- 7 Ways to Landscape with Boulders<\/a><\/li>
- What You Need to Know About Landscaping with Boulders<\/a><\/li>
- How Do You Landscape With Boulders?<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About Landscaping With Boulders<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Landscaping is an art form that uses all sorts of natural mediums to turn a yard into a thing of beauty. That includes really big rocks.<\/p>
![\"landscaping](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/rsz_6919625666_6f43076e55_k-1-646x388.jpg\")
Arrange or Position Boulders Strategically<\/figcaption><\/figure> Here is what you need to know about landscaping with big rocks and some ideas for how to incorporate boulders in your front yard, backyard, or water features.<\/p>
7 Ways to Landscape with Boulders<\/h2>
1. Group Boulders in Clusters<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Boulders\"](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/rsz_2167611780_1bf46c39a2_k-646x485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David Ashleydale<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Try gathering boulders in groups, such as a rock wall for a fountain and pool.<\/p>
When placing boulders in your yard, think of what you\u2019re creating as a rock garden<\/a> on a large scale. <\/p>
- Cluster three or more boulders: <\/strong>This tends to make for a more interesting and eye-catching landscaping element than a single rock. <\/li>
- Boulders are rarely found alone in the wild:<\/strong> Grouping them together gives a more natural look.<\/li> <\/ul>
2. Arrange or Position Boulders Strategically<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Arrange](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/rsz_130957324_fd90c98e75_k-646x430.jpg\")
Photo Credit: grendelkhan<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Instead of just dropping a big rock down in the most obvious way, try unique ways of positioning your large stones. <\/p>
For example,<\/strong> boulders are sometimes found in what\u2019s known as a \u201cvertical\u201d position <\/em>where they sit taller than they do wide. <\/p>
Using some ground cover<\/a> around a well-positioned rock can make for an eye-popping focal point. Think of a boulder as the star of the show with the rest of your design being the supporting cast. <\/p>
3. Set Your Boulders in the Ground<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Rock](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/rsz_rock-stone-nature-solid-646x431.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pxfuel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Boulders<\/strong> should always be partially buried<\/strong> and set at least a few inches below the grade. But they can bring a different aesthetic when buried more than halfway underground. <\/p>
If you have a boulder with a large, flat side<\/strong>, consider leaving just that side exposed for an interesting element to a garden bed. This makes the boulder look like it has been there forever. <\/p>
4. Surround Boulders With Gravel<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Rock](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/rsz_rock-lawn-wall-soil-stone-wall-material-205705-pxherecom-646x485.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A mix of rocks in various sizes is both attractive and functional. Small rocks not only work with the natural look of landscaping with rocks, but they also help to prevent the large boulders from settling or shifting out of place. <\/p>
Think of the gravel as the natural mulch for your zen garden<\/a> or flower bed.<\/p>
5. Use Boulders in Levels or as Steps<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Natural](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/rsz_nature-stone-garden-plant-stone-wurz-646x485.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pxfuel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Boulders are a great tool for accenting or creating changes in elevation. Let the placement of your boulders flow with the shape of your yard to make them look like they belong there. <\/p>
6. Stack Boulders to Form a Retaining Wall<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"wall](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/rsz_fries-wall-old-build-building-quarry-stone-detail-1-646x418.jpg\")
Photo credit: Pxfuel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Boulders also make attractive, natural-looking retaining walls<\/a>. And a boulder wall is durable. Where a fence might be blown down in a strong wind a rock wall will stay in place.<\/p>
7. Light Up Your Boulders<\/strong><\/h3>
![\"Kindling](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/rsz_kindling_for_starting_a_campfire_img_2454-646x431.jpg\")
Photo credit: Billy Hathorn<\/a> \/ Wikimedia \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A great way to keep the curb appeal of your landscaping boulders throughout the night is to use landscape lighting<\/a>. Point the lights at your front yard boulders in interesting ways to highlight their shape and texture.<\/p>
Or\u2026 use boulders as a base for your fire pit to let the flames\u2019 natural light bounce off the boulders while you warm your hands and toes on your backyard patio.<\/p>
- Boulders are rarely found alone in the wild:<\/strong> Grouping them together gives a more natural look.<\/li> <\/ul>
- What You Need to Know About Landscaping with Boulders<\/a><\/li>