Xeriscaping is a landscaping method designed for dry climates, reducing water use while maintaining a beautiful yard. It often includes rock ground cover, drought-resistant plants, and strategic irrigation.
Even if you're not fully xeriscaping, rock ground cover is a great addition to any landscape. It helps with weed control, erosion prevention, and adds a clean, modern look. It costs more than mulch upfront, but will require less work and money over time.
Using landscape fabric beneath stone is highly recommended, as it prevents weeds and keeps the stone and soil from mixing. However, in some cases—such as large rural properties or gravel driveways—fabric may not be practical due to cost or specific site conditions.
If you choose not to use fabric, be prepared to spray for weeds regularly. Weeds growing in rock without fabric are difficult to remove, as they establish deep roots. Pulling them often means disturbing the rock and mixing in soil, which leads to even more weeds over time.
While some weeds may still appear with fabric, they are significantly fewer and much easier to remove by hand. Investing in proper fabric installation upfront saves time, effort, and maintenance in the long run.