How to Landscape With Lava Rock
Three types of lava rock are used in landscaping: red-hot, black and sunset. Red-hot is the color of red brick. Black lava rock ranges from gray to black, and sunset is a combination of red-hot and black. Lava rock does not fade, conserves moisture in the soil, doesn't wash away, helps control weeds and serves as a natural insulation for plant roots. It is simple to use it in your landscaping.
Rake leaves and other plant debris from around the base of your existing plants. If you are creating a new garden, outline the area for the bed with a hose, string or lawn-marking paint. Remove the sod in the outlined bed.
- Three types of lava rock are used in landscaping: red-hot, black and sunset.
- If you are creating a new garden, outline the area for the bed with a hose, string or lawn-marking paint.
Install the edging, if you choose to use it. Edging helps keep the lava rocks inside the flower bed, so that they are not hit with a lawn mower, and it helps keep weeds out of the flower bed.
Spray water over the entire bed, applying at least an inch, as the water helps pack the soil. For additional weed control, install weed barrier material before you layer the lava rock. While lava rock generally prevents weeds, a few may grow through.
Lay the lava rock in a layer around the base of the plants and throughout the flower bed. Lava rock is best used in beds that feature shrubs and other tall plants, because of its thickness. Do not allow the lava rock to rub the trunks and stems of the plants, as it could cut the plant, but get it as close as possible. Since the lava rock is thick, one layer is all you'll need.
- Install the edging, if you choose to use it.
- Do not allow the lava rock to rub the trunks and stems of the plants, as it could cut the plant, but get it as close as possible.
Tip
Add a layer of lava rock along sidewalks to provide a colorful border for sidewalks. If the sidewalks are lined with shrubs, the lava rock helps keep the shrubs' roots moist and controls the temperature for the roots.
Apply a layer lava rock along cool decks, above-ground pools and along the base of the outside walls of the house and sheds to help prevent weeds from growing against walls or over decks.
Related Articles
Tips
- Add a layer of lava rock along sidewalks to provide a colorful border for sidewalks. If the sidewalks are lined with shrubs, the lava rock helps keep the shrubs' roots moist and controls the temperature for the roots.
- Apply a layer lava rock along cool decks, above-ground pools and along the base of the outside walls of the house and sheds to help prevent weeds from growing against walls or over decks.
Writer Bio
Cayden Conor has been writing since 1996. She has been published on several websites and in the winter 1996 issue of "QECE." Conor specializes in home and garden, dogs, legal, automotive and business subjects, with years of hands-on experience in these areas. She has an Associate of Science (paralegal) from Manchester Community College and studied computer science, criminology and education at University of Tampa.
