When it comes to landscaping with river rocks, there are a few options you can consider for what to put under them. One common choice is to use landscape fabric, also known as weed barrier, to help control weed growth and prevent the rocks from sinking into the soil. This fabric is typically made of a woven or non-woven material that allows water and air to pass through while blocking the growth of weeds.
Using landscape fabric has its advantages. It can be effective in suppressing weed growth, keeping your landscaping area looking neat and well-maintained. It also helps to prevent the rocks from embedding themselves into the soil over time, which can make it difficult to remove them if needed.
To use landscape fabric, you would first need to prepare the area by removing any existing weeds or grass. Then, you would lay the fabric over the desired area, making sure to overlap the edges by a few inches to ensure complete coverage. Secure the fabric in place with landscape fabric pins to keep it from shifting or blowing away.
However, it’s worth noting that landscape fabric is not always necessary or appropriate for every landscaping project involving river rocks. In some cases, such as when using larger river rocks beneath a downspout to control drainage, you may not need to use landscape fabric. The rocks themselves can act as a barrier to suppress weed growth and provide stability to the area.
Another option to consider is using a layer of mulch beneath the river rocks. This can help with weed control and provide additional insulation for the soil. However, keep in mind that mulch may break down over time and may need to be replenished periodically.
Personally, I have used landscape fabric beneath river rocks in my own landscaping projects. It has helped to keep the area weed-free and has prevented the rocks from sinking into the soil. However, I have also used larger river rocks in certain areas without landscape fabric, and they have still been effective in preventing weed growth.
To summarize, when using river rocks for landscaping, you may choose to use landscape fabric to control weeds and prevent the rocks from embedding into the soil. However, this is not always necessary and may depend on the specific project and the size of the rocks being used. Consider factors such as drainage requirements and the potential for weed growth when deciding what to put under river rocks in your landscaping.
