Natural rock and boulders provide a relatively low-cost method for creating a significant difference in a landscape installation or remodel project. Natural rock can be a focal point or simply add the finishing touches that make a particular theme or mood stand out. For example, all of the following themes require natural stone as a key ingredient:

• tropical oasis

• desert

• dry streambed

• Japanese garden

However, proper placement of these elements is extremely important. Both safety and the correct look can be sacrificed if care is not taken. This simple guide to natural rock placement will help you give your projects the edge that separates them from the competition.  

Getting Ready to Rock

A natural stone veneer over a patio is an answer for a customer who wants something out of the ordinary. Remember, all of a rock's imperfections are an important part of the charm it lends to the project, so it's not necessary to "hand pick" each and every stone.

Selection of materials is the first consideration. Identify the theme or effect you are attempting to create, then identify how many and what type of rock(s) you will need. If at all possible, find a vendor with a wide variety of sizes and types so you are not limited in your selection.

If you're trying for a natural look, the environment around you will give clues as to the size, color and layout of your rock. Remember, all of a rock's imperfections are an important part of the charm it lends to the project, so it's not necessary to "hand pick" each and every stone. Avoid spending an eight-hour day in the rock yard with a finicky client selecting the "perfect" rocks. This is ineffective and wastes your time. Once the materials you need are finalized, arrange for the delivery and pre-plan the actual placement.

Create a natural looking environment by placing the larger rock on the edges and reducing the size of rock in the center. Don't spend too much time or try too hard for precision placement.

Pre-planning is the most critical step in the entire process. When preparing the site for installation of the rock remember that it's heavy. You will need clear access regardless of what you are using to place them.

Some of the tools that you will be using:

• leather gloves (they can save your hands)

• shovels

• picks

• water hose

• wheelbarrow

• tree or rock dolly (available at most equipment rental yards)

• digging or pry bar

For larger boulders, you may need the following:

• skid steer loader

• skip loader

• backhoe or crane

Incorporating several types of stone in close proximity creates an inviting environment. Natural rock can be a focal point or simply add the finishing touches that make a particular theme or mood stand out.

Be sure to double-check your work path prior to installation. Un-compacted irrigation and drainage trenches are dangerous. Look out for other tripping hazards, such as sprinkler heads and irigation lines.

There are a handful of common injuries to be aware of and take corrective measures prior to the installation. The pinching of fingers or hands caused by the rocks coming together, as well as cuts and bruises, can be avoided by using the right tools and the right number of people. Preparation will help avoid serious injuries such as lower back strains and crushed limbs.

Use rock as a method of retaining uneven areas, as well as facing masonry walls. For a nice finishing touch, accent the rocks with plants and lighting.

In the ideal situation, the foreman or supervisor should stand back and choreograph the final placement. Use tools and equipment whenever possible instead of bodies. A broken tool is far more desirable than an injury.

Setting It in Stone

Now that the preparations have been made, it's time to set the materials in place. When placing boulders, prepare the permanent location by digging a hole approximately one-third to one-half of the depth of the rock. When it is set into place, the lower portion of the rock should be invisible.

In addition, water features can be a fun and profitable way to set your work apart. Use larger rocks or boulders to mark directional changes, as if the boulder diverted the water naturally.

As with plants and trees, boulders have a "face." Pre-locate the most desirable side and attempt to set it right the first time. Injuries are most likely to occur when trying to move and re-set a boulder.

If you are placing multiple boulders, cluster them into odd-numbered groups of varying sizes for the best results. Avoid "sprinkling" the boulders onto the surface of the landscape; this looks man-made and is not the look usually expected by clients.

Think about how boulders in nature look and what forces may have caused them to come to rest as they do. Duplicating this natural layout will look much better than lining the rocks up in a row or evenly staggering them. Don't spend too much time or try too hard for precision placement. Pre-planning and a quick, efficient installation will help create that random, natural look.

Surround the natural stone with a pallet of plants using many colors and textures. As with plants and trees, boulders have a "face." Pre-locate the most desirable side and attempt to set it right the first time.

When installing smaller rock in a streambed or other cobble-type theme, place the larger of the cobble to the sides and have the smaller rock in the center. Use larger rocks or boulders to mark directional changes, as if the boulder diverted the water that once coursed through the stream. Again, use nature itself as your guide.

For a nice finishing touch, accent the rocks with plants and lighting. Incorporate the rock into the landscape and have branches, leaves or fronds hanging over them. Contrasting colors and flower petals stand out among rock, and compliment the colors, striations and variegations of the rock.

Here, the boulders were set with a tractor then grading and concrete were completed. Next, plant material will be placed in the multiple nooks created by stacking and staggering the rock. When the plants are mature, it will appear that the stairs were built in a natural boulder outcropping.

Of course, if the rocks or boulders are in a desert-type or other rock garden, sparse planting is required. A well-placed spot or pathway light can add depth and dimension to the landscape at night and create subtle focal points off the common walkway.