Get matched with top plant watering pros in Sterlington, LA

While they’re popular and have a lot of pros, the cons of river rocks include the following:

• River rocks don’t break down or provide nutrients to plants. 

• These stones can get hot and scorch nearby plants. 

• River stones may heat the surrounding soil to inhospitable temperatures. 

• Rocks can block rainwater from seeping into the ground if installations are too thick or tightly packed.

Most downsides occur when using river rock as mulch in gardens and flower beds. However, you can still incorporate river rocks into your landscape as long as you use them in the correct ways.

Placing your water feature in direct sun can speed up evaporation, leading to pump damage and algae growth. Shade or partial shade serves as the ideal location for most water features—just watch out for tree and plant debris that may fall in and clog the pump.

Installing an outdoor water fountain costs $2,700 on average, not including the cost of the unit. Prices range from $150 to $10,650, depending on your location, the type of fountain, size, and accessibility to the site. Self-contained fountains and water features recirculate the water within the unit. Depending on size and features like multi-tiered cascading bowls, they typically cost from $50 to $5,000. More elaborate fountains with waterfalls and ponds can cost from $450 to $10,000 or more.

Regularly clean pumps, remove debris, and monitor water levels to prevent algae growth and clogging.