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The best type of rock for landscaping depends on your specific project and needs, as different rocks are suited for different applications. For covering large areas or creating an affordable driveway, consider gravel, but note that it can wash away in flowing water. For water features, river rocks are a good option. Flagstone and cobblestone are ideal for aesthetically pleasing patios and walkways. If you are building a stone wall, fieldstone or small boulders are up to the task. Large boulders and landscape rocks work well as statement pieces, to fill empty space, or to indicate boundaries, but be mindful that they can overwhelm smaller gardens. The best approach is to first define your landscaping project and then select the rock type that best fits that purpose.

While you can leave roots in the ground, if you don’t want the shrub to regrow again over time, it’s best not to leave any roots behind. Ensure you remove as much of the shrub as possible, including the root ball and any main roots you can see, to prevent new growth. Some gardeners opt for using a chemical treatment to prevent the stump from growing back, but this can kill beneficial microorganisms living in your soil.

Many people have used old tires in gardens as raised beds, planters, tree rings, and DIY decor. However, these uses are not recommended due to the toxicity of many of the chemicals used to manufacture tires. These chemicals can leach into the soil and water as the tire breaks down, creating environmental pollution and health hazards for gardeners and their families.

Buying plants from a nursery is one thing, but ensuring that they are properly planted is another. While you might not need to hire a landscaper for every plant that you buy from a nursery, it’s a great idea to have their expertise and experience to plant larger items, like burlapped trees or specialty plants like rose bushes. Even better, before making a trip to a nursery to buy new plants, consult a local landscaper to test your soil for pH levels, soil texture, and phosphorus and potassium levels to help determine the best plants for your area.