Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Big Wells, TX

Depending on the size of the river rock and the density of your soil, add woven landscape fabric or sand under river rock. The extra layer will ensure your river rock sits evenly and doesn't create puddles or uneven areas throughout the design. In some cases, nothing is necessary beneath river rock, but be sure to speak with a landscaper to keep your landscaping looking sharp.

Many ways to landscape a steep slope on a budget exist. Avoiding expensive retaining wall construction is the first step. Consider creating a rocky slope with boulders or large stones, or think about planting perennials that return every year with a single investment. Transplanting small trees from elsewhere on your property is also possible and can help to stabilize steep slopes without purchasing new ones. 

Yes, you need to use landscape fabric under your rubber mulch. Rubber mulch doesn’t decompose, so putting landscape fabric down can work as a barrier between your mulch and soil, preventing your mulch from mixing with your soil and leaching chemicals like aluminum, cadmium, and copper into it. Also, since weeds can occasionally get through rubber mulch, using landscape fabric as a second form of protection can increase its effectiveness. 

Most experts recommend a quarter-inch layer of compost for best results, and you will need about .77 cubic yards of material per 1,000 square feet. To measure how much compost to use, take the square footage of your yard and multiply it by .77, then divide that number by 1,000.