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There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right size river rock for a landscaping project. First, think about how you’ll use the rocks. For example, if you’re installing them as part of a water feature, medium-sized stones (ranging between 2 and 5 inches) often work best. Smaller rocks (from 1 and 3 inches) are better for walkways and pathways, while a mix of medium and large stones (between 3 and 8 inches) is ideal for garden beds.

Determining how many boulders you’ll need for your landscaping project depends on the area you need to cover and how big each boulder is. First, you’ll need to determine how big of an area you want covered, then divide that by the base surface area of the boulders. A landscape professional can help you determine how many boulders will be right for your project.

To prepare your yard for river rocks, smaller rocks may require laying landscape fabric to keep the stones from sinking into the ground while encouraging proper water drainage. You should also clear the land of weeds and larger boulders and, in some cases, test the density of the soil to ensure it can handle the weight.

While you can put gravel directly on dirt, it won’t be very stable. It also won’t block out any weeds. Most experts recommend layering weed barrier and a layer of packed sand or other foundation material to prevent the gravel from sinking into the earth and being overtaken by weeds.