Decorative stone can add a stunning, polished look to your landscape, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and providing a low-maintenance option for garden beds and pathways. After installation, there are a few things you might notice and some care steps to keep in mind to ensure your stone looks its best. Here’s what you can expect and how to maintain your new decorative stone.
1. Initial Dust and True Color
When your decorative stone is first installed, you may notice a layer of dust on the surface. This is common and comes from the bulk piles the stone was sourced from. This dust can dull the stone's appearance and hide its true color.
How to Reveal the True Color:
- Gently Wash with a Hose: Use a gentle spray from your garden hose to wash off the dust. Avoid using a high-pressure setting as it may dislodge the stones or disturb the underlying landscape fabric.
- Wait for Rain: If you prefer a more natural approach, a good rain will also wash away the dust, revealing the true, vibrant colors of your decorative stone.
2. Settling and Touch-ups
As with any landscape material, decorative stone may settle over time, especially after the first few heavy rains or after walking on the area. This settling is a normal part of the process.
Expect the Following:
- Minor Settling: Stones may shift slightly and create small gaps or uneven areas.
- Touch-ups Needed: To maintain a uniform appearance, you might need to add a few more stones to fill in any gaps or areas that have settled too much.
Pro Tip: Keep the Stone Name Handy
- It's important to remember the name and type of decorative stone used in your landscape. This information will be crucial for future touch-ups, especially when re-edging beds or expanding the area. Matching the exact stone type ensures consistency in color and size.
3. Routine Maintenance
While decorative stone is low-maintenance compared to other landscaping options, a bit of routine care can keep it looking its best.
Maintenance Tips:
- Remove Debris: Regularly remove leaves, twigs, and other debris that can accumulate on the stones. This prevents organic matter from decomposing and potentially causing weed growth.
- Weed Control: Although landscape fabric helps reduce weed growth, some weeds may still appear. Hand-pull any weeds promptly to prevent them from spreading.
- Replenish Stones: Over time, some stones may migrate or sink deeper into the ground. Plan to add a fresh layer of stones every couple of years to maintain the desired depth and appearance.
4. Enhancing the Look
To further enhance the beauty of your decorative stone, consider incorporating other landscape elements such as plants, lighting, and garden ornaments. These additions can create a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space.
Installing decorative stone in your landscape is a fantastic way to achieve a clean, sophisticated look with minimal upkeep. By understanding what to expect after installation and following these simple maintenance tips, you can ensure your stone remains a beautiful feature of your outdoor space.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team at TruScape. We’re here to help you enjoy and maintain your beautiful landscape.
