Rock & Boulder Installation — Low Maintenance, High Impact
Transform your yard with decorative gravel, river rock, and natural boulders — drought-tolerant, long-lasting, and perfectly suited to Treasure Valley's climate.
Typical Timeframe: 1–3 DaysWhat's Included
A complete rock landscaping installation — from weed fabric to final shaping and edging.
- Site preparation & grading
- Landscape weed fabric installation
- Decorative gravel or river rock installation
- Boulder delivery & placement
- Landscape edging & border installation
- Dry creek bed design (optional)
- Raking, shaping & final cleanup
Why Jaramillo Landscape?
Rock landscaping done right looks beautiful and stays low maintenance. Done wrong — with cheap fabric that breaks down quickly or uneven rock depth — it turns into a weed nightmare within a season. We use commercial-grade weed fabric and install rock at the right depth to suppress weeds effectively for years.
For boulders, placement matters enormously. A boulder that looks natural is partially buried, set at the right angle, and oriented to show its best face. We have the equipment to position large boulders (hundreds to thousands of pounds) precisely where you want them.
We source rock locally from Treasure Valley suppliers — Idaho river rock, basalt, Mexican beach pebble, and various gravel sizes — and can show you samples before you commit to a material.
Our Process
Careful site prep is the difference between a rock landscape that stays weed-free and one that doesn't.
Design Consultation
We discuss material options, rock size, edging style, and boulder placement to design a landscape that matches your vision and budget.
Site Preparation
Existing vegetation is removed, the area is graded, and edging borders are set to contain the rock and create clean transitions.
Weed Fabric Installation
Commercial-grade, water-permeable weed barrier is installed across the full area, with overlapping seams and secured edges.
Rock or Gravel Installation
Rock or gravel is delivered and spread to the correct depth (typically 2–4 inches for decorative gravel, deeper for walkway areas).
Boulder Placement
Boulders are set using equipment, buried 1/3 into the ground for a natural look, and oriented to show their best face and texture.
Final Shaping & Cleanup
Rock is raked and shaped, borders are checked, and the site is completely cleaned before we leave.
Typical Timeframe
1–3 Days
A typical front or backyard rock install takes 1–2 days. Large areas or projects with many boulders may require 3 days. Boulder delivery scheduling can affect timeline.
Cost Factors
- Total square footage of area
- Rock type & size (gravel vs. river rock)
- Boulder count & size
- Edging material & length
- Site prep & weed fabric
- Access for delivery equipment
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Quality weed fabric under rock dramatically reduces weed growth — but no solution is 100% weed-free forever. Weed seeds blown in from outside can germinate on top of the rock layer. However, weeds that do appear in rock are much easier to pull than those in soil. With proper fabric, most homeowners see 85–95% reduction in weeding compared to lawn or bare soil areas.
For walkways and high-traffic areas, 3/4-inch minus or 1-inch crushed gravel compacts well and stays in place. For decorative beds, 1–2 inch river rock or pea gravel looks great and stays put. Fine gravel (under 3/8 inch) tends to scatter and track into the house. We'll help you choose the right size and type for each area of your project.
Boulders over a few hundred pounds require equipment — typically a skid steer with forks, a mini excavator, or occasionally a crane for very large specimens. We have access to the right equipment and can position boulders precisely where you want them, including in areas with limited access. Boulder size and accessibility will be factored into your estimate.
Rock landscaping is very low maintenance compared to lawn. Annual tasks include blowing or raking out leaf debris in the fall, spot-treating any weeds that appear, and occasionally refreshing rock depth if it settles or scatters. Most homeowners spend a few hours per year on rock areas versus weekly lawn mowing and watering.
Go Low Maintenance Without Sacrificing Curb Appeal
Get a free estimate for rock and boulder landscaping in Treasure Valley. We'll design a beautiful, water-smart yard that practically takes care of itself.