Landscaping Over Bedrock: Drainage First, Then Stone or Grass

Durham, NC: Bedrock Backyard Needs Engineered Drainage

Builder scraped all soil to bedrock. Yard alternates dust and mud. Standing water occurs.

Fix: Grade → Fabric → Stone

1. Import fill to create slope away from house (2% min).
2. Lay geotextile fabric (stabilizes, separates).
3. Cover with 4–6" clean stone (57 stone, river rock). Easier to maintain than sand.

Weed Reality

Airborne soil + seeds = weeds in stone. Use pre-emergent or flame weeder periodically.

Grass Option (If You Want It)

Minimum 6–8" engineered soil over fabric. Irrigation required. Will brown in drought. Costly.

Stone with drainage is cheaper, lower maintenance, and solves the mud.