Replacing a Lawn with Stone Mulch: Considerations and Installation Tips

Replacing a Lawn with Stone Mulch: Considerations and Installation Tips

Stone mulch eliminates mowing but introduces new issues.

Drawbacks

• Stones thrown by rotary mowers cause injury/property damage.
• Stones become projectiles for vandals.
• Debris (leaves, stems) hard to remove from stone.
• Does not prevent all weedy grasses.

If You Proceed

• Use black polyethylene under stone to block weeds and prevent sinking.
• Perforate plastic every sq ft for drainage.
• Choose color to complement architecture.
• River rock works well near foundations where heat kills grass.

Resources

• Missouri State: Inorganic Mulch Ratings (Table 3)
• Michigan State: Mulch Madness

Consider keeping the lawn—proper care is often less work long-term.