Bothell Decorative Rock Installation Services
Hey there, Bothell homeowners! If you’ve been eyeing a landscape upgrade, decorative rock is the way to go. But let’s be real—it can turn into a chaotic mess if not handled correctly. Using the wrong size, skipping edge restraints, or even laying down fabric in planting beds can lead to weeds, washouts, and rock migrating into your lawn. At Neat & Tidy, we specialize in decorative rock installation done right—with clean lines, correct depth, and drainage solutions that hold up against Bothell’s rainy climate.
What’s the Problem?
Here are some common headaches we help you avoid:
- Rock drifting into your lawn and walkways because of inadequate edge restraint.
- Pesky weeds popping through just months after installation.
- Washouts on slopes and at downspouts, creating puddles instead of drainage.
- Fabric laid under planting beds that chokes roots and looks outdated.
- Slippery pea gravel paths that are a hassle to walk on and track indoors.
What We Install (and Where It Shines)
We offer a variety of decorative rock options that cater to your unique landscape needs in Bothell:
- River rock (1–2”) — perfect for creating serene dry creek beds, splash pads under downspouts, or accent bands around gardens.
- Crushed “minus” (¼″–10, ⅜″ minus) — ideal for compactable walking paths that are stroller-friendly.
- Clean crushed (⅝″ clean, 1¼″ clean) — best for drainage zones that need to stay clog-free.
- Basalt/granite cobble & boulders — these are great for edging, step sides, slope stabilization, and as visual anchors.
- Pea gravel (⅜″ round) — strictly for decorative pockets; avoid using it on slopes or high-traffic paths.
- Gravel grid (stabilization cells) — perfect for drive strips, alley aprons, or steeper paths that require extra traction.
Fabric Policy: We believe in using geotextile under paths and drive lanes only (to separate from clay). No fabric in planting beds—we trust mulch and plant density for healthy root growth.
How We Build (So It Actually Stays Put)
Our meticulous step-by-step process guarantees a long-lasting installation that you’ll love:
- Site Evaluation — we assess the grade, water sources, soil type, wind patterns, and traffic flow.
- Edge Restraint — we use durable steel/aluminum edging, stone bands, or concrete mow strips to keep the rock exactly where it belongs.
- Base Preparation — we remove any organic material and add/compact a crushed rock base for paths and drive lanes.
- Geotextile Application — we only use woven/separation fabric on paths and driveways to keep plant roots happy.
- Set the Depth — our goal is a 2–3” finished depth that’s just right.
- Drainage Solutions — we design swales, splash pads, or dry creek routes to effectively manage water flow.
- Placement & Finishing Touches — we ensure even coverage, tight transition seams, and no “thin spots” to invite weeds.
Just to clarify: covering weeds with rock is a temporary fix. We prep thoroughly, or we won’t do the job.
Coverage Math (Order the Right Amount)
- 1 cubic yard covers: Approximately 324 sq ft @ 1”, 162 sq ft @ 2”, 108 sq ft @ 3”.
- Example: For a 450 sq ft path at 2” → 450 ÷ 162 ≈ 2.8 yd³ → order 3 yd³ (we recommend rounding up for curves and settling).
Details That Make It Last
We focus on the finer details that enhance your landscape’s durability and beauty:
- Transitions — neat seams to lawn, pavers, and concrete, making it easy to mow and edge without displacing rock.
- Slope Control — we use jute/coir and rock “check” bands; grids on steep areas prevent slippage.
- Window Safety — we ensure no fling-zone rock is near mower passes by adjusting edges or materials accordingly.
- Planting Compatibility — we help you select stone that complements your plants and reflects heat appropriately (lighter rock = hotter soil).
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)
Keep your landscape looking its best with our comprehensive maintenance plan:
- Weed Prevention — we apply pre-emergent treatments where appropriate and schedule hand pulls (IPM-first).
- Rake & Reset — we re-level traffic lanes, pull rock back from edges, and tidy seams.
- Top-Ups — we provide light refreshes where rock settles or migrates.
- Drainage Checks — we clear leaves from dry creeks and splash pads to ensure proper flow.
- Moss/Algae Control — shaded areas are treated as needed (without pressure blasting fines).
We’re your low-maintenance landscaping crew, aiming for fewer issues between visits and less hassle for you.
Service Cadences (Pick What Fits)
Choose a maintenance schedule that works for your lifestyle:
- Quarterly — includes spring/fall resets plus two tune-ups.
- Bi-Monthly — ideal for areas with heavy tree litter, high foot traffic, or slopes.
(For fresh installs on slopes or under large conifers, we recommend starting monthly for 60–90 days, then tapering off.)
What Annual Maintenance Includes
With our annual maintenance, you can expect:
- Edge patrol with re-pinning and re-seating where needed.
- Raking and redistribution to maintain consistent depth.
- Debris removal from dry creeks and drain inlets.
- Spot top-ups that match existing color and gradation.
- Photo updates so you can see how we keep everything looking sharp.
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
Keeping your landscape maintained has some great benefits:
- Clean lines = curb appeal that lasts well beyond the initial installation.
- Weed pressure decreases when we consistently maintain depth and edges.
- Safer footing—no slippery surfaces to worry about on your paths.
- Lower long-term costs—small top-ups are far more economical than full re-dos.
How It Works
Here’s how to get started with us:
- Free Estimate — we provide clear, upfront pricing through photos, videos, or a quick walkthrough.
- Design & Materials — you choose the stone, edges, and any drainage features you want.
- Build Day — we handle the prep work, set the edges, prepare the base (if necessary), place the rock, and finish cleanly.
- Follow-Up — we’ll give you simple care tips and a maintenance schedule that fits your lifestyle.
Why Bothell Chooses Neat & Tidy
Here’s what sets us apart in Bothell:
- We’re a local crew with expertise in clay pockets, steep alleys, marine layer moss, and heavy winter rain.
- Licensed & Insured—we keep job sites tidy and respectful.
- Upfront Pricing—we include all materials, labor, hauling, and disposal.
- On-time, clean finishes—no stray gravel in your yard.
- Green-First Approach—we focus on permeable solutions, smart drainage, and minimizing landfill waste.
Ready for rock that looks great and stays put?
Call or text Neat & Tidy for a decorative rock installation that drains well, holds strong, and looks fantastic—without the hassle of constant upkeep. We’ll keep it tidy—so you don’t have to!