Issaquah Decorative Rock Installation Services

Let’s be honest—decorative rock can become a DIY disaster if not handled properly. Choosing the wrong size, skipping edge restraints, or neglecting drainage 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 stand up to Issaquah’s rainy weather.

What’s the Problem?

Here are some common issues we help you avoid:

• Rock drifting into your lawn and walkways due to inadequate edge restraint or incorrect gradation.
• Those pesky weeds popping up 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• Fabric laid under planting beds that chokes roots and looks outdated.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 tailored to fit your unique needs:

• River rock (1–2”) — ideal for dry creek beds, splash pads under downspouts, and accent bands that enhance your landscape.
• Crushed “minus” (¼″–10, ⅜″ minus) — perfect for compactable walking paths that are stroller-friendly and easy to navigate.
• Clean crushed (⅝″ clean, 1¼″ clean) — designed for drainage zones where fines would clog up the system.
• Basalt/granite cobble & boulders — excellent for edging, step sides, slope stabilization, and adding visual interest.
• Pea gravel (⅜″ round) — strictly for decorative pockets; not suitable for 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 use geotextile under paths and drive lanes only (to separate from clay). No fabric in planting beds—we rely on mulch and planting density for healthy root growth.

How We Build (So It Actually Stays Put)

Our step-by-step process ensures a long-lasting installation that enhances your property:

1. Site Evaluation — we assess the grade, water sources, soil type, wind patterns, and traffic flow to customize our approach.
2. Edge Restraint — we install steel/aluminum edging, stone bands, or concrete mow strips to keep your rock in place and looking sharp.
3. Base Preparation — we remove organics and add/compact a crushed rock base for paths and drive lanes to create a stable foundation.
4. Geotextile Application — we only use woven/separation fabric on paths and driveways to avoid choking plant roots, promoting healthy growth.
5. Set the Depth — we typically aim for a 2–3” finished depth (not too thin, not too deep) to ensure durability and aesthetics.
6. Drainage Solutions — we design swales, splash pads, or dry creek routes to effectively manage water flow and prevent erosion.
7. Placement & Finishing Touches — we ensure even coverage, tight transition seams, and no “thin spots” to keep those pesky weeds at bay.

Let’s be clear: 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 pay attention to the finer details that enhance your landscape’s durability and visual appeal:

• Transitions — neat seams to lawn, pavers, and concrete, allowing for easy mowing and edging without displacing rock.
• Slope Control — utilizing jute/coir and rock “check” bands; grids on steep areas prevent slippage and erosion.
• 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 to maintain a polished look.
• Top-Ups — we provide light refreshes where rock settles or migrates, keeping everything looking fresh.
• Drainage Checks — we clear leaves from dry creeks and splash pads to ensure proper flow and functionality.
• Moss/Algae Control — shaded areas are treated as needed (without pressure blasting fines) to keep your landscape healthy.

We’re a 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 you:

• Quarterly — includes spring/fall resets plus two tune-ups to keep everything in check.
• Bi-Monthly — ideal for areas with heavy tree litter, high foot traffic, or slopes that need extra care.

(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 to maintain structure.
• Raking and redistribution to maintain consistent depth across your landscape.
• Debris removal from dry creeks and drain inlets to ensure functionality.
• Spot top-ups that match existing color and gradation for a seamless look.
• Photo updates so you can see how we keep everything looking sharp.

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

Maintaining your landscape has its benefits:

• Clean lines = curb appeal that lasts well beyond the initial installation.
• Weed pressure decreases when we maintain depth and edges consistently.
• 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:

1. Free Estimate — we provide clear, upfront pricing through photos, videos, or a quick walkthrough.
2. Design & Materials — you choose the stone, edges, and any drainage features you want to personalize your space.
3. Build Day — we handle the prep work, set the edges, prepare the base (if necessary), place the rock, and finish cleanly so you can enjoy your new landscape.
4. Follow-Up — we’ll give you simple care tips and a maintenance schedule that fits your lifestyle, keeping you informed and engaged.

Why Issaquah Chooses Neat & Tidy

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We’re a local crew with expertise in clay pockets, steep alleys, marine layer moss, and heavy winter rain—we know how to make your landscape thrive.
• Licensed & Insured—we keep job sites tidy and respectful, giving you peace of mind.
• Upfront Pricing—we include all materials, labor, hauling, and disposal with no hidden fees.
• On-time, clean finishes—no stray gravel in your yard.
• Green-First Approach—we focus on permeable solutions, smart drainage, and minimizing landfill waste, making your landscape sustainable.

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.