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Magnolia Decorative Rock Installation Services
Magnolia Decorative Rock Installation Services
By Neat & Tidy Product Team Published on July 14, 2024
Categories: landscaping , services , maintenance Tags: decorative-rock , gravel , Magnolia

Magnolia Decorative Rock Installation Services

Decorative rock can beautify your yard, but improper installation can lead to headaches. At Neat & Tidy, we specialize in decorative rock installation done right—ensuring clean lines, correct depth, and effective drainage solutions tailored to Magnolia’s unique climate.


What’s the Problem?

Here are some common issues we help you avoid in Magnolia:

  • Rock migration into your lawn and walkways due to inadequate edge restraint.
  • Weeds sprouting through shortly after installation.
  • Washouts on slopes leading to puddles where rock should drain.
  • Fabric choking roots in planting beds, resulting in unhealthy plants.
  • Slippery paths from poorly graded pea gravel.

What We Install (and Where It Shines)

We offer a variety of decorative rock options to suit different needs in Magnolia:

  • River rock (1–2”) — ideal for dry creek beds and splash pads under downspouts.
  • Crushed “minus” (¼″–10, ⅜″ minus) — great for compactable walking paths that are stroller-friendly.
  • Clean crushed (⅝″ clean, 1¼″ clean) — best for drainage zones where fines would clog.
  • Basalt/granite cobble & boulders — excellent for edging, slope stabilization, and visual anchors.
  • Pea gravel (⅜″ round) — strictly for decorative pockets; not suitable for slopes or high-traffic paths.
  • Gravel grid (stabilization cells) — perfect for drive strips or steep paths requiring traction.

Fabric Policy: We apply geotextile only under paths and driveways to prevent choking plant roots.


How We Build (Ensuring Longevity)

Our step-by-step process ensures a long-lasting installation:

  1. Site Evaluation — we assess the grade, water sources, soil type, and traffic flow specific to your property.
  2. Edge Restraint — using steel or aluminum edging and concrete mow strips to keep the rock in place.
  3. Base Preparation — we remove organics and add/compact a crushed rock base for paths and driveways.
  4. Geotextile Application — we utilize separation fabric only on paths and driveways.
  5. Set the Depth — we typically aim for a 2–3” finished depth.
  6. Drainage Solutions — we create swales or splash pads to manage water flow effectively.
  7. Placement & Finishing Touches — ensuring even coverage and tight transition seams.

Remember: covering weeds with rock is a temporary fix. We prep thoroughly to avoid future issues.


Coverage Math (Order the Right Amount)

  • 1 cubic yard covers: Approximately 324 sq ft @ 1”, 162 sq ft @ 2”, 108 sq ft @ 3”.
  • For a 450 sq ft path at 2” → 450 ÷ 162 ≈ 2.8 yd³ → order 3 yd³ (rounding up is recommended).

Details That Make It Last

We pay attention to details that enhance durability:

  • Transitions — neat seams for easy mowing and edging.
  • Slope Control — using jute/coir and rock “check” bands to prevent slippage.
  • Safety — ensuring no fling-zone rock is near mower passes.
  • Plant Compatibility — selecting stone that complements your plants and reflects heat appropriately.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)

Keep your landscape looking its best with our comprehensive maintenance plan:

  • Weed Prevention — pre-emergent treatments and hand pulls.
  • Rake & Reset — re-leveling traffic lanes and tidying seams.
  • Top-Ups — light refreshes for settled or migrated rock.
  • Drainage Checks — clearing leaves from dry creeks and splash pads.
  • Moss Control — treating shaded areas as needed.

We aim 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.
  • Bi-Monthly — ideal for areas with heavy tree litter or high foot traffic.

(For fresh installs on slopes or under large trees, we recommend starting monthly for 60–90 days.)


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 matching existing color and gradation.
  • Photo updates to see how we keep everything looking sharp.

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

Maintaining your landscape has its benefits:

  • Curb appeal that lasts well beyond the initial installation.
  • Lower weed pressure through consistent maintenance.
  • Safer footing—no slippery surfaces on paths.
  • Lower long-term costs—small top-ups are more economical than full re-dos.

How It Works

Here’s how to get started with us:

  1. Free Estimate — clear, upfront pricing through photos or a quick walkthrough.
  2. Design & Materials — you choose the stone, edges, and drainage features.
  3. Build Day — we handle all prep work, including base preparation and rock placement.
  4. Follow-Up — we provide simple care tips and a maintenance schedule tailored to you.

Why Magnolia Chooses Neat & Tidy

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Local expertise in Magnolia’s unique soil and weather conditions.
  • Licensed & Insured—keeping job sites tidy and respectful.
  • Upfront Pricing—all materials, labor, hauling, and disposal included.
  • On-time, clean finishes—no stray gravel in your yard.
  • Green-First Approach—focusing on permeable solutions and minimizing 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.



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Seattle Noxious Weed Removal Services

Tired of bindweed, horsetail, tansy ragwort, or other invasive weeds taking over your yard? At Neat & Tidy Landscaping, we offer safe, effective noxious weed removal in Seattle, targeting deep root systems to stop spread and protect your property. No surface-level hacks. No chemicals. Just real, long-term weed control.

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Horsetail Removal
Bindweed and ragwort pulled from garden bed
Bindweed & Ragwort Removal
Clean gravel yard after noxious weed removal
Gravel Area Cleared

We remove Washington’s worst noxious weeds—roots and all—for lasting results.

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Our experienced crew identifies harmful, invasive plant species and removes them by hand—from gravel driveways and garden beds to fences and property lines. We dig deep to extract rhizomes and roots, haul away debris, and provide guidance on how to keep weeds from coming back. All without herbicides or sprays. Our Seattle weed control services are ideal for overgrown yards, rental properties, and homeowners aiming to comply with Washington state noxious weed laws. Request a walkthrough today and let’s get your landscape cleared and compliant.

Seattle Landscaping Packages: Clean-Ups, Lawn Care, and Small Repairs

Garden Bed Clean-Ups

Remove weeds, trim, prune, add mulch, and refresh with low-care plants. Includes blackberry, ivy, and bamboo removal.

Neat & Tidy Garden Service

Lawn Care & Turf

Mowing, edging, weed control, fertilizing, plus sod installs and turf upgrades for a greener, healthier lawn.

Lawn Care Made Easy

Repairs & Small Upgrades

Fix pavers, add gravel paths or steps, repair fences, and improve drainage — simple updates that last.

Easy Upgrade Services

Trusted by Seattle Homeowners Since 2010

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Why Choose Neat & Tidy Landscaping?

  • Honest pricing & reliable workmanship
  • Low-maintenance solutions that last
  • Family-owned in Seattle • 15+ years’ experience
  • 1,000+ happy clients across King County