Newcastle Decorative Rock Installation Services

Hey there, Newcastle! Are you tired of messy landscaping that just doesn’t cut it? We get it—decorative rock can easily become a headache if not installed correctly. Poor sizing, lack of edge restraints, or using the wrong fabric can lead to a garden nightmare. At Neat & Tidy, we specialize in decorative rock installation done right—with clean lines, proper depth, and clever drainage solutions that can stand up to our 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 wrong gradation.
• Those pesky weeds popping through just months after installation.
• Washouts on slopes and at downspouts, leading to puddles where rock was supposed to drain.
• Fabric laid under planting beds that chokes roots and looks outdated.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 fantastic variety of decorative rock options that cater to your unique needs:

• River rock (1–2”) — perfect for dry creek beds, splash pads under downspouts, and accent bands.
• 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 where fines would clog.
• Basalt/granite cobble & boulders — great for edging, step sides, 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, alley aprons, or steeper paths that require 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’s as sturdy as it is beautiful:

1. Site Evaluation — we assess the grade, water sources, soil type, wind patterns, and traffic flow.
2. Edge Restraint — we use steel/aluminum edging, stone bands, or 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 drive lanes.
4. Geotextile Application — we only use woven/separation fabric on paths and driveways to avoid choking plant roots.
5. Set the Depth — we typically aim for a 2–3” finished depth (not too thin, not too deep).
6. Drainage Solutions — we create swales, splash pads, or dry creek routes to effectively manage water flow.
7. Placement & Finishing Touches — we ensure even coverage, tight transition seams, and no “thin spots” to invite weeds.

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:

• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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

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.
3. Build Day — we handle the prep work, set the edges, prepare the base (if necessary), place the rock, and finish cleanly.
4. Follow-Up — we’ll give you simple care tips and a maintenance schedule that fits your lifestyle.

Why Newcastle 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.
• 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.