Tukwila Decorative Rock Installation Services
Hey there, Tukwila! 🌲 If you’re looking to give your outdoor space a facelift, decorative rock is the way to go. But let’s be honest—if not installed correctly, it can turn into a messy nightmare. Choosing the wrong size, neglecting edge restraints, or improperly laying landscape fabric can lead to weeds, washouts, and rocks invading your lawn. Here at Neat & Tidy, we specialize in decorative rock installation done right—with clean lines, proper depth, and drainage solutions that can handle Tukwila’s rain.
What’s the Problem?
Let’s chat about some common headaches we help you avoid:
- Rock Migration: Rocks drifting into your lawn and walkways because of inadequate edge restraints or incorrect sizing.
- Weed Invasion: Those pesky weeds popping through just months after installation—no thanks!
- Washouts: Water pooling where rock was supposed to drain, especially on slopes and near downspouts.
- Choking Fabric: Landscape fabric laid under planting beds that suffocates roots and looks outdated.
- Slippery Paths: Using pea gravel paths that become a hazard when wet and track dirt indoors.
What We Install (and Where It Shines)
We offer a dazzling array of decorative rock options tailored for various needs:
- River Rock (1–2”) — Ideal for dry creek beds, splash pads under downspouts, and beautiful accent bands.
- Crushed “Minus” (¼″–10, ⅜″ Minus) — Perfect for compactable walking paths that are stroller-friendly.
- Clean Crushed (⅝″ Clean, 1¼″ Clean) — Best for drainage zones where fines would clog up.
- Basalt/Granite Cobble & Boulders — Great for edging, step sides, slope stabilization, and visual anchors.
- Pea Gravel (⅜″ Round) — Best for decorative pockets; not suitable for slopes or high-traffic paths.
- Gravel Grid (Stabilization Cells) — Perfect for drive strips, alley aprons, or steep paths needing extra traction.
Fabric Policy: We only use geotextile under paths and drive lanes to separate from clay. No fabric in planting beds—we rely on mulch and planting density for healthy roots.
How We Build (So It Actually Stays Put)
Our thorough process ensures a durable installation that looks great:
- Site Evaluation — We assess the grade, water sources, soil type, wind patterns, and traffic flow to tailor your installation.
- Edge Restraint — We use premium steel/aluminum edging, stone bands, or concrete mow strips to keep the rock exactly where it belongs.
- Base Preparation — We remove organic material and add/compact a crushed rock base for paths and driveways.
- Geotextile Application — We apply woven/separation fabric on paths and driveways only, ensuring plant roots can thrive.
- Set the Depth — Aiming for a 2–3” finished depth to avoid thin spots or excessive buildup.
- Drainage Solutions — We create swales, splash pads, or dry creek routes to effectively manage water flow.
- Placement & Finishing Touches — We ensure even coverage with tight transition seams, leaving no room for weeds.
Note: Covering weeds with rock is merely a temporary solution. We prep thoroughly, or we won’t take 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 little things that enhance your landscape’s durability:
- Transitions — We create neat seams with lawns, pavers, and concrete for easy mowing without displacing rock.
- Slope Control — Using jute/coir and rock “check” bands; grids on steep areas prevent slippage.
- Window Safety — Ensuring no fling-zone rock is near mower passes by adjusting edges or materials.
- Planting Compatibility — Helping you select stone that complements your plants while reflecting heat appropriately (lighter rock = hotter soil).
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Routine)
Keep your landscape looking fabulous with our all-inclusive maintenance plan:
- Weed Prevention — We apply pre-emergent treatments where needed and schedule hand pulls (IPM-first).
- Rake & Reset — We re-level traffic lanes, pull rock back from edges, and tidy seams.
- Top-Ups — We offer 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 — Treating shaded areas 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)
Select a maintenance schedule that suits 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
Regular maintenance offers valuable benefits:
- Clean lines = Curb appeal that lasts well beyond the initial installation.
- Weed pressure decreases with consistent depth and edge maintenance.
- Safer footing—no slippery surfaces to worry about on your paths.
- Lower long-term costs—small top-ups are far better than full re-dos.
How It Works
Here’s how to kick off your project 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 impeccably.
- Follow-Up — We’ll provide you with simple care tips and a tailored maintenance schedule.
Why Tukwila Chooses Neat & Tidy
Here’s what makes us the go-to choice:
- We’re a local team 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.