Using Landscaping Sand and Crushed Rock in Xeriscape Designs

As the popularity of sustainable and water-efficient landscaping continues to grow, xeriscaping has become a preferred choice for many homeowners in Utah. Xeriscape designs not only help conserve water but also offer a unique aesthetic appeal that can transform any outdoor space. One of the best landscaping products for successful xeriscape is the use of bulk landscaping sand and crushed rock. These landscaping materials can enhance your xeriscape design, reduce landscaping costs, and why Kilgore Landscape Center at Asphalt Materials Inc. is your go-to source for high-quality landscaping supplies.

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that focuses on reducing the need for irrigation. By selecting native plants and using materials that minimize water usage, xeriscape designs are both eco-friendly and cost-effective. This type of landscaping is particularly suited for arid regions like Utah, where water conservation is essential.

Benefits of Using Landscape Sand

Landscaping bulk sand is a versatile material that offers several advantages in xeriscape designs:

1. Improved Drainage: Sand helps improve soil drainage, preventing water from pooling and reducing the risk of root rot in plants.
2. Weed Control: A layer of sand can act as a natural weed barrier, reducing the need for chemical weed killers. Place some weed fabric down before placing your bulk sand.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Sand adds a clean, finished look to garden beds and pathways, complementing the natural beauty of drought-tolerant plants and crushed rock.
4. Cost Reduction: Sand is an affordable material that can help reduce overall landscaping costs while providing excellent functionality.

Best Bulk Landscaping Sand for Xeriscapes

1. Bedding Sand: Our screened bedding sand, screened to 3/16″, is a medium coarse sand ideal for various xeriscaping applications. It can be used as leveling sand beneath pavers or as bedding sand for pipes. This sand is perfect for creating a stable base for paver patios, flagstone, and other hardscape elements.
2. Beach and Play Sand: Our fine screened playground sand is perfect for sandboxes and play areas, providing an excellent medium for building sand castles when moistened. Each cubic yard weighs approximately 2600 lbs (1.3 tons).
3. Polymeric Sand: Pavermate Polymeric Sand is ideal for filling joints up to 2 inches thick in pavers, driveways, and patios, enhancing xeriscaping efforts. It stabilizes surfaces while conserving water. Apply a 1″ sand layer for drainage, spread and compact the sand, then water for 2 minutes using mist and light shower settings. Allow it to cure in a dry environment, avoiding rain for 24 hours and waiting 28 days before cleaning or sealing. 

Benefits of Using Crushed Rock

Crushed landscaping rock, also known as gravel, is another essential material in xeriscaping. Here are some of its benefits:

1. Water Conservation: Crushed landscape rock helps retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation, making it ideal for water-efficient gardens.
2. Low Maintenance: Unlike organic mulch, crushed landscaping rocks do not decompose, reducing the need for frequent replacements like Kilgore’s landscaping sand.
3. Erosion Control: Crushed landscape rock stabilizes soil and prevents erosion, especially on slopes and hillsides.
4. Visual Interest: Available in various colors and sizes, crushed decorative rock adds texture and visual interest to your landscape design.
5. Cost Savings: Crushed Kilgore rock is a durable and long-lasting material, offering a cost-effective solution for xeriscaping.

5 Best Crushed Decorative Rock For Xersiscapes

1. Mystic Crushed Rock: Our 1 1/2″ purple decorative rock is an excellent choice for both wet and dry landscape applications, such as garden beds, window wells, and water-wise landscaping projects. This rock pairs well with other sizes and colors to create visually appealing, water-efficient landscapes. It can be used as a top dressing material and performs best when placed on top of a weed barrier, spread 3″ to 4″ deep for optimal coverage. 
2. Plum Crushed Rock: Kilgore’s 1 1/2″ decorative crushed rock features a blend of purple, red, white, and cream colors, making it an attractive ground cover for various landscape applications. Ideal for both wet and dry environments, this rock is commonly used in water features, as an accent, and in park strips.

1. Granite Crushed Rock: Our versatile 1 1/2 " decorative granite rock works well in both wet and dry applications. Ideal for use around stepping stones, in paths, as an accent, or in landscape applications such as window wells, driveways, or under concrete, it pairs well with other rock sizes and colors for water-wise landscaping. It can also be used as a top dressing material. For best results, spread 2″ to 4″ deep over a weed barrier. 

Incorporating Sand and Crushed Rock in Xeriscape Designs

Here are some creative ways to incorporate landscaping sand and crushed decorative rock into your xeriscape:

1. Pathways and Walkways: Create attractive and durable pathways using a combination of sand and crushed gravel and rock. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a stable surface for walking.
2. Garden Beds: Use sand as a base layer in garden beds to improve drainage, then top it with a layer of crushed landscape rock for a polished look.
3. Rock Gardens: Design a rock garden using different sizes and colors of crushed gravel and rock to create a focal point in your yard. Add drought-tolerant plants like succulents and ornamental grasses for added beauty.
4. Borders and Edging: Define garden borders and edging with crushed decorative rock to create clean lines and prevent soil erosion.

Kilgore Landscape Center at Asphalt Materials Inc.

Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center, partnered with Asphalt Materials Inc., is your best source for high-quality landscaping supplies in Salt Lake City, Utah. We pride ourselves on providing an extensive range of landscaping products to meet all your xeriscaping needs, including premium landscape sand and crushed rock.

Kilgore’s Sand for Landscaping Projects

Our landscaping sand is sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring top-notch quality and performance. Whether you're using it for improving soil drainage, creating a weed barrier, or adding aesthetic appeal to your garden beds, our sand is the perfect choice for your xeriscape project.

Why Choose Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center?

1. Quality Products: We offer a wide selection of landscaping materials that are durable and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Expert Advice: Our knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you in selecting the right materials for your project.
3. Competitive Pricing: We provide high-quality products at competitive prices, helping you reduce your landscaping costs.
4. Local Focus: As a local business, we understand the unique landscaping needs of Utah residents and are committed to providing products that thrive in our arid climate.

Conclusion