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 Post subject: River Rock Around Trees
PostPosted: Tue Jul 22, 2003 12:39 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2003 7:56 am
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My wife wants to control erosion caused by the runoff from the roof when it rains. her idea is to create a bed of 3-4" of smooth river gravel/rock out far enough from the house to handle the runoff.

It seems like a reasonable solution, but I have mature Crape Myrtles in that area and I wonder if that will cause any problems? I'd also like to prevent grass/weed growth and wonder if the dreaded landscape fabric would be OK in this limited circumstance?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

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PostPosted: Tue Jul 22, 2003 8:16 pm 
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Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 10:51 pm
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Location: Garland, Texas
I think your wife has a good idea. The river rock could be much more aesthetically pleasing than a simple splash block and equally effective in stopping erosion at the "dump" location.

The small amount of rock your talking about will be nothing more than a layer of mulch around your Crepe Myrtle. Save your money and leave the weed block/landscape fabric on the store shelves. Spend it instead on some good shredded mulch.

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Jul 22, 2003 9:26 pm 
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Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2003 3:53 pm
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Location: Dallas,TX
YUP... avoid the fabric at all costs. It inhibits ozygen transfer too for the dirt critters... which you want.

To keep the aesthetically pleasing look, let me suggest that if you want to lay down mulch, lay it down before the stone/gravel.

That way, you retain the look, as well as create a cushioning, aerobically friendly pocketed airy layer between the heavy rock and the soil... and it will decay into a nice humous layer over the next couple of years.

Even w/ no mulch, the few weed sprouts that poke thru will be easily pullable. Get cedar... ~2.97/bag at Home Depot and pefectly coarse for what you want to do! Have fun!

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Jul 23, 2003 11:26 am 
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Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 9:10 am
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Location: Dallas,TEXAS
I feel that rock absorbs too much heat. Cedar mulch is a better choice. It helps by keeping the ground from drying out and as it breaks down, it feeds the soil. It smells great and stays in place better than many other mulches! Just remember not to pile a bunch of stuff at the base of the tree. Leave the top of the rootball exposed.

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 Post subject: Rock Around Trees
PostPosted: Wed Jul 23, 2003 4:11 pm 
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Joined: Wed May 21, 2003 5:33 pm
Posts: 829
Location: Dallas,TX
The mulch underneath with rock on top is your best option, but there are plenty of landscapers who use the rock with no mulch underneath with great results and no problems with heat buildup except for the rocks themselves! The ground cover moderates the heat exchange in the soil just fine. You would probably have better results on the weed control with cedar mulch underneath but it really isn't necessary. Your wife sounds like a pretty smart lady! :D


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