How to Landscape Stones & Bricks

Landscaping with stone and bricks combined.

Bricks and stones are often used for hardscaping or creating borders in a landscape. Although they serve the same purpose, their different looks contribute completely different design aspects. Gardeners often use stone as a natural boundary between grass and flowerbeds. Brick can offer a uniform clean aesthetic to creating pathways or garden edging.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Stakes
• String
• Spade or shovel
• Herbicide

Instructions

1. Draw a diagram of your backyard. The University of Texas recommends that homeowners get a complete look of their property before deciding how to landscape. Draw the plan to scale; for small properties allow 1/8 inch to represent 1 square foot, larger properties can use 1/4 inch to represent 1 square foot. Include existing trees, shrubs, driveways, garden beds, outdoor structures and property lines.

2. Decide where to add stone or bricks to your landscape, such as pathways, driveways, garden edging or outdoor entertainment areas. Draw on the diagram how you want to use the landscaping material.

3. Place stakes along the proposed pathway or garden edge. Drive a stake every four feet along the path. Tie string to the stakes and step back to look at the proposed hardscaping.

4. Measure the stone or brick's height and width. Decide if you want the landscaping material flush with the ground or elevated. An elevated garden border can help reduce the risk of grass from impeding on flower beds. Brick or stone set in a trench to be flush with the ground may sink into the ground over time.

5. Dig a shallow trench with a spade or shovel for the brick or stone to sit flush with the ground. Dig the trench slightly wider than the stone or brick. Flatten the bottom of the trench with a spade or shovel. Place the stone or brick in the trench and press dirt around the material. Follow the string attached to the stakes. Sweep off the stone or brick after you have laid down the hardscaping.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare the area with an herbicide before laying down the brick or stone to prevent weeds from growing between or around your hardscaping.

• Use a combination of bricks and stones for an eclectic look for your yard.

• Avoid buying too few stone or brick for the hardscaping. Keep some on hand in the event of one of the stones or bricks break.

References

• University of Texas: Base Plan
• Backyard Landscaping Ideas: Where to Find Good Landscpaing Bricks
• Plant Care: Landscaping Brick