How to Dismantle Rock Landscaping
Rocks in the landscape add texture, color and form and are also useful for borders and shaping. Whether you are removing overgrown yard areas where rocks are prevalent, or revising your landscape overall, you can get the rocks out. Before you dive in, look all around and consider if you want to remove large standing stones or only the smaller rocks in a particular area. Avoid heavy lifting or ask the family to lend a hand as you work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Lightly soak an area that has rocks lodged deeply or where rock is surrounded by thick grass, weeds or other plants. This helps soften the ground for easier removal. Just avoid creating puddles, and let the water drain off slightly before digging. If when you place your shovel under a rock and only mud comes up, wait a short while (15 to 30 minutes or so) and check again.
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Dig with spades and shovels to loosen the rocks and lift them out onto the wheelbarrow or to another area of the yard. Take your time or you can chip or break tools. The repeated bending, digging and lifting can be hard work, so take periodioc breaks as needed.
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Pull away deep grass or use the pitchfork to loosen large sections and remove undesirable and crowding clumps of plants. Pry deeply embedded stones out with the shovel or with a prying tool. Get assistance on lifting larger rocks.
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Pry apart sections that have been part of low rock walls or borders above ground. You can also just begin at one end, lifting each rock in turn. If the wall has been cemented or plastered, you may have to use demolition tools. Remove the stones to another location or area.
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Continue to shovel, pry and remove stones until the entire area is clear. Reuse the rocks as desired, or give away.
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Rinse rocks that you plan to reuse in a different manner in the landscape.
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Tips & Warnings
If you plan to plant clover or a ground cover where a pebble path once was, or you plant anything that will require mowing, try to get as many of the stones, rocks and pebbles out as you can so you don't ruin your mower blades.
Scoop shovel-deep layers of pebbles or gravel out of pathways or areas for new plantings. If the layer is several inches thick, dig deeply enough to gather a shovel full, but try to avoid going so deep you also begin to bring up soil. Some people like leaving a thin layer of pebbles for drainage, but your landscape design will determine your preference.
A screen device made on a wood frame with actual screen or chicken wire can help when rinsing rocks -- just scoop or place pebbles or larger rocks onto the screen and rinse; the dirt will fall through. Let them dry to use as desired.
Many people like stones and rocks in landscapes but cannot always afford them, so if you are getting rid of your rocks, consider posting a notice at sites like craigslist for a giveaway. People can come pick them up or you can haul a truckload to an agreed upon location.
Some rock sellers and landscape companies will buy back used rock -- check in your area.
Be careful when dealing with large, heavy stones as you could injure limbs or your back. Use your knees for lifting, or get help for 2-man, 4-man etc. rocks.
Also use typical safety precautions with any tools and equipment.
References
Resources
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