We’ve all been there. One person’s treasure is another person’s trash. Perhaps you’ve bought a new house and the previous homeowners loved landscape rocks. They loved them so much that rocks are around the whole house. Only problem is that you hate how the rocks look. To make matters worse, the rocks make it so much harder to plant and garden the way you want. You know the answer: out with the old and in with the new. You need to remove rocks from the yard and perhaps replace it with mulch. Obviously you cannot just throw rocks away like trash though. So how can you remove all that landscape rock?
The easiest solution would be to ask your neighbors if they need some extra rock. You could even offer to wheelbarrow the rock over to their house. Or perhaps just pile the rock up in the driveway for them to install on their own. If the neighbors don’t want the rocks, just go ahead and snap some pictures then post an ad on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace titled, “Free Landscape Rock”. In some cases, that might do the trick. If not, here are three simple strategies for getting rid of that unwanted river rock.
1. Maintain and Preserve the Rock
Perhaps your dislike for the rocks stems from their dirtiness. A simple rock cleaning could potentially solve the issue. For this approach, you’ll need a large metal dirt sifter. You can then shovel the rocks onto the sifter and rinse them with a hose to wash off as much grime and dirt as possible. This method eliminates the need to individually scrub each rock with a brush. Once the rocks are clean, you can reinstall them. However, be aware that this process can make the grass very dirty and possibly muddy, which is why this option isn’t highly recommended.
2. Put the Rocks Under The Deck
One great way to dispose of rocks is by using them for a different purpose. Rocks can make excellent fillers for spaces under decks and porches. This method is especially useful if you are in the process of building a deck or porch, as you will already have an excuse to dig out dirt from that area. By simply shoveling the rocks into the spaces under your deck, you can get rid of them while also filling those spaces to create a level surface.
3. Take charge and remove the obstacle on your own.
For this method, it would be beneficial to enlist the help of a few friends. Removing rocks by shoveling is no easy task, in fact, it’s one of the most strenuous forms of manual labor. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll need access to a truck and trailer. You could ask a friend who owns one, or alternatively, consider renting a truck and trailer.
Once you have the necessary equipment, follow these steps:
- Start by shoveling the rocks into a wheelbarrow or directly onto the truck bed. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from blisters and cuts.
- Once the truck bed is full, drive it to a designated area where you can dump the rocks safely. This could be a landfill or a designated dumping site.
- Repeat the process until all the rocks are removed from your yard.
Color The Rocks To Make Them New Again
Finally, if you have a creative side and want to give your rocks a new life, consider painting them! You can choose to paint each rock with a different design or color, or create patterns by placing the rocks in a formation before painting. This method is an excellent way to add some color and personality to your garden or outdoor living space. Plus, it’s a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy together. Just make sure to use outdoor paint that can withstand different weather conditions.
Removing rocks from your yard may seem like a daunting task, but with these three methods, you can tackle it efficiently and effectively. Whether you choose to repurpose them in your garden, give them away, or simply remove them altogether, your yard will thank you. So, grab your shovel and get ready to say goodbye to those pesky rocks once and for all!