Washington Stone Delivery

Will stone keep weeds out of my beds?

It slows them considerably but does not stop them. Washington summers are humid enough that dust and organic debris collect between stones within a couple of years, and weed seeds germinate right in that layer. Landscape fabric underneath plus an occasional blow out with a leaf blower keeps stone beds looking clean much longer.

How deep should stone be for a drainage area?

For a French drain or dry creek bed handling Washington runoff, plan on eight to twelve inches of washed stone around the pipe or in the channel. Given 45 inches of annual rainfall and slow draining silt loam, going shallow is the most common mistake local homeowners make.

Can I put stone over my existing mulch beds?

You should remove the mulch first. Mulch continues decomposing under stone, which causes the rock to settle unevenly and creates a rich weed seedbed. Scrape the old material out, level the silt loam beneath, lay fabric, then spread stone. It is more work up front but it is the difference between five years of clean beds and two.

How much does a yard of stone weigh, and can my driveway handle it?

A cubic yard of crushed limestone runs roughly 2,700 pounds, considerably heavier than mulch. Most Washington concrete and asphalt drives handle a delivery fine, but if yours is older or you have a septic field near the access path, tell us ahead of time and we will position the truck accordingly.

Does stone make the area around my house hotter?

Yes, noticeably. Light colored limestone reflects heat and dark river rock absorbs it, which can push bed temperatures up during a humid Washington July. Keep stone away from tender perennials and hydrangeas that already struggle in afternoon sun, and save it for foundation strips, drainage areas, and plantings that tolerate heat.

What stone should I use under a paver patio here?

Six to eight inches of compacted dense grade limestone over the silt loam, then a thin sand setting layer. That depth matters in Washington because Zone 6b freeze and thaw cycles will lift a shallow base and leave you with a wavy patio by the second or third winter. Compact in two or three inch lifts.