What You Need to Know About Black Lava Rocks for Landscaping

Black lava rocks present a unique landscaping opportunity, adding an interesting contrast to your lawn and some interesting features you wouldn't otherwise be able to enjoy. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the range of options available, but if you know what to look for you'll find black lava rocks are a wonderful addition to your garden.

Attractive Appearance

For many, black lava rocks are an attractive alternative to traditional stone. They're often found naturally in shapes reminiscent of pumice or obsidian, which gives them a unique textural and visual aesthetic. In addition, they can be used to create lines or borders between plants, edging for flower beds, or a mulching material with a modern, dark texture.

Durable Construction

If you're looking for something that's going to hold up for years to come, black lava rocks might be the way to go. As some of the densest landscaping materials available, these rocks are incredibly resistant to both chemical and mechanical forces meaning that they won't corrode or wash away if laid out properly.

Moisture-Resistant

Because of their relatively low absorption rate and excellent drainage, black lava rocks are an excellent choice for low-moisture areas. This is excellent if your garden is located in an area prone to strong winds and long dry spells, since it won't dry out as quickly as other grounds.

Easy Installation

When it comes to installation, black lava rocks ultimately aren't too hard to lay out. Depending on your landscape design it's possible to lay them out either by hand or with a special trowel-like device for larger areas. Plus, you won't need to use any mortar or adhesive when it comes time to install them so it's relatively quick and easy compared to other materials.

Disadvantages of Black Lava Rocks

Expensive

Considering their weight and durability, black lava rocks can be quite expensive compared to other stones used for landscaping. Other stones can be several times cheaper than lava rocks, depending on the area where you pick them up.

Little Nutrients

These rocks won't store any nutrients like soil does. While they provide excellent drainage and won't retain moisture, they don't provide much if anything for fertilization. This means it's important to provide nutrients if you plan on growing anything in the area covered by these rocks.

Brief Recap

Black lava rocks provide a unique and attractive texture for gardening, but they come with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, they're very durable and resistant to fading, as well as being fast and easy to install. On the other hand, they're considerably more expensive than alternatives and may require more fertilization and nutrients for flowers or plants grown nearby.