How to Use Large Rocks in Landscaping: 5 Creative & Practical Ideas

Small rocks can be annoying. They get in the way when you plant tulips, clog up your lawnmower, and your dog keeps burying and unearthing the same pesky pebble. But large rocks — really big rocks — make a bold, natural statement in landscaping that small stones just can’t compete with.

Wondering how to use large rocks in landscaping for your commercial property? From eye-catching focal points to heavy-duty retaining walls, there are plenty of ways to integrate big rocks into your landscape design — and plenty of reasons to do it.

We sat down with Paul Weaver, construction branch manager at Level Green Landscaping, to get his expert take on where these massive beauties come from, why they’re a smart landscaping choice, and how to use them.

Why Use Large Rocks in Landscaping?

“Large, natural boulders are beautiful,” Paul says. “They come in a variety of colors, from purples to browns to grays.”

They also:

• Offer a natural aesthetic that blends with native plants
• Require little to no maintenance
• Add year-round structure and depth to a landscape
• Provide a durable, eco-friendly alternative to manufactured materials

Weaver recommends pairing large rocks with mossy plants, creeping ground covers, and native wildflowers to create natural-looking displays that feel like they’ve always been there.

5 Smart Ways to Use Large Rocks in Landscaping

Ready to go big? Here are five practical, visually striking ways to use large rocks and boulders in your commercial landscape design:

1. Create Natural Focal Points

Instead of traditional features like statues or shrubs, boulders can serve as living sculptures — especially when surrounded by native or ornamental plantings.

When thoughtfully placed, they can:

• Break up long sight lines
• Add texture and visual weight
• Help establish “zones” in large landscapes

They’re a fantastic alternative for office parks, municipal buildings, or mixed-use retail properties that want a low-maintenance, natural aesthetic.

2. Build Retaining Walls That Last

“These boulders are extremely heavy,” Weaver says. “Once they're put in place, they're there forever. That makes them excellent for retaining walls. They’re stronger than any engineered material you can buy.”

You’ve likely seen boulder walls along highways, holding hills in place and preventing landslides. But they’re also great for:

• Sloped commercial properties
• Erosion control in storm-prone areas
• Supporting landscaped tiers or level changes

“We have clients who use them to hold their whole property up on one side,” Weaver says.

3. Enhance Eco-Friendly Drainage Areas

As stormwater regulations become stricter, more municipalities are encouraging the use of bioretention ponds to filter rainwater before it returns to the groundwater supply.

“Large, natural rocks add beauty and interest to the pond’s landscaping,” Paul says.

Boulders help:

• Stabilize soil
• Prevent erosion
• Visually define the perimeter of the drainage area

It’s a functional, attractive way to comply with local codes and enhance your landscape.

4. Use Rocks as Built-In Traffic Barriers

We’ve all seen it: cars creeping over curbs, tires flattening carefully planted beds.

“We do a lot of shopping mall renovations, where cars like to drive over our plant beds,” Weaver says. “We often install large rocks on the corners to keep the cars off.”

Strategically placed boulders are a natural alternative to unsightly bollards or fencing — ideal for:

• Shopping centers
• HOA entrances
• Commercial parking lots
  
  

5. Design Functional Hardscape Features

Large rocks aren’t just for looks — they can also be used as natural steps, casual seating areas, or even as part of custom water features.

“We've had customers say they want a boulder the size of a Volkswagen,” Weaver says. “Well, then you wouldn't be able to see half of their building.”

The right sizing and placement matters. That’s where professional planning comes in.

How Are Large Rocks Installed?

“Using these large rocks is surprisingly easy,” Weaver says. “It's not that expensive — they can fit in any budget — and it's relatively simple to place them, with help from some big machines.”

Each boulder typically weighs between 500 and 1,000 lbs. They’re delivered directly to job sites and moved into place using:

• Skid steers
• Excavators
• Chains or strap harnesses

Once set, “they’re not going anywhere,” Paul adds.

Planning Ahead: What to Know Before Installing Large Rocks

Because boulders are heavy and permanent, planning is crucial.

“Almost every retaining wall we do with large boulders starts with a drawing by an engineering firm,” Paul says. “They give us a drawing based on the boulder’s height, depth, and placement. We get a set of plans and we install based on that.”

On smaller projects, Level Green’s team handles calculations in-house. Either way, drainage is a key concern.

“You don't want water to wash away the dirt that holds the boulder there,” he says. “We install the proper drainage as we install the rocks.”

Where Do These Boulders Come From?

Here’s a fun fact: Most landscaping boulders used on the East Coast come from Meshoppen, Pennsylvania.

Four or five companies in the area blast massive chunks from the mountains, then break them into landscape-ready boulders and ship them to wholesalers and retailers via 18-wheelers.

Are the mountains going to run out of rock?

“Not in our lifetime,” Weaver laughs.

FAQs About Landscaping with Large Rocks

Q: Are large rocks good for commercial landscaping?
A: Yes! They’re durable, low-maintenance, and add both visual appeal and functionality to large properties.

Q: Do large rocks help with erosion control?
A: Absolutely. They’re ideal for retaining walls, slope stabilization, and stormwater features.

Q: Can I use large rocks on HOA or municipal properties?
A: Yes, they’re popular for everything from decorative entrances to functional drainage solutions.

Q: What kind of maintenance do boulders require?
A: Very little. Once placed, they require no regular maintenance and last indefinitely.

Ready to Rock Your Commercial Landscape?

Construction pro Paul Weaver and the expert crews at Level Green Landscaping would love to help you integrate natural boulders and large rocks into your commercial landscape.

We proudly serve commercial properties across:

• Maryland
• Washington, D.C.
• Northern Virginia

Whether you’re managing an HOA, mixed-use property, government site, office campus, or hospital — our team can help you build a landscape that’s bold, beautiful, and built to last.

Call us at 202-544-0968 or request a free consultation online.