River Rock & Decorative Gravel Landscaping in Brunswick County, NC: Durable, Elegant, Low-Maintenance

From flooding driveways in Bolivia to soggy flower beds in Southport, homeowners across Brunswick County, NC know the struggle of landscaping in coastal, sandy soil. The solution? River rock and decorative gravel.

At A&J Lawncare & Landscaping, we install high-quality river rock, pea gravel, and drainage stone that not only improve the look of your property, but also solve real problems like erosion, poor drainage, and weed overgrowth—with minimal maintenance.

This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about rock landscaping in Brunswick County:

• What river rock and gravel do best

• Which styles work for local homes

• Drainage and design ideas

• Cost comparisons vs. mulch or pavers

• Maintenance tips

• Real-world use cases across the region

  

Why River Rock Landscaping Works in Eastern Coastal NC

In Brunswick County, the combination of sandy, fast-draining soil and occasional tropical rain events makes water control a major concern. Mulch can wash away. Grass gets patchy. But river rock landscaping stands its ground.

Top Benefits of River Rock in Coastal NC:

✅ Excellent Drainage: Prevents puddles around foundations, downspouts, and patios✅ Erosion Control: Holds soil in place on slopes or problem areas✅ Durability: Won’t fade, rot, or float away like mulch✅ Weed Suppression: A thick rock bed plus landscape fabric stops weed growth✅ Curb Appeal: Decorative rock gives flower beds and borders a clean, elegant finish✅ Low Maintenance: No need for yearly replacement or dye touch-ups

It’s especially ideal for areas like Shallotte, Calabash, and Sunset Beach, where flooding and poor soil structure make traditional landscaping hard to maintain.

Where to Use River Rock & Gravel Around Your Yard

Homeowners across Leland and Oak Island are using rock to upgrade their yards from basic to bold. Here are the most popular uses:

1. Dry Creek Beds

• Control runoff with a functional, natural-looking feature

• Install along sloped yards or gutters

• Great for heavy rains near Southport’s waterfront neighborhoods

2. Around Foundations & AC Units

• Keeps water from pooling near your home’s base

• Reduces mud and weed growth

• Improves airflow around outdoor HVAC systems

3. Walkways & Paths

• Use pea gravel, decomposed granite, or crushed stone

• Affordable alternative to pavers

• Works great in sandy, non-compacted soil around Navassa and Belville

4. Fire Pit Areas

• Durable surface that doesn’t catch fire or melt

• Won’t blow around like mulch in coastal winds

• Looks sharp around metal or stone fire pit setups

5. Flower Beds & Tree Rings

• Makes perennials and shrubs pop visually

• Excellent for Mediterranean, minimalist, or low-water gardens

• Stops mower damage around tree trunks

River Rock Styles & Sizes We Install

Rock Type	Size (inches)	Best Use	Color Options
River Rock	1”–3”	Beds, drainage zones, slopes	Gray, tan, multicolor
Pea Gravel	3/8”–1/2”	Walkways, patios, flower beds	Beige, cream, tan
Crushed Granite	1/2”–3/4”	Driveways, garden borders	Charcoal, dark gray
Marble Chips	1”–2”	Accent areas, upscale borders	Bright white
Lava Rock	1”–2”	Cactus gardens, high-contrast beds	Red, black

Local Favorite: 1–2” river rock in neutral tan tones—perfect for matching coastal NC siding, stucco, and brick exteriors.

River Rock vs Mulch vs Pavers: What’s the Difference?

Feature	River Rock & Gravel	Mulch	Pavers
Drainage	Excellent	Poor	Fair (needs gaps)
Maintenance	Minimal	Needs annual refresh	Medium (resanding)
Cost	$$	$	$$$
Lifespan	10+ years	1–2 years	20+ years
Aesthetics	Natural, rustic	Organic, soft	Formal, structured

For homeowners looking for balance between function, cost, and appearance, river rock is the clear winner—especially in flood-prone areas like Bolivia and Oak Island.

Our Installation Process at A&J Lawncare

Here’s what you can expect when you book a river rock project with us:

1. Consultation & Site Assessment

We inspect slope, soil, drainage paths, and sunlight exposure.

2. Design Planning

Choose your rock type, layout shape, depth, and any bordering materials (e.g. steel, stone, or brick).

3. Excavation & Fabric Install

We remove old sod, mulch, or debris and install a commercial-grade landscape fabric for weed prevention.

4. Rock Delivery & Placement

Rocks are delivered in bulk and installed by hand or machine to the desired depth—typically 2–4 inches.

5. Cleanup & Finishing Touches

Edges are sharpened, walkways are blown clean, and water flow is tested.

Typical Project Costs in Brunswick County

Rock installation cost varies based on volume, type, and site access. Here’s a breakdown:

Project Type	Average Cost Range
Flower Beds (200 sq ft)	$700–$1,200
Dry Creek Bed (20 ft)	$900–$1,500
Full Yard Bordering	$1,500–$3,500+
Walkway (30 ft x 3 ft)	$1,200–$1,800

Need financing? We offer payment plans for jobs over $1,500 across Leland, Calabash, Shallotte, and beyond.

River Rock Maintenance Tips

Rock doesn’t need much, but a little attention keeps it looking sharp:

• Blow off leaves regularly to prevent compost buildup

• Re-level high-traffic areas every 2–3 years

• Replace fabric only if major erosion or weeds break through

• Top off rocks every 5–7 years to maintain appearance

We also offer rock refresh services—perfect for properties in Oak Island or Sunset Beach near salty, shifting sands.

Why Homeowners Across Brunswick County Trust A&J

• Locally Owned: We know the terrain, the weather, and your HOA’s needs

• Fast Turnaround: Most projects completed within 2–3 days

• Licensed & Insured: Peace of mind for your property

• Expert Consultation: Not just rock dumpers—we design for performance

• Service Area: Leland, Calabash, Shallotte, Southport, Bolivia, Oak Island, Belville, Navassa, Sunset Beach

“Our mulch kept floating away. A&J replaced it with beautiful tan river rock and we haven’t had an issue since. The yard looks better than ever.” – Tanya, Shallotte

Ready to Rock Your Landscape?

Whether you're dealing with erosion, water runoff, or just want to give your yard a clean new look, river rock and gravel landscaping is a smart, long-term solution.

✅ Free on-site consultation✅ Dozens of rock types & layout designs✅ Installed fast with clean, professional service

Call A&J Lawncare & Landscaping today or request your custom quote online. Let’s transform your outdoor space—one rock at a time.