Stop The Rock!

The use of rock in Las Vegas landscaping is too much

At Green Man Tree Service, we believe in creating landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. One trend we see far too often in Las Vegas is the use of rock as groundcover. While it may seem like a low-maintenance, durable option for desert landscaping, the truth is that rocks do far more harm than good—to your plants, your trees, and even the entire city.

Rock as ground cover is both costly and detrimental

The Hidden Cost of Rock Groundcover

1. It’s Heating Up the City

Las Vegas is already one of the hottest cities in the United States, and using rocks in landscaping only makes it worse. Rocks absorb heat throughout the day and radiate it back out during the night, raising the overall temperature in your yard and contributing to the urban heat island effect. This heat not only makes outdoor spaces unbearable but also increases your reliance on air conditioning, leading to higher energy consumption and more carbon emissions.

Life stands little chance in the hostile environments often created in Las Vegas yards

2. Bad for Trees and Plants

While rock groundcover might seem like an easy option for a dry environment, it creates poor conditions for plant life. Rocks reflect heat and sunlight, which stresses nearby plants and trees, causing them to lose more moisture than they normally would. Over time, this can stunt growth, damage roots, and even lead to plant death. And let's not forget—trees are critical for cooling neighborhoods and providing shade, so suffocating their root zones with rocks undermines these natural benefits.

The total environmental and economic costs of the rock industry is difficult to quantify

3. A Drain on Natural Resources

The environmental cost of using rocks is much larger than most homeowners realize. Rock mining is an energy-intensive process that disrupts ecosystems, harms wildlife, and causes deforestation in areas where rocks are quarried. On top of that, the fuel required to ship tons of rock across long distances, often from out of state, adds to the carbon footprint.

Rock yards are hard to work with, and hard on the environment

4. Labor Issues

From mining to shipping and installation, the labor involved in the rock landscaping industry is often exploitative. Workers endure harsh conditions, from physically dangerous mining sites to long, grueling hours during transportation and installation. These labor issues add another ethical dimension to the decision to use rock in your landscape.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Rock Groundcover

There are numerous beautiful, eco-friendly alternatives to rock that can help reduce your environmental impact while creating a lush, healthy landscape.

Wood chips and mulch provide an easy, low cost, environmentally sound option

1. Wood Chips and Mulch

Organic mulches like wood chips are excellent for retaining soil moisture, insulating plant roots, and preventing weed growth. As mulch breaks down, it improves the quality of your soil by adding organic matter. Plus, it’s a renewable resource—often made from tree trimming waste.

Native plants provide a wide variety of options

2. Native Plant Coverage

Opting for native groundcover plants is another fantastic alternative. Species like Desert Marigold, Purple Sage, and Trailing Rosemary are adapted to the local climate, require less water, and create a cooler microclimate around your home. Their roots help retain soil structure, promote healthy microbial life, and provide habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Clover feels better on the foot than grass

3. Mixed Species Lawns and Permaculture Ground Cover

Traditional grass lawns are water-intensive and require constant care, but a mixed-species lawn made of drought-tolerant plants can offer a hardy, green alternative. By integrating native grasses, clover, and herbs like thyme or yarrow, you create a resilient groundcover that needs less maintenance, water, and chemicals.

You could have all kinds of stuff instead of rock

If you want to go a step further, consider permaculture-inspired groundcover. By combining edible plants, wildflowers, and shrubs, you can build a diverse ecosystem that supports wildlife and even provides food for your household.

Wildflowers bro

4. Wildflower Meadows

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, colorful option, consider a wildflower meadow. These natural landscapes are beautiful and support biodiversity by attracting pollinators. You can create a vibrant and sustainable landscape that evolves with the seasons and enhances your property.

Why Artificial Turf is NOT the Answer

Artificial turf is often marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to grass, but don’t be fooled—it’s far from sustainable.

Plastic carpet is not the answer

1. Plastic and Chemical Pollution

Artificial turf is made from synthetic materials, primarily plastic, which eventually breaks down into microplastics that pollute the environment. Additionally, these lawns often require chemical disinfectants and anti-microbial treatments, which can leach into the soil and water supply.

2. Heat Island Effect

Just like rocks, artificial turf absorbs and radiates heat, contributing to the urban heat island effect. The temperature on an artificial turf surface can soar, making it uncomfortable to walk on and raising the overall temperature of your yard.

Life can't thrive in an artificial environment

3. Lack of Ecosystem Benefits

Unlike natural groundcover, artificial turf provides no benefits for the environment. It doesn’t absorb CO2, improve soil health, or offer a habitat for pollinators. Over time, it creates a sterile landscape that does more harm than good.

Conclusion

At Green Man Tree Service, we’re committed to helping Las Vegas homeowners make sustainable choices for their landscapes. By choosing eco-friendly groundcovers like mulch, native plants, or wildflower meadows, you can create a yard that’s not only beautiful but also beneficial to the environment. Let’s work together to stop the rock and embrace greener, cooler, and healthier alternatives for our city.

Contact Green Man Tree Service today to learn more about sustainable landscaping options for your yard!