Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our landscape materials, ordering, delivery, and installation.
Decomposed granite is a natural stone material that has weathered down to small particles ranging from fine sand to 3/8-inch pieces. It is one of the most popular and versatile landscape materials available.
Earth Stone Rock carries a wide variety of decomposed granite colors, ranging from warm golds and reds to cool grays and earth tones. We offer both natural DG (loose, unbound material) and stabilized DG (mixed with binding agents like TechniSoil or GraniteCrete for a firmer surface). Order samples to see colors in person before committing to a large purchase.
Crushed rock is mechanically broken stone with angular edges that interlock when compacted, making it ideal for driveways and structural bases.
Gravel is a general term for small stones, which can be angular or rounded depending on the source.
Pebbles are small, smooth, naturally rounded stones typically 1/4 to 2 inches in size. They work well for garden accents, borders, and decorative ground cover.
River rock consists of larger, smooth stones (2–6+ inches) shaped by water erosion. They are popular for dry creek beds, drainage features, and decorative landscaping.
A regulation bocce court requires three layers:
- Base layer: 4–6 inches of compacted crushed rock or decomposed granite for drainage and stability
- Middle layer: 2–3 inches of fine DG, compacted smooth
- Playing surface: 1/2 to 1 inch of Pearl Blend or Oyster Shell material for the top playing surface
We carry a complete bocce court tool kit and all the playing surface materials you need to build a regulation or backyard court.
We offer flagstone sourced from quarries across the Southwest, including Arizona flagstone, California flagstone, Nevada flagstone, and Texas flagstone. Each region produces stone with distinct color palettes and textures. Flagstone is ideal for patios, walkways, stepping stones, and retaining walls. Browse our full selection at /collections/flagstone.
TechniSoil and GraniteCrete are binding agents that mix with decomposed granite to create a firm, permeable surface. They prevent DG from shifting, washing away, or tracking into buildings. Stabilized DG is commonly used for commercial pathways, ADA-compliant walkways, patios, and high-traffic areas. Shop all stabilizers here.
Landscape glass is a decorative, tumbled glass product used in fire pits, fire features, water features, planters, and as accent ground cover. It comes in a variety of colors and creates a striking modern aesthetic. The glass is tumbled smooth so it is safe to handle and walk on. Browse our landscape glass collection.
Use our Coverage Calculator to get an instant estimate. Enter your area dimensions, select the shape, choose your material type, and set the desired depth. The calculator gives you the tonnage needed, including a buffer for compaction and settling. You can also ask our chat assistant to calculate it for you — just tell it what you are building and the size of the area.
Yes. For large orders, commercial projects, HOA developments, and contractor accounts, please contact us directly or request a sales rep for a custom quote. We work with landscapers, contractors, and property managers throughout California and surrounding states.
Yes. Visit our Order Samples page to request material samples by mail. You can also stop by either our Visalia or Rosamond yard to see materials in person before committing to a large purchase. For decomposed granite, we especially recommend seeing samples in natural light since colors can look different on screen.
We accept major credit cards, check, cash on delivery (COD), wire transfer, Zelle, and Google Pay. Shop Pay financing is available at checkout for monthly payment options. Net 15 or Net 30 terms are available for qualifying commercial and government projects on approved credit.
We ship palleted material (SuperSacks, bagged pallets, stone pallets, turf rolls) nationwide. Pickup is available at both our Visalia and Rosamond yards in California. Large bulk and freight orders are quoted individually — request a quote with your address for an accurate freight rate. See our service areas page for more detail.
Delivery costs vary depending on your location, order weight, and the type of delivery vehicle required. Standard rates apply to palleted orders within our service area. Locations with difficult access (hillside roads, unpaved surfaces, low clearance) may incur higher rates. Request a quote for an exact freight rate. For larger orders, the cost per ton decreases significantly.
Yes. We have two yard locations available for pickup:
- Visalia (Central Valley): 30617 Co Hwy J25, Goshen, CA 93227 — Yard info & directions
- Rosamond (Antelope Valley): 1387 Sierra Hwy, Rosamond, CA 93560 — Yard info & directions
Both yards are open Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Sunday). Call ahead at (800) 215-7372 to confirm availability before your visit. Bring a truck or trailer rated for the weight of your order.
Most orders within our standard service area are delivered within 2–5 business days after order confirmation. Timing depends on product availability, your location, and carrier scheduling. Rush delivery may be available for an additional fee. We will confirm your delivery window when your order is placed.
Recommended depth depends on your material and application:
- Decomposed Granite pathways and patios: 2–3 inches
- Decomposed Granite driveways: 4–6 inches
- Crushed rock ground cover: 2–3 inches
- River rock decorative beds: 2–4 inches
- Sand paver base: 1–2 inches
- Bocce court base layer: 4–6 inches
Use our Coverage Calculator for a full depth guide and material estimates.
For most decorative rock and gravel installations, yes. A quality landscape fabric underneath your material significantly reduces weed growth and helps prevent the rock from sinking into the soil over time. Use a commercial-grade woven fabric (not the cheap plastic sheeting) and secure it with landscape staples before spreading your material.
For decomposed granite pathways and driveways, fabric is generally not recommended because DG is meant to compact into the subgrade for maximum stability.
Decomposed granite compacts approximately 20–30% when properly watered and tamped. For this reason, we recommend ordering 25% extra material beyond your calculated needs. For example, if your calculation shows you need 4 tons, order 5 tons to account for compaction and ensure full coverage.
Yes, edging is highly recommended for any loose material installation. Borders contain the material and prevent it from migrating into grass, garden beds, or walkways. Options include steel landscape edging, aluminum edging, concrete borders, natural stone borders, or plastic bender board. For DG driveways and pathways, steel edging provides the cleanest, most durable containment.
Here is a straightforward 8-step process for installing decomposed granite:
- Step 1: Mark your area and set your borders/edging
- Step 2: Excavate to the desired depth plus 1–2 inches for compaction
- Step 3: Grade the subgrade for proper drainage (1–2% slope away from structures)
- Step 4: Compact the subgrade with a plate compactor or hand tamper
- Step 5: Install landscape fabric if desired (not always recommended for DG)
- Step 6: Spread DG in 2-inch lifts, raking level
- Step 7: Wet each lift thoroughly and compact with a plate compactor
- Step 8: Repeat lifts until you reach your desired finished height
Rock landscapes require minimal maintenance compared to lawns. Here are the basics:
- Rake periodically to keep the surface even and remove debris
- Remove leaves and organic matter with a leaf blower or rake to prevent weed growth
- Spot-treat weeds as they appear; a natural vinegar solution works well for small areas
- Refresh top layer every few years as material settles and thins
- Check edging annually to ensure borders are intact
This depends on the material, traffic level, and exposure:
- Decomposed granite: Refresh every 2–3 years for pathways and driveways. Higher-traffic areas may need topping off sooner.
- Crushed rock and gravel: Typically lasts 5+ years with minimal settling.
- River rock and pebbles: Rarely need replacement. Occasional raking and redistributing is usually sufficient.
Properly installed materials with adequate edging and grading should not wash away in normal rain. Here are some best practices:
- Grade properly: Ensure a 1–2% slope for water drainage
- Install sturdy edging: This is the most important factor in preventing material migration
- Compact thoroughly: Well-compacted DG resists erosion much better than loose material
- Consider stabilizers: For high-erosion areas, TechniSoil or GraniteCrete bind DG into a semi-hard surface
On steep slopes, consider using larger stone (3/4 inch and up) which resists water displacement better than fine materials.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help with product selection, project planning, and custom quotes.