Best tools for installing decorative rock
The tools for a DIY decorative rock or DG project in Arizona: weed barrier, rakes, carts and the digging tools for caliche.
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Installing decorative rock is mostly hauling, spreading and leveling, with weed barrier underneath. The right cart and rake save hours, and a pick helps where you hit caliche.
For sizes and how many tons you need, see our landscape rock guide.
Our picks
Walensee heavy-duty dual-sided bow rake
Spreading and leveling decorative rock and DG
View on AmazonLAVEVE heavy-duty weed barrier fabric
Going under decorative rock to slow weeds
View on AmazonComparison
| Product | Best for | Key features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAVEVE heavy-duty weed barrier fabric | Going under decorative rock to slow weeds | Heavy duty | View on Amazon |
| Walensee heavy-duty dual-sided bow rake | Spreading and leveling decorative rock and DG | Dual-sided head | View on Amazon |
| Gorilla Carts 800 lb poly dump cart | Moving rock, pavers and yard waste | 800 lb capacity, Poly dump bed | View on Amazon |
| Best Choice Products dual-wheel wheelbarrow | Stable loads of decomposed granite and soil | Two wheels | View on Amazon |
| Fiskars Pro IsoCore 14-inch 2-in-1 pickaxe | Breaking caliche and hard, rocky soil | 14-inch, 2-in-1 pick and mattock head | View on Amazon |
| The Groundskeeper II rake | Pulling leaves off gravel without pulling up the rock | 55-inch handle, Lightweight | View on Amazon |
| TCBWFY auger drill bit for planting | Drilling planting holes in hard soil with a cordless drill | Fits a power drill | View on Amazon |
The picks in detail
LAVEVE heavy-duty weed barrier fabric
LAVEVE · Desert Landscaping
Best for: Going under decorative rock to slow weeds.
- Thicker fabric for under rock
- Popular, well-reviewed
- Weeds can still sprout in dust on top of the rock
Walensee heavy-duty dual-sided bow rake
Walensee · Desert Landscaping
Best for: Spreading and leveling decorative rock and DG.
- Two edges: one to spread, one to level
- Good for rock and DG
- Heavier than a leaf rake
Gorilla Carts 800 lb poly dump cart
Gorilla Carts · Yard Maintenance
Best for: Moving rock, pavers and yard waste.
- Dump bed unloads rock easily
- Poly bed will not rust
- Pulled behind you, so it is wider to steer than a wheelbarrow
Best Choice Products dual-wheel wheelbarrow
Best Choice Products · Yard Maintenance
Best for: Stable loads of decomposed granite and soil.
- Two wheels keep heavy loads from tipping
- Takes more storage space than a single-wheel barrow
Fiskars Pro IsoCore 14-inch 2-in-1 pickaxe
Fiskars · Desert Landscaping
Best for: Breaking caliche and hard, rocky soil.
- Built for hard digging
- Compact size
- Deep caliche layers may still need a digging bar or a pro
The Groundskeeper II rake
The Groundskeeper · Yard Maintenance
Best for: Pulling leaves off gravel without pulling up the rock.
- Rakes debris off rock yards
- Light to use for long stretches
- Not a heavy-duty rake for spreading rock (see the bow rake)
TCBWFY auger drill bit for planting
TCBWFY · Desert Landscaping
Best for: Drilling planting holes in hard soil with a cordless drill.
- Saves digging by hand
- Low cost
- Needs a strong drill; stop if you hit solid caliche
Rock project tips
- Overlap weed barrier seams and pin them down before the rock goes on.
- Spread rock with the tines of a bow rake, then level with the flat side.
- Big jobs (many tons or a whole yard) are often cheaper to hire out. Find a licensed landscaper.
FAQ
Do I need weed barrier under rock in Arizona?
It helps slow weeds coming up from the soil. Weeds can still sprout in dust that settles on top of the rock, so expect some pulling either way.
What rake is best for spreading rock?
A heavy bow rake. Leaf rakes and lightweight rakes are better for clearing debris off rock that is already in place.
Wheelbarrow or garden cart for rock?
A two-wheel wheelbarrow is stable and easy to dump. A dump cart carries more and is easier on your back over long distances.
Related
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- Essential yard tools for new Arizona homeowners
- Best patio shade products for Phoenix summers
- Best weed control tools for Arizona yards
How we pick: products are chosen for Arizona conditions from established brands with strong, long-running Amazon buyer feedback and clear specs. We have not hands-on tested every product. Check current price, size and specs on Amazon before buying.