Decorative rock is the default "lawn" in much of Arizona. It needs no mowing, uses no water and lasts for years. Picking the right color and size, and ordering the right amount, is where most people get stuck. Start with the calculator, then read on.
How many tons of rock do I need?
Uses about 1.4 tons per cubic yard plus 10% extra, rounded up to the nearest half ton. Delivery, tax and spreading are extra. Odd-shaped yard? Break it into rectangles and add them up.
Popular rock colors in Arizona
Most decorative rock here is crushed granite, sold by color name. Names vary a little between suppliers, so always look at a sample (or a bag at the yard) in daylight before you order.
- Madison Gold: a warm gold granite and one of the most common choices in Valley neighborhoods. It goes well with tan and beige stucco.
- Saddleback Brown: a darker brown that hides dirt and leaves well.
- Express Gold and Palomino Gold: other gold tones, usually a bit lighter or pricier depending on the supplier.
- Sedona Red and Apache Pink: red and pink granites with warmer tones that stand out against block walls and green plants.
Matching rock you already have? If you've forgotten what's in your yard (it happens), bring a handful or a close-up photo to the rock yard and match it in person.
HOA tip: many Arizona HOAs only allow certain rock colors and sizes. Check your HOA's approved list, and get approval in writing, before you order.
Which size should you pick?
| Size | Good for |
|---|---|
| ¼" minus (decomposed granite, "DG") | Paths, sitting areas and under patio furniture. "Minus" includes the fine dust, so it packs down firm. |
| ½" screened | Small and medium front yards. Fine-looking, easy to walk on, and it looks neat around small plants. |
| ¾" screened | The all-around choice for most yards. A bit more texture than ½". |
| 1" screened | Bigger yards and areas you want to look bolder. |
| Rip rap (3" and up) | Washes, drainage channels, slopes and borders where water runs. |
"Screened" means the fine particles were removed. "Washed" is screened and rinsed, so it's cleaner and usually costs a little more.
How deep should the rock be?
About 2 inches is standard for planting beds and front yards. Go to 3 inches for paths or if you want heavier cover. Much more than that just costs more and makes the rock harder to walk on.
What does landscape rock cost?
Phoenix-area examples of yard prices per ton, before tax and delivery, checked Nov 6, 2026. Prices in Tucson, Yuma and northern Arizona can be different, so call a local yard. Find rock yards in your city →
| Rock | West Valley Rock | AZ Rock Express |
|---|---|---|
| Madison Gold ½" | $60.25 (minus) · $71.85 (washed) | $57.00 (screened) |
| Madison Gold ¾" screened | $60.25 | $60.00 |
| Madison Gold ¼" minus | $50.10 | $44.00 |
| Saddleback Brown ½" screened | $62.25 | Special order |
Delivery and spreading usually cost more than the rock itself on small jobs. One Phoenix-area spreading company quotes delivery plus spreading starting at $495 for up to 5 tons, and estimates a typical installed cost of roughly $0.85 to $1.60 per square foot.
Before the rock goes down
- Clear it out. Remove old grass and weeds first. Bermuda grass will come right back through rock if it isn't killed.
- Put the drip in first. Run lines to every plant before you spread rock, so you're not digging it up later.
- Plan for weeds. A pre-emergent and/or landscape fabric helps, but rock yards still need a little weeding.
- Mind the walls. Don't pile rock up against your stucco. Keep it below the metal strip (weep screed) at the bottom of the wall so water can drain.
- Grade for drainage. Water should run away from the house, not toward it.
More on this in 5 landscaping mistakes Arizona homeowners make → And if you're replacing grass, check your city's grass removal rebate first.
DIY or hire it out?
Spreading a few tons of rock is a doable weekend job with a wheelbarrow and a rake. For a full front yard with grass removal, drip and plants, a pro is usually faster and gets the grading right. In Arizona, a job that totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials generally needs an ROC-licensed contractor. Learn more →
Find a licensed pro for your rock yard
Compare ROC-licensed xeriscape and landscape contractors in your city, then call them directly. No forms, no lead fees.
Find xeriscape prosSources
- West Valley Rock: Price list
- West Valley Rock: Madison Gold
- AZ Rock Express: Landscape rock prices (updated Oct 2, 2026)
- RockSpread: Landscape rock installation cost in Phoenix (2026)
- Earth Stone Rock: Coverage calculator
- Arrowhead Materials (Peoria): Decorative rock colors and sizes
Prices last checked Nov 6, 2026 and change often. Call the supplier for a current quote. This is general information, not professional advice.