Fort Myers • Lee County
Rock & Weed Barrier in Fort Myers, FL
Rock suits a few specific spots on a Fort Myers lot better than anywhere else: the strip under a downspout, a side yard that never dries out beneath the eaves, or the narrow path between a downtown townhouse and its fence. UF/IFAS points out that rock adds nothing to soil nutrients or water-holding, and that it needs fabric underneath or it slowly sinks into sandy ground, so Hodges pins a weed barrier first and keeps stone out of beds where shrubs depend on organic matter. Summer storms here drop a lot of water in a short time; on any slope, small stone migrates onto sidewalks and driveways unless the bed has an edge to hold it. Around palm trunks, a rock ring also keeps mowers and string trimmers from scarring bark. When the bed holds plants, drip lines go in before the stone, because low-volume irrigation is allowed on any day under the water management district's year-round rule.
or call (239) 301-9455
Where it comes up in Fort Myers
Dunbar
Allen Park
McGregor Boulevard corridor
Plants and materials that suit it in Fort Myers
- Coontie
- Muhly grass
- Bismarck palm
- Pygmy date palm
- Florida river rock
- pinned landscape fabric
- drip tubing
Questions
Does rock really need fabric under it?
Yes. UF/IFAS notes that rock laid straight on our sandy soil gradually sinks out of sight. A pinned weed barrier keeps the stone on top and cuts down on weeds coming up through it.
Can plants in a rock bed be watered on days that aren't my assigned days?
Under the South Florida Water Management District's year-round rule, drip, micro-irrigation, and hand watering with a shut-off nozzle are allowed any day. Spray zones still follow the City of Fort Myers schedule, so check the city's water restrictions page for the current days.
What size stone stays in place during heavy summer rain?
Larger, heavier stone holds better than pea gravel, especially on any slope or near a downspout. A defined edge such as curbing or a buried border also keeps stone from washing onto paved areas.