Decorative Stone & Rock in Arlington, TX

Prices vary by material and size, but typical delivered ranges in Arlington in 2025 are about $45 to $120 per ton. Pea gravel and bulk river rock tend toward the low end, crushed granite and colored decorative stone are midrange, and specialty flagstone chips or premium landscape rock can be at the high end. Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum and offers standard delivery in 2+ business days with a next-day option for orders placed before noon CST.

Common favorites in Arlington include pea gravel (for walkways and play areas), river rock (accent beds and dry creek lines), crushed granite or gravel (pathways and base layers), and flagstone chips or decorative boulders (accent and edging). Popular choices reflect local tastes for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscaping that stands up to hot Texas summers.

For a 100 sq ft area: 1u0022 depth needs about 0.43–0.52 tons, 2u0022 depth about 0.86–1.05 tons, and 3u0022 depth about 1.30–1.57 tons. Differences come from stone type and density; these ranges assume common decorative stone densities (roughly 1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard). Always order a little extra (5-10%) for compaction and spreading waste.

Installed costs vary with prep work: for simple top-dress landscaping the total installed cost often ranges $4 to $12 per square foot. Contractors commonly charge an extra $10 to $30 per ton for delivery handling and spreading, while more extensive installations (edging, weed barrier, base prep, or retaining walls) raise costs above the typical per-square-foot range. Ask for itemized quotes and confirm whether edging, weed fabric, and grading are included.

Arlington's hot, sunny summers mean decorative stone holds up well compared with organic mulches, since stone doesn't decompose or fade quickly from UV. Occasional freeze-thaw in winter is uncommon but can shift loose stones if the base is not compacted; heavy summer storms can wash or migrate fines. Choose properly sized stone for the application, use good edging and base prep, and expect minimal long-term maintenance compared with mulch.

Many HOAs in Arlington have design rules that may limit rock color, size, or the use of rock in the front yard, while the City of Arlington has stormwater and drainage regulations that affect impervious surfaces and runoff. Requirements vary by neighborhood and HOA, so check your HOA guidelines and contact City of Arlington planning or code enforcement before installation to make sure your rock landscape complies. Hello Gravel recommends getting approval documents or written sign-off before ordering large quantities.

Local landscape supply yards and garden centers in Arlington typically deliver decorative stone by the ton; minimums vary but many suppliers and haulers, including those on Hello Gravel's network, require a 3-ton minimum for truck delivery. Ask suppliers about their delivery method (dump truck, tailgate spread) and whether they will spread material on site, and request a material sample or photo to confirm color and size before ordering.

Common best practices in Arlington include installing a permeable geotextile fabric (to limit weeds while allowing drainage), durable edging (metal, plastic, or stone) to keep rocks contained, and a compacted crushed-rock base for driveways or high-traffic areas. For slopes or loose soils, use a geogrid or gravel stabilization grid and consider terracing or small retaining walls to prevent migration during heavy Texas rains.

Decorative stone is longer lasting and lower maintenance than mulch and provides better erosion resistance, but it costs more upfront than mulch. Crushed limestone and decomposed granite are excellent for driveways and paths because they compact well and give a firm surface; decorative stone is more attractive for beds and accents but may not be ideal alone for a driveway without a compacted base. Choose materials by function: DG or crushed base for driveways, decorative stone for borders and beds, and mulch for planting beds where soil health is a priority.

On slopes, decorative stone can migrate downhill during heavy rains common in North Texas; small rock sizes and lack of edging make migration worse. Use terraces, strong edging, check-dams, geotextile fabric, or plantings to slow water, and consider larger stones or riprap at concentrated flow points. Proper grading and a plan for channeling runoff to existing storm drains will reduce long-term erosion and maintenance.