Are Landscaping Rocks Expensive? A CSRA Homeowner’s Guide
If you live in the CSRA — including Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, Martinez, Harlem, Appling, or North Augusta — you’ve probably seen beautiful rock beds, river rock borders, and gravel walkways becoming more and more popular. But many homeowners wonder:
Are landscaping rocks expensive?
The short answer: They can be — but they don’t have to be.
Here’s a breakdown of what landscaping rocks cost in the CSRA and whether they’re the right choice for your property.
How Much Do Landscaping Rocks Cost in the CSRA?
Landscaping rock prices vary based on the type of rock, size, color, and how much you need. In general, here’s what homeowners throughout Augusta, Evans, and Grovetown can expect:
💲 Budget-Friendly Options ($25–$65 per ton)
These are the most affordable choices and perfect for large areas:
Crushed stone
Pea gravel
Crusher run
Basic drainage gravel
These materials are widely used across the CSRA for driveways, drainage systems, and filler rock.
💲 Mid-Range Options ($45–$130 per ton)
This includes most decorative stones used in local landscaping:
River rock
Egg rock
Medium decorative gravel
Tan or multi-colored stones
These are popular in neighborhoods across Evans, Martinez, and North Augusta for flower beds, borders, and high-visibility areas.
💲 Premium Rock & Boulders (Can exceed $150–$500+ per ton)
These options can get expensive, especially when shipping larger stones:
Polished stones
Specialty colors
Large boulders
Imported rock
Oversized river rock
These are often used for dramatic features in upscale landscaping.
Why Do Landscaping Rocks Seem Expensive?
1. Heavy materials = higher delivery costs
In the CSRA, delivery fees are often based on distance and tonnage.
2. Rocks last much longer than mulch
While mulch breaks down yearly, rock beds last 10–20 years, making them a long-term investment.
3. Decorative rock is processed and sorted
More labor and equipment = higher cost.
4. Larger areas require multiple tons
Even a small flower bed may require 1–2 tons of rock.
When Landscaping Rocks Are a Good Investment in the CSRA
✔ Low-maintenance beds
Perfect for homeowners in Augusta, Evans, and Grovetown who want something long-lasting.
✔ Drainage issues
Gravel and river rock help water move better than mulch — ideal for clay soils throughout the CSRA.
✔ High-traffic or full-sun areas
Rock doesn’t fade or degrade like mulch.
✔ Modern or clean landscape designs
Great for edging, borders, and decorative accents.
When Landscaping Rocks Might Not Be Worth the Cost
⚠ Very large flower beds
Rock can get pricey when covering big areas.
⚠ Areas where you frequently change plants
Rock is harder to dig through than mulch.
⚠ Sloped areas
Without proper edging, rocks can wash down hills — especially in heavy Augusta rain.
Is Landscaping Rock Expensive? My CSRA Verdict
Landscaping rock in the Augusta area is:
Affordable when using gravel or basic stone
Moderately priced for decorative river rock
Expensive for premium stone or large quantities
But rock is also long-lasting, low-maintenance, and great for drainage, which makes it a smart investment for many CSRA homeowners.
Final Thoughts
Landscaping rocks aren’t always cheap, but when installed correctly, they can drastically improve the look, durability, and drainage of your yard. Whether you’re in Evans, Grovetown, Augusta, Martinez, North Augusta, Harlem, or Appling, choosing the right type of rock can offer years of beauty and virtually no maintenance.
