Though river rock is a flexible material, there are some cons to using it. Gravel or stone isn't a great choice for a steep or inclined area as the weight of the stone over time will tend to slide to the bottom, helped along by rain and other factors.

Stone can also be difficult to keep looking tidy, so using it in high-traffic areas, or places near trees with a lot of leaf litter or fruit debris (like maples, gingkos, black walnuts or crabapples, to name a few) might cause a seasonal mess that will become tiresome to clean up year after year. Using a rake, broom and small leaf blower can help clear the debris.

To prevent weeds, lay down landscaping fabric or sand beneath your gravel or rock layer. River rock works well as a hardscape material in a desert or xeriscape garden, and can be used as a coverage instead of mulch and provide drainage. You can keep weed growth minimal by spraying with horticultural vinegar or salt water.

Prepare ground for river rock landscaping by pulling up and removing grass and weeds from the roots; leveling the area; laying down a landscape fabric lining; and spreading a layer of soil before adding gravel, rocks, stone, or boulders.

The best size river rock depends on your landscaping project. River rock comes in a variety of sizes, from small pea gravel to cover walkways and patios to stones ranging in size from lima beans to avocados and larger rocks and boulders used for everything from edging to rain gardens.