Gravel and decorative rock landscapes are a smart choice for homeowners in Colorado Springs. Not only do they conserve water—a major plus in our semi-arid climate—but they also hold up well against wind, sun, and sudden temperature swings. Still, even the toughest landscape needs a little summer upkeep.
To keep your rock beds looking sharp and functioning properly through the hottest months, here are our top practical tips for maintenance and weed prevention—designed specifically for Colorado Springs’ unique summer conditions.
1. Rake to Prevent Compaction and Heat Retention
Over time, foot traffic, sprinklers, and even our famously dry winds can cause gravel and decorative rock to compact into a hard, heat-absorbing surface. This not only makes your yard feel hotter, but it can also reduce drainage and invite weed growth.
Lightly raking your gravel beds every few weeks loosens the surface, allows better airflow, and breaks up “hot spots” where heat builds up. It also refreshes the look of the gravel, making your yard look clean and maintained.
Tip: Use a wide-toothed landscape rake and work during the cooler part of the day to avoid stirring up too much dust.
2. Refresh or Replace Weed Barrier Fabric
While a quality weed barrier is essential under any gravel installation, over time it can degrade—especially under intense Colorado UV exposure. If you’re noticing more weeds than usual, your weed barrier may be worn out, torn, or improperly overlapped.
Consider adding a new layer of fabric or replacing the old one entirely if you’re doing a significant refresh. When installing, make sure to overlap seams by at least 6 inches and secure edges tightly to prevent wind from lifting the fabric.
Pro Tip: Avoid plastic sheeting, which can trap moisture and cause drainage issues. Stick to breathable, commercial-grade landscape fabric.
3. Stay Ahead of Weeds Before They Spread
Weed seeds often germinate in spring and early summer, especially after storms or wind events. That’s why it’s important to remove weeds as soon as they appear—before they have the chance to drop more seeds. Staying proactive with hand-pulling early in the season can help reduce future outbreaks and keep your gravel beds looking clean and low-maintenance all summer long.
4. Hand-Pull Aggressive Weeds Early
Even with a solid weed barrier, the occasional persistent weed will still find its way through. Hand-pulling them as soon as they appear is the best approach—especially for Colorado-specific nuisances like thistle and bindweed, which can quickly take over if ignored.
Colorado-Specific Tip: These aggressive invaders are easier to control when pulled early in the season, before they set seed and spread.
Tip#2: Thistle and bindweed are especially aggressive in this region—catch them early before they set seed!
5. Keep It Looking Cool: Color and Contrast
In a landscape dominated by rock, color can make a big difference. Lighter-colored gravel reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat, helping to keep surrounding areas cooler. You can also create visual “cool zones” by mixing in drought-tolerant plants, boulders, or small seating areas that offer shade and texture.
A well-maintained rock bed not only looks sharp but also works in harmony with Colorado Springs’ natural climate—reducing water use, fire risk, and long-term maintenance costs.
Make Your Rock Beds Work Smarter This Summer
Gravel landscaping doesn’t need much water—but it does need some smart seasonal care. By raking regularly, maintaining weed barriers, and staying ahead of weed growth with hand-pulling, you can enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance yard that thrives in the Colorado sun.
At Affordable Services Colorado Springs, we help homeowners install, repair, and maintain decorative rock features and gravel beds designed for our high-altitude climate.
Ready to give your landscape a summer refresh? Contact us today for expert help and a free on-site consultation.
