You are planning your landscaping and hesitating between decorative stones and traditional lawn? This decision influences your maintenance time, the comfort of your yard, and the final appearance of your property.
This article compares these two popular options in Quebec. You will discover the advantages and disadvantages of each, the required maintenance, and the criteria to choose the best solution according to your situation.
Key takeaways
- Decorative stones require little maintenance but represent a higher initial investment
- Lawn requires regular maintenance but offers a natural and cool surface
- Your specific needs (available time, use, comfort) determine the best choice
- Municipal regulations may limit mineralized surfaces in Quebec
Decorative stones: advantages and limitations
Main advantages
Minimal maintenance : No mowing, watering, or fertilizing required. Occasional weeding and annual cleaning are generally sufficient.
Exceptional durability : Stones withstand Quebec’s freeze-thaw cycles and maintain their appearance for 25 years. They do not yellow in summer or brown in winter.
Optimal drainage : Stones allow natural water runoff, reducing erosion and accumulation issues. Ideal for wet areas or slopes.
Aesthetic versatility : Available in various colors, textures, and sizes for all landscaping styles, from modern to rustic.
Water savings : No watering required, even during summer heat waves. An excellent eco-friendly choice during water restrictions.
Disadvantages to consider
Discomfort : Hard and hot surface in summer, poorly suited for walking barefoot or children’s play. No natural coolness.
Movement : Stones may shift outside designated areas over time and require occasional repositioning. Accumulation of fallen leaves between stones.
Municipal restrictions : Some Quebec cities require a minimum percentage of green spaces. Check regulations before fully mineralizing.
Heat absorption : Dark stones absorb and retain heat, increasing the temperature around your home in summer.
Lawn: advantages and limitations
Main advantages
Natural and comfortable surface : Soft and safe for children, pleasant barefoot. Lowers ambient temperature through evapotranspiration during heat waves.
Traditional appearance : A well-maintained green lawn remains the most appreciated landscaping choice and can increase your property’s curb appeal.
Environmental benefits : Produces oxygen, captures CO2, filters air pollutants, and prevents soil erosion.
Living surface : Creates a favorable ecosystem for pollinating insects and local biodiversity.
Disadvantages to consider
Intensive maintenance : Weekly mowing from April to October, frequent watering during dry periods, fertilization, and regular aeration. Represents 15-25 hours of work per summer according to The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
High water consumption : A lawn requires about 2.5 cm of water per week during the Quebec summer. For 1000 sq ft, this represents 600-800 liters weekly in dry periods.
Climate vulnerability : Yellows during drought, browns in winter, suffers from trampling in high-traffic areas. Requires regular reseeding of damaged areas.
Ongoing maintenance : Mower, fuel, fertilizer, seeds, dethatching, and weed treatments represent recurring expenses and time.
Decorative stones vs lawn
|
Criteria |
Lawn |
|
|
Annual maintenance |
Minimal (light weeding) |
Intensive (15-25h/summer) |
|
Durability |
Excellent (25+ years) |
Requires regular renovations |
|
Comfort |
Low (hard, hot) |
High (soft, cool) |
|
Water consumption |
None |
High (600-800L/week) |
|
Winter adaptation |
Excellent |
Dormant, browning |
|
Suitable for children |
No (hard, less safe) |
Yes (soft surface) |
|
Resistance to foot traffic |
Excellent |
Average (damages easily) |
How to choose the best option
Evaluate your priorities
Available time : Little time for maintenance or frequent summer travel? Stones are advantageous.
Yard usage : Children’s play, pets, or sports? Lawn remains superior. Decorative areas, walkways, or low-traffic zones? Choose stones.
Local climate : Area prone to water restrictions or frequent droughts? Stones eliminate this issue.
Recommended hybrid solution
Combine both to maximize benefits:
- Lawn in play and relaxation areas
- Stones for borders, paths, shaded difficult areas
- Stones around trees, slopes, and foundations
- Stones for pool and terrace borders
This approach balances aesthetics, functionality, maintenance, and better complies with municipal regulations that require green spaces.
Check regulations
Several Quebec municipalities require a minimum percentage of permeable green spaces to manage runoff water. Consult the urban planning department before mineralizing large surfaces.
Some cities also impose restrictions on border types, landscaping height, and distances from property lines.
Long-term considerations
Durability and replacement
Quality decorative stones last 25-50 years without significant degradation. A simple pressure wash refreshes them easily. The geotextile membrane may require replacement after 15-20 years.
Lawn requires partial reseeding every 3-5 years in high-traffic areas, annual aeration, and possibly full renovation every 10-15 years.
Environmental impact
Stones eliminate water consumption, mower emissions, and the use of chemical fertilizers. However, they can create heat islands.
Lawn produces oxygen and captures CO2, but requires watering, fuel for mowing, and potentially pesticides. Choosing eco-friendly grass and sustainable maintenance practices reduces this impact.
Making the right choice for your yard
The choice between decorative stones and lawn depends on your personal priorities. Stones suit homeowners seeking durability and low maintenance, while lawn satisfies those prioritizing comfort and a living natural look.
A hybrid approach often offers the best compromise, combining the advantages of both options. Evaluate your available time, intended yard use, and local regulations to make an informed decision suited to your Quebec reality.
Need quality decorative stones?
If you opt for stones or a mixed solution, our team can advise you on the best options for your project. We offer a wide selection adapted to the Quebec climate.
Visit Stone Decorative to explore our options and discuss your project!