Limestone Landscaping: Top Dos and Don'ts for Success

Dos for limestone landscaping are to seal your limestone regularly, ensure proper drainage, and clean the surfaces gently, but regularly. You shouldn't use acidic or harsh cleaners, don't use limestone around acid-loving plants, and don't ignore weather protection.

According to Better Homes & Gardens, 50% of Americans who have completed an overall landscape upgrade said that the most important part was adding beauty and aesthetics to their property. In addition, 23% of realtors would recommend this project before selling.

As a homeowner, this should catch your interest, especially if you're considering redoing the landscaping outside. Even if you're not planning on selling your home anytime soon, this project will give your property a fresh new look.

One avenue to explore is limestone landscaping, but there are certain dos and don'ts you should follow to ensure that yours is done right.

Is Limestone Good for Landscaping?

Yes, limestone is an excellent material for landscaping. Not only does it have natural beauty, but it also has versatility and durability, and you can get custom stone fabrication for it too.

You can use limestone in outdoor spaces in the following ways:

• Pathways
• Garden borders
• Retaining walls
• Patios
• Decorative features

One of the best advantages of limestone for yards is that it has neutral tones, so it complements most outdoor designs. Plus, it can regulate temperature, which helps maintain stable soil conditions. You'll also get great drainage.

However, it's alkaline, which may make your plant selection narrower. It also needs periodic cleaning and sealing, but with proper care, it can provide timeless elegance and functionality to any landscape design.

With that said, there are certain dos and don'ts you should keep in mind so you get your limestone landscaping right.

Do: Seal Your Limestone Regularly

One of the most important parts of limestone maintenance is sealing it. This will preserve its natural beauty and longevity.

This natural stone is porous, so it easily absorbs water, dirt, and stains. But if you apply a high-quality stone sealer, this will protect it from moisture penetration, as well as mold growth and discoloration.

In general, you should reseal limestone every 1-3 years.

Don't: Use Acidic or Harsh Cleaners

You shouldn't use acidic or abrasive cleaners on limestone. The following will react with the calcium carbonate, leading to dull spots, etching, or discoloration:

• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Bleach
• Ammonia

You should also avoid using harsh scrubbing pads or wire brushes, as they'll scratch the surface. In addition, don't use de-icing salts or acidic fertilizers near limestone surfaces.

For cleaning, it's better to use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild soap, as well as a soft cloth or mop.

Do: Ensure Proper Drainage

If there's standing water, it can seep into limestone's pores. This may result in:

• Stains
• Cracking
• Biological growth (like algae or mold)

You can prevent this by installing the limestone on a well-graded base with a slight slope. If you're using limestone gravel, then add a sublayer of crushed stone or sand.

Don't: Use Limestone Around Acid-Loving Plants

When you're doing a garden design with limestone, you have to be careful. It naturally raises the soil's pH, which makes it more alkaline. This makes it important to understand limestone's effect on soil chemistry.

What Plants Don't Like Limestone?

Plants that prefer acidic or neutral soil won't thrive in limestone-rich environments. This includes:

• Azaleas
• Rhododendrons
• Camellias
• Hydrangeas (blue varieties)
• Blueberries
• Heathers

If you still want to use limestone for landscaping, you can use raised beds filled with acidic compost to still grow the above plants. Otherwise, opt for lime-tolerant species, such as lavender, yarrow, and ornamental grasses.

Do: Clean Limestone Surfaces Gently But Regularly

You must clean limestone regularly to prevent dirt, algae, and debris from accumulating, as these things can dull its natural look. They may also cause deterioration over time.

Can You Power Wash Limestone?

Yes, you can power wash limestone, but you have to do it carefully. Use a low-pressure setting (under 1,500 PSI) and hold the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface. Don't use hot water either.

It's best if you pre-treat stains with a pH-neutral cleaner and rinse gently. For large areas or delicate architectural stonework, you should hire a professional stone cleaner.

Don't: Ignore Weather Protection

Limestone is durable, but it's still vulnerable to weathering. For example, prolonged sun exposure can cause fading and weakening, and freeze-thaw cycles can cause water to seep into the stone and expand. So it'll need a weather-resistant sealer.

You should also inspect the surface regularly for signs of damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Does Limestone Turn Black?

Usually, limestone turns black because of the accumulation of:

• Dirt
• Soot
• Mold
• Mildew
• Air pollutants

This can happen especially in humid or urban environments.

Over time, they react with the calcium carbonate in limestone, and this forms dark crusts or stains. Another possibility is that sulfur dioxide in the air reacts with the stone's surface, and this creates a layer of calcium sulfate that traps grime, and this gives it a blackened appearance. Biological growth (like algae and lichen) can also darken the stone, especially if it's located in shaded or damp areas.

You can prevent limestone from blackening with regular cleaning and sealing.

Does Limestone Crack Easily?

Limestone is a relatively soft and porous natural stone, so it's more prone to cracking than harder materials.

The following can increase the chances of cracking:

• Heavy impacts
• Sharp temperature changes
• Improper installation

You can do the following to prevent damage:

• Install on a stable, even surface
• Seal it properly to limit moisture intrusion
• Protect it from heavy loads or sudden temperature shifts 

Get Your Limestone Landscaping Right

Now that you know the basic dos and don'ts of limestone landscaping, you can start your project with a better sense of direction. Plus, you'll be able to better protect your investment, as you now know how to prolong the lifespan and beauty of your landscaping.

So if you want to do landscaping with natural stone, limestone is a great choice. Just make sure to follow our advice, and you'll be set.

Get in touch with us now if you'd like to explore our custom stone cutting services. We at Paramount Stone Company offer free consultations with our design team to ensure that we can help make your concepts a reality.