Gravel, Rock, Sand and Soil Delivery in Henderson, NV

Cobbly desert soil over volcanic sediment

The soil survey maps the center point of ZIP 89002 as the Caliza-Pittman-Arizo complex on 0 to 8 percent slopes. The Caliza series is the largest part, at 60 percent of the map unit. Its top mineral layer is an extremely cobbly fine sandy loam, which means rocks the size of a fist or larger are packed through the soil.^[1]

That stony soil drains fast. The survey rates it well drained and places it in hydrologic group A, where water soaks in quickly and little runs off. On undisturbed desert ground, the rare storm sinks in close to where it falls.^[1]

Shrink-swell in the top 100 cm is low, at 1.5 percent linear extensibility. The soil barely changes volume, so pavers, edging and rock borders stay where they are set.^[1]

Below, the geologic map shows Younger tuffaceous sedimentary rocks of Miocene age, a mix of sedimentary and volcanic material. The ground at the center point stands 2,250 feet above sea level.^[2],[3]

Digging in cobbly soil is slow work. A pick and a digging bar help more than a shovel, and the cobbles that come out can be reused as a border or mixed into a dry creek bed instead of hauled away.^[1]

Desert soils can form a hard, cemented layer a short way down. If a planting hole holds water for a day after filling, break through the hard layer with a bar or auger so roots and water can move down.^[1]

Very little rain, short sharp storms

The nearest NOAA normals station is Alan Bible Visitor CTR, about 9 miles away. It averages only 6.5 inches of precipitation a year. Much of that can arrive in short, violent summer storms that dump water faster than even fast-draining ground can take it.^[4]

The station counts 5 days a year with a low of 32 F or colder. Its median last spring freeze falls on January 21, and its median first fall freeze on December 17. Frost is rare and brief, so a base needs no extra depth for cold, and most plants only need a little cover on the few freezing nights.^[4]

Summer heat is the force that shapes desert yards. Dark rock and bare soil get very hot in the sun, and that heat radiates back onto walls and plants. Lighter rock and some shade from trees make an outdoor space more usable.^[4]

Wind is the other everyday factor. Loose sand and fine soil blow around in dry weather, while rock ground cover stays put and keeps dust down.^[4]

Most outdoor work here goes best in the cooler months. Spreading rock, digging in cobbly soil and setting pavers are far easier on a mild day than in the peak of summer, and new plants have time to root before the heat.^[4]

A rock yard from the ground up

Most front yards here are rock instead of lawn, and a good one starts with grading. Shape the ground so it falls away from the house on every side. Remove weeds by the roots, then lay a heavy landscape fabric over the soil.^[1]

For the main ground cover, 3/4" Crushed Stone, River Rock and Decomposed Granite are the usual choices. Crushed stone locks in place and holds up to foot traffic. River Rock has a smooth, natural look. Decomposed Granite packs into a firm, sandy surface that suits paths and sitting areas.^[4]

Spread the rock at an even depth over the fabric. Too thin and the fabric shows through, too thick and the rock shifts underfoot. Rake it smooth and run edging along walks and the driveway so it stays out of the way.^[1]

Mix in larger stone for interest. A few boulders, a border of Riprap along a slope, or a band of 1-1/2" Crushed Gravel between two finer rocks breaks up a large flat area and gives the yard some depth.^[1]

Rock colors matter in the desert. Tan and gold stone blends with the natural ground and stays cooler, while dark or red rock stands out and heats up more. Many yards use one main color with a second as an accent in borders or washes.^[4]

Washes, drains and desert beds

Even with fast-draining soil, a sudden storm can send water across hard surfaces, roofs and packed paths. A dry wash of River Rock and larger cobbles, laid over fabric, carries that water away from the house and looks natural the rest of the year.^[1],[4]

Where gutters empty, set a splash pad of River Rock or a pocket of Drain Rock so storm water does not dig a hole in the yard.^[4]

Sloped lots on the edges of town may need more than rock to hold the surface. Riprap set into the slope, or terraces held up by low walls with Drain Rock behind them, keep storm runoff from carrying the ground cover downhill.^[1]

Desert plants need a soil that drains well. For cactus and succulents, the native sandy loam works as long as the cobbles are cleared from the planting hole. For shrubs and trees, mix some Compost into the backfill. Garden Soil in raised beds is the easiest way to grow vegetables.^[1]

Mulch is less common here than rock, but it helps under trees and in vegetable beds. A layer of Wood Chips or Brown Shredded Mulch shades the soil and saves water. Keep it away from the trunk.^[4]

Drip irrigation lines can run under the fabric to each plant, with the rock spread over the top. That hides the lines from the sun, which helps them last, and puts water right where the roots need it.^[4]

Homes in ZIP 89002 and Henderson

The Census counts 14,076 housing units in ZIP 89002. Detached single-family houses make up 82 percent of them, above the 69 percent share across Henderson.^[5]

The median home in the ZIP was built in 2000, close to the city median of 2001. Owners live in 81 percent of the occupied homes in ZIP 89002. Henderson has 141,297 housing units in total.^[5]

Houses built around the turn of the century often have rock front yards that are now thin, faded or full of weeds. A fresh layer of rock over new fabric, or a switch to a new color or size, can refresh the whole front of a house.^[5]

Back yards bring their own list: a Decomposed Granite patio, a Pea Gravel play area, a Playground Sand box for children, or a pad of Road Base and 3/4" Crushed Stone beside the garage for a trailer.^[5]

Pool decks and side yards need a firm, cool surface. Decomposed Granite in a light tan or 3/8" Crushed Stone in a pale color stays more comfortable under bare feet than darker rock in summer.^[5]