Using rocks in landscaping is a great way to give your front yard a natural and warm look without costing you a fortune.  Used incorrectly, rocks can actually detract from your front yard landscaping design. 

The most important part about using rocks in landscaping is using the rocks in a natural manner.  This involves two steps.  First, you must find rocks that blend with your lawn.  Secondly, you must place your rocks in a natural manner.

Finding rocks that fit with your landscaping needs can take time.  If you are clearing a new property to build on, keep the rocks.  You may have a use for them later.  Of course, the rocks that you choose do not have to be rocks that you can find in your area.  Even rocks that do not occur naturally in your area can appear natural if they are properly landscaped.

Choose rocks in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Use larger rocks sparingly and focus on mid-sized rocks that can be placed to add contrast to your flower gardens.  Choose colors that will stand out in your lawn, but not to the point of detracting from your trees, shrubs, and flowers.  Choose a complementary rock style to the rest of your garden and lawn--whether you choose pumice, granite, lava rock, limestone, or some other type of stone.

The next step is placing your rock in a natural manner.  The best way to achieve this is to partially bury any stone that you place in your front yard.  Do not simply place boulders on either side of your driveway and consider your lawn landscaped.

When rocks are partially buried, it gives them the look that they belong in the yard.  Use your common sense and a good eye to judge how deep you should bury each rock.  Larger rocks should be buried deeper than smaller ones.  As a general guide, use around five inches for a medium sized stone.  After you place the rock in the hole, use dirt to fill in any unnatural gaps.

One of the best ways to learn how to bury rocks is to observe how rocks are in nature.  This will help you develop a keen landscaping eye.  Keep in mind that rocks should simply be used to accent your landscaping needs--they should not be the focus.  Unless you are building a rock garden, keep the number of stones in your front yard to the minimal amount needed to produce a beautiful and natural landscaped look.