Is It Time to Add Gravel to Your Driveway?

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Gravel
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Gravel driveways are economical and require little professional maintenance compared to paved options. However, that does not mean they are maintenance-free. Annual raking can help keep gravel level and improve the surface, but over time gravel will become compacted and you may need to add more gravel to resurface your driveway. Here are some signs it is time to invest in adding to new gravel to your driveway.

Pothole Problems

Does your driveway have potholes or areas where water collects in puddles? Erosion and wear can lead to low spots that need filling to create a level surface again. While you can rake and fill these in, without adding new gravel and compacting it, the problem will continue to get worse.

Tire Tracks

Using the same spots to park your vehicle can leave tire tracks. You may even get grass or weeds growing in the areas between the tire tracks. Once again, spreading the gravel will help, but eventually you will need to add more gravel to fill in the worn areas.

Contours and Slopes

The shape of your driveway can change. It may become contoured, creating a low area that collects water, or slope in one direction or another. This can cause drainage issues that can be annoying and detrimental to your property.

If it is time to add more gravel to your driveway, you can save money by doing this yourself. You will need new gravel and equipment to compact and rake the new gravel into a level surface. Contact your local landscape supplier for gravel delivery to your home. They can suggest the right gravel type and the amount of gravel you will need to resurface your driveway.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

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Pros and Cons of Using Gravel in Landscaping

December 3rd, 2018 Posted in Gravel
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Are your looking for a different look for your landscaping than standard mulch? Gravel can offer some benefits as a landscaping material to place around plants and trees. However, it is important to know how to use this material for the best results and when it may not be appropriate. Here are some of the pros and cons of using gravel for landscaping to get the desired outcome.

Pros of Using Gravel for Landscaping

Unlike organic mulch that deteriorates, gravel can last for many years when placed around trees or plants in your garden areas. Many people use gravel for pathways, but it can be used in place of mulch in some planting areas. Pros of using gravel include:

  • Longevity. Gravel does not breakdown like organic mulch, so once placed it does not need new gravel added as often as mulch.
  • Aesthetics. Gravel comes in many colors and size options, giving you a clean, tailored look to your landscaping.
  • No bugs. While bark or pine mulch may attract bugs or pests, gravel does not.

Cons of Using Gravel Instead of Mulch

There are drawbacks to using gravel instead of mulch for a landscaping material. While it can be a wonderful material for xeriscaping, it is not always a good option for gardens with certain plants. Mulch may breakdown, but it adds nutrients to the soil as it does, which can benefit plants. It also does not deter weeds as well as mulch.

If you want a different look for your landscaping or are creating a Japanese or rock garden, gravel can be a great option. Talk to your local landscape supplier about the benefits of using gravel instead of mulch to determine if it will be the best solution for your landscaping needs.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

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Choosing the Right Gravel for Your Driveway

September 22nd, 2016 Posted in Gravel
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Gravel is one of the most affordable materials for driveways, creating a durable surface that doesn’t require high maintenance. However, it is not as simple as just pouring down a top coat of gravel over a dirt base. For proper strength, drainage and durability, you need a combination of gravel types to build a solid gravel driveway that will last for years to come.

A quality gravel driveway should consist of at least three layers of gravel of different types. You need a base layer with larger stones, a middle layer with medium size rocks and a top layer with the small gravel. Using these three steps while tampering down each layer can create the durability and drainage you need. Here are the three gravel types that are often used for driveways:

  • Base layer. The bottom base layer should be #1 angular gravel with stones about four-inches in diameter, the size of a baseball. The angular gravel is not round, but crushed rock that works well for stabilizing driveways.
  • Middle layer. For the second layer, medium-sized angular #4 gravel should be used in a four-inch layer. This will bind with the bottom layer to create a solid foundation.
  • Top layer. For the last layer, small gravel about the size of a coin should be used in another four-inch coating. Typically, #57 gravel works well for this layer.

Choosing the right type and size of gravel for your driveway can make a big difference in how long it will last. Talk to your local landscape supplier that offers various sizes of gravel for more tips on building your new driveway.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

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