The Best Gravel for Your Landscaping Project

Gravel is used for many landscaping projects, from surfacing walkways and driveways to drainage for paving patios and creek beds. There are numerous options in gravel, with different types of stone, color, size and shape. Finding the right gravel can ensure you get the best performance and appearance. Here are some typical projects that require gravel and the best types to choose for superior results.

Dry Creek Beds

Dry creek beds are a beautiful and functional drainage solution. While larger rocks are needed for the edges of a dry creek bed, you will want smaller rocks and gravel for the “bed” of your creek. Choose river rock 4-10 for the right-sized gravel to allow drainage.

Walkways

For walkways, you want an attractive, small gravel that will stay in place. Pea gravel in various forms is a good choice. Some popular options include Chattahoochee and Indian pea gravel. Chattahoochee tends to be duller in color, but functional. Indian pea gravel offers more color for a livelier appearance.

Driveways

Building a gravel driveway requires different types of gravel and soil. For the top layer and surface, angular shaped gravel about ½” in size can be an excellent choice. The shape helps it stay in place for high traffic areas.

Decorative Landscaping

If you are using gravel for mulch or weed control in your flower gardens, between pavers or as decorative filler, pea gravels and egg rock can work perfectly. There are many different colors and sizes available at your local landscape supply stores.

Choosing the right gravel for your landscaping project is important. Your local landscape supplier or quarry can help you find the best gravel to ensure you get long-lasting, beautiful results.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617

Does Your Driveway Need New Gravel?

As winter approaches, it may be time to inspect your gravel driveway to ensure it’s ready for the wet months ahead. All driveways require some type of maintenance, and gravel driveways are no exception. Over the years, the gravel which makes up your driveway can shift or settle, causing potholes and ruts where water can collect. Now is the perfect time to add some gravel to patch those holes and uneven areas, and to make sure your driveway will be ready for the colder, wetter winter season. 

Repairing Your Gravel Driveway

If you have an existing gravel driveway which just needs a new crown or has a few holes which should be filled, you can do these repairs yourself. The first step is to inspect your driveway to determine what action is needed. During the inspection, ask yourself: 

  • Are there any potholes or ruts that need filling? How many, and what width and depth?
  • Does the entire surface need a new covering of gravel?
  • Does your driveway still crown in the middle? Gravel driveways should peak in the center to allow for drainage. 

Once you determine what needs to be fixed, make sure you take down the dimensions of your driveway, as well as the holes you will be filling. You will need to order gravel from your landscape supplier which you can either have delivered or haul yourself. For filling holes, larger gravel such as #57 will generally work. For the top layer, a smaller gravel like #21 is usually a good choice. 

After you have the gravel, start by filling in holes and ruts with your larger rocks. Then, cover these areas with the smaller gravel. Once you have added gravel to all areas that need enhancing, rake and spread the gravel level, with a peak at the center.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Landscape Supply

Choosing Between Gravel and Mulch

Gravel and mulch are two popular landscaping materials for covering bare ground, lining gardens and flower beds, and protecting plants.  Each has advantages and disadvantages, and the best one for you project depends on your needs and the look you are trying to achieve.

Mulch is chopped or ground up woody material such as pine bark or cypress while gravel consists of either small, naturally smooth pebbles or crushed rock.  Both gravel and mulch are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and textures to achieve whatever look you desire.

Gravel and mulch are both excellent choices for ground cover.  They help control erosion, conserve moisture, inhibit weed growth, enhance the visual appeal of your landscaping, protect your shoes and clothes from mud and dirt, and help insulate the ground.

One of the primary advantages of mulch is that it decomposes and adds nutrients and increases the depth of the topsoil.  This makes mulch particularly suited for flowerbeds or any area where a rich layer of topsoil is important.

However, because it decomposes, Mulch often starts to look tired after six months and new mulch must be put down every year to replace the decomposed mulch.  After the first few years, the annual layer of mulch does not have to be as thick as the original layer.

If you do not want to have to mulch every year, gravel may be an excellent alternative.  Gravel does not decompose so it does not add to the topsoil, but it also does not have to be replaced every year.  Gravel has an almost indefinite lifespan and always looks grea