This extremely versatile aggregate can be used in so many ways on your landscape. Here are 5 useful ways you can use gravel on your property. Gravel offers affordable and beautiful options for you! Take a look at the aggregates we offer here at Hewlynn Home and Garden Center. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you.
- Mulch Alternative
Although mulch provides a beautiful accent and natural look, gravel is just as effective and offers a variety of colors, sizes and types. Gravel also does not deteriorate over time in the way mulch does. Additionally, it also helps to prevent evaporation from the surface of the soil. We recommend medium sized gravel, such as the 3/8-inch size to prevent movement, unlike mulch which can be blown around more easily. Your preference of type is a toss-up between style and functionality. Going with a rounder gravel will have a smoother appearance, however, an angular gravel will remain in place longer.
- Surrounding Pool
Surrounding your pool with gravel is a very affordable and practical option. It creates an appealing border, reduces the amount of dirt that gets into your pool and also helps to create drainage. Smoother stones, such as our “Pocono Stone” option are foot-friendly to bare feet when getting into or out of the pool. They are easy to install and require little maintenance.
- Driveways or Lining Driveways
For a fairly simple, affordable and beautiful driveway, gravel is a great option for you! In order to provide enough stability for vehicles, it is important to create a layering of different sizes of gravel. First, begin with a 3 to 4-inch diameter of stones as your base. Then your next layer should be a 2 to 3-inch diameter stone and lastly, on the top, would be your 3/8-inch gravel. We highly recommend the 3/8 bluestone gravel due to its appealing color and the rough edging which assists in binding together, increasing the stability and creating a decent amount of friction for take-off. 4 inches of each level should be sufficient, and each type of gravel should be angular as opposed to rounded.
You must also install a crown. A crown is when the middle of the driveway is higher than the sides. By installing small ditches on either side of the driveway you create drainage to allow the water to be carried away from the center. If you are completing this project on your own, when possible each layer should be rolled with a rolling machine. If this is something you are not able to do, you may want to consider hiring a professional. This would cut down on the amount of time the project takes and potentially provide you with some guarantees on your driveway. Although there are many pros to choosing such a driveway, the only con is that it takes a higher amount of maintenance than any other type.
Maintenance required includes:
- Applying herbicide
- Raking
- Adding more gravel every 2-4 years (especially in snowy areas or if your driveway is on a slope)
- When removing snow, much of the gravel ends up being dispersed to outside areas and will need to be pushed back in place
- Walkways
Both the type and size of gravel used for walkways are important choices when it comes to walkways. We recommend ¼ inch or smaller. You may also want to choose rounded gravel if you plan on walking barefoot through your walkway. If you need assistance in finding out how much to use, simply take your measurements of the area you are trying to cover and call us here at Hewlynn Home and Garden for assistance. You may want to lay a weed barrier as a base to your walkway to reduce the number of weeds that will grow in that area. Anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of gravel should be sufficient.
- Patios
A great perk to using gravel for a patio is the assortment of colors and types of gravel available. Choosing a color that truly accents your landscape can be quite aesthetically pleasing! If you are looking to create a contemporary look, go with a darker gravel. However, if your landscape is filled with more neutral and warmer colors, you may want to choose a light toned pea gravel. Gravel also creates a permeable surface which provides drainage.
We hope you have found these tips useful and that they have expanded your ideas on the creative ways you can enhance your property. If you would like to place an order for gravel or any other types of aggregates, feel free to contact our office at any time to schedule a delivery or pick-up.
