How to Use Gravel in Your Yard

If you’re trying to figure out the best way to cover up that large bare area of your yard, why not try gravel?

This cost-effective, low-maintenance material can be used for a variety of projects. There are literally no hard rules with gravel! 

Gravel is made up of rock fragments that might consist of basalt, sandstone, and limestone. In this post, we’ll share a few different ways you can use it to enhance the look of your yard.

1. Gravel is great for drainage

Whether you need to protect your driveway from erosion, fix a muddy property line, or fill in low areas that become stagnant puddles after heavy rainfall, gravel can be applied to help improve the drainage of your yard. 

It will absorb the excess water to keeps it in the ground so it doesn’t create runoff. Layer gravel at the bottom of drain spouts, along your driveway, or around your patio.

2. Create gravel walking paths

Are you tired of tripping over rocks and sticks when walking through your yard in the dark? A gravel walking path is the quickest way to give you a safe space for walking at night.

Laying down gravel to make a path is easy, and you can add larger stepping stones on top of the gravel for extra support. 

Gravel comes in all sorts of colors and textures, so you can match it to your landscaping design to create a beautiful, clean-cut aesthetic.

3. Gravel can replace mulch in flowerbeds

Pea gravel offers many benefits for your beautiful flowers. Not only does it improve drainage, but gravel absorbs the sun and makes it difficult for weeds to take root. 

If there are neighborhood cats that like to go potty in your flowerbed, gravel will help keep them away, along with slugs and snails.

Best of all, gravel will last for years, unlike mulch or wood chips that break down over time and need to be replaced.

4. Gravel covers up exposed tree roots and bare spots

If you have large, shady trees in your yard it’s common for bare spots to form near the base of the trunk where the sun can’t reach the grass.

As well, sometimes tree roots pop up through the soil, creating uneven lines in your landscaping design.

Layering gravel over exposed roots and bare spots is the easiest way to cover up these eyesores and keep your yard looking prim and proper.