How to Choose the Right Gravel for Your Landscaping Project

What type of landscaping project you are working on is the primary factor to think about when choosing a type of gravel. Is this a functional landscaping project, such as a walkway, or a decorative addition to your yard? Are you using the gravel around plants, or do you want to place stepping stones over it? These are important questions to have the answers to before purchasing gravel. The types of projects each type of gravel is best suited for include:

Around Trees and Planting Areas: Smaller gravel, typically around ¼ inch, is best suited for any type of garden area. The smaller gravel helps to allow water and air to access the soil below while maintaining the aesthetically pleasing look longer than mulch. However, for mulched areas, 3/8-inch gravel is better.

Drainage: If the purpose of your need for gravel is to maintain proper drainage around your house, then slightly larger gravel is needed. A 1-inch to 1 ½ inch gravel works best for draining purposes.

Pathways: Most landscaped walkways use a ¼ inch gravel, which works best with paving or steppingstones, but also is one of the better options to walk on. If you tend to walk outside barefoot, remember that the smaller the gravel size, the easier it will be to walk on.



Now that you have a general idea of what gravel you need, the next important question to ask yourself is how much gravel you need. To ensure that you have enough to complete your project and determine how much it will cost, your local professional landscaping company can help!