Mulch also provides a nice finished look to any yard or planter. Yards that are well mulched don’t need to be watered as often. Mulch Replacement: This ties into the above theme of water conservation in which mulch is a key player for both insulating plants from wild temperature swings and preventing soil from drying out. Water Conservation: Gravel is often seen in low-water xeriscape yards as a decorative replacement for grass in addition to artificial turf and hardscape like pavers. French drains around homes in Southern California clay soil help wick moisture away from foundations and are also topped with gravel to guide rain water in. Gravel placed on sloping ground is often used to guide rainwater into drains and creeks. But, if you put it in a planter as mulch, it’s easy to shift it around as plant preferences change, for example.ĭrainage: Gravel has a tendency not to puddle, making it an excellent and relatively inexpensive choice for walkways and even roads, though keep in mind that puddles will form in heavy rains regardless of material used. That being said, the trade-off is that weather, kids, dogs and you can kick it out of place. Plus, the crunchy sound heard while stepping on it adds a sensory bonus that a lot of homeowners like.įlexibility: If exactly where you placed the gravel doesn’t strike your fancy after a while, it’s movable. Gravel can come in a variety of gray, earth tones and even mauve. It’s commonly used for roads because it can survive the weight of multi-ton cars and trucks.ĭesign: Depending on the type of gravel used, it can add a contemporary or rustic look while even softening borders next to walkways and other hardscape. Gravel doesn’t discriminate against climate so whether you live in sunny San Diego or snowy Maine, it works. Why Use Decorative Gravelĭurability: Perhaps the main reason why homeowners all over the world utilize gravel is for its durability. Keep in mind that gravel can be a term used for pea-sized stones and larger river rocks but the good news is that either can be found at a local nursery or home improvement store.Ĭhoosing the right gravel for your yard depends on design and purpose so we’ll address several varieties here. Gravel helps keep weeds at bay, facilitate drainage in the yard, provide a suitable material for walkways and more. Decorative gravel has a place in every yard as a way to add texture and color while serving a practical purpose.
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