Landscaping with Gravel: A Beautiful Alternative to Mulch

Landscape artists have found that landscaping with gravel is a beautiful alternative to mulch. Known for it's ability to control weeds, prevent soil erosion and aid in the retention of soil moisture, landscaping gravel is perfect around trees, shrubs, flower or other landscape beds.

Though it serves the same purpose as mulch, landscape gravel is used for a variety of reasons.

Another common use of landscape gravel is around pools and patios, as well as along walks and walls, providing a smooth, finished look.

Used around drainage areas or building foundations, landscape gravel helps prevent splash and gives lawns a pleasing appearance. Used in combination with natural stone or fake boulders, landscape gravel can add depth and beauty as well as a more natural look to a water garden, rock bed or water fall.

Though gravel gives any landscape project a polished, natural finish, it is also ideal for walkways, paths and jogging trails. However, paths require a more solid base than simply using gravel as you would around trees and shrubs or even pools and patios. Crushed gravel is best when used in creating a walking path or jogging trail. It has edges that weave together, providing a level base and stable support. For heavily trod walkways or paths, the ideal base would be sand, coarse or crushed gravel followed by some type of landscape fabric then covered with fine gravel on top.

Landscape fabric can be made of different material from plastic to polyester fibers spun into a web like material. This type is better for light walking paths since it is designed to let air, water and fertilizer into the ground as well as control weeds. For heavily trod walkways or jogging paths, a synthetic or plastic might be a better choice. Whatever you're trying to create with landscape gravel, be sure and explain it to a knowledgeable landscape professional and they will help you decide on which type -if any- landscape fabric you need to add stability to your landscape gravel base.

Regardless of how you use it or what your landscape design might be, landscape gravel comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Whether multicolored and decorative, or similar in cut and pattern, landscaping with gravel can add a groomed appearance to the simplest of lawns.