Landscaping With Gravel; A Beautiful Alternative to Mulch
Landscaping With Gravel; A Beautiful Alternative to Mulch
by
Pamela S Thibodeaux
(c) 2011
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.
For ways to take care of your lawn while on vacation, and other great ideas, check out Weedeaterguides.com
Not sure which garden tools and power equipment to use? Check out Garden Life Pro for reviews and recommendations!
Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She has over twenty years experience in bookkeeping, insurance and tax preparation. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
*One-Time Digital Reprint Rights Available for $5.00 through PayPal. Byline must stay intact. Link back to Article and Bio greatly appreciated!
by
Pamela S Thibodeaux
(c) 2011
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.
For ways to take care of your lawn while on vacation, and other great ideas, check out Weedeaterguides.com
Not sure which garden tools and power equipment to use? Check out Garden Life Pro for reviews and recommendations!
Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She has over twenty years experience in bookkeeping, insurance and tax preparation. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
*One-Time Digital Reprint Rights Available for $5.00 through PayPal. Byline must stay intact. Link back to Article and Bio greatly appreciated!
(c)2021 Pamela Thibodeaux
All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved