If you’re considering landscaping your yard, you might be wondering which type of rock is the most affordable. Pea gravel is by far the cheapest landscaping rock available. This rock is small, round and smooth, making it a popular choice for many landscaping projects. Here are some reasons why pea gravel might be the best fit for your landscape:
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable landscaping rock that’s easy to maintain and versatile, pea gravel is definitely worth considering.
Cheapest Rock for Landscaping
Landscaping can be a costly investment with a variety of materials to choose from. Depending on your design, choosing the right rock for your landscaping needs is essential. If you’re looking for an affordable rock option, pea gravel is the way to go.
Pea Gravel – Affordable and Versatile
Pea gravel is the most affordable landscaping rock available, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. However, just because it’s affordable doesn’t mean it’s not versatile. Pea gravel can be used for multiple landscaping tasks, including garden pathways, groundcovers, and driveways.
Pea gravel is small, smooth, and round rocks. It comes in a variety of colors like white, gray, browns, and even red. The smooth finish of the rocks gives it a polished look making it aesthetically pleasing. In addition to its visual appeal, pea gravel is also easy to maintain, making it ideal for landscape designs on a budget.
Using Pea Gravel for Your Garden Pathway
Pea gravel can add charm and character to your garden pathway. Using pea gravel as a pathway will add texture and dimension to your landscape. Moreover, pea gravel is better than other similar sized rocks due to its smoothness making it comfortable to walk on.
To install, you need to dig a trench, lay down landscape fabric, then spread pea gravel over the fabric. The fabric will hold the pea gravel in place while allowing water to pass through to the soil beneath.
If you want to add a pop of color to your garden, try mixing pea gravel colors on your garden pathway.
Pea Gravel as a Summer Groundcover
Pea gravel can act as natural mulch and protect the soil from direct sunlight. During the summer months, pea gravel can help reduce soil water evaporation, which prevents plants from drying out.
Additionally, using pea gravel for groundcover reduces the amount of maintenance required, such as mowing the lawn. You can add decoration such as stepping stones or solar pathway lights to make it look more appealing.
A Cost-Effective Driveway Design with Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is a cost-effective solution when it comes to driveway design. Traditional concrete or asphalt driveways can be expensive, and pea gravel provides a more affordable option.
To install, you need to dig out the area needed for the driveway, lay down landscape fabric and create a border with metal or plastic edging. Then, lay down several inches of pea gravel and use a steel tamper to level it.
Pea gravel also comes in a range of colors, ensuring you can find the perfect one to complement your home.
How to Install Pea Gravel in Your Landscaping
Installing pea gravel is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Clear the area for the landscaping project
- Measure and mark the area. With a garden hose or rope, map out the desired areas.
- Use a shovel or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of about 4 inches.
- Lay down weed barrier fabric to prevent weeds from growing through the rocks.
- Spread pea gravel in the areas you’ve marked out.
- Rake the pea gravel until it’s even.
- Use a water-powered compactor to help settle the pea gravel, which will prevent it from shifting over time.
Ideas for Using Pea Gravel in Your Yard
Pea gravel can be used in several different ways throughout your landscaping, besides pathways and driveways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use pea gravel to line the edge of your garden beds, creating a border that will keep your plants in place.
- Add interest to your landscape by pouring pea gravel over garden beds and then arranging large rocks on top.
- Use pea gravel as filler between pavers or stepping stones to create a unique look.
- Create a modern fire pit area with pea gravel around the perimeter.
Maintaining Your Pea Gravel Landscaping Over Time
Pea gravel is a low-maintenance landscaping solution, but to keep it looking great, you’ll need to maintain it over time. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use a leaf blower or broom to remove leaves or debris that fall on the pea gravel.
- Rake the rocks periodically to ensure they’re even and not compacted.
- Add additional pea gravel if the layer begins to thin out from use or weather.
In conclusion, pea gravel is an affordable and versatile rock suitable for a variety of landscaping tasks. Whether you’re looking to add curb appeal with a new driveway or create a garden pathway, pea gravel can help you achieve the look you desire. With little maintenance required, it’s perfect for busy homeowners and those on a budget.
