Pros and Cons of Gravel Landscaping

Gravel landscaping is a great way to make your yard look nice without a lot of hassle. But like anything, it has its good and bad sides. If you’re thinking about adding gravel to your yard or building a pea gravel patio, this guide will help you decide if it’s right for you.

Key Takeaways

Gravel landscaping is an affordable and low-maintenance solution for yards. It doesn't require watering, mowing, or frequent upkeep, especially when landscape fabric is used to suppress weeds.
Gravel is highly versatile, suitable for pathways, patios, garden borders, and decorative purposes. It comes in various sizes and colors, and unlike organic mulch, it doesn't break down, ensuring a long-lasting option.
Gravel can shift due to foot traffic or rain, requiring periodic raking to maintain its appearance. Cleaning debris, like leaves and dirt, can also be challenging, despite using tools like leaf blowers.

What Is Gravel Landscaping?

Gravel landscaping is when you use stones like pea gravel, crushed gravel, or even bigger rocks like river rock to decorate your yard. People often use gravel for garden beds, pathways, patios, or even as a ground cover. It’s low-maintenance and gives your yard a clean, natural look.

Pros of Gravel Landscaping

Gravel has a lot going for it. Here’s why so many people choose it for their landscaping projects:

1. Easy to Take Care Of

Gravel is super low maintenance. Once it’s in place, you don’t have to water it, mow it, or worry about it growing weeds (as long as you use landscape fabric underneath).

2. Affordable

Gravel is cheaper than other options like a concrete patio or fancy pavers. You can buy it by the square foot or by the ton, so it’s easy to fit into your budget.

3. Stops Weeds

If you use landscape fabric under your gravel, it helps stop weed growth. This means less time spent pulling weeds.

4. Flexible and Versatile

Gravel works for so many things! You can create a pea gravel patio, make pathways, or use it as a border for garden beds. It also comes in different colors and sizes, so you can match it to your yard’s look.

5. Good Drainage

Gravel helps water soak into the ground, so you won’t have puddles in your yard. It’s perfect if you want proper drainage in areas that get a lot of rain.

6. Lasts a Long Time

Unlike organic mulch, gravel doesn’t break down. It stays in place for years, making it a long-lasting option for your yard.

7. Handles Foot Traffic

A pea gravel patio or walkway can take a lot of foot traffic without getting damaged. It’s great for high-use areas like paths or sitting spaces.

Cons of Gravel Landscaping

Gravel isn’t perfect, though. Here are some things you might not like:

1. It Can Move Around

Gravel doesn’t always stay put. It can shift if there’s a lot of foot traffic or heavy rain. You might need to rake it back into place now and then.

2. Weeds Can Still Show Up

Even with landscape fabric, some weeds might grow on top of the gravel. Seeds from nearby plants can land on the gravel and sprout.

3. Not Great for Slopes

If your yard has hills or slopes, gravel can slide downhill over time, leaving bare spots.

4. It Gets Hot

In the summer, gravel can get really hot, which isn’t great if you like walking barefoot. A concrete patio or grass might feel cooler underfoot.

5. Hard to Clean

Leaves and dirt can get stuck in gravel. While you can use a leaf blower to clean it, it’s not always easy to get everything out.

6. Not Plant-Friendly

Gravel doesn’t add nutrients to the soil like organic mulch does. This means it’s not the best choice if you want a lush vegetable garden or lots of plants.

Why People Love Pea Gravel Patios

A pea gravel patio is one of the most popular ways to use gravel in a yard. Let’s talk about why so many people choose it – and what to watch out for.

Pros of Pea Gravel Patios

Affordable: A pea gravel patio costs less than pavers or concrete.
Looks Great: It gives your yard a natural, casual vibe.
Customizable: Pea gravel comes in different colors and sizes, so you can make your patio unique.
Easy to Install: You don’t need a pro to set up a pea gravel patio.
Minimal Maintenance: Once it’s in place, it’s easy to keep up.

Cons of Pea Gravel Patios

Shifts Around: The gravel can move under your feet, especially if you don’t use edging.
Furniture Issues: Chairs and tables might sink into the gravel unless you use pads underneath.
Weeds Can Grow: Some weeds may still pop up, even with landscape fabric.

Why People Love Pea Gravel Patios

If you’re deciding between gravel and other options, here’s how it stacks up:

1. Gravel vs. Concrete

Gravel is cheaper and easier to install than a poured concrete patio. But concrete is smoother and more permanent.

2. Gravel vs. Organic Mulch

Gravel lasts longer than organic mulch but doesn’t help your soil the way mulch does.

3. Gravel vs. River Rock

River rock is bigger and smoother than most gravel. It’s more decorative but also more expensive.

How to Make Your Gravel Landscaping Last

Want your gravel yard to look great for years? Here are some simple tips:

1. Use Landscape Fabric: Always put down landscape fabric before adding gravel. It helps stop weed growth and keeps the gravel from mixing with the soil.

2. Choose the Right Gravel: Not all gravel is the same. Use crushed gravel for driveways, pea gravel for patios, and bigger rocks for decoration.

3. Add Edging: Edging keeps gravel in place and makes your yard look neat. You can use wood, metal, or even natural stone as edging.

4. Plan for Drainage: Gravel helps with good drainage, but make sure your yard is graded so water flows away from your house.

5. Rake Regularly: Raking your gravel once in a while keeps it even and clean.

Creative Gravel Ideas for Your Yard

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some gravel ideas:

Pea Gravel Patio A pea gravel patio is perfect for relaxing or hosting friends. Add a fire pit and some comfy seating for a cozy vibe.
Gravel Pathways Use crushed gravel to make pathways that lead through your yard. It’s an easy way to add charm and structure.
Garden Beds Gravel around garden beds creates a clean border and keeps weeds at bay.
Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Replace grass with gravel for a low maintenance yard that still looks great.
Fire Pit Areas Gravel is a safe, durable base for a fire pit. It’s easy to install and looks good too.

Costs of Gravel Landscaping

Here’s a rough idea of what gravel costs:

Pea Gravel: $30–$60 per ton
Crushed Gravel: $20–$50 per ton
River Rock: $50–$100 per ton
Landscape Fabric: $0.50–$1 per square foot

Labor costs depend on the size of your yard, but installing a pea gravel patio usually costs $2–$5 per square foot.

How Gravel Handles Different Climates

One of the cool things about gravel landscaping is how well it works in different climates. Whether you live in a hot desert or a rainy area, gravel can adapt.

In Hot, Dry Climates

Gravel is a lifesaver in places with lots of sun and little rain. It doesn’t dry out like grass, and it won’t turn brown or need constant watering. Plus, it doesn’t attract pests like organic mulch might. A pea gravel patio, for example, stays neat even in extreme heat.

If you’re worried about the heat, you can choose lighter-colored gravel. Lighter tones reflect sunlight, so the surface doesn’t get as hot. This makes it more comfortable for bare feet or pets running around.

In Rainy or Humid Climates

In wetter climates, gravel is great for proper drainage. It lets water soak into the ground instead of pooling on the surface, which means no muddy spots. Using crushed gravel around your garden beds or near walkways can help you avoid slippery messes.

Just be sure to install it the right way. Landscape fabric under the gravel helps keep it from mixing with the soil. And if you’re dealing with a lot of rain, make sure your yard slopes slightly to guide water away from your home.

Fun Ways to Use Pea Gravel

Pea gravel isn’t just practical – it can be fun and decorative too. Here are some creative ways to use it in your yard:

Zen Gardens

Want a peaceful spot to relax? Create a mini Zen garden with pea gravel. Rake it into patterns and add some large rocks or small plants for a calming vibe.

Play Areas

Pea gravel is a safe and soft option for kids’ play areas. It cushions falls and looks better than rubber mulch. Just make sure to keep it contained with edging material.

Borders and Accents

Use pea gravel as an accent around the edges of your garden beds or lawn. It creates a nice border and keeps everything looking neat and tidy.

Is Gravel Right for You?

If you’re on the fence about gravel, think about your lifestyle. Do you want a yard that looks good but doesn’t need much work? Are you okay with the natural look of stones, or do you prefer something more polished like a poured concrete patio?

Gravel is great for people who want something low maintenance and versatile. It’s not perfect – there’s a little upkeep involved – but it’s way less work than grass or a high-maintenance concrete patio.

Plus, gravel is one of the most flexible materials out there. You can use it for a pea gravel patio, garden paths, or even as ground cover around your vegetable garden. And with the right setup, like using landscape fabric and proper edging, it can stay in place and look amazing for years.

FAQs

1. Does gravel landscaping prevent weeds completely?

While gravel landscaping, especially with landscape fabric underneath, significantly reduces weed growth, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Seeds from nearby plants can land on the gravel and sprout, requiring occasional weeding.

2. Can I use gravel on sloped areas of my yard?

Gravel is not ideal for sloped areas because it can shift and slide downhill over time, leaving bare spots. For slopes, consider alternative materials like terracing or using stabilized gravel systems.

3. What’s the best gravel type for patios and walkways?

Pea gravel is a popular choice for patios and walkways because of its smooth texture and natural appearance. For added stability, crushed gravel can also work well as it interlocks and stays in place better.

4. How do I maintain a gravel landscape to keep it looking good?

Regular maintenance involves raking gravel to keep it even, using a leaf blower or rake to remove debris, and occasionally adding fresh gravel to maintain coverage. Installing edging can also help keep the gravel in place and maintain a neat appearance.

Final Thoughts on Gravel Landscaping

Gravel landscaping is a great choice if you’re looking for something affordable, low maintenance, and versatile. A pea gravel patio, for example, can give you a stylish outdoor space without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for creating pathways, fire pit areas, or even ground cover around garden beds.

Of course, gravel isn’t without its challenges. Shifting stones and weed growth can happen, but using landscape fabric and proper planning makes it much easier to manage. With the right setup, you’ll have a beautiful yard that lasts for years.

Don’t want to tackle it on your own? Let Land Designs by Colton handle the hard work for you! Whether it’s a pea gravel patio, landscape design, or complete gravel landscaping, our team will create a yard you’ll love. Contact us today at (720) 580-3677 to get started!