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What type of gravel is best for landscaping?

8 Landscape Rock and Gravel Types for a Stunning Landscape Decomposed Granite. Decomposed granite is usually reddish-tan and sandy and provides landscapes with a soft, rustic look. ... Pea Gravel. ... Crushed Granite Gravel. ... Lava Rock. ... River Rock. ... Flagstone. ... Brick Chips. ... Marble Chips.

atpslandscaping.com - 8 Landscape Rock and Gravel Types for a Stunning Landscape
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When looking to improve your landscape, the first thing you might be inclined to add is plants or mulch. Both of these are excellent choices that we applaud profusely. But – stay with us now – WHAT IF rock and gravel could add just as, if not more, appeal to your landscaping AND save you money on water and maintenance? Friends, let us reveal some of our best suggestions for rock and gravel that adds color, texture and functionality to your hardscape.

1. Decomposed Granite

Decomposed granite is usually reddish-tan and sandy and provides landscapes with a soft, rustic look. This affordable option is often used around trees, garden trails and as a xeriscape ground cover.

2. Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is – you guessed it – the size of a pea, usually 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch in size. Colors range from white to tan to brown. Pea gravel is very versatile, often used to cover driveways and fill spaces between stone pavers. It also serves as a good weed barrier and won’t decompose like mulch.

3. Crushed Granite Gravel

This gravel has larger particles than decomposed granite and provides a nice, natural look for your yard. It makes a good transition between garden plants and pathways.

4. Lava Rock

Composed of actual lava from volcanoes, this rock boasts explosively bold colors, providing a pretty accent to any landscape design. It is ideal for drier climates, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it throughout the night. Lava rock is very lightweight that makes it easy to transport and spread.

5. River Rock

You don’t have to live by a river for your landscape to rock. River rocks are smoother in texture and larger than pea gravel. Pull together their different hues to create pretty garden borders or dry creek beds. While looking pretty, they can also be used to direct drainage through a property.

6. Flagstone

We’re bringing out the big guns for this one. Along with smaller pebbles, larger rocks like flagstone are great for stepping stones, garden paths and walkways between different elements of your landscaping.

7. Brick Chips

We’re changing things up and going against the grain. This next one isn’t technically a rock, but it’s still a popular choice for hardscapes. Brick chips are made from crushed fragments of bricks (shocking, we know) and come in reddish and brown hues. These chunks are great for driveways and landscaping paths.

8. Marble Chips

Tell countertops to step aside…marble isn’t just for the kitchen anymore! Marble chips are sleek and classy options to cover soil around container gardens and landscaping design elements. Helpful hint – avoid using them around plants that need high levels of acid since marble changes the pH level of soil. From charming rustic pathways to artistic courtyards, rock and gravel will contribute to a versatile landscape. Let us help you choose the best rock for your design and lifestyle. Chat with us today at 970-304-1183.

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How far does a 20kg bag of pebbles go?

approx 0.5m2 A 20kg bag of gravel will cover approx 0.5m2 of garden to a depth of 50mm.

decorearth.com.au - Area Calculator | DécorEarth Mornington - DecorEarth

Calculate gravel

To calculate how many cubic metres (m3) of gravel you will need to use, firstly measure the area of the garden to be covered. The width x length will give you the area in square metres (m2). eg. an area measuring 8m x 5m = 40 m2. Then multiple your square metre measurement by 0.05 ie. 40 x 0.05 = 2m3 of product required for good surface coverage.

Area of garden (m2) x 0.05 = volume of gravel required (m3)

This will cover your garden in gravel to a depth of 50mm which is recommended to retain valuable soil moisture and inhibit weed growth.

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