Gravel is a functional and cost-effective landscaping tool that will increase the curb appeal of your home. With such a variety of colors and sizes to work with, it is a versatile material that can be used for any purpose, from gardening to hardscaping. Here are a few ways you can utilize gravel on your property.

How Can You Use Gravel in Your Yard? 

1. Walkways

If you want to lay down a walking path, gravel is an excellent material. It can serve as a sturdy foundation or border for stone slabs, pavers, and ready-mix concrete, or as an inexpensive walkway on its own. As a solo walkway solution, this material is very easy to lay down. Simply dig a flat trench where you want your walkway to be, place a weed barrier over the top, and layer on a few inches of gravel.

2. Drainageways

Your yard can only handle so much rain. When there is too much water, it can cause runoff, muddy your pavement, and ruin your landscaping. If rain from your gutters is not properly redirected away from the house, it can also weaken your foundation. Strategically placed gravel trenches at the base of downspouts and at the edges of flower beds can effectively absorb excessive moisture and prevent runoff.

3. Gardens

For a stronger and longer-lasting alternative to mulch and wood chips, consider using gravel in your garden. A 1-inch layer over top of the soil creates a clean, modern look while preventing soil erosion, weed growth, and water loss through evaporation. This material is available in many different colors, so it’s easy to choose a shade that suits your garden.

4. Driveways

When installed properly over a strong foundation, gravel can make a perfectly solid and durable driveway. It can stand up to heavy rainfall and drain water with ease. If you have a concrete or asphalt driveway, you can use this material to line the edges. This will improve the aesthetics of your driveway, protect the edges from cracking and crumbling, and stop runoff in its tracks.

5. Water Features

Are you considering installing a water feature, such as a pond or recirculating fountain? Liners are a necessary part of the installation process, but they look stark and unnatural against these beautiful features. To improve their appearance, line the base with gravel. This landscaping material has a rich, natural look that shines when wet.

If you need a reliable source of high-quality gravel at a reasonable rate, get in touch with Ideal Supplies of Covington, KY. As the leading hardware store of the Greater Cincinnati area, they carry a wide range of landscape, concrete, and building supplies for all of your home improvement projects. Their knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping you find the right tools and products for the job. For more information about their concrete supplies, visit their website or call (859) 491-6666.