Can You Lay Gravel on Top of Grass? (2024)

Filed under Commercial Paving, grass pavers, Sustainability • 6 minute read

There are many reasons why you might want to lay gravel on top of grass. Maybe you want to build a driveway out of gravel or you want to add a gravel extension to your already existing driveway.

You might be building a gravel walkway directly on top of grass, a patio, or some other type of paved area that you want to use gravel as a base for. Either way, you need to use the correct approach if you want to successfully add gravel to a grassy area.

There are a variety of ways you can go about it but you may want to pick one over the others depending on your preference and what you have at your disposal, as well as what kind of time scale you’re on. So let’s go over what the best approach is for adding gravel on top of grass.

Can You Lay Gravel on Top of Grass? (1)

Removing the Grass

Placing gravel directly on top of grass and pouring a walkway isn’t a viable option. Even if you use stabilizing pavers, they’re likely to shift unless they’re installed over a gravel subsurface. If you lay plain gravel over the top of grass it’s going to migrate and spread, even if you put a weed cover beneath the gravel to prevent weeds from popping up.

The first step to adding gravel on top of grass is actually to remove the grass before you go any further. There are a few ways you can do this. If you just want to lay loose gravel you can use chemical sprays or a ground cover to smother the grass to death.

With chemical sprays, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t applying them on a windy day or on grass where people might unknowingly walk, because the chemicals can be very dangerous to both humans and animals.

Chemical sprays are not recommended as they are hazardous to people, animals, and the environment. They’re expensive and can leak into the soil which is decidedly not eco-friendly.

Ground covers, though they take longer, can within months kill all your grass effectively and they are cheap, effective, and eco-friendly as possible. If you have the patience and foresight to plan months in advance, they make for a great choice.

If you’re building a driveway, you might be wondering “Can I pour gravel on top of grass for a driveway?” The answer is no. You need to dig it up. Even if you’re laying pea gravel right on top of grass, it’s still going to be a problem.

However, just laying loose gravel on topsoil will cause it to migrate, especially if it’s going to be exposed to any consistent foot or vehicle traffic. You’ll have to keep reapplying gravel and grating the area to keep it even. This method is also not as permeable as using stabilizing pavers to secure the gravel.

Permeable Pavers Are the Best Choice for Installing Gravel in Grass

Can You Lay Gravel on Top of Grass? (2)

Many people who have needed to install pavement in grassy areas have wondered things like, “Can you build a gravel road on top of grass?”, and “Can you lay gravel on top of grass?” The short answer is no, but there is a workaround.

By digging up your grass and using pervious pavers to stabilize it, you can install gravel in a grassy area and maximize its durability and longevity while also improving its permeability.

Let’s say you want to install a new driveway or just add some traction to a grassy area for parking and driving, though. The answer to the question “Can I put gravel on top of grass?” would still be no. At least, not if you want gravel pavement that won’t spread, break down, or cause ruts.

TRUEGRID Makes the Highest-Quality Permeable Pavers for Gravel

Whether you want to build a gravel driveway, walkway, or any type of gravel surface, TRUEGRID PRO LITE and TRUEGRID PRO PLUS are the best choices. They trap gravel in place and prevent it from ever spreading or rutting. They’re also incredibly easy to install, taking less than a day to complete in most cases.

Can You Lay Gravel on Top of Grass? (3)

Installation involves excavating the area to a depth of 6 to 12 inches, placing a piece of fabric at the bottom to prevent gravel migration, and filling the excavated pit with gravel. Afterward, the gravel is compacted and the pavers are snapped into place over the top, at which point more gravel is poured over them and pressed into them with a heavy roller.

Not only does this method of installing gravel over grass not require chemical sprays, it’s even more eco-friendly than using a ground cover to kill the grass because of the increased level of permeability that TRUEGRID pavers possess.

It’s safe to say that if you want the most durable, stylish, eco-friendly, affordable, and easiest-to-install gravel driveway or walkway, TRUEGRID permeable pavers are by far the best option available on the market. If you’re interested in procuring these innovative pavers for yourself, contact a pavement professional at TRUEGRID today for a quote.

Related Posts

5 Ways to Reduce Parking Lot Design Costs With Permeable Pavers
What are permeable driveways?
The Dirt On Soil: Soil Properties and How They Affect Your Project

Array

About the Author

View Posts From TRUEGRID® Paver

Can You Lay Gravel on Top of Grass? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Lay Gravel on Top of Grass? ›

If you're building a driveway, you might be wondering “Can I pour gravel on top of grass for a driveway?” The answer is no. You need to dig it up. Even if you're laying pea gravel right on top of grass, it's still going to be a problem.

How do you remove grass before laying gravel? ›

Shoveling – If the area is fairly contained or you don't mind doing the work, dig the grass out with a flat shovel. Make sure to dig deep enough to remove the roots, too. Tilling – In this case, you're getting the surface area where your landscaping rocks will be placed down to the bare soil.

Do you need to remove grass before laying landscape fabric? ›

Cut your grass as short as possible. You can now lay your fabric over the grass and secure it by pulling it tight. Push staples into the fabric to make sure that it will stay put, and that there are no gaps in the fabric. Find gravel or rock to put over top of the fabric, as mulch would erode on the grass.

How to lay gravel next to grass? ›

Spread a layer of gravel over the membrane. Be generous so as to prevent the membrane from showing through, and level with a rake. Usually 2–3 inches should do it. If you are laying gravel next to a lawn then you'll need to add in an edge to prevent gravel going onto the grass.

What happens if you put gravel over grass? ›

If you lay plain gravel over the top of grass it's going to migrate and spread, even if you put a weed cover beneath the gravel to prevent weeds from popping up. The first step to adding gravel on top of grass is actually to remove the grass before you go any further.

Do I need a membrane under gravel? ›

Placing membrane under gravel and chippings supresses weed growth whilst gravel grids secure the ground and stop movement of decorative aggregates. Our woven polypropylene membrane is designed to suppress weeds but still allow water to permeate for drainage.

Should you remove grass before laying gravel? ›

I would use vinegar and hot water to kill the grass, and then lay down landscape fabric, then your gravel. You do not want to deal with grass growing up through the gravel.

What is the easiest way to remove grass? ›

Perhaps the easiest way to eliminate grass is to smother it using plastic, newspaper, or cardboard. Depending on the time of year and material used, this can take several months. Learn more: Watch how to build a new garden bed and smother weeds with sheet mulching. Stretch light-excluding plastic over the lawn.

Do I need landscape fabric under gravel? ›

The reasons you should use landscape fabric include:

Landscape Fabric reduces the amount of gravel required. Fabric acts as a filter under the gravel. Landscape Fabric is an integral part of garden ponds. Separation layer prevents aggregate from migrating down into soil.

What should you put under gravel? ›

What should I lay under gravel? We'd always recommend laying a weed resistant membrane under your gravel. This helps to prevent weeds, whilst being permeable to water and air, and it's extremely easy to use. Best of all, the membrane provides long-term protection from weeds so you don't need to use unnatural chemicals.

Will grass grow through gravel? ›

If you've ever mulched a landscape bed with gravel, you know that grass -- and weeds -- can grow in gravel.

Do you need edging between gravel and grass? ›

Preventing grass from creeping into gravel or between slabs can be difficult. Establish a clear distinction between a path and the lawn using delicate, low-laying edging styles. "Bricks create a strong and durable edge for your lawn, making them a good choice.

What is the cheapest way to make a driveway on grass? ›

Using loose materials such as gravel stones is one of the cheapest ways to pave your driveway. Simply add brick stones on both sides to make it look classy, just like the example photo above. However, if you are not fond of brick stones, you can replace them with planters or concrete.

How much soil do I need on top of gravel for grass? ›

A good depth of soil would be ideally 30cm.

How do I turn my yard into gravel? ›

  1. Dig Out the Desired Walkway or Patio Area. Photo: Richard Johnson / Adobe Stock. ...
  2. Form and Tighten the Trench. ...
  3. Add a Base Stone Layer. ...
  4. Add Weed Barrier or Landscaping Fabric. ...
  5. Install Edging (Optional) ...
  6. Secure Edging. ...
  7. Smooth Out Your Base Layer of Rocks. ...
  8. Fill in the Remaining Section With Pea Gravel.

How do you prepare the ground for gravel? ›

How to lay a gravel patio
  1. Choose your decorative gravel.
  2. Mark out the area for your gravel patio.
  3. Excavate the area for your gravel patio to at least 5 inches deep.
  4. Prepare any edging or border detail.
  5. Compact the base and add a layer of Type 1 MOT crushed limestone.
  6. Add a layer of weed prevention membrane.
May 14, 2021

What tool to use to remove grass? ›

If you prefer a natural option, you can dig up a lawn with a tiller or sod cutter. Buying a tiller will make the work easier, but you'll need a heavy-duty, rear-tine model. You can rent a heavier grass-removal tool, such as a sod cutter, which will cut under the turf and slice it into strips.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 6070

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.