Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Pea Gravel in Your Landscaping
When it comes to landscaping, pea gravel is an exceptionally versatile material thatcan fit seamlessly into many design plans with its unobtrusive texture and naturally varied coloring. However, there are a few key rules to keep in mind when incorporating pea gravel into your outdoor space.
Don’t place pea gravel directly on top of soil.When homeowners apply pea gravel directly onto a layer of soil, they will often notice weed growth among the pea gravel over time. This can displace your gravel as well as ruin its uniform look. Before applying any pea gravel, place a layer of landscaping fabric onto the soil. This will prevent any weeds or plants from shooting up through your pea gravel.
Install a border of some kind.Pea gravel is a loose filling material, unlike cement and other types of gravels that are a completely solid entity once poured and hardened. Many homeowners enjoy the loose, varied look of pea gravel, but it can get a bit messy when used without a border. Whether you’re using pea gravel for your front walkway, the driveway, a garden path, or even a non-walkable fixture, make sure that you install an edging material to prevent your gravel from spreading far outside of its planned location.
Depth is key.If you install any pea gravel landscaping, making sure it reaches the proper depth is extremely important. Shallow pea gravel is not only more likely to displace and make a mess of your landscaping plans, it poses a great safety risk as it can be easy to slip on. Familiarize yourself with the safety guidelines and make sure you have the proper space in your yard before beginning work on your pea gravel landscaping project.
Though pea gravel is often used for outdoor walkways, pathways, driveways, and similar functions, it can fit nicely in many other settings as well. Some homeowners use pea gravel as the flooring for their patio or similar outdoor space, foregoing the use of cement or wood altogether. Others apply pea gravel around tree trunks or flower beds as decorative addition or use it as a mulch alternative in their garden. Pea gravel can even replace sand in a child’s sandbox, providing a less messy option for outdoor play.
As long as you avoid common mistakes like pouring pea gravel directly onto soil, not using any edging material, or applying a shallow layer, your pea gravel landscaping plans should go smoothly, providing a unique and beautiful addition to your outdoor space.
FAQs
Mobility: Due to its round and smooth shape, pea gravel can easily shift underfoot, which can lead to instability in walkways or patios. This mobility can also make it challenging for outdoor furniture to stay stable. Weed Growth: While pea gravel can deter some weed growth, it's not a foolproof solution.
What are the disadvantages of pea gravel? ›
Mobility: Due to its round and smooth shape, pea gravel can easily shift underfoot, which can lead to instability in walkways or patios. This mobility can also make it challenging for outdoor furniture to stay stable. Weed Growth: While pea gravel can deter some weed growth, it's not a foolproof solution.
What should I put down before using pea gravel? ›
Add a Base Stone Layer
Add a 2-inch layer of stone to the base of your shallow trench to form a foundation for your pea gravel. Crushed stone, which is synthetic and comes in various sizes (1-inch diameter stone is perfect for pea gravel installation), is a great choice.
Can you put pea gravel directly on dirt? ›
Don't Place Pea Gravel Right on Soil
This prevents weeds, plants, and other growths from forming in between the cracks in the gravel. If you don't take this basic step, weed growth can displace and ruin your pea gravel.
Is pea gravel hard to maintain? ›
Is Pea Gravel Hard to Maintain? While pea gravel is typically lower maintenance than other patio surfaces, it's not maintenance-free.
What is better than pea gravel? ›
Crushed stone is what it sounds like: stones that have been crushed. They have a more jagged shape and are much larger and heartier than pea gravel, giving off a more rustic look. Crushed stone can also be a great material for a driveway, as it can easily withstand the weight of any size vehicle.
Can you walk barefoot on pea gravel? ›
Pea gravel is a popular material because it is inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It's composed of rounded pebbles, so it is comfortable for pets or bare feet to walk across.
Do I need landscape fabric under pea gravel? ›
For gravel driveways, landscape fabric makes the most sense when you need to stabilize the ground that you're placing the gravel on top of. Otherwise, proper preparation and installation of a gravel surface may make landscape fabric unnecessary.
Can mice dig through pea gravel? ›
Fill the ditch with pea gravel. This will make it virtually impossible for rats (and other small rodents) to maneuver through the ditch. Trim shrubs and tree limbs to allow a minimum of 12 inches of open area on the bottom.
How long does pea gravel last? ›
Luckily, pea gravel doesn't decompose, but it does sink into the soil (which improves drainage if you have clay soil). So you may need to replenish the gravel every four years or so. Most landscape material companies will deliver 50-pound bags, and you can spread the gravel with a mud rake.
Mix Together Your Solution - Mix together one part mulch glue to two parts water and stir to combine. Apply the mixture directly to your mulch or gravel - Using your garden sprayer, spray one coat of the mulch glue solution so it completely covers the area you want to keep in place. After an hour, apply another coat.
Is pea gravel safe for dogs? ›
Pea Gravel Is Great For Dog Runs
Be sure to consider the size of the gravel as you do not want small pieces of rock getting wedged up in their tiny paws.
Will water drain through pea gravel? ›
The unique size and shape of pea gravel make it particularly efficient for drainage. Its loose, granular structure ensures that water can flow between the gaps with ease. When used as a top layer or foundation, pea gravel acts as a barrier, directing excess water away from areas prone to flooding or pooling.
Is 2 inches of pea gravel enough? ›
For a standard gravel layer, a depth between 2 and 4 inches is typical.
What needs to go under pea gravel? ›
There are a couple of ways to create a pea gravel patio: using the bare ground as a base or over a base layer of crushed stone. If you have loose or sandy soil, you'll need a base layer. If your area has hard clay soil, it may support the pea gravel on its own.
What are the pros and cons of pea gravel backyard? ›
Pea gravel is undoubtedly inexpensive, simple to install, and comfortable underfoot. It's also great for drainage in areas prone to puddling after rain. But pea gravel does have a few disadvantages, like messiness and difficult cleaning, especially when compared to materials like crushed gravel or pavers.
Does it hurt to walk on pea gravel? ›
Pea gravel is so smooth that it's one of the few materials comfortable enough to walk on barefoot. This makes a pea patio ideal if you have small children.
Is pea gravel bad for drainage? ›
Pea gravel
Its smooth, rounded texture distinguishes it from crushed stone, which has a more angular shape and locks into place more readily. While the compact size of pea gravel can be beneficial in some applications, it can also inhibit drainage when used as a bottom layer.
How do you keep pea gravel from spreading? ›
Preventing the Spread of Pea Gravel
The two most effective methods for stabilizing pea gravel are cement and permeable pavers. If you're stabilizing pea gravel with cement, it will hold for a while until it's eventually damaged by traffic and water exposure.
