Landscaping Gravel: Pretty And Purposeful

Gravel is a classic mainstay of landscape design. It is durable but more forgiving than materials such as pavers or bricks, and it is more pleasing to the eye than barren soil. A relatively affordable hardscape, landscaping gravel performs a variety of functions.

Versatility :

Gravel is at home with many styles, from rustic to contemporary, and provides great ground cover in various climates. In dry regions, gravel provides attractive xeriscape coverage.In wetter climes, gravel’s permeability allows for proper drainage, preventing puddles or muddy messes.

Functional Form:

Although hard, gravel has a soft quality that makes it an ideal medium for creating flowing, organic transitions from house to garden.Further, gravel is reasonably simple to install in a multitude of shapes and easily changed later if necessary. It comes in assorted colors and can be fun to walk on with its coarse but yielding texture and satisfying crunch.

Uses and Types:

Gravel is used for different jobs in the yard:

• Walkways and trails
• Edging
• Primary surfaces and rock gardens
• New lawn base

The intended application often dictates gravel size, which runs from a quarter- to three-quarters of an inch or even larger, and there is a variety to choose from:

• Pea gravel is small and can be made of granite, limestone, and dolomite, among other rocks.
• River rock has been smoothed and rounded by the rush of water and is prized for its natural beauty.
• Crushed granite is a more textured form of decomposed granite and makes for hardy paths.
• Mexican beach pebbles are like river rock but with a more uniform gray-black color.
• Less decorative and geared toward heavy traffic are such materials as crushed concrete and crushed asphalt.

For more information on landscaping gravel in San Jose, check out this website.