Gravel is a natural material that is durable, long-lasting, and looks attractive in a variety of different colors and textures, making it a versatile and useful natural landscaping option. Here are some recommendations to help you plan for an upcoming gravel order and delivery to add to your yard's landscaping.

Consider the Gravel Covering's Use

When you are planning to install gravel in your yard and landscaping, you will want to determine what type of use you will use the space for once it is covered with gravel. You can use gravel in varying sizes, colors, and textures for a variety of uses, but remember, the larger the gravel is, the less easy it will be to walk upon it. So if you are planning to create a pathway in your yard, you won't want to pave it with large river rocks.

If you plan to install a gravel-covered parking area, you can use small to medium-sized gravel for a good stable surface for vehicles. As vehicles drive over the gravel covering, their weight will compact the angular edges into place. So, be sure to select angular gravel that will compact together to create a solid surface so the edges of gravel will grip one another to give you this surface.

Build Pathways

Gravel is also a great product to build pathways and walkways through your yard and garden. When you want to indicate a natural pathway through your vegetable garden, a decorative pea gravel or crushed granite will help build this natural-looking pathway. Gravel will help you keep the vegetation sections in your garden free of foot traffic with such a visual surface. And the gravel also provides you with protection from the dirt and mud when you work in your garden.

Just be sure you order the right amount of gravel for your project, so you have plenty and don't run out before the area you are covering in gravel runs out. Then, prepare the area for the gravel by covering it with landscape fabric, which will keep the gravel from getting lost in the soil below and keep weeds from growing through the barrier up into the gravel. 

Also plan to edge your pathways with a material that will stop the movement of the gravel. You can use an edging brick or vinyl border you can insert into the soil. Other options include larger rock, flagstone, galvanized steel, and pressure-treated wood. A gravel supplier can talk you through your options and help you choose which gravel will suit you best.