Do The Pros Of Gravel Landscape Outweigh The Cons? Here's What We Know

Because of the value that it can add to property, landscaping is an important aspect of owning a home. If properly designed and regularly maintained, landscaping can elevate the appearance and general aesthetic appeal of a residential property. Additionally, certain types of landscaping benefit the environment by improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and minimizing erosion and water runoff. Depending on the budget, design objective, and material preference, there are different forms of landscaping that one can use for their home, and one of these is gravel. Gravel landscaping can be a good option, but it is also important to remember that it has limitations like shifting and heat retention.

Gravel is a popular choice for people who want to landscape the exterior areas of their homes. Because of its relatively low cost and simple requirements to install, DIY enthusiasts and even novices in landscaping can consider gravel landscaping as a viable option. In addition, because of how it is set and placed, the gravel landscape can easily be removed and replaced if a new design or material is to be put in.

Apart from the visual element, other considerations when choosing to install a gravel landscape must include its adaptability and functionality, especially if it can affect drainage, access, and maintenance of the area. Alongside this, it is also important to review the many pros and cons of using gravel for your garden to determine if this landscaping method is the most suitable based on its intended use.

The benefits of a gravel landscape begin with its low cost. Prices for a ton of pea gravel range from $25 to $53, which would be enough to cover 100 square feet with a depth of 2 inches. There is also minimum maintenance required, as the only upkeep needed to maintain its appearance is to regularly rake the surface. This makes it a great alternative for people who don't want to use water or have limited time for sprucing up their landscape. Further, gravel can be used in several applications for landscaping, including pathways, driveways, and patios. It also comes in a variety of shapes and colors to enhance the appearance of your outdoor spaces.

As a landscape medium, gravel excels in its durability and longevity. Unlike biological materials, gravel is extremely resilient and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions without deteriorating or decomposing. It's able to drain water quickly and bear heavy loads. Because of its durability, it is a long-term investment. 

Gravel also helps control the spread of weeds used by itself or with a landscape fabric, as well as repel pests from your home and yard. A gravel layer that is routinely raked can prevent weed growth by minimizing accumulated soil and impedes the unwanted plants from taking root. In addition, because bugs have nowhere to live and can't find food, they are likewise kept away by gravel.

Alongside its many advantages, gravel landscaping also has its downsides. As a non-fixed material, even if it is tamped or compacted, gravel will shift because of wind, water, and foot or vehicle traffic. Similarly, because it is loose, gravel cannot be used on sloping surfaces. The material also has a tendency to sink into the soil because of its weight and weather conditions, like snow and rain, thus requiring you to add more gravel or place a landscape fabric underneath.  

For those who want to grow a healthy garden and have more greenery in their landscape, gravel won't help in cultivating your plants. Because a large percentage of gravel is non-organic, it will not decompose and release nutrients into the soil. Plus, it cannot hold water to nourish plant life. Gravel also affects the temperature in areas where it is installed, as it can easily absorb heat from the sun because of its high density, low thermal conductivity, and composition. This then takes a long time to dissipate.

As with any landscaping style, gravel's installation is not a one-and-done project and instead will require maintenance to preserve its appearance and condition. A decision to use this landscape material must be made with due consideration, including budgetary constraints and landscaping goals, to ensure that it satisfies the aesthetic and functionality requirements of the home and outdoor areas, and perhaps more importantly, that it meets the specific needs of the homeowner.