There are a variety of materials you may consider utilizing within your landscape, and one category that’s become very popular in recent years is the use of rocks, stones, pebbles and related items. One particular format that can be especially beneficial to landscapes, both practically and aesthetically, is gravel.

At Olympus Landscaping, we’re proud to offer a huge range of landscape design and landscape installation services to clients throughout Herriman and nearby areas. Our solutions include a full selection of rock and gravel products if needed, and we’ll be happy to discuss your options here if you’re considering going this route on any part of your property. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over all you should know about gravel in landscapes — how and where it’s commonly used, the kinds of gravel you might consider, and some of the specific uses that may be most beneficial to your setup.

Common Uses of Gravel in Landscapes

Gravel offers some of the most wide-ranging design and aesthetic options of any landscaping material. There are numerous ways and areas in which it can be used:

Walkways or paths: Many homeowners enjoy having gravel or stone paths running through various areas of their yard. This can provide a rustic, old-fashioned look while also being very practical – it’s easy to clean and maintain and won’t become slippery when wet like some other materials might.
Driveways: A gravel driveway may not be as common as a concrete or asphalt one, but it’s a very viable option and can provide some nice visuals while also being much cheaper to install.
Mulch alternative: In addition to its many other potential uses, gravel can also act as an effective mulch for flowerbeds or gardens. It helps retain moisture and prevent weed growth while still allowing the area to breath.
Firepits: A gravel border around a firepit can help protect your lawn or patio from heat damage.

As you can see, there are many possible uses for gravel in landscapes depending on your needs and preferences. It’s a relatively inexpensive material that can provide some great benefits both practically and aesthetically.

Types of Gravel

There are a few varieties of gravel it pays to know about if you’re considering going this route:

Pea gravel: This common format refers to tiny, naturally-colored, smooth-edged stones. It’s popular for use in children’s play areas, gardens and dog runs since it feels good on the feet and provides excellent drainage.
Crushed stone: Crushed stone is a bit larger than pea gravel and comes in a variety of colors including white, gray, tan and even pink. It can be used for driveways, paths, gardens and a variety of other purposes.
River rock: As the name suggests, river rock is smooth-edged stone that’s been worn down over time by rushing water. It often comes in colors like gray, white and tan and can provide a very elegant look for certain areas of your property.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over some specific themes for applying gravel in your landscape. For more on this, or to learn about any of our landscaping services in Herriman or nearby areas, speak to our team at Olympus Landscaping today.