Gravel and river rock in Austin, TX comes in a wide variety of different sizes and colors. They also have a wide variety of practical uses in backyard landscaping. Depending on how large the stones are, they can be used as walkways, drainage solutions, and even mulch. Read on to find out how.
Drainage and Erosion Control
Small rocks or gravel can be used to create effective drainage solutions for gardens and lawns. Most property owners choose to use three-quarter to half an inch stone when they are making drainage ditches along foundations and retaining walls. In addition to providing adequate drainage, this solution can also help to reduce the chances of soil erosion causing damage to the landscape.
Walkways and Patio Bases
Walkways constructed out of small diameter gravel or rock in Austin, TX are comfortable to walk on and easy to maintain. Generally speaking, the finer the gravel is, the softer it will be to walk on, so most property owners choose to use stones that are a quarter of an inch or less in diameter for walkways and look for gravel that has rounded edges. When rocks are being used as a patio base, however, it’s best to use a mixture of sizes.
Mulching Plants
Rock can be used as an effective substitute for mulch in Texas, as it helps to prevent surface evaporation and is much less prone to blowing away in the wind than traditional wood mulch. It’s best to opt for medium-sized rocks of around 3/8 of an inch in diameter for gravel mulch around plants, trees, and flowerbeds. The choice between rough gravel and smooth gravel is primarily one of preference, as smooth gravel has a more decorative appearance, but rough gravel is better able to stay in place.
Rock Gardens
Rock gardens are similar to zen gardens in that they provide a relaxing outdoor environment for homeowners and their families to enjoy that does not require constant maintenance and watering. It’s usually best to include both small-diameter gravel and larger accent stones when creating a rock garden. Visit Loftin Trucking & Materials LLC online to find a reliable source of river rock and other materials to get started.
