Landscaping Gravel

Landscaping gravel is one of those interesting materials I've used in several of my gardens. It's simple stuff indeed - crushed rock - but it comes is several different sizes and is used in different applications.

Pit run:

This is gravel as it comes right from the pit - no screening for size, no sorting. What comes out is what's delivered and you'll get sand as well as larger rock chunks. This might also be called “bank gravel” if there is clay contained in the mix.

Use: General filling and backfilling in rough areas.

Crushed rock:

This is rock that's been put through a crusher and is screened to different sizes. You can check with local sources to find the size you want to use. Finer sizes pack harder.

Use: Driveways and areas where walking isn't critical (particularly bare feet) as this has rough edges

Creek Rock:

Is rounded, semi-polished stones (from water streams) that can be used in landscaping. Can be obtained in a variety of sizes.

Use: water garden features (bottoms and surrounding landscapes) and stone mulches in some settings.

Pea Gravel:

A smaller rounded form of Creek Rock - this is smooth and doesn't pack easily.

Use: walkways, driveways where it makes a satisfying crunching sound as you walk on it - drains well.

Bottom Line

Generally landscaping gravel is one of these types of rock - it really depends on the application and what's available locally. I've used them all for the purposes / uses mentioned.

The only suggestion I'll make here is to understand the material you're ordering (see it) before you have a full truckload dumped on your driveway. It's a lot easier to make sure you have the right material before it gets off that truck because it's a ton of work to put it back on there. :-)



Click here if you have a question about landscaping gravel