#8 Gravel vs Brown Shredded Mulch

#8 Gravel

Small crushed stone approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch in size. Good for walkways and as a top dressing for driveways. #8 gravel bridges the gap between coarse aggregates and fine pea gravel, offering a balance of comfort and stability.

Brown Shredded Mulch

Shredded bark and wood from trees like oak, hickory, and maple. Retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Decomposes slowly over time, adding organic matter to the soil. Adds a natural, finished look to landscape beds.

#8 Gravel

• ✓ Walkways
• ✓ Patios
• ✓ Between pavers
• ✓ Asphalt mix
• ✓ Top dressing
• ✓ Drainage backfill

Brown Shredded Mulch

• ✓ Landscape beds
• ✓ Tree rings
• ✓ Garden borders
• ✓ Erosion control
• ✓ Playground surfaces
• ✓ Slope stabilization

#8 Gravel

• + Smaller size is more comfortable to walk on
• + Compacts better than larger stone
• + Good for filling gaps between pavers
• + Excellent drainage
• + Smooth driveway top-dressing

• − Can migrate without edging
• − Not as stable as larger crushed stone
• − May be tracked by shoes
• − Less commonly stocked than #57
• − Dusty when dry

Brown Shredded Mulch

• + Retains soil moisture reducing watering
• + Suppresses weed growth naturally
• + Insulates soil temperature
• + Decomposes to enrich soil over time
• + Attractive natural brown color

• − Needs replenishing every 1-2 years as it decomposes
• − Can attract termites if placed against structures
• − May temporarily rob nitrogen from soil as it breaks down
• − Floats and washes away in heavy rain
• − Can develop mold in overly wet conditions

#8 Gravel

#8 gravel consists of angular crushed stone pieces from 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter. Like other crushed stone, color varies by source quarry — gray, blue-gray, tan, and brown are most common.

Brown Shredded Mulch

Shredded strips of bark and wood, typically 1-4 inches long. Natural brown color that fades to gray over time. Double-shredded mulch is finer and mats together better, resisting wind and rain displacement.