Landscaping with Gravel
Gravel is one of the most versatile landscaping materials — it never decomposes, suppresses weeds, and provides excellent drainage. Use 2-3 inches over landscape fabric for ground cover.
Material Cost
$15 – $200/ton
Typical Depth
2" – 3"
Recommended Types
11 gravel types
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Recommended Materials
Attractive ground cover for garden beds and borders. Available in natural earth tones.
Larger decorative stones for dry creek beds, erosion control, and visual accents.
Ideal for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes. Creates natural-looking ground cover.
Popular organic alternative to gravel ground cover. Retains moisture and enriches soil but needs annual replenishing.
Bold black color creates striking contrast with plants. Same benefits as brown mulch with a modern aesthetic.
Mix into soil before planting to dramatically improve soil structure and fertility. Not a surface material — work into existing soil.
Premium white decorative stone that brightens shaded beds and creates striking contrast with dark mulch or green plants.
Lightweight volcanic stone in red or black. Retains moisture for plants while providing year-round color that never fades.
Multicolored rounded river stone popular in the Northeast. Warm tan, brown, and red tones add natural character.
Polished black or charcoal pebbles for high-end accent areas. Stunning in modern, minimalist, and zen garden designs.
Dense blue-gray crushed stone for Northeast landscaping. Distinctive color pairs well with natural stone borders.
Landscaping with Gravel Cost Breakdown
| Material | Per Ton | Per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $25 – $50 | $30 – $60 |
| River Rock | $40 – $100 | $45 – $120 |
| Decomposed Granite | $25 – $45 | $30 – $50 |
| Brown Shredded Mulch | $20 – $40 | $25 – $45 |
| Black Shredded Mulch | $25 – $45 | $30 – $50 |
| Compost | $15 – $40 | $20 – $50 |
| Marble Chips | $60 – $120 | $75 – $150 |
| Lava Rock | $90 – $150 | $110 – $180 |
| Jersey Shore Gravel | $60 – $120 | $75 – $150 |
| Mexican Beach Pebble | $120 – $200 | $150 – $240 |
| Bluestone | $80 – $150 | $100 – $180 |
Prices vary by region, availability, and order size.
Gravel is one of the most versatile landscaping materials available, offering solutions for ground cover, mulch replacement, decorative accents, and xeriscaping. It never decomposes, doesn't attract termites, and provides year-round visual appeal.
As a mulch alternative, gravel excels in arid climates and around foundations where organic mulch can trap moisture. A 2-3 inch layer of decorative gravel over landscape fabric effectively suppresses weeds while allowing water to drain through. River rock and pea gravel are popular decorative choices.
For xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes, decomposed granite and crushed stone create natural-looking ground cover that eliminates the need for irrigation. Combine with native plants, boulders, and larger river rock for visual variety.
Gravel beds around trees and shrubs need to be kept away from direct contact with trunks and stems. Leave a 3-4 inch gap to prevent moisture retention and rot. Use steel or aluminum edging to create clean borders between gravel beds and lawn areas.
Published February 11, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gravel Wash Away?
Which Gravel Washes Away?
Gravel can wash away during heavy rains, but proper installation and material selection greatly reduce this risk.
Smaller, lighter gravel (like pea gravel) is more prone to washing than larger, heavier stone (like river rock or #57 gravel). Angular crushed stone interlocks and resists movement better than rounded stones.
How to Prevent Washout
To prevent gravel from washing away:
- Ensure proper grading so water flows where you want it — not across your gravel surface
- Install edging along all borders
- For driveways, create a crown (slight hump in the center) so water drains to the sides
Slopes and Drainage
On slopes, use crushed stone rather than rounded gravel, and consider installing a geogrid (honeycomb-shaped stabilizer) underneath. French drains or swales can redirect water before it reaches your gravel areas.
If erosion is recurring, the underlying issue is usually poor drainage design rather than the gravel itself. Addressing water flow patterns is more effective than simply adding more gravel.
Need gravel for this project?
Find local gravel suppliers with delivery options near you.