The National Association of Landscape Professionals had Harris Poll conduct a survey on their behalf. The results showed that 75% of people in the United States believe it’s important to devote time to being outdoors in their yards. Perhaps this is a major reason why so many people are upgrading their home’s landscaping and outdoor living spaces.
Uses for Gravel and Crushed Rock
The “2017 Houzz Landscape Trends” study showed that 38% of homeowners are using gravel or crushed rock to upgrade these areas:
- Driveways
- Pathways
- Patios
- Terraces
Uses for Rockery Rocks
River rock, which is usually 1 to 2 inches in diameter, is a smooth form of gravel. There are many decorative uses for river rock. These include lining walkways and providing a beautiful focal point as part of an overall landscape design.
Rockery rocks are used in rock gardens, and many landscape designers create mosaics and other artistic features with these types of rocks. Since landscaping rocks are available in a variety of sizes, so many design options are available.
Control Weeds with Small Rocks
Small rocks can provide effective weed control, too. Weeds can be kept at bay with just a 1-inch layer of gravel. While some weeds may pop up from time-to-time, adding small rocks to yards can reduce the frequency with which they do so.
How to Create a Gravel Driveway
When they’re properly installed and maintained, gravel driveways may last up to 10 years. Experts recommend using 3 different sizes of gravel for driveways. The bottom layer, for example, should have 4-inches of baseball-sized rocks, the middle should have 3 to 4 inches of golf-ball-sized rocks, and the top layer should have 4 inches of marble-sized rocks.
When to Use Drainage Gravel
Drainage gravel may be needed for different types of yards and depends on the overall terrain. Since drainage gravel keeps underground water from seeping to the surface, it is often used for low-lying patios.
Landscaping Increases a Home’s Value
It’s important to note that when homeowners upgrade their landscaping, it can potentially increase their house’s resale value by 14%. Furthermore, a well-landscaped front yard can provide curb appeal, which is known to assist realtors with selling a home easier and in less time. When it comes to the backyard, having a well-landscaped area can also may a significant difference.
