Landscaping with crushed stone isn’t as drab as it sounds. In fact, crushed stone is an incredibly versatile material that can be used from anything to water run off, to decoration, to filler between (and under) pavers. It is durable, tactile, and is perfect for ground cover, or in walkways where controlling weeds is an issue.
What is Crushed Stone?
Though it is defined as a construction aggregate (and is used as such a lot of the time), crushed stone is not the same as gravel, in that it is formed by how its namesake implies: crushing stones. Whereas gravel is formed through the natural process of erosion, though in many instances both materials are used interchangeably.
What Materials Do Crushed Stone Encompass?
Crushed stone as a material for landscaping and construction comes from a variety of source stones. The most common being: limestone, trapped rock, and washed gravel. Less commonly from: granite, argillite, and quartzite.
It is also important to note that, depending on your need, crushed stone comes in a wide variety of grades as well. Ranging from about 1/2″ in size, to 4″, to a mixture of dusts and fine particles, all arranged through a number-coding system for quick and easy retrieval and consistency.
Tips on Landscaping with Crushed Stone
Before using crushed stone, it’s best to treat the area by removing grass and weeds, and deciding if it is appropriate to install landscape fiber beneath. It is also important to level out the soil so the stones stay where they are poured.
To make sure your crushed stone is contained, it’s best to install a solid edging material so it isn’t washed away by rain or naturally moved by being walked on. This could be done by installing brick pavers along the side, or installing other edge boarding to keep the stone in place.