How to Install a Gravel Lawn

Remove grass and weeds using an herbicide that contains glyphosate. For areas where you want to keep vegetation, lay a hose around these areas to create a border. Spray the area around the garden hose. Use the herbicide on a calm day to avoid harming plants you wish to keep.

Multiply the length of the lawn by the width to obtain the square footage of the area to be graveled. Multiply the square footage by .167 or .250, which is the depth in inches converted into feet. Take the total and multiply it with the weight of the stone per square foot, which will be on the gravel order form. Divide the total by 2000 to find out the amount of gravel you need in tons.

Select a man-made gravel for areas with high foot traffic. Use natural gravel, which is less stable, in areas that are used less.

Dig up dead vegetation and discard. Use the back of a rake to smooth out the surface.

Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of gravel over the lawn with a rake. Use a measuring stick to ensure that the layer is even and level.

Spot treat any weeds that pop up through the gravel with herbicide. Consistently spraying perennial weeds with herbicide will eventually exhaust the stored energy in the root system and the weed will stop producing top growth.