# How to Lay a Gravel Backyard
Laying gravel in a backyard is a way to solve any number of issues. Some homeowners prefer the Japanese rock garden style, while others find it impossible to keep a healthy grass lawn in the backyard. The procedure for paving a backyard is straightforward and involves no skilled labor. In most cases it's less work than creating a gravel pathway or patio, despite the greater surface area involved.
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Opaque plastic sheeting
- Knife
- Duct tape
- Wheelbarrow
- Iron rake
- Pea gravel
Instructions
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1
Eliminate all unwanted plants from the yard by digging up shrubs and choking off other ground plants and dormant seeds and spores. After digging up and pulling any undesirable tall plants from the yard, cover the entire yard space with opaque plastic sheeting to block sunlight and moisture.
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2
Cut slits to form an "X" in the plastic to fit and accommodate any plants you wish to retain for your gravel backyard. Tape back the slits from the hole to form a snug collar around the base of the plants to save.
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3
Dump wheelbarrows of gravel into the backyard and rake it into a reasonably level 3-inch layer. Continue dumping and raking until the plastic sheeting is completely buried in gravel.
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1
Landscaping Basics
- How to Lay Sod on Gravel
- How to Lay Gravel & Pavers
- How to Lay Gravel in Landscaping
- How to Lay a Crushed Limestone Driveway
- How to Lay Bark Mulch
- How to Lay a Path on Grass
- How to Lay Dry Asphalt
- How to Lay a Gravel Yard
- How to Lay a Gravel Path
- How to Lay a Flagstone Path in Gravel
- How to Lay a Slate Walkway
- How to Lay Asphalt Paving
