How to Landscape With Gravel, Sand and Rock

Create a landscaping design that solves drainage and maintenance issues, while appealing to your aesthetic tastes. Consider installing walkways or edging to accentuate focal points and add structure to the yard.

Measure the areas you plan to hardscape and note which materials will go into each area. Some features, like a rock garden, can incorporate rock, gravel and sand. Visit a home improvement store to purchase your materials. Choose rocks of different sizes and shapes for a more varied, natural look.

Lay pieces of landscaping fabric over any areas where you want to replace mulch with gravel. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of gravel over the fabric with a hoe. Use your hands to surround the base of plants.

Remove grass and other growth from around trees and shrubs, where you plan to add a border. Make the border wide enough to protect any above-ground roots. Dig a 4-inch trench and lay landscape fabric over the trench. Use a hoe to spread gravel around the shrubs and trees, mounding it around the base so water runs in the opposite direction.

Install a border around gardens to prevent erosion and protect plants from yard traffic. Dig a 4- to 6-inch trench around the garden where you want edging. Spread a 1-inch layer of sand over the trench and moisten the sand. Press rocks firmly into the sand, one next to the other until you fill in the entire trench. Use sand to fill any gaps between rocks. Moisten the sand once again so it will harden to the rocks when it dries.

Dig a 4-inch trench where you want to lay a walkway. Place landscape fabric over the soil and spread a 1-inch layer of sand over the fabric to improve drainage. Spread gravel over the trench or lay large flat rocks. If laying rocks, use a level and a rubber mallet to set the rocks evenly. Brush sand between the rocks and moisten the sand to secure the rocks in place.