Decomposed Granite Edging

Overview

• Decomposed granite consists of exactly what it sounds like: granite that has decomposed over millions of years. The substance is easy to pack and allows water to drain through it, making it ideal for flood control in cities. The gravelly material is often reddish brown with shiny flecks. It has a pleasant appearance, is often called "crushed granite" and is used on hiking trails, bike paths and driveways.

Edging Pathways

• Decomposed granite is an ideal medium for pathways on school campuses, homes and other landscapes, but it does require liners to keep the rocks in place. To use it for pathways, lay the decomposed granite about 1 to 2 inches thick, distribute it evenly, and set a lining composed of wood along the outside. You will also find decomposed granite forming driveways or serving as a base for paving stones. In all cases, a liner composed of wood, sawdust, bricks, blocks or other material may be necessary to keep the stone in place.

Edging Landscapes

• It is certainly easy to spread crushed granite, but this also means that it easily washes away from wind or rain. Without containment, the rocks will be slowly lost. When filling a landscape or yard with granite (such as for drought-tolerant and rock gardens), the cement of driveways and curbs can help contain it and serve as edging. Black landscape borders, wood, bricks and blocks also serve well for edging these landscapes and gardens.

Gardening

• Decomposed granite is an ideal mulch, serving to keep your garden clean, warm the soil, protect from evaporation, and keep weeds and pests at bay. Although it is inorganic and does not add organic matter to the soil, decomposed granite can last quite a while as a mulch. After planting crops, lay 1 to 2 inches of decomposed granite on the soil bed, either as a liner that protects a bed from pests and diseases, or across the soil surface to further protect the soil and retain moisture.