How to Install Rock Gravel Landscaping

Rock gravel offers an organic look that complements a wide array of landscapes. Gravel is durable, budget friendly and easy to work with. Rock gravel also adds a sense of permanence to a landscape. While many plants lose foliage and change color with each season, rock gravel remains the same. Installing gravel on slopes or around shrubs and trees reduces maintenance in difficult-to-reach places.

Flour or landscaping paint

Tape measure

Shovel

Hoe

Landscaping fabric

Rock gravel

Create a landscaping plan to determine how much rock gravel you need and where to install it. Make a basic sketch of your landscape, marking all existing features likes trees, plants and walkways.

Identify the areas where you want to reduce weed or grass maintenance, edge the base of shrubs and trees and create walkways. If there's a feature you want to emphasize, like a birdbath or fountain, edge it with gravel to establish it as a focal point.

Use flour, landscaping paint or wooden stakes and string to outline the areas where you plan to install rock gravel. Measure the area to figure the amount of gravel needed. Plan to spread a 4- to 6-inch thick layer of gravel over each area.

Dig 4 inches deep to remove grass and root systems from any walkways or garden borders you want to add. Lay landscaping fabric over the soil to prevent weeds or grass from growing back. Use a hoe to spread a 4- to 6-inch layer of rock gravel evenly over the area.

Remove grass and unwanted plants from a steep slope. Excavate the area at least 6 inches deep to completely remove root systems. Plant hardy, low maintenance shrubs if you want some greenery on the slope. Lay landscaping fabric over the excavated area and around any planted shrubs. Spread a 4-inch layer of gravel over the landscaping fabric to prevent erosion while giving the hill a finished look.

Garden edging should be slightly higher than ground level so rainwater will run away from the plants.