Regardless of style and space, a key aspect to every landscaping project is sufficient drainage. Without it, a yard is susceptible to water pooling and damage. Without sufficient drainage, plants will die and puddles of standing water will provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes and bacteria. A practical, accessible, and affordable solution to drainage problems is gravel. Here’s what you need to know about how gravel aids drainage and retards soil erosion.

Using Gravel for Drainage

The Basics 

Gravel is effective for drainage because of its permeability. Because it’s an aggregate of small rocks, water can seep through the spaces between stones. Water won’t puddle up on top of gravel as it would on concrete, paving stones, or compacted soils. When layered and graded correctly, gravel will also divert water away from your home, driveway, and outbuildings. 

Constructing Swales

Those who want to divert water from their homes should consider making swales—trenches in the ground that slope downward and away from your foundation. Swales don’t have to be particularly deep, but their centers have to be deeper than their sides. After the soil is trenched, fill the swale with river rock, lining the edges with pea gravel. When it rains, water will seep through the gravel into the swale and travel away from your foundation along the trench. 

Using Gravel to Control Erosion

If your landscape has slopes, gravel can create a barrier that prevents soils from draining away when it rains. An edging of bricks, fencing, or plantings can be used to keep gravel in place. When water hits a gravel barrier, it slowly percolates through the stones into the soil, keeping the soil from washing away.

If want to improve drainage in your yard, head to Ashcraft Sand & Gravel. For over 40 years, this family-owned and -operated Cleves, OH company has provided high-quality sand and gravel to clients throughout the Tri-State for both residential and commercial projects. For more information about their decorative sands, gravels, and limestones, visit their website, or call them today at (513) 367-5700 to speak with the staff.