Although the ability to drain water and easy installation make gravel a popular walkway and driveway material, it can be tough to ensure the tiny stones stay put. Frequent foot traffic, animal activity, and strong winds can cause the gravel to spread and shift out of place. Here are a few tips to keep gravel on your walkway secure.

How to Secure Gravel on Your Walkway

1. Add a Water-Permeable Grid

Installing a water-permeable grid on top of the existing gravel is a good containment strategy. Water can drain through the membrane, but the grid paver cells will hold the gravel in place. After the grid is placed over the gravel, use a vehicle roller or drive your car over the path to push the grid into the ground.

2. Create Borders

A frame around the walkway perimeter will contain the gravel as well. Wooden planks are a durable border for a straight path, while large stone boulders and concrete blocks placed close together help define curved walkways. Natural stone and concrete are also ideal if the walkway is on sloped ground, as these materials can help retain the soil underneath the gravel. This will prevent soil erosion that causes the gravel to shift.

3. Add Drainage Trenches

During heavy rainstorms, the force of water can wash away loose walkway and driveway materials. To prevent this, add drainage trenches to the walkway. The trenches should slope downward to divert water away from the installation. After you dig out the trench, put down the landscape fabric, then install the drainage pipe on top. Cover the pipe with gravel.

If it's time to refill your gravel walkway, reach out to Syracusa Sand & Gravel in Victor, NY. In business since 1949, this stone supplier is a leading source in Ontario County and the surrounding areas for walkway and driveway materials and gravel landscaping products. Visit the company online to view the product list, and call (585) 924-7146 to place an order.