Gravel Mulch Installation

What This Service Involves

Gravel mulch swaps organic bark for crushed rock or smooth river stone, giving beds a crisp, contemporary look that lasts for years rather than seasons. It is ideal for drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plantings, pathways, and dry-creek drainage features that shed our Pacific Northwest rain instead of soaking it up. Because stone does not break down, you skip the yearly mulch refresh, though a landscape fabric underlayment is key to keeping soil and weeds from migrating up through it. We choose sizing and color to suit your architecture, from dark basalt to warm pea gravel. Around Puget Sound we also grade for positive drainage so the gravel does not trap standing water against foundations.

Benefits

Permanent ground cover that never needs yearly replacement; Excellent drainage for wet PNW soils and downspout zones; Clean modern look that complements drought-tolerant plantings; Discourages weeds when paired with quality fabric; Resists washout and wind far better than bark

Our Process

1) Review the design and select stone size and color for the space; 2) Grade and compact the base, shaping any swales for drainage; 3) Pin down commercial-grade landscape fabric across the area; 4) Spread and rake gravel to an even depth for full, consistent coverage

What Affects the Cost

Type, size, and color of stone selected; Square footage and depth of coverage; Landscape fabric and edging materials; Grading, compaction, and drainage work; Delivery and wheelbarrow access to the beds

Best Time of Year

Gravel can be installed any time of year, but dry summer windows in the Northwest make grading and fabric work cleaner and faster.