Gravel can be a great addition to soil. It helps improve drainage, as well as aeration and rooting depth for plants. Gravel also provides good traction in wet or icy weather.
Still, it’s crucial to place gravel properly on top of the soil. The best way is to create an edge with landscape fabric and lay the gravel against it. This will keep the gravel away from the native soil and serve as a containment system for mulch or soil mixes.
Be sure not to exceed two inches of thickness when introducing gravel to existing soil: too much can impede root growth and impede water absorption by plants.
It pays to remove any debris before pouring crushed gravel on top of the soil, such as stones, sticks, roots, and other dirt clumps that may settle over time. To avoid compaction due to weight, the heavier materials should be placed first with lighter stuff above it; sand would go last near the surface.
Take care not to disturb nearby structures like sidewalks, patios, driveways, or retaining walls while adding gravel onto your yard’s existing soil – they can incur damages from disturbance if there are flaws in construction or poor surveying prior excavation works.
Finally, remember to grade your lawn after adding a new layer of rock for easy access and improved aesthetics for pedestrian traffic.