7 Inexpensive, Weed-Resistant Landscaping Options

While gravel can add a decorative look to any landscaping project, the fact is that it can be an expensive material. Surely, you can find some for it Unexpectedly cheap prices on Facebook MarketplaceBut the average price for gravel installation is between $600 and $3,500. Depending on the size of the project and the type of gravel used, the cost can be higher.

The fact is that you can say goodbye to gravel, because there are cheaper materials. Materials such as crusher fines and recycled crushed concrete are excellent options for pathways, while bark mulch, wood chips and pine needles provide a more natural look to landscape beds. Landscape fabric, although often criticized for concerns about microplastics, can provide an affordable weed-suppression option in certain landscaping applications. Even a few bales of straw will give you better economic value than gravel.

Another common issue with gravel is the tendency for weeds to grow through the loose aggregate. Light, air and water can all penetrate the gravel and encourage weeds to grow. Many of these options can also help suppress weeds more effectively than gravel when installed correctly. Therefore, these materials can not only save money, but also reduce the growth and maintenance of weeds over many periods.

A by-product of the gravel-making process, crushed fines are abundant A cheap and weed-resistant option For standard gravel. It is a mixture of fine rock dust and stones crushed to a size of about ⅜ inch and comes in a range of colors depending on the types of rock used to produce it. Costing between $15 and $85 per square foot, properly installed crusher fines will create a compacted surface that suppresses weed growth better than gravel. The lack of light under the mill fines will prevent weed seeds from germinating and germinating.

When it comes Choosing mulch for your next landscaping projectBark mulch is one of the most attractive and budget-friendly options available. Where gravel can cost over $100 per cubic yard, bark mulch can run as low as $30 per cubic yard when you buy in bulk. Lower upfront costs also come with easier installation, as bark mulch is lighter and easier to spread than gravel surfaces. In terms of weed control, the thicker the bark mulch application, the more weeds you will prevent from growing.

Wood chips differ from bark mulch because they contain both tree bark and inner wood, rather than bark alone. Wood chips are great for layering paths or decorative mulch because of their more uniform size, but they are also great for weed control by effectively blocking the sunlight they need to grow. In terms of cost, wood chips average $85 per cubic yard. However, depending on where you live, you may be able to get free wood chips from your local municipality or companies like ChipDrop.

Pine straw is the landscaping term for pine needles that have been dried and collected into bales that you can purchase for use as mulch in your landscaping beds. It is exceptionally lightweight, making it easier to move and spread than gravel or other stone materials. Pine straw is also one Excellent option for weed control Because it blocks the light weed seeds need to germinate. In terms of cost, you can buy a bale for as little as $2.50 that will cover anywhere from 35 to 100 square feet depending on how thickly the mulch is applied.

From a distance, you can easily confuse crushed concrete for gravel. However, up close you will see that crushed concrete is made from recycled bits of broken concrete collected from old sites. This recycled nature makes it An eco-friendly and sustainable option for driveways and walkways in your landscaping. Similar to crusher fines and other crushed stone materials, crushed concrete compacts on a semi-solid surface that helps prevent weeds from germinating. Also, at around $10 to $20 per ton of gravel compared to an average price of $30 per ton, it is easily the more affordable option.

While not necessarily the most environmentally friendly option, there’s no denying that landscape fabric will be one of the cheapest alternatives to gravel you’re likely to find. With professional installation, landscape fabric typically costs around $0.75 per square foot. If you install it yourself, that cost can drop to as low as $0.20 per square foot. However, in terms of actual weed control, fabric is really only a temporary solution. While it may suppress weeds for a while, the material will eventually break down and need to be replaced.

Unlike pine straw, which is made from pine needles, standard straw consists of dried stalks of grain crops such as wheat or barley. It is commonly used in garden beds to help retain soil moisture and keep fruits like strawberries and tomatoes clean and free of dirt. However, a thick application of straw will also help keep weeds at bay by blocking the sunlight they need to grow. You just need to make sure that none of the straws contain weed seeds. A bale costs as little as $10, although prices vary depending on where you live.