Pea gravel is notorious for moving around because the individual pieces are small and lightweight. This is especially true when it is used on walkways or driveways that get heavy foot traffic. Not to worry though, there are several ways to keep your rocks in place.
- Add more gravel
- Tamp gravel down
- Create a border
- Use edging
- Excavate to create a border
- Add step stones
- Install gravel grids
- Use resin binders
In this article, we’ll go over all of the methods available to help keep pea gravel in place.
1. Add More Gravel
Keeping your pebbles from moving can be as simple as adding more gravel. It’s recommended to pour gravel at least 3 inches deep. The weight of the gravel will help to keep it in place. When gravel isn’t deep enough, it moves around more.
2. Tamp Gravel Down
Packing down your rocks correctly will help them to stay in place better. Tamp and pack it down properly by using a steel tamper. Lightly spray the gravel with water after tamping it to help it settle into the soil and stay in place. I love how easy this method is and the way it makes all of the rocks nice and level.
3. Create A Border
You can create a border around your pea gravel to help keep it where you want it. This can be done with natural-looking rocks or stone pavers. Use natural rocks to create a more rustic look or pavers for a clean, contemporary look. I adore the way a darker border makes the walkway pop!
4. Use Edging
Edging may be a cheaper and easier option than using stone borders. You can use wood, plastic, rubber, or metal edging. Edging comes in a variety of sizes and colors. Pick one that works best for your project and complements the colors found in your gravel.
5. Excavate To Create A Border
Instead of laying your pea gravel on top of the soil, excavate down three inches first. This method doesn’t require any special tools or additional cost. By digging a trench to lay your gravel in, you’ll be creating a natural border to hold it in place. You can also add a wooden form around the edges to help everything stay in place if you want.
6. Add Step Stones
Gravel tends to move around more in areas that get heavy foot traffic. Add some step stones to your walkway which will reduce the amount of foot traffic on the pebbles. You can also add two rows of step stones to driveways, where your tires drive across, to keep pea gravel in place.
7. Install Gravel Grids (Permeable Plastic Pavers)
These stabilizer grids come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be cut to size or snapped together to create a grid that fits perfectly into your landscape design. The individual cells get filled with pea gravel which will hold them in place and create more support. These are a bit more expensive than edging, but they will keep the depth of your gravel more uniform in the long run.
8. Use Resin Binders
Resin binders offer a more permanent solution for keeping your pebbles in place. There are several brands of resin binders available but they all work in the same way. They are typically sold in a liquid form that you can pour into a watering can or handheld sprayer. Spread the solution evenly across your newly installed pea gravel. Resins will hold the rocks together, eliminating movement, reducing weeds, and making your pea gravel easier to keep clean.
