Hardscaping : Decomposed Granite

Having a redesign and an outdoor design project going ahead, I have been researching how you can simplify garden maintenance and reduce water usage. And That I keep hearing increasingly more about the benefits of decomposed granite. Why?

It works out that in lots of ways decomposed granite (or DG, as it is generally known as) is the perfect hardscape material: natural, permeable, visually versatile, and wonderfully affordable.

Once I began considering DG, I started to note it everywhere: The beautiful little path with the local entertainment area that never will get muddy? Decomposed gravel. The soft, natural-searching gravel front yard, in which the gravel stays put? Also decomposed granite.

The mulch at the bottom of trees that keeps the floor weed-free? DG again.

Is DG the best material to select for the hardscaping project? Continue reading:

Above: A decomposed granite path lined with boxwoods and dwarf catalpa trees (Catalpa nana ), captured pics of soon after huge lue-sky (note the possible lack of dirt). Created by Kaira Eigsti of Imprints Landscape Architecture. Photograph by Ellen Jenkins.

What's decomposed granite?

Decomposed granite is much like gravel, but finer and usually more stable. It's created in the natural weathering and erosion of solid granite, a difficult, hard, igneous rock. The DG offered as landscape designs materials are typically made up of fine 3/8-inch (or more compact) contaminants some might be no larger than a grain of sand.

Colors vary, from aficionado to brown, and can include various shades of grey, black, red-colored, and eco-friendly.


Above: A sampling of the couple of decomposed granite colors. Photograph by John Whittle.

Do you know the kinds of decomposed granite?

Although you will find a minimum of 30 colors and different levels of particle dimensions, decomposed granite essentially is available in three forms: natural, stable, and resin-covered:

• Natural DG can be used like a mulch material and could be spread around trees and garden beds similar to wood mulch. It is constantly weather after it's set up and offers nutrition to surrounding soil and plants.
  
  
  It lasts more than other mulch materials and won't attract unwanted pests.
  
  


• For any path or patio, DG with stabilizers (which function as a binder) is the greatest solution. Stable DG is frequently added on the top of some other gravel material, tamped lower, then playing a skinny loose layer on the top.


• DG with resin for drive-ways includes a similar surface to asphalt, but includes a natural look and it is permeable.
  

Above: A front entry in LA features decomposed granite with stabilizer over layers of crushed stone, encircled by native grass and kangaroo feet. Photograph by Katrina Coombs via Grow Outside Design. For additional, see Changing a Tangle Into a stylish Entry .

Do you know the how to use decomposed granite?

While DG is most generally employed for pathways, drive-ways, garden trails, so that as a xeriscape ground cover, it is also accustomed to create smooth visual transitions between formal garden and backwoods. Certainly one of its advantages is it stops working, so any DG that migrates into lawn or planting beds doesn't create problems the way in which gravel does. Lining a way or patio having a black metal strip (that will disappear if hidden low enough) can help ensure that it stays in position.

One caveat: Make certain to not install the fabric too near to a building. It will stay with footwear, and can scratch flooring. This is often prevented by separating the DG in the home having a couple of ft of other surface materials, along with a door pad.

Above: Concrete pavers and decomposed granite are interspersed with thyme and lavender alongside a elevated mattress within this garden by BaDesign. Photograph by Branden Adams.

Just how much does decomposed granite cost?

The raw material costs from $40 to $50 per cubic yard and it is offered by landscape providers (and also at stores for example Lowe's and residential Depot ). The price to possess a contractor use a path or patio is roughly $4-$6 per sq . ft ., based on conditions and whether stabilizers are added. Should you do-it-yourself, the price is going to be about 50 % that quantity.

For any resin-covered DG front yard, with a surface similar to asphalt (but is permeable), the price is greater. A nearby front yard installer is the greatest source for cost information.

Above: Side yard road to decomposed granite lined with brick-sized bluestone and between boxwood hedges. See Design Sleuth: A Stylish Garden Path .

Thinking about a way that mixes DG with bluestone? Find out more about the choices in Hardscaping 101: Pennsylvania Bluestone .

Decomposed Granite Recap:

• Has a few of the benefits of gravel—the crunchy seem, the softened look, the permeability—without a few of the disadvantages: it remains firm underfoot.


• Because it begins to weather and erode, it's easy to increase the.
  

• Soft, natural appearance.


• May be used to smooth transitions between garden and backwoods.


• Provides good drainage.
  


• Excellent mulch material.


• Affordable.


• Stays to shoes—different surface materials are essential near house, along with a doormat, to help keep material from house (will scratch flooring)


• Good solution under large trees where grass will not grow.
  
• Keeps dust lower.

Planning for a hardscaping project? Ellen has been doing the sleuthing: all you need to learn about materials, from Limestone Pavers to Picket Fences. is within our Hardscaping 101 archive.