Ever tried using gravel as a base layer instead? It’s not perfect, but it does help with drainage and keeps things looking tidy near the foundation.
Funny you mention gravel—I actually went that route behind my garage last year. The area was always soggy, and I figured gravel would help with both drainage and keeping weeds down. It did work for the most part, but I noticed after a few months, some really stubborn weeds started poking through anyway. I guess nothing’s totally foolproof.
One thing I liked about the gravel was how much cleaner it looked compared to mulch or just bare dirt. But I did have to be careful about runoff—after a heavy rain, some of the smaller stones would shift around and end up in the lawn. Not a huge deal, just something to keep an eye on.
I’ve also tried cardboard under mulch in other spots, and yeah, it breaks down super fast here (lots of rain). Still, I kind of like that it feeds the soil as it goes. Just wish it lasted a bit longer...
Gravel definitely looks cleaner, but I’ve always wondered if it’s worth the cost, especially when you factor in those stubborn weeds. Did you use any kind of landscape fabric under the gravel? I’ve heard mixed things—some say it helps for a while, others say the weeds just find a way through anyway, and then you’re stuck with torn-up fabric later.
The runoff thing is what makes me hesitate, honestly. I’ve got a slight slope near my house, and I’m not sure if gravel would just end up migrating every time we get a big storm. Maybe edging would help, but then that’s another expense.
Cardboard under mulch sounds good in theory, but yeah, it’s basically gone after one rainy season here too. I keep thinking about just sticking to mulch and pulling weeds when I see them... not ideal, but at least it’s cheap. Anyone actually had long-term luck with any of these methods, or is it just a constant battle?
“I’ve heard mixed things—some say it helps for a while, others say the weeds just find a way through anyway, and then you’re stuck with torn-up fabric later.”
I actually think the fabric gets a worse rap than it deserves, but only if you install it right. I’ve seen folks skip the step where you overlap the seams or use pins every foot or so, and that’s when weeds sneak in. Still, on a slope, gravel’s tricky—no matter how good the fabric is, gravity wins eventually. If you’re set on gravel, I’d suggest a combo: heavy-duty fabric, steel edging (yes, it’s a bit more upfront), and maybe a border of larger rocks at the bottom to catch runoff. It’s not zero maintenance, but it slows the chaos. Mulch is easier to refresh, but yeah, you’ll be pulling weeds either way. It’s kind of a “pick your battles” situation.
“It’s not zero maintenance, but it slows the chaos.”
That pretty much nails it. I keep wondering if anybody’s tried those “no-dig” gravel grids under the fabric? Supposedly they help hold everything in place, especially on a slope, but I haven’t met anyone who’s actually used them long-term. I’m also curious—has anyone had luck with planting groundcover between stones instead of going full-on mulch or gravel? Seems like it could be less work in the long run, but maybe that’s just wishful thinking...
I’ve actually tried groundcover between pavers—creeping thyme and Irish moss. It looks great for a while, but honestly, it’s not as low-maintenance as people make it sound. You still get weeds, and if you’re on a slope, the soil washes out unless you’re super careful with prep. Gravel grids seem promising, but I wonder if they’re worth the cost and hassle in a residential yard. Sometimes plain old mulch is just easier, even if it’s not as fancy.
