How to Keep Your Garden Stones Looking Like New

Garden stones, such as gravel, pebbles, and decorative aggregates, are becoming increasingly popular in modern landscaping designs. Not only do they add a unique aesthetic appeal to any outdoor living space, but they also require much less maintenance than traditional lawns. In fact, maintaining a gravel field can be much easier than maintaining a lawn. 

However, despite their durability and resistance to weather, they are not entirely immune to wear and tear from prolonged exposure to the elements. Over time, your decorative garden stones may begin to show signs of damage, such as staining, cracking, or unevenness. 

That being said, with some light maintenance done every few months, you can easily keep your garden stones looking like new, and enjoy their beauty and functionality for years to come.

In this article, we will provide you with practical tips and advice on how to keep your decorative garden stones looking their best, ensuring that your outdoor space remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

Tip #1: Prevent weed growth

The number one issue most people face with their garden is weed growth. Whilst some decorative stones such as slates can do a wonderful job at blocking them from growing up and out of the soil, smaller stones like chippings and gravel will struggle to completely stop them. 

We always advise laying a weed barrier membrane before laying your stones so that it stops any weed growth in the future. The barriers will effectively block sunlight from reaching the soil as well as physically block any weed trying to grow upwards. Additionally, the membrane will keep the gravel from sinking into the soil over time. This can also improve drainage and extend the life of your decorative gravel.

Tip #2: Use a power wash or leaf blower 

Use a leaf blower or a hard brush to regularly clear debris and organic matter from the surface of the gravel, such as leaves, twigs, and weeds. This will help prevent buildup and keep the gravel looking clean and tidy. Following from this we recommend using a power wash to remove finer materials like dust and small particles that a leaf blower or brush might not be able to remove. 

A power wash can also help improve drainage by removing any debris that may be clogging the gravel. However, be careful not to use too much pressure or get too close to the surface, as this can cause the gravel to shift or become uneven.

Tip #3: Use vinegar or a specialised solution

If your gravel has been left without care for a long time, you may notice tough stains, algae or discolourations on the gravel. To clean those stones you will need something stronger than a pressure wash. To tackle this, try using a mixture of vinegar and water, or a specialised cleaning solution designed for outdoor use. Apply the solution directly to the affected areas and scrub with a stiff brush, then rinse thoroughly. 

These solutions can help remove tough stains and restore the natural colour and texture of your decorative gravel. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaning solution carefully and wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles when using it.

If you regularly maintain your gravel though you should not need to use this tip.

Tip #4: Keep it levelled

Check for any areas where the gravel has become uneven or compacted, and rake the gravel to redistribute it evenly. This can help prevent tripping hazards and improve drainage.

Additionally, compacted gravel can cause drainage issues, which can lead to water pooling on the surface and potentially causing damage over time. By redistributing the gravel evenly, you can prevent these issues and ensure that the surface is safe and stable to walk on. 

This is especially important to do in areas where cars are parked as the heavy vehicle may disturb the structure of the gravel over time, causing it to become uneven and compacted.

It’s also a good idea to consider installing a geotextile or other type of stabilization material underneath the gravel in high-traffic areas to further protect the surface and maintain its appearance.

Tip #5: Do an annual review and replace broken stones

We recommend doing an annual review, typically at the end of the summer and checking your gravel for stones that ate chipped or broken. Remove those from the area and then top it up with brand-new gravel to keep the surface looking fresh and well-maintained.

At Garden Hub, we offer a wide range of gravel in either small bags of 20 kilograms or large bulk bags (850kg) so whether you need to lay a gravel patio, lay a gravel driveway or you just want to top up your existing decorative gravel, we have you covered.

Our gravel is available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, so you can find the perfect match for your landscaping needs. We also offer delivery services to make it easy for you to get the gravel you need, right to your doorstep. 

At Garden Hub, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service, so if you have any questions about our products, feel free to contact our friendly team today. Additionally, you may order a free small sample before purchasing, just to get a feel of the quality we offer.