Shoobie

Hey guys, I've killed the grass in my front/side yard (no sprinkler system), and I'm looking to landscape it with rock/gravel. I want something low maintenance, but I would also like it to double as another parking space for my Jeep. I'm thinking some sort of river rock, with larger rocks forming two tracks for parking (if needed).

What do you guys think of this? Do you think it will look trashy? There is no HOA, and the neighborhood is nice, but not too nice. Some of the other houses have perfectly manicured lawns, while others just have dirt side yards that they park their extra vehicles on. What kind of stones and rock should I look in to? What kind of prep work is involved in a project like this?

Thanks everyone!

EDIT: Here is a picture:

Shoobie

Hmmm, now that I think about it, how about using wood chips? I think I would like the look better. What do you guys think?

sufikation

id say to your best to level it and build your border, then layout pea gravel...or some bark if thats the look you want. either way, it should be an easy half day job. good luck. }=)

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Shoobie

How would I border it? With that vinyl/plastic lawn border, or with stones or bricks or something else? Also, do I need to dig down at all, and/or loosen up the soil?

sufikation

well if it was me i would just till it up a bit...border it with large stones(between the 2 properties) and fill it in with small sized gravel. that way i could park something there or at least not have to worry about mowing that spot.

if you till it, water it before you lay the gravel to allow the soil to settle down and give you room to lay out the gravel without it flowing on to your paved spot. good luck and remember thats just what i would do. peace.

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Shoobie

Would the process be the same if I wanted to use wood chips? I'm not even sure if that is what it is designed to be used for, but I like the look better than gravel. However, I am fine with gravel if chips will not work.

Thanks for your help!

sufikation

the only reason i say till and water is so that the ground level will go down a bit. that way if you lay out rock, wood chips, small monkeys....whatever, its will not over flow onto your paved area allowing it to be level with it.

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Shoobie

Ah, okay. Thanks.

briansol

get a high quality gravel. i didn't and i regret it. I just used some generic 'gardening' or use-in place of mulch type rock for my little extention, and my truck constantly cracks them in half. I losse 5-10 stones everytime i pull in or out with my dakota. i'm in need of 5 + more bags already simply dude to the rock turning to dust.

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Shoobie

Okay, thanks for the advice! There is a local rock supplier; I will go down and look at what they offer.