With a remodel and a garden design project underway, I've been researching how to simplify garden maintenance and cut back on water usage. And I keep hearing more and more about the advantages of decomposed granite. Why? It turns out that in many ways decomposed granite (or DG, as it's commonly called) is the ideal hardscape material: natural, permeable, aesthetically versatile, and wonderfully inexpensive.
After I started looking into DG, I began to notice it everywhere: The pretty little path through the local recreation field that never gets muddy? Decomposed gravel. The soft, natural-looking gravel driveway, where the gravel stays put? Also decomposed granite. The mulch at the base of trees that keeps the ground weed-free? DG again.
Is DG the right material to choose for your hardscaping project? Read on:
Above: A decomposed granite path lined with boxwoods and dwarf catalpa trees (Catalpa nana), photographed just after a heavy rainstorm (note the lack of mud). Designed by Brad Eigsti of Imprints Landscape Architecture. Photograph by Ellen Jenkins.
What is decomposed granite?
Decomposed granite is like gravel, but finer and generally more stable. It's formed from the natural weathering and erosion of solid granite, a tough, hard, igneous rock. The DG sold as landscaping material is typically composed of fine 3/8-inch (or smaller) particles; some may be no bigger than a grain of sand. Colors vary, from buff to brown, and include various shades of gray, black, red, and green.
Above: A sampling of a few decomposed granite colors. Photograph by John Whittle.
What are the types of decomposed granite?
Although there are at least 30 colors and varying degrees of particle sizes, decomposed granite basically comes in three forms: natural, stabilized, and resin-coated:
- Natural DG is used as a mulch material and can be spread around trees and garden beds much like wood mulch. It will continue to weather after it is put in place and provides nutrients to surrounding soil and plants. It lasts longer than most other mulch materials and will not attract pests.
- For a path or patio, DG with stabilizers (which serve as a binder) is the best solution. Stabilized DG is often added on top of another gravel material, tamped down, then left with a thin loose layer on top.
- DG with resin for driveways has a similar surface to asphalt, but has a more natural look and is permeable.
Above: A front entry in LA features decomposed granite with stabilizer over layers of crushed stone, surrounded by native grass and kangaroo paws. Photograph by Katrina Coombs via Grow Outdoor Design. For more, see Transforming a Tangle Into an Elegant Entry.
What are the best ways to use decomposed granite?
While DG is most commonly used for paths, driveways, garden trails, and as a xeriscape ground cover, it can also be used to create smooth visual transitions between formal garden and wilderness. One of its advantages is that it breaks down, so any DG that migrates into lawn or planting beds does not cause problems the way gravel does. Lining a path or patio with a black metal strip (which will disappear if buried low enough) will help keep it in place.
One caveat: Make sure not to install the material too close to a house or building. It does stick to shoes, and will scratch floors. This can be avoided by separating the DG from the home with a few feet of other surface materials, plus a door mat.
Above: Concrete pavers and decomposed granite are interspersed with thyme and chamomile next to a raised bed in this garden by BaDesign. Photograph by Branden Adams.
How much does decomposed granite cost?
The raw material costs from $40 to $50 per cubic yard and is available from landscape suppliers (and at stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot). The cost to have a contractor install a path or patio is approximately $4-$6 per square foot, depending on conditions and whether stabilizers are added. If you do it yourself, the cost will be about half that amount.
For a resin-coated DG driveway, which has a surface much like asphalt (but is permeable), the cost is higher. A local driveway installer is the best source for cost information.
Above: Side yard path of decomposed granite lined with brick-sized bluestone and flanked by boxwood hedges. See Design Sleuth: An Elegant Garden Path.
Considering a path that mixes DG with bluestone? Learn more about the options in Hardscaping 101: Pennsylvania Bluestone.
Decomposed Granite Recap:
- Has some of the advantages of gravel—the crunchy sound, the softened look, the permeability—without some of the disadvantages: it remains firm underfoot.
- As it starts to weather and erode, it's simple to add more.
- Soft, natural appearance.
- Can be used to smooth transitions between garden and wilderness.
- Provides good drainage.
- Excellent mulch material.
- Inexpensive.
- Sticks to shoes—different surface materials are needed near house, plus a doormat, to keep material out of house (will scratch floors)
- Good solution under large trees where grass won't grow.
- Keeps dust down.
Planning a hardscaping project? Ellen has done the sleuthing: everything you need to know about materials, from Limestone Pavers to Picket Fences, is in our Hardscaping 101 archive.
More Stories from Gardenista