Gravel is one of those materials that looks effortless in a finished yard but can quickly become a headache if it is not installed correctly. It shifts underfoot, migrates into lawn areas, washes down slopes after rain, and ends up scattered across driveways and patios. If you have ever dealt with gravel creep in your backyard landscaping or front yard landscaping, you already know how frustrating it can be to maintain. The Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott, have a straightforward solution to this problem — and it is one that professional landscape designers have relied on for years.
The key is using a combination of landscape fabric and physical edging to lock gravel in place before it ever gets a chance to move. This two-part approach addresses both the vertical and horizontal movement of loose stone, which is exactly why it works so well in residential landscape design.
Gravel does not stay put on its own. Without a proper base and defined borders, it spreads outward over time due to foot traffic, rainfall, and the natural settling of soil beneath it. The Property Brothers recommend installing a layer of landscape fabric directly on the prepared ground before any gravel is placed. This fabric acts as a separator between the soil and the stone, preventing the gravel from sinking into the earth while also suppressing weed growth underneath. It is a practical detail that makes a real difference in how a gravel path or patio area holds up over the years.
The second part of the method is physical edging. Without a solid border, gravel simply rolls outward at the edges, especially in high-traffic zones or areas exposed to water runoff. The Property Brothers use rigid edging materials — such as metal, plastic, or stone — installed flush with or slightly above the ground surface to create a contained boundary. This is one of the most effective garden edging ideas for any yard landscaping design that incorporates loose materials like pea gravel, crushed stone, or decomposed granite.
Together, landscape fabric and edging create a system that keeps gravel where it belongs with minimal ongoing effort. This is especially relevant for homeowners pursuing low maintenance garden design, since a well-contained gravel area requires very little upkeep compared to one that was installed without proper groundwork.
Martin Palma, founder and CEO of Ecolandscape Studio, has seen this issue come up repeatedly in residential projects. In his experience, most gravel problems are not caused by the material itself but by skipping the preparation steps. When clients come in with a gravel area that has become messy or overgrown, the fix almost always involves going back to the beginning — pulling the gravel, installing fabric and edging properly, and then resetting the stone. Doing it right the first time saves a significant amount of time and money down the road.
Not all edging materials perform the same way, and the right choice depends on the style and function of your outdoor living space. Metal edging, particularly steel or aluminum, is popular in modern garden design because it creates a clean, sharp line that holds its shape over time. It works well in both front yard landscaping ideas and backyard landscaping ideas where a contemporary look is the goal.
For a more natural aesthetic — common in native plant garden design or pollinator garden design — stone or timber edging can blend more seamlessly with the surrounding planting design. The important thing is that whatever material you choose is installed deep enough into the soil to resist lateral pressure from the gravel and from foot traffic nearby.
Depth matters more than most homeowners expect. Edging that sits only on the surface will eventually tip outward or get displaced. A good rule of thumb is to bury at least a third of the edging material below grade so it has enough anchor to stay vertical over time.
Gravel itself is a versatile material that fits into many different yard landscaping approaches. It is a popular choice in xeriscape garden design and drought tolerant garden design because it reduces the need for irrigation in planted areas and helps retain soil moisture. It also works well as a lawn alternative in small backyard design where grass is difficult to maintain or where water conservation is a priority.
If your yard has drainage challenges, combining gravel with a rain garden design can be a smart move. Gravel helps slow and filter water as it moves through the landscape, reducing runoff and supporting healthier soil below.
Getting gravel right is less about the material and more about the system around it. With proper fabric, well-anchored edging, and a little planning upfront, a gravel area can stay clean, defined, and attractive for many years. It is one of those landscaping decisions where the preparation work is almost invisible once the project is done — but you will absolutely notice the difference if it is skipped.
