Our Blog

Advantages of Decomposed Granite for Your Garden Path in Marietta, GA

Posted by Christine Crandall on Sep 23, 2019 4:50:00 PM

What is Decomposed Granite?

garden-56719_640

 

Decomposed granite is actually decomposed granite. As it weathers, granite becomes fractured and weak. As a result, it fractures into small pieces, or crumbles called “grus.” In this state, it can be mixed into paving materials, but it can also be used for versatile pathways and decorative cover.

Advantages of Decomposed Granite Walkways

As a path or walkway, decomposed granite has a lot of advantages:

  • Attractive: Decomposed granite comes in a variety of natural colors, so you can keep the earthy ambiance of your yard and have the convenience of a path.
  • Inexpensive: Relative to other options, decomposed granite is pretty inexpensive. This allows for the opportunity to create longer paths on bigger properties.
  • Durable: Granite pathways are durable because they are weather resistant. They won’t crack or lift but rather remain relatively motionless in any conditions.
  • ADA compliant: When combined with stabilizer, decomposed granite walkways may be ADA-compliant. Even if it is not used with stabilizer, the walkway will be much easier to travel on with bicycles or any other wheeled devices than other types of gravel.
  • Low-maintenance: If created properly, decomposed granite walkways are very low-maintenance. They don’t require sweeping, and weeds should be prevented.
  • Drainage: One of the greatest benefits of decomposed granite is that you will not have standing water on your walkway. Decomposed granite is very much like gravel, and its drainage capabilities are excellent.

Disadvantages of Decomposed Granite Walkways

  • Not soft: If walking barefoot is in your walkway dreams, you may not like a decomposed granite path. Not only is the rock sharp (not terribly sharp but not smooth), but it may stick to your feet, and you’ll bring rocks in on the bottom of your feet.
  • Must be contained: Decomposed granite must be contained, and even then, it may escape its containment. This is the problem with all rock paths, but decomposed granite travels a bit less because of its interlocking, sharp edges.
  • Messy: If not contained, decomposed granite can be very messy. The whole idea of creating a walkway is to have a clear definition of places to walk versus gardens and grass that desire less traffic. Even if clearly contained, some rock may travel into houses on the bottoms of shoes. It may not be the best option for paths that are adjacent to the indoors.

If you have used or looked at pictures of decomposed granite, you understand the draw. They are beautiful, natural walkways that not are low-maintenance but also luxurious in their elegance. The disadvantages are very few, and the advantages make this a viable walkway option for most homes.

Free Lawncare Estimate

Have questions about your lawn care?

Greenfeet Lawncare Provides Service to the Following Areas.

770-619-2929

North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs