Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Clinton, AR

The best way to landscape your front yard on a budget is to invest in hiring a professional for hardscaping—things like upgrading walkways, redoing driveways, and installing partitions around garden beds. You can often do the softscaping yourself—think laying down mulch, caring for your lawn, removing weeds, and planting flowers and shrubs. It’s also almost always worthwhile to pay a professional for routine yard maintenance, as this dramatically improves curb appeal and delivers above 100% ROI in most cases.

Since you’ll likely be digging a trench to install your yard drainage system, this is a good time to complete other tasks that involve digging up your yard, including: Sprinkler system installation Lawn reseeding Regrading your yard Redesigning your landscaping If your drain is under a walkway or driveway, your contractor must also remove those materials. This is a great time to consider upgrading your hardscaping features, especially if they’re nearing the end of their life span.

Small gravel is the better option since it creates a stable, even surface that’s easier on paws and hooves. Large gravel can be uncomfortable and may shift too much underfoot. So if you’re using gravel in pet or livestock areas, go for smooth, rounded small gravel to prevent injuries and discomfort.

The right depth depends on your intended use for the area. For instance, pea gravel for walkways and patios typically only needs to be about 2 to 3 inches deep. However, driveways and other areas with heavier loads may require 4 to 6 inches for better stability.