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Yes, you can lay pea gravel directly on the dirt. First, dig a trench 2 to 6 inches deep the length and width of the area you want to cover. Plants and weeds will eventually grow through the pea gravel if you don’t lay down landscaping cloth.

Pea gravel is the most common type of gravel, and it can be made of limestone, granite, basalt, sandstone, and many other types of rock. The strength in gravel comes from the distribution across the stones, so while one rock type may not be particularly strong (like sandstone), the matrix of small rocks that is gravel can become incredibly strong when installed correctly. 

The difference between river rock and landscaping rocks is size, smoothness, and use. River rocks are smooth and flat, as if polished by water, and come in diameters between 1 and 8 inches. Landscape rock can vary in size from small pea gravel installations to car-sized boulders. However, landscaping and river rocks are interchangeable in many situations. River rock is best for pathways, walkways, garden bed mulch, water features, and planting accents, while small landscape rocks can serve as a walkway base, gravel playground areas, and filler between pavers.

How tall your mulch should be around your tree depends on the type of mulch you use, but aim for 3 to 4 inches as a rule of thumb. You’ll want to avoid simply piling it up in hopes of offering additional benefits to your tree. Volcano mulching is the infamous term for piling way too much mulch against the stem of your tree. This could actually kill your tree or severely harm it, as your tree trunk needs space to breathe without too much moisture.