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No one likes running out of materials during a project, so calculating the right amount of gravel needed for your driveway is an absolute must. Multiply your driveway’s length by width by the depth of the gravel (in feet). For gravel depth, convert to a decimal (i.e., 4 inches is 0.33 feet). This will give you the cubic feet of material that you need. 

If you’re looking for cubic yards, divide that above number by 27.

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.

The best time to lay mulch depends on the type of mulch and the reason for installing it: 

• Summer: Adding extra mulch helps soil retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay, allowing plants to thrive. 

• Fall: Adding mulch helps control weeds and keeps soil and roots warm during the cooler months. Aim to add a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep.

• Winter: Mulch around perennial plants to help keep them insulated.

• Spring: Wait until the ground has thawed. Depending on the thickness, add between 1 and 4 inches of mulch to provide freeze and rain protection and enrich the soil.

Mid to late spring is the best time of year to mulch. If you do it too early in the spring, the mulch could slow down the warming process of the soil and affect how well plants grow. By mid to late spring the temperatures are usually steadying, making it an ideal time to spread mulch.