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The least costly way to keep grass from growing is also the most labor-intensive: regular weeding. Pull out grass blades as you see them pop up through the soil in areas where they’re unwanted. Another cost-effective way to keep grass from growing is by spreading a thick layer of mulch on the area as this will suffocate the grass.

The best mulches for trees are wood chips, bark nuggets, or pine straw. Depending on your goals, you may want to avoid using plastic, stone, rubber, or wet grass clippings. Plastic mulch prevents water from reaching the mulched areas of your tree, stones don’t offer any nutritional benefits to the soil, rubber can release byproducts into the soil when it decomposes, and wet grass clippings can lead to rot. 

Plastic may prove beneficial in cold climates in the winter, but wood chips are the ideal option for most environments.

Gravel driveways require regular maintenance because the material can shift over time. Routine tasks include raking the gravel to ensure an even layer, filling in ruts or low spots, and removing debris, especially after storms. You should also add fresh gravel as needed to prevent potholes, remove weeds by hand or with an herbicide, and occasionally spray the driveway with water to reduce dust.

Periodically, you may need to grade and level the entire driveway, which is often done every few years. Any refilled potholes should be compacted; for excessive dust, you can use a mechanical compactor. To minimize future maintenance, ensure the land is properly graded before installation and consider laying down landscaping fabric to help keep the gravel in place. In areas with heavy rain, reinforcing the edges can help prevent erosion. Additionally, it's best to avoid using a snowplow on a gravel driveway during the winter.

If you hire a professional landscaper, you could expect to pay between $90 and $660 to install three cubic yards of river rock. (That’s based on the average river rock installation cost of $30 to $220 per cubic yard.) However, the exact price depends on the kind of river rock you choose. Crushed limestone and riprap are some of the more affordable options, while boulders and Arizona river rock are pricier.