Aggregates are naturally sourced raw materials used for various construction and landscaping projects. Aggregates can be used on their own for drainage, rock gardens, and décor or as an ingredient to create a durable material like concrete and mortar. There is a large variety of aggregates available. Therefore it may be challenging to know which ones to choose and where to place them. Today’s article will cover the top landscaping projest to incorporate aggregates. We will also cover a few popular aggregates, which can be found at FSI Landscape Supply. At FSI, we carry various aggregates, including crushed stone/rock, gravel, and sand, to support your project’s needs.

Drainage

Drainage is an essential part of any landscape design. Water from landscaping maintenance or weather elements may accumulate, leading to significant issues, including drowning, erosion, and flooding. Accumulated water will suffocate garden beds, grass, and trees. Water runoff will carry soil away, resulting in an uneven landscaped surface. Therefore, causing the foundation of any structure (deck, fence, gazebo, home, patio, or pergola) to shift or sink. Excessive water can also ruin the original landscape design. By using aggregates, water can be diverted therefore preserving the placement of structures and landscape design. At FSI Landscape Supply we suggest, clear limestone, clear gravel, high performance bedding, pea gravel, terra stone brick chip, gabion stone, and riverstone. These aggregates are perfect for proper water drainage, and some can be used as a barrier to prevent soil erosion.

Decorative

As most of you know, mulch is commonly used to decorate garden beds and create a beautiful contrast. However, aggregates make perfect decorative accents and can replace mulch while providing similar benefits. Aggregates come in various colours, shapes, and sizes, which makes them ideal for filling up spaces that could use some dimension. Alternatively, you can fill, trim or create a border in and around garden beds which will assist with the weather elements and promote a natural decorative aesthetic. At FSI Landscape Supply, we suggest pea gravel, terra stone brick chip, gabion stone, white calcite, and riverstone. These aggregates will bring out the natural beauty of surrounding plant life and compliment any home and landscape design style.

Paving stones and stepping stones

Paving stones and steppingstones are strategically placed to create beautiful driveways, pathways, patios, terraces, and walkways. Once the stones are set to your liking, you want them to stay that way. However, heavy foot traffic, automotive traffic, weather elements (including water and moisture), and the natural movement of the ground below can cause pavers/steppingstones to shift out of place or sink. Therefore, a base material like gravel or crushed rock is required to create an even foundation to lay the paving stones/steppingstones. The gravel or crushed rock allows moisture to move freely in and out and helps keep the stones in place. At FSI Landscape Supply, we suggest crusher run, granular “A,” limestone screenings, high performance bedding, or concrete sand. The aggregates listed can be used as a base for patio slabs, paving stones, or steppingstones.

At FSI Landscape Supply, we carry all of the aggregates mentioned in today’s article and more. Contact us today or visit our product webpage for more information!