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Discover the Many Practical Uses of Pea Shingle in Your Yard

Are you looking to add some landscaping to your yard? Pea shingle is not just a form of rock, it is composed of small rounded pea-sized stones, providing a dynamic look to your outdoor space. Typically around 10mm in width, this type of gravel will leave an appealing look, similar to a stony beach. Due to its unwavering versatility and pebblelike aesthetic, it is popular among many gardeners.

How much pea shingle do I need?

Pea shingles come in two main varieties:

  • 10mm – The 10mm pea shingle is popular for landscaping and construction. The small, rounded stones are sourced naturally. They have a tactile texture and can elevate outdoor spaces.
  • 20mm – The gentle crunch of 20mm pea shingle underfoot can transform the aesthetic of any yard or garden, adding a touch of natural elegance and visual interest. These small, rounded stones, typically ranging from 18-22mm in diameter, are an increasingly popular choice for landscaping projects.

They come in a variety of sizes and how much you order depends on the scope of the project you are working on. From 0.5 tonnes to 1.5 tonnes, you can decide how much you need by using a gravel calculator for a better guideline!

How can I use pea shingle in my yard?

Mainly used for decorative purposes in landscaping, gardens, and pathways due to its attractive appearance and smooth texture, there are many ways you can use pea shingle to enhance the aesthetics as well as the practicality of your yard.

1. Create a pea shingle pathway

Creating a pathway with pea shingle is simple. Just mark out your desired path, lay down some landscaping fabric, and pour the shingle on top. Voila! You’ve got a path that adds character to your garden while staying practical.

2. Use it for a drainage solution

Is your yard often soggy after rain? Pea shingle can help with that. Its porous nature allows water to flow through it, preventing muddy spots and keeping your garden looking fresh. Think of it as nature’s sponge—absorbing excess water and letting your plants breathe.

You can layer pea shingle around plant roots or in garden beds to help with drainage. This not only keeps the soil moist, but also prevents root rot. It’s like giving your plants a little life jacket during heavy downpours!

3. Add decorative touches

Pea shingle isn’t just for practical uses; it can also jazz up your garden. Use it in flower beds or as a decorative border. The various colours and textures can complement your plants beautifully. It’s like adding a splash of paint to a canvas—transformative and eye-catching.

4. Enhance visual interest

Mix different colours of pea shingle to create patterns or to highlight certain areas of your garden. It’s an easy way to add personality without breaking the bank. Your yard becomes a masterpiece, and you’re the artist!

5. Create a ground cover

By covering soil with a thick layer, it blocks sunlight, which makes it harder for pesky weeds to grow. It’s like creating a shield for your garden beds!

Spread a layer of pea shingle over your garden beds, and watch weed growth significantly decrease. With less weeding to do, you can focus on enjoying your garden instead of fighting it!

6. Produce effective fire pits

If you’ve got a fire pit, pea shingle is perfect for the area surrounding it. It not only looks great but also helps with drainage. Plus, it keeps the area safe by reducing the risk of stray sparks starting a fire in your grass.

When designing your fire pit area, sprinkle some pea shingle around the edges. This creates a calming and inviting spot for gatherings with friends and family, all while being practical.

Is pea shingle the same as pea gravel?

Despite sharing similar names, there are subtle differences between pea shingle and pea gravel. Shingle is typically considered a more visually appealing material than gravel and therefore has a wider range of applications in gardening and landscaping.

Pea gravel is also often formed from larger pieces than shingle, meaning that it requires more maintenance as there is a bigger surface area to clean. Equally, the shape of shingle tends to be more rounded than gravel, whereas gravel is more angular.

How does it compare to other aggregates?

Available in a variety of earthy, neutral tones like beige, grey, and tan, pea shingle blends seamlessly with both modern and traditional garden designs, complementing plantings and other elements to cultivate a polished, put-together outdoor oasis. For homeowners seeking a simple yet sophisticated way to enhance their yard’s curb appeal and functionality, investing in this versatile gravel can be a wise and transformative choice.

How much maintenance is required?

As pea shingle is typically smaller compared to other types of aggregates, it can be prone to more factors. For example, wind and rain can wash away pea shingle’s tiny stones more quickly than larger aggregates. However, on the flip side, thanks to its size, it can be easier to clean and maintain. Also, the smooth edge of each granule prevents hazardous puddles or flooding.

How to order your batch

Do you need some pea shingle to spruce up both the presentation and practicality of your yard? At Ely Skip Hire, we offer high-quality 10mm pea shingle in 4 different sizes. From 500kg to 1500kg, whatever your gardening needs, we got you covered.

Not local to the Ely area? Worry not! You can contact ESH, and we will help out where we can, as we understand the importance of maintaining your outdoor space.

Pea shingle offers endless possibilities for your yard, so, why not give it a try? Transform your outdoor space into a practical paradise with the simple addition of pea shingle!

close up of pea shingle

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