Currently have pool build in progress and they should be wrapping up decking and beginning clean up soon. I'm going to repair irrigation and resod myself.

I've decided it would be better to gravel or xeriscape the side yard as well as the 5' between the lot line and pool border on two sides. It won't get much sun and I don't really want to mow there since I'll have to navigate the pool equipment.

My questions are

1) Should I use metal edging along the fence line?
2) should I use landscape fabric underneath? I've never had much luck with it in keeping out bermuda.
3) best gravel to use? It's not really a walkway so much. I may have to weedeat occasionally to keep the neighbors creeping Bermuda at bay.
4) Any alternatives I'm not thinking of?

Edging not necessary but you can put it if you want. Yes you need fabric but don't use the crap from Home Depot. Rock wise everybody loves cobble but it depends on slope. If you have a heavy slope then other more jagged river rock or crushed limestone would be a better option. But just go to the stone yard and pick what you like

I have exactly what you want on the side of my house. Edging isn't necessary, but can help. A weed fabric is 100% necessary. I would suggest a crushed granite vs. pea gravel or something loose. Especially if you have kids and don't want all the little rocks all over the place. I have turf back yard and I hate the pea gravel now as it gets EVERYWHERE and it's hard to get out.

Bob_Ag said:

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Currently have pool build in progress and they should be wrapping up decking and beginning clean up soon. I'm going to repair irrigation and resod myself.

I've decided it would be better to gravel or xeriscape the side yard as well as the 5' between the lot line and pool border on two sides. It won't get much sun and I don't really want to mow there since I'll have to navigate the pool equipment.

My questions are

1) Should I use metal edging along the fence line?
2) should I use landscape fabric underneath? I've never had much luck with it in keeping out bermuda.
3) best gravel to use? It's not really a walkway so much. I may have to weedeat occasionally to keep the neighbors creeping Bermuda at bay.
4) Any alternatives I'm not thinking of?

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At our old house I did exactly this with the 2" river rock. Not small enough to wash away but not so big you can't walk on it when needed. Double up the landscape fabric for sure and get the rock delivered instead of making a thousand trips to the store for bags. I like the edging to keep the rock from eventually pushing out the bottom of the fence but you could probably get by without it.

Much appreciated guys. If I use a medium to larger size gravel, it should keep from going under the fence over time, I hope. Plus if I do have to weedeat I won't be flinging rocks everywhere vs a smaller diameter.

Im going to rent a mini skid steer since I'm probably looking at 4-5 yards for 2" of coverage. I wish I could go bigger but I've only got 5-6' in some spots. Better than a wheelbarrow although I'm sure I'll have my share of shoveling.

I did artificial turf

Level with sand first so rock doesn't go under the fence then put down the rock. Should be cheaper and better long term.

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