Soil erosion might seem like a slow process, but it can have a big impact over time—especially in New Jersey where heavy rain, sloped yards, and changing seasons put extra pressure on your landscape. Whether you’re dealing with a muddy slope, bare spots in your yard, or even water pooling near your foundation, using gravel and stone can be one of the most effective and natural ways to stop the damage and take back control.
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we regularly help homeowners, property managers, and contractors throughout NJ solve erosion problems with simple, cost-effective gravel and stone solutions. This guide will walk you through how erosion works, why stone is such a powerful solution, and how to get started on your own project.
What Causes Erosion on Residential or Commercial Properties?
Erosion happens when wind, water, or gravity gradually moves soil from one place to another. On a small property, that might look like muddy runoff after rainstorms. On a larger lot, erosion can cut trenches in your yard or eat away at the base of hillsides or walkways.
Common causes of erosion in New Jersey include:
- Sloped yards and driveways
- Heavy rainfall and snowmelt
- Lack of plant cover or root systems
- Improper drainage or gutter issues
- Compacted soil or clay-heavy soil that doesn’t absorb water well
The result? Exposed roots, standing water, cracks in patios or foundations, and a generally unstable or unattractive landscape.
Why Gravel and Stone Work So Well for Erosion Control
Unlike quick fixes like straw blankets or temporary plantings, gravel and stone offer a permanent, low-maintenance solution to erosion. Here’s why:
- They improve drainage. Gravel allows water to pass through instead of washing away soil.
- They reduce water velocity. When water hits a bed of stone, its speed slows down—reducing its power to erode.
- They anchor the landscape. Stone holds soil in place, especially on slopes or around edges.
- They’re long-lasting. Unlike mulch or sod, gravel doesn’t decompose or blow away.
Best of all, gravel and stone are available in bulk, making them practical for even large-scale erosion control projects.
Top Gravel and Stone Materials for Erosion Control
When it comes to choosing the right material, not all gravel is created equal. Each type serves a specific function in erosion prevention. Here are the most common and effective materials:
1. 3/4” Crushed Stone
This is one of the most widely used options. It’s angular in shape, allowing it to lock together and resist movement. Use it for:
- French drains
- Swales
- Base layers under larger rock
2. Riprap
These are large, rough stones (6″–12″+) used on slopes or around culverts. They’re often used by municipalities or DOTs for major erosion areas, but can be scaled down for residential properties.
Perfect for:
- Stream banks
- Pond edges
- Steep slopes
3. Pea Gravel
Small, smooth stones (about the size of a pea). While not the best for high-flow areas, they’re great for decorative drainage or areas with lighter runoff.
Best used in:
- French drains (with filter fabric)
- Around garden beds
- In combination with landscape fabric
4. Stone Dust
Used as a base for hardscaping projects, this fine material can also be part of erosion control when compacted properly.
Used for:
- Base under pavers or retaining walls
- Creating permeable paths
5. Gravel Mixes (Driveway Blend or Quarry Process)
These are blends of stone and stone dust that compact well and allow some drainage. Use them for:
- Stabilizing walkways
- Creating low-maintenance parking areas
- Building berms or terraces
How to Use Gravel and Stone to Fix Erosion: Step-by-Step
✅ Step 1: Assess the Problem
Walk your property after a rainstorm. Look for:
- Washed-out areas
- Exposed roots
- Channels where water flows
- Puddles or poor drainage zones
Map out which areas need intervention.
✅ Step 2: Create a Drainage Path or Swale
If water naturally flows across your yard, you can guide it with a gravel-filled swale (a shallow, graded trench lined with landscape fabric and stone). This reduces erosion by giving water a safe place to go.
Materials needed:
- Shovel or mini-excavator
- Landscape fabric
- 3/4” crushed stone or pea gravel
✅ Step 3: Install French Drains if Needed
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects water underground, keeping it away from foundations or flat spots.
Basic layers:
- Trench (dug 18″ deep or more)
- Landscape fabric lining
- Perforated pipe (laid with the holes down)
- Crushed stone backfill
- More fabric and topsoil or gravel
✅ Step 4: Add Riprap to Steep or Eroding Slopes
Riprap is especially useful for steep grades where water runs fast. Lay down landscape fabric first to prevent soil from escaping through gaps. Then place stones tightly along the slope in a staggered pattern.
✅ Step 5: Reinforce Edges and Borders
Use crushed stone or edging stone to stabilize the edges of driveways, patios, or walkways. These areas are prone to wearing away over time, and a simple stone border can prevent washout.
✅ Step 6: Finish with Ground Cover or Hardscaping
Once your gravel and stone are in place, you can further stabilize the area with plants, mulch, or hardscaping (like pavers or timbers). The goal is to keep water flowing slowly and soil staying put.
Common Erosion Scenarios We See in NJ (And How to Fix Them)
1. Water pooling at the bottom of a driveway:
Fix: French drain with crushed stone and pipe beneath the surface.
2. Muddy backyard slope after heavy rain:
Fix: Riprap layered over landscape fabric with stabilizing ground cover plants.
3. Patio settling and cracking over time:
Fix: Rebuild base with compacted QP and stone dust to prevent water movement underneath.
4. Garden beds washing out:
Fix: Add a gravel edge, amend soil with compost to improve absorption, and regrade slope slightly.
Where to Get Bulk Gravel & Stone in New Jersey
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we stock:
- ¾” clean stone
- Pea gravel
- QP (quarry process)
- Riprap (in multiple sizes)
- Decorative gravel and more
We offer bulk delivery throughout Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties—and we’re happy to help you figure out exactly how much you need based on your property and project goals.
📞 Call us at 973-347-3117 to speak with our knowledgeable staff.
Final Tips for Long-Term Erosion Control
- Always grade your land away from structures
- Use landscape fabric under gravel to prevent soil migration
- Avoid placing mulch or topsoil directly on slopes—stone lasts longer
- Regularly inspect your yard after storms to catch new erosion early
- Combine stone + plants + drainage for best results
Take Control of Erosion Today
Erosion doesn’t fix itself—it gets worse over time. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to stop runoff from ruining your yard or a contractor managing drainage on a client’s property, using gravel and stone is a smart, durable, and attractive solution.
Visit www.kirkallenlandscapesupply.com or give us a call at 973-347-3117 to schedule your bulk gravel or stone delivery. We’re here to help you protect your property and restore your landscape the right way.
