I need to clear gravel from my yard. What is easiest way to remove gravel?

Question

It has been there about 30 years; over old black plastic type stuff. I want to clear the gravel and plant a path, around stepping stones. This goes from the front yard to the back gate.

Can anyone recommend the best way to clear this gravel, tools to use, etc. I am 66 and in good health, but cannot afford to hire a laborer to do this for me. Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

You don't say how deep the gravel is, if there's an edge to the path, if it's level or sunk into the ground a bit, or whether it drains well because of the black plastic stuff...Also not sure if you're describing black visqueen or black groundcover cloth...

Since the gravel has been there for 30 years, it would create a very stable base for the stepping stones. So instead of creating work for myself, I would place stepping stones over the gravel. It really shouldn't raise the pathway too high, maybe an inch if you're using flagstone.To contain the soil, I would buy some bender board or metal edging and pound it to make it level with the stones. Then distribute soil around the stepping stones, then "water" the soil to make sure that the soil has filled all the gaps, then plant steppable plants between the stones. I wouldn't worry too much about plants being able to grow....they seem to grow in my gravel driveway in 100 degree heat with no problem whatsoever.

Answer 2

Clear Gravel

Answer 3

I would imagine just using a rake would be the best way. I've never cleared gravel but I removed some lava rocks from my yard before and the best way for me was to rake them into smallish piles then pick them up that way. You'll lift up the black stuff with the ends of the rake which get stuck and annoying, and so again what I did was I pulled all the stuff out from underneath before raking the rocks. The dirt underneath should be compacted enough so that the gravel doesn't become embedded.
good luck to you!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I put down a path a few years ago, and I can only recommend 'don't mix the cement by hand', use a mixer type instrument on the end of a power drill.

Not much help I guess, but it's out there.

Can you get help in for the most physical tasks?

Answer 6

if the earth is stony you would be best off using a pickax, or mattock, to break it up before you pull out the weeds and amend the soil (you'll want to make the soil more habitable for your future plants, no?). shoveling anything that isn't already at least partially soft will damn near cripple you. the paving stones can go on a mixture of 2/3 decomposed granite mixed with 1/3 mortar, then fill in between with more of same, spray the stones clean, and you have a paved path/patio.

Answer 7

do you have a Yard vac, or large wet,dry vac, this will remove it, it will take a while, or if its small gravel use a leaf rake, if larger use a regular rake,

Answer 8

where can I dump landscaping stones?
wheaton, illinois