https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 05 May 2026 04:36:28 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470308 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 15:50:18 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2470308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pea gravel has a tendency to spread everywhere! But wood chips decompose over time (especially if you have long winters). Have you considered larger pebbles? We have those, and although I hated it at first, it's grown on me! Plus, the deer doesn't seem to like walking in them, which saves a few of our tulips from being eaten. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470304 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 15:45:08 +0000 honeybear 2470304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlejoy: I'd really encourage checking in with some local places, especially ones that focus on native plants. (The native part is important because those plants tend to have fewer problems in terms of pests and diseases.) The extension service is also a fantastic resource and you can look their stuff up online. We found some really great non-grass options and in just one growing season we've seen a huge increase in the birds and butterflies that visit our yard. It's fun, attractive, and low maintenance--once it's in, of course. :) </p> <p>One other thought: If the area is level, maybe you could do a temporary deck that you could take with you if you wanted to? Like this: <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/look-temporary-deck-on-the-sid-89233" rel="nofollow">http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/look-temporary-deck-on-the-sid-89233</a></p> <p>That's awesome of your landlord to give you that flexibility! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470282 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 15:25:50 +0000 MrsSRS 2470282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me wood chips equal splinters, so I guess I'd rather deal with gravel. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470273 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 15:22:32 +0000 anniefannie 2470273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>pea gravel + dogs = pea gravel EVERYWHERE. In all the places you didnt want the pea gravel. </p> <p>I made this mistake and wish I hadnt done it every time I look into my backyard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470239 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:47:38 +0000 littlejoy 2470239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: We are renting. We were given the OK to do whatever we want with the yard (so fun!), but pavers are too much of an investment. </p> <p>I do like the idea of checking with a local company, and thinking about ground cover other than grass. </p> <p>@Anagram: We have gravel in part of our yard, and you're right ... I always wonder where the damn rocks go, lol. </p> <p>@Madison43: Good point! Wood chips get stuck on clothing so easily. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470219 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:33:41 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2470219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did rocks in our front bed but we did the bigger rocks. Its held up nicely. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470206 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:24:18 +0000 honeybear 2470206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about pavers? I dislike wood chips as a mulch for environmental and aesthetic reasons and gravel is not good at suppressing weeds if the area is prone to them.</p> <p>I'd call your local master gardener, look up the extension service recommendations, and check in with some native plant nurseries for ground cover plant options other than grass that will tolerate shade before going with a non-plant option. There's often another (really good) option, but it can take some effort to find it! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470192 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:14:01 +0000 Anagram 2470192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess they have a lot of the same pros and cons. I had pea gravel in my old back yard, and it gets stuck in the tread of shoes easily, so will be tracked into your house all the time. But it's also really fun to play with and rake, kind of like a life size zen garden.</p> <p>Both will need yearly refills, I'd imagine. My backyard always needed more because somehow it would start to get "low". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470180 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:08:09 +0000 Madison43 2470180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following! We are having the same debate about what to put under our swingset. I'm leaning towards pea gravel because the wood chips from our neighborhood park always ended up in LOs diaper. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pea-gravel-or-wood-chips#post-2470165 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 13:52:49 +0000 littlejoy 2470165@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are trying to decide what material to use to cover our yard ... does anyone have advice for pea gravel vs. wood chips? </p> <p>We will still have a grassy area, but 1/2 of the yard needs to be replaced with something else (it's shady, and the dogs have made it impossible to grow grass). We'll use the space for gardening, entertaining, and general outside play. LO is 2, so I *think* we are past the put-everything-in-my-mouth stage. </p>