How to Install Decomposed Granite (DG) Step by Step.

Hey guys! This is my process of installing decomposed granite. DG is a pretty incredible product, and there's so many different uses for it in the landscape. In this video we are going to look at a step by step process of how to install it in a pathway or patio. We discuss everything from demo and preparation, to what kind of edging to use (steel edging, pressure treated wood, and composite, aka bender board), how to install the weed barrier (geotextile fabric), and what calculations you should use to order the correct amount of DG to fill your area. We also look at what kinds of tools are needed, like a vibratory (compactor) plate, and a tamper. There are a lot of techniques used here and please keep in mind that these can vary a bit. But this is a great basic easy process of installing DG. I'd rate it about a 6 or 7 out of 10 on the difficulty scale. So if you are up for a good DIY weekend project that will yield a pretty awesome result, this is it!
Buy DG and accessories online:
Stabilizer
amzn.to/3TTbnvU
DG:
amzn.to/3VA73Tp
Sprayer:
amzn.to/3PG3CqI
Here is the formula I use to calculate the amount of DG we need to fill a space.
L (length) X W (width) X H (height) / 27
Note: Make sure the measurements of L, W, and H are all in feet. Then divide by 27 and this will give you the cubic yards needed.
OK guys, I really hope this helps...let me know if you guys decide to try and how it comes out! It's often hard to hit every single detail in a short video, so feel free to shoot over any questions!
Happy DG'ing!
-Dom
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Music credits
BP Intro
Original music by Dominic Masiello
Swanky Strut
Pala
app.soundstripe.com/songs/7450
Malibu Sunrise
Noah Smith
app.soundstripe.com/songs/9649
Nice Vibes
Neon Beach
app.soundstripe.com/songs/9481
Purple People Tweeter
New Wave Sounds

[@wendithrelkeld5978]

This is excellent. Thank you for not having a long intro with your song, your life motto, your kids and pets and chit chat about what you've been going through the last 24 hours before this video was made! All I need are the "how to's." And you delivered!

[@wrenchrad]

Be advised all DIYers some bulk yards have more than one grade of DG: the lower cost DG has more pebbles and is coarser. Suitable for a driveway, not best for cosmetics. For walkways and best looks ask for screened DG which is finer and compacts better and is more stable. Looks better.

[@georgehernandez2801]

Now I read this lol

[@andytran4090]

Thank you so much for this tip. It saves me lots of headache and backhurt

[@Winn3D]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@alexisdejamariee3361]

Have to ask. Can I use this as a base to put a storage shed on?

[@BudgetPlants]

Yes that should not be a problem in drier climates. For wetter climates, I would recommend road or paver base or some kind of compactable gravel that will provide better drainage than DG.

[@ebt770]

Glad I found this. Perfect affordable Mother’s Day give for the kids and I to do

[@franzhurtado2162]

Thanks for the video. Very clear, easy to understand and a valuable instructions for us to do it. Congrats !

[@tcufrogfan]

Finally! A easy to follow, simply explained tutorial! Thank you!!

[@BudgetPlants]

My pleasure!!

[@TheMeganismyname]

Thank you so much for making this tutorial! Now I know I'd rather save the money to have someone install our project for us so it looks just right:) This video is terrific and really, really helpful. Thank you!

[@BudgetPlants]

Ahhh thanks Megan!! Really appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching! - Dom

[@ctinieblas1228]

I had been trying to figure out a way to work on my front/backyard, and this is ideal!! I saw it on a friend's yard and then came straight to youtube (for the details). Thanks for a simple straight forward explanation! 👍

[@BudgetPlants]

Awesome!! Glad I could help :)

[@yalvi]

Cool! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for!

[@penelope8980]

Thank you for a great explanation of DG. (And I did have fun!)

[@PeterHusmann]

Very, very good and helpful video. And inspiring. Gonna give it a go!

[@BudgetPlants]

Awesome thanks Peter! - Dom

[@SDMev1982]

Wow that was a great video. I’m fully confident I can do this job based on that very clear explanation.

[@BudgetPlants]

Awesome!! Please feel free to reach out with any questions you might have along the way. - Dom

[@MicheleLaCagnina]

One of the best videos I've seen. Clear and easy to understand.

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks so much for the kind words!! Much appreciated 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@biggus6633]

Yes! Please do more tutorials like this please! You should also consider some maintenance videos about plants and other things in the landscape Any tips on how to estimate/give prices to clients?

[@BudgetPlants]

Heeeeey Gus! Thanks for watchin man. Yeah will definitely do more like these. For pricing, I usually use square footage or linear footage formulas for each aspect of the landscape. Sometimes that will change depending on the site conditions, but the SF and LF gives me a good base line. But you have to calculate that out first for each elements. Include labor, material, and overhead. Hope this helps!

[@PepperTreeVilla]

Thanks for this. We now feel we have a basic knowledge of how to install DG. Very helpful. This will be perfect for our backyard in East Contra Costa County.

[@BudgetPlants]

Awesome!! Glad this could help you guys. Feel free to reach out with any questions in the process. Good luck! - Dom

[@whirlygirl8]

Pepper Tree Villa - Hi! I live in Concord and we’re thinking of DG. Just wondered if you installed it, whether you hired someone or DIY, how it went. Thanks!

[@PepperTreeVilla]

whirlygirl8 We haven’t yet installed it. Our backyard project stalled due to a problem with our contractor. But we plan to install it ourselves. We have a friend that has worked with it before that is going to help.

[@paulblomberg]

I've watched thousands of landscaping 'how-to' videos lately (o.k - major exaggeration lol) and so happy that I just found yours. I am a newbie to working in the yard in my house in Los Angeles and I find your vids very helpful. I ripped out the turf in my small front yard and going H2O tolerant - I've settled on a DG pathway and landscape rock so far - but looking for more inspiration.

[@BudgetPlants]

Hey there Paul, thank you for the kind words! That’s awesome that you started on your project...it will be incredibly rewarding looking back knowing you did it yourself!! DG is a great choice...I hope that goes well for you! I’m actually working on another video about a lawn replacing plant called Dwarf Carpet of Stars. It goes hand in hand with drought tolerant landscapes. You might want to look into that for a ground cover for you project. Well feel free to reach out if you have any questions along your way. Thanks for watchin! - Dom

[@authorking6973]

After watching many tutorials, this is one of the best..well explained ones, wish all were explained and presented like this one… Keep up the work , you deserve more views!!! And I’m pretty sure the view counts are already getting better!!

[@BudgetPlants]

Thank u soooooo much!! Really appreciate that and make me want to keep making vids :))

[@Natedoc808]

Followed this video 2 years ago for my first DG install at my house- came back for a refresher because the first install was so successful I’m now doing two more areas including a nice sitting area under a giant sycamore with a bench swing. First was a 4 cu.yd install, this one is 9! Thanks so much

[@BudgetPlants]

Reading this made my day!!! So glad to be of help with your projects!! Thank you so much for the comment… and good luck on the project! 😎🙏🏼

[@Natedoc808]

@@BudgetPlants just finished yesterday and the wife couldn’t believe the transformation when she came outside. Had my 2yo boy out there helping, shoveling and of course playing with just dirtbike and monster truck toys on the piles

[@BudgetPlants]

Incredible!!! And that’s super special you had the little guy help. He might not remember but it creates bonds that last forever. Love it!

[@YouMike2424]

Great explanation and demo!

[@JCNNRT]

This is SUCH high quality content. Like, wow.

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks James!! Really appreciate that… very encouraging 😎

[@kalimanx]

Very good job. Thanks! Clear explanation of DG. The Zoolander spoof at 1:15 was fun.

[@BudgetPlants]

Many thanks Gus! Glad you enjoyed, and thanks for watchin! - Dom

[@zumytubes]

Thanks! great video, going for it this weekend!

[@BudgetPlants]

Niiiiice! Hope it turns out great!

[@davemail]

Well done. Just the facts. Just what I was looking for. Many thanks.

[@BudgetPlants]

My pleasure 😎 Thanks for watchin!

[@clavieala]

Great explanation, thank you!

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watchin! - Dom

[@momdadfambrini6304]

Wow

[@rockon-wbfqlkjqhsydic72683]

Outstanding video!

[@BudgetPlants]

Many thanks!!!!

[@nikkigilbert5637]

Thank you for the great video.

[@gilleous]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watchin!

[@user-zy9vi9ml7m]

Great video! Thanks so much!

[@tripwheelerton2417]

really enjoyed this thank you.

[@thomashermann4228]

Great video. Thank-you for sharing!

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks!!! Much appreciated

[@rachaelball9348]

Excellent information. thankyou.

[@ericcharleswentworth]

Very helpful video. Thanks.

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watchin 😎

[@taleneghazarian3416]

Thank you so much for this video. Currently trying to figure out how to landscape my front yard. I have a sag palm in the backyard that needs moving. Are the palms in this house an okay distance from the home? Or would you advise further? Thank you!

[@dahmooser]

Hey, Thank you. I wasn't sure about the stabilizer.

[@Desertburro21]

Thank you for the to the point video!

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watchin! 😎

[@dianecelento4974]

Just subbed. Great video!

[@Absolutekel]

Amazing video, thank you! One question: If I were to planning to plant succulents into the DG, at what stage do you recommend doing it?

[@scottyofeden]

Great video! Have you added 'flagstone' that would be flush with the DG? Any suggestions that would change the process? I would think the flagstone wouldn't sit directly on the road base, but would need a layer of the DG to sit on. And then there's the vibratory plate : ). Thanks!

[@denisevaldez]

Thank you!!!

[@berthaz2583]

Hello, great video. Someone designed my backyard with DG and bender boards, but they are high. Is that normal? He told me that if he pushes them lower the DG from one side will go over the other side and the design will disappear. I always have to be careful not to trip over. Will appreciate your feedback. BTW, the design is beautiful! One portion is artificial grass so it makes it look very nice.

[@zappafan3473]

If I have loamy soil and I opt for a layer of road base, how many inches deep should I choose? Does the road base sit on the fabric or under it? Thanks! Great video.

[@joshandrsn5936]

Great explanation video thank you for breaking down the process. My only complaint is that I'm in Australia and we speak metric measurements.

[@robertjames-life4768]

Very helpful. Thx

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watching Robert! -Dom

[@alikay6975]

When replacing grass with DG, what do you recommend doing with the existing sprinklers and water lines in place?

[@Limetolove]

Keep it up good info..

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks Rajesh!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼😎

[@SanDiego_VDubLife]

Love it

[@manuelrosado9901]

DG thank You so much for sharing Your knowledge easy to understand vide right on

[@BudgetPlants]

My pleasure!...glad to help. Thanks for watchin! - Dom

[@ladyskywalker967]

After compacting DG, will it be strong enough for a heavy powered wheelchair? (total weight 435 lbs) Will it create grooves when the turn?

[@svaldez615]

Great video! Can I plant your bullet proof plant combo over DG? The area we want to put the DG and plants wouldn’t be quite level and has a minor slope. Thanks for the videos and sharing your knowledge

[@BudgetPlants]

Many thanks! Yes you can use DG as a top-dressing. It can be about 2” thick and not compacted. And totally fine on a slope :) - Dom

[@velvetom]

The exact covering for transforming our backyard into a desert oasis! One question and my answer is probably buried in comments, but at what stage in the project do you lay pavers? Thanks!

[@lskutches]

Thank you for making this! I've seen others recommend incremental additions of layers of DG: layer; compact then wet; next layer; compact then wet; repeat. 1/4 -1/2 " at a time. Any thoughts?

[@clairecodding4694]

First off, thanks for the great informative video! Question, - what size thickness/gauge steel do you prefer for your edging. It looks pretty thick in the video.... 3/16 - maybe 1/4. Would like to obtain that look. Thanks again, stay safe.

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watching! We used 1/4” for the edging. It’s pretty easy to tack weld to metal stakes. Good luck!

[@Melvyn-ib2xs]

Thanks 🙏💓

[@marthamontelongo3108]

I have the same question as Clueless in California down below, about the road base and the weed blocker. You said the surface should be smooth before you lay down the weed blocker material, but road base is rocky. So what goes in between? Thanks!

[@leonaidas5]

Great video! I'm looking into doing some steel edging. I've read many comments about the thickness (1/4"), but how wide, perhaps 4 inches? Also will plants be able to get enough water if I apply dg all the way to their trunks?

[@BudgetPlants]

Hi! Yes we typically use a 1/4”x4” steel that we tack in place. Then we paint it black unless we are using corten steel. And be careful on how think you go with DG around the base of plants/trees. Just a very thin layer around the base, non-compacted. Some plants/trees will tolerate DG at the base where others will not. Most southwestern natives will be fine with it so long as it’s not compacted and not more than 1” thick.

[@andresislas4510]

A landscaper made DG pathway bout 5 years ago with stabilizer, but now one area where there is a lot of foot traffic is loose. How do you recommend I reapply stabilizer and which product do you recommend. Thank you

[@anita89812]

How many years does such a pathway last in northern CA (San Jose)? During rains does this run off from sides etc into adjacent ground/borders and need a new layer to be added?

[@deborakrishnan5654]

Thank you for the video, it's great. I'm super happy you mentioned screened DG because I was really looking for something finer. I have a QUESTION, I saw in other tutorials that you need to install DG in multiple layers and wet each layers so it compacts better. Is it necessary? Thank you very much

[@BudgetPlants]

Sure thing! So yes, some folks do it in layers. It’s necessary if you don’t have a vibratory plate and are just doing it by hand. But if you rent the machine, you should be able to do it one one shot. However, you may need to add more once it’s compacted and do it again because it will compact pretty far down.

[@FromWhereIDrone]

Such a fantastic and easy-to-understand video, thank you! Quick question, when in the process would we plant the succulents? Before or after laying and compacting the DG?

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks so much! So that can be a tricky bit about planting in DG. I like to use a much thinner layer of DG when planting through it. And I also leave it in compacted directly around the base of the plant. It’s very important to have no more than an inch of DG as a top layer around the base.

[@ctfford58]

What do you consider a wet or dry climate? I live in KY and we get about 5" per month.

[@alexandramckay6554]

This is a great video. What would you suggest to get a similar look but more conducive to a wet and cold climate

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watchin! So there’s not a whole lot out there that would be an equal substitute to DG, but you could look at a 3/8” crushed gravel. It doesn’t compact like DG but does tend to lock in tighter than more rounded pebbles.

[@YourMom-kg1tb]

Awesome content! Thank you! Do you think this would work well as a greenhouse floor in Indiana, where we get freezes/snow?

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watchin!! Yes I think it would work, but I do think it would show significant cracking overtime and would probably have to be resurfaced every few years is my guess. Just make sure it has a good base and don’t install it in an area that gets heavy runoff from rainwater.

[@eliseburge3140]

Is paver base suitable for DG for a pathway/patio instead of road base? My local bulk yard recommended it over road base. I'm in the Dallas area with clay soil. Have to say I already bought the paver base, so I'm crossing my fingers bc I don't want to have to return it.

[@reidcross9051]

Thanks for the video, it was well done. One question that I can't seem to find an answer to is when does one need roadbase under the DG?

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks! So in most cases the road base is not really necessary in residential applications. It’s helpful if you have heavy clay soil, and/or if the DG will be taking any vehicle traffic.

[@bostonxpat]

I'm thinking about doing a DG walkway on the side of our house. We live in Socal and the ground tends to have a lot of clay mixed in with the soil, so in the heavy rains water collects way too much. There is a drain line somewhere beneath the surface for the gutters. Is it practical for me to incorporate (above surface Atrium Drainage Grate) drains into the walkway?

[@BudgetPlants]

Hi! Yes it would definitely be a good idea to install a drain in the walkway, more so if the water has nowhere to go. But if the walkway will have a little bit of a slope to it, you may be able to get by without the drain. And if you do a drain, use a flat surface drain, not an atrium. The atrium drain is meant for planter areas that have leaf debris. This is an example of the flat drain grate. www.acehardware.com/departments/plumbing/parts-and-repair/drain-grates-and-covers/4266110?x429=true&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2I3-9rzf6QIV4R-tBh0mMABDEAQYBCABEgKidfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Hope this helps! - Dom

[@indyvandergeer7097]

Thank you so much for your video! Very helpful and clear! A question I have is; would decomposed granite stay put on a slight slope when it pours? Or would it wash away? And would it drain enough of the storm water, or would it be best to use crushed stone or pea gravel for this situation? (The yard is sloped 4’ at a length of 40’)

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks! So slopes are touchy with DG. It sounds like yours is mild enough where it would probably be OK. If you’re in a location that gets a fair amount of rain, I might steer you away from that just because of runoff issues. If there is a possibility of retaining the outer edge of the DG to make the area a little more flat, that would be ideal. Sorry I can’t be a little more specific on this one!

[@betsyboop4574]

Indy Van derGeer, We have nearly the identical situation. What did you end up doing?

[@shootingstar819]

Thanks for the tutorial on doing DG. I am trying to apply it to my backyard project in LA, and am stumbling with a few steps. Since I have a leveling issue from the dirt to the pool, and the deck, as well as the driveway and garage, I am wondering do I need that road base (or aggregate) layer to sort of have all the levels meet in the middle somewhere? Then would I put the layer of dirt on top of that then the weed barrier followed by the DG? I'm just trying to figure out what steps are needed and if the amount of road base would be less because of all my leveling issues. Thank you in advance.

[@BudgetPlants]

Sounds like you were running into a few issues… Feel free to shoot me an email with photos and I would be happy to give my two cents. [e-mail]

[@adamdenne220]

Love the video. Planning out my yard now. Do you have a video about planting and irrigating in DG? Looking to do a dessert landscape with mostly succulents. Thanks!

[@BudgetPlants]

Awesome! Sooo I’m actually in progress of a video about DG and irrigation… so funny you asked about that! Should be out later next month as I still need to complete the project. In general, you can use blank 1/2” drip tubing, then insert a fixed drip emitter wherever you have a plant. The drip lines get stapled down and buried in the DG. Thank way nothing shows above ground other than the small emitter at the base of the plant! Check this short vid… although it’s not in DG, this gives an idea of the drip line configuration.. kzbin.inforRKkzrWOR38?si=zWZqocZIZZaGTgMq

[@adamdenne220]

@@BudgetPlants Fantastic! Thanks again.

[@DelgadoGustavo]

Will using stabilized DG impact planting plants in the DG after installed? Also, if I have a few small trees (Olive & Palo Verde) should we leave space around the trunk or install DG right up to the trunk? Thanks!

[@BudgetPlants]

Oh hey Gustavo, so yes adding stabilizer will be a little bit more difficult to fit the holes for future planting. But not impossible. If it’s going to be a heavily used patio or pathway, the stabilizer is nice, but if it’s light foot traffic, I would not worry about the stabilizer. And in regards to the trees, it’s OK to put the DG right up to the trunk of the tree, so long as it’s a thin layer (1” or so), and non compacted at least 18” away from the trunk. Hope this helps!

[@shapeone416]

When you compact, will the DG level drop below the edging? Also, do you spray with water at any point? Thanks for the vid.

[@BudgetPlants]

Yes it will slightly...maybe a half inch or so. So at that point you can add a little more. You might have to mist the DG a bit if it dries out, but usually there is a decent enough moisture content in it already when it’s delivered. A little water over the top at the very end can sometimes help to even it out a little bit but not always necessary. Too much water can make it unworkable. Hope this helps! - Dom

[@marcusvonhohenlohe]

Hi Dominic, You’re a very effective presenter of your videos. Now the hard part, how can I hire someone like you, Lol. I live here in the 95206 area. I’d like to convert my front and backyard into DG landscape. Any recommendations from my area who can carry out and practice what you preaches on your video? Would be glad if you can help me out. More power to you, you’re the best thing that ever happened to the landscaping business. Keep it up as people would patronize a good blog when they see one. 👍🏻

[@BudgetPlants]

THANKS so much for the kind words!! Just makes it all worth while ❤️❤️ I wish I had someone I could recommend up in your area but alas.. I don’t :( If you have specific questions or need direction on your project I’d be happy to help! Feel free to email me any time. [e-mail] 😎🌱🙏🏼

[@vincemartinez1436]

nice video Thanks

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks for watchin!

[@canchoreo]

great video! you touched on the topic of soil under the DG. I have a very hard, clay-heavy soil. Are you saying that in this case i wouldn't need the rock layer? What depth of DG do you recommend? thanks in advance!

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks Sabrina! Ok so if you have clay soil, I would definitely consider using a road base. I say this because clay holds water and does not drain very well. The road base not only stabilizes the DG, but also helps water drain more efficiently. For depth of DG, 2.5 to 3” is typically adequate for most walkways or patios. Hope this helps! - Dom

[@aero247com]

@@BudgetPlants Thank you for this video and this comment. I was actually thinking the opposite as I thought the clay soil was going to be hard enough that it wouldn't need a base. Now I know!

[@BudgetPlants]

My pleasure!! Good luck on the project! - Dom

[@bettynguyen9138]

Do you use some sort of bonding agent to so the DG can harden after being compacted? I could walk on DG pathway at commercial landscape, I suppose they mix DG with something or cement.

[@BudgetPlants]

There is a product called Technisoil which is a polymer binding agent. However I typically don’t use bonding agents because although it makes the surface harder, it’s difficult to make surface repairs.

[@BigKeith510]

Great information. How do you stake down the steel edging. Should I weld on some angle iron to take stakes or would welding the corners alone work?

[@BudgetPlants]

Hey Keith, I just use 18 inch pieces of rebar and tack weld them to the edging. Pop in a stake every 3 to5 feet. That holds it in place really well.

[@BigKeith510]

@@BudgetPlants thank you very much. I am going to try this out in my front yard

[@htran383]

Great step by step! Appreciate the video. If you have plants in the dg, how would you recommend running the drip irrigation?

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks! So if your planting in DG, run PVC to a drip hub, such as a Rainbird 6-Xeri. Then you can run the 1/4 poly tubing to each plant with a drip emitter. There are actually several ways to achieve this with various drip system components. The important thing to remember is to not buy soft poly lines under the DG if you are planning to compact it. You can use 1/2” tubing under DG if you just spread it on a couple inches as a top-dressing, instead of a compacted walk/patio space. Hope this makes sense!

[@htran383]

@@BudgetPlants Ah, makes sense. Yes, I am using the 1/2" subsurface dripline copper shield stuff from rainbird so I wanted to make sure it wasn't going to eventually plug the holes in the drip. Thanks!

[@BudgetPlants]

Ok great, you should be ok with those. Those are rated to be buried 6” down i believe.

[@CybeleLandscapes]

Hi! Do you put landscape fabric over roadbase or the sand? The video shows it after roadbase. Thanks

[@wilkinson949]

Do you want to water the dg prior to compacting it? If i'm not doing a walkway or patio and just doing an area that will have some succulents and plants, would i need it that thick or could I go thinner? Should I plant the plants first and work the dg around them, or do the dg then plant the pants?

[@BudgetPlants]

It sounds like you are wanting to use the DG as a top dressing? So typically it will come with a small moisture content, which is enough to typically grade it over the space nicely and compact it without having to soak it with water. If it’s 100% dry, some light watering may be necessary. But if you are using it as a top dressing, I do not recommend compacting the DG to much. Plant the area, then spread and grade the DG. If desired, a light tamping is ok.

[@donsheffler]

Question: Once you screed to level, when you compact it don't you drop the level? Would you then add more, screed and compact again?

[@BudgetPlants]

Yes it may drop a half an inch to 3/4 of an inch depending on how heavy you go with the compactor. At that point you can decide if you like some of the edging showing, or you can add another layer and compact it again to bring it up to the finished height of the edging.

[@cletocuevasjr6219]

Wish I had found this couple days ago. I actually just had dg done all across my yard. And let’s say I’m not 100% content with how it looks. Have few questions if you may be able to answer. 1. Is the material absolutely needed to separate the dg from the dirt? The plastic looking material. 2. He said he’s done but it looks loose. He’s telling me to water it for a day or two and it’ll get hard and he recommends putting additional hardening agent on it. 3. On one of the walk ways it looks great till I drag my trash can it’ll leave the tire marks. My guess it’s an excess? If so, that necessarily a bad thing? Any input would be great as the guy is telling me he’s done and I’m not fully satisfied but wanna ask before I say something and turns out I’m wrong.

[@camilawright6279]

How do you install large pavers or step stones to the DG? I have some areas where I would like to add some large pavers but I can’t figure out if I place them on the DG before I compact it?

[@BudgetPlants]

In general, pavers would go in before the DG. If you are using large pavers individually set with gaps between, these should go over a compacted sub base or cement base prior to DG. Compacting DG between the paver gaps can be done with a board cut to fit the size of the gap, then tamped to get the compaction. It definitely requires extra steps, but can’t look fantastic.

[@travismanach9969]

The location I want to install the DG patio is next to my back deck. However, the area isn't flat. It slopes gradually away from the house. I'm guessing I make it as level as possible before installing my edge material, but what do you do if the edge material (ex. redwood bender board) is not tall enough to be level with the side closer to the house?

[@BudgetPlants]

Hey Travis, in your situation here there’s a couple of things you could do. You could slope the DG with the natural grade. But if that is too great a slope for aesthetics and/or comfort, then you could consider putting in a step in the DG and making it two levels. A 6 inch rise for a step is good. If a step is not an option, you could use a taller edging material at the bottom of the slope, thus allowing you to get a more even level for the DG. For example, instead of using a 2 x 4 pressure treated board, you could go to a 2 x 6, or a 2 x 8, depending on how many inches you need to make up. Note that you want to install edging material first. That way you can use a level to get the exact height of the edging you desire. Also note that you want to be conscious of slightly sloping surfaces away from houses and foundations...about a 1.5 to 2% slope. I did see your email come through and I will also copy and paste this into an email response. I really hope this helps… Feel free to reach out with any additional questions. Have a good one! - Dom

[@rohell]

Great Video, is it worth it to go for the stabilized dg instead of the natural?

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks!! Yes I’d go with the stabilized DG. I wouldn’t bother with the liquid stuff...it’s really expensive. Only use it if you need a really hard surface. But in most cases, the natural hardness of DG with the integral stabilizer is adequate :) - Dom

[@bumpak]

Great video, I wish him all the best in his hair loss journey. Very informative.

[@Wojo375]

I live in Northern Utah we get snow in the winter but it is pretty dry in the summer. If we didn't walk on it in the winter, would DG work for a garden pathway?

[@BudgetPlants]

I do believe I have seen applications of DG in UT. My initial thought is that DG would probably do OK, it may just require some additional maintenance after cool season.

[@inventhope]

I live in Colorado and we get a lot of snow are you recommending to avoid using DG? If so why?

[@danavaughn9218]

I was thinking of installing this in my backyard this weekend but I just noticed it is supposed to rain quite a bit this coming Monday. (Rare in LA!) Would it be worth waiting another weekend to install or would this not be a big problem? Thanks!

[@BudgetPlants]

A few days of rain down here in LA would not be an issue at all… In fact it would help the plants establish!

[@devdeuce93]

I'm planning on renovating my road verges in So-Cal with decomposed granite but my biggest concern is installing the weed fabric. They've always been a pain to deal with and never a big help. Is it absolutely necessary to use the fabric? If so, what type/product would you recommend?

[@BudgetPlants]

It’s not always necessary to install the weed fabric. It helps if you have a somewhat unstable soil type, in which case I might recommend a non-woven type (almost feels like felt). I’d say in most cases you can get away without it.

[@TheHousewife1]

Hi just had DG installed in my patio but they re dug some areas to put in flagstones and now some parts are loose, can i recompact with a plate? how to do that? do i wet the DG and pass the plate?thank you. do you suggest a DG rainkoat?

[@BudgetPlants]

Hi! I’d consider just using a hand-tamper around the flagstone. The vibratory plate may be a little too intense for detailing around flagstone. Techno soil is a good hardener for DG.

[@emac282]

Roughly how much depth do you lose when compacting? Also do you need the vibration plate or can you just use a hand tamper for small areas?

[@BudgetPlants]

Good question. With approx 3 inches of DG that has been graded out, it will compact about one inch to 1.5” after using the vibratory plate. Less if you hand tamp. But moisture content is also a factor. So it does vary somewhat. Hope that helps.

[@cluelessincalifornia9134]

How do you determine if you need the road bed gravel layer? Does it go under or over the weed barrier? Can you use paver panels as underlayment for DG? When making a DG patio island in a lawn area without adjacent hardscape, should the DG and the top of its edging be at the level of the ground (potentially more drainage issues) or at the level of the top of the grass (potential tripping issues)? I have seen some mention of sod-edging (which to me seems like edging-free installation). How does one do that?

[@marthamontelongo3108]

I have the same question about the road base and the weed blocker. He said the surface should be smooth before you lay down the weed blocker material, but road base is rocky. So what goes in between?

[@BudgetPlants]

I generally am now putting the weed fabric between the native soil and the road base. However, this is for expansive soil (clay, caliche). For stable soils I don’t use weed fabric. And rarely road base, unless it’s for heavy traffic or vehicles.

[@comk135]

I see in your video it's mentioned to put a subbase over weedblock before DG install, but in later video I see DG directly installed over weedblock. So I wonder is subbase needed or not? Thanks.

[@BudgetPlants]

Installing a sub base is best practice, and is often required in commercial applications or in heavy use areas. Honestly, in most of my installations I skip the sub base. Usually not needed.

[@DjStalin100]

I have a 13x10 space and it’s dug out now to 3”. I live in Anaheim, CA and will go this route instead of pouring a slab of concrete. The plan is to put a bench in this area next to my batting cage in the back yard. Should I use low grade DG or higher grade? Thanks

[@BudgetPlants]

Sweet! I’d personally go with coarse DG. It doesn’t look quite as refined as the fine DG, however it shows less fracturing. But either one should yield a pretty good result.

[@VelvetandToads]

Great video. Just wondering if the edging is a must? I’m planning a naturalistic dry garden with a path winding through and would prefer not to have a hard edge, unless it’s necessary… Thanks!

[@BudgetPlants]

Edging is not necessary if you want a natural look that ‘bleeds’ into adjacent planter spaces. You can do this for a more organic informal feel.

[@VelvetandToads]

@@BudgetPlants Great, thanks, the answer I was hoping for!

[@CAPUTO000]

great stuff, going to tackle a 17' x 17' area today.... question tho, other videos suggest wetting the first layer of dg, tamping, and they doing the same with a second layer?

[@BudgetPlants]

Nice! Yes you can definitely do that. Not always necessary if you’re using a vibratory plate, but if you are using a hand tamper, then yes that’s definitely a good idea to do it in a couple layers. Good luck on the project! - Dom

[@mwedgley]

Any chance you can share what type of markers you were using in the designing portion

[@hugovanniekerk3049]

Very helpful thank you. How does this product differ from laterite?

[@BudgetPlants]

While there is some quartz content similar to laterite, it’s not clay-based like laterite. It’s mostly granite particles of different sizes that ‘lock’ together forming a compactable surface.

[@hugovanniekerk3049]

@@BudgetPlants Thank you!

[@dianecelento4974]

We were going to do our front yard. If we want to put plants in can we do that later? Or do plants have to be put in the DG as you are laying it?

[@BudgetPlants]

You can put plants in after the DG is installed...it just makes it a lot harder. However if it’s just a few plants, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. It will just require some ‘punching’ through the DG with a solid shovel or pick.

[@indriagillespie]

Thanks for the video! It is very informative. Do you recommend using DG between flagstones? If so, how do I compact the DG in this case?

[@BudgetPlants]

Thanks! Yes it works nicely for that application. You can use a small hand tamper, or a 2x4 on end if the joints are tight.

[@fatimabourji4712]

I want to redo my patio with pea gravel, I live in HOUSTON, it rains a lot over here, do you recommend to use DG as base?

[@BudgetPlants]

It’s helpful to use base in applications of heavy use, especially vehicle traffic. Base is very helpful under driveway applications.

[@Lucky13Twice]

Can this be used in the Monterey Peninsula, California? It rains about 12 inches per year.