Sand is a common landscaping material in Tacoma, WA, but it’s often overlooked in favor of topsoil. Sand can be used where gravel, mulch, and other materials don’t work well. It can help with drainage, traction, and ground protection.
Traction
Traction is a vital component of any good landscaping project. Sand is one of the best materials to use for traction. It’s soft, easy to walk on, and won’t hurt your feet if it gets kicked up while walking or working in your yard.
Drainage
One of the best uses for sand in Tacoma, WA, landscaping is to help with drainage. As a natural substance, sand won’t dissolve into the ground like other materials. When you spread sand on your lawn or garden, it won’t hold excess water. When rain falls or sprinkler systems are activated, the water will run off rather than pool up in your yard and potentially cause erosion over time.
Another reason it’s so helpful to use sand in landscaping is that it can prevent weeds from growing in certain areas. Since there isn’t much nutrition in the soil beneath these plants, they must rely on nutrients from above-ground sources, such as fertilizers and manure.
Ground Protection
If you want to protect the soil from compaction, sand is ideal. As a rule of thumb, if you wish to use sand as ground protection in your garden, place it about six inches deep in low-traffic areas and about 12 inches deep in high-traffic areas.
