If you're done fighting with your yard, endless mowing, watering, trimming, and you're ready for something that looks incredible without stealing your time, DG landscaping material might be the answer you didn’t know you needed.

Abbreviated as decomposition granite, DG is among the most versatile, cheapest, and eco-friendly choices in outdoor design. Whether you want to put up a serene evolutionary path, a casual patio, or a bare-naked minimalist landscape, DG will take you there, without weighing heavily with cost or maintenance.

Here's how to use it, why it works, and how to get ingrained results.

What is DG Landscaping Material?

Over time, crystals in hard granite break down to give rise to granitoid aggregate, or decomposed granite, as it is more precisely called. It is a gritty mixture of fine particles and minute gravel, hard when compacted, easy to work with, and richly stained with natural color.

Colors like tan, brown, gold, and gray are all earthly and natural. DG is sand in texture, stone in looks, and tough enough for walking on, being laid in patios, and even driveways.

It's the most underappreciated landscaping material found in nature.

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Why Choose DG for Your Yard?

Here’s what makes DG landscaping material a no-brainer for homeowners and pros alike:

1. It’s Seriously Low Maintenance

• No mowing, watering, or fertilizing
  
  
• Just an occasional rake or top-off every year or two
  
  
• Looks clean and sharp all year round

2. It Saves Water

Because DG is permeable, rainwater does not pool or flow off; rather, it soaks through. It lessens runoff, stops erosion, and increases the drought resistance of your yard.

Perfect for California and other dry regions.

3. It’s Affordable

Compared to concrete or pavers, DG landscaping material gives you a high-end, natural finish at a fraction of the cost.

Use it for:

• Garden trails
  
  
• Seating areas
  
  
• Driveways
  
  
• Ground cover
  
  
• Even as a base layer under turf or stone

4. It Looks Amazing

Whether your style is desert-modern, California casual, or clean and contemporary, DG brings a natural texture and warmth that other materials can’t match.

Plus, it pairs perfectly with boulders, succulents, mulch, and even bunker sand for a softer finish.

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Where DG Works Best

Let’s break down where DG landscaping material shines in your yard, and how to make it work long-term.

1. Pathways & Walkways

DG compacts into a solid, walkable surface, ideal for winding garden paths or minimalist walkways.

Want extra durability?

Add a stabilizer. It locks the particles in place and reduces dust and washouts.

2. Patios & Outdoor Seating

Forget concrete slabs. DG makes for stunning patios under pergolas, near fire pits, or beneath a café table. It feels laid-back, natural, and still polished.

Install like this:

• Weed barrier first
  
  
• 3–4 inches of DG
  
  
• Compact in layers
  
  
• Use edging to hold the shape

3. Driveways

Yes, DG works for driveways too, when mixed with a stabilizer and compacted correctly.

• Holds up to light vehicle traffic
  
  
• Adds curb appeal
  
  
• Costs way less than concrete or asphalt

4. Xeriscaping & Ground Cover

Want to kill your lawn without killing your yard’s look? DG is the go-to.

• Zero watering
  
  
• Zero mowing
  
  
• Clean, dry, modern look

Use it under trees, around plants, or in open spaces. Even better: Mix in bunker sand to soften the texture or shift the tone.

How to Install DG Like a Pro

Good installation = great results. Your DG landscaping material will continue to look great for many years if you follow these steps:

Step 1: Prep the Ground

Clear weeds, debris, and existing grass. Level the area and tamp it down.

Step 2: Weed Barrier

Install landscape fabric to prevent future weed growth. Optional but highly recommended.

Step 3: Add a Base

Spread 2–3 inches of compacted crushed rock or class II road base. This provides strength and drainage.

Step 4: Add Your DG

Lay DG in 2-inch layers. Lightly water each layer and compact it thoroughly. Repeat if needed.

Step 5: Edge It In

Install borders using steel, stone, or wood. Keeps the DG from spreading and gives your space a clean, finished look.

Optional Tip: Blending in bunker sand for sale? Mix it thoroughly before spreading to avoid clumps and inconsistencies.

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Maintenance? Barely.

DG landscaping material gives you freedom from most of the typical outdoor chores. But here’s how to keep it at its best:

• Rake occasionally to keep it even
  
  
• Refill high-traffic areas with a thin top layer as needed
  
  
• Add a stabilizer if you're seeing movement or erosion in heavy rain

No sprinklers. No mowing. Just smart design and minimal effort.

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Mixing DG with Bunker Sand: Why It Works

Want a softer, lighter, or slightly smoother surface? That’s where bunker sand comes in.

Used on golf courses and sand traps, bunker sand is clean, finely screened, and perfect for adding a polished touch to DG-heavy areas.

Use the combo in:

• Play areas
  
  
• Garden footpaths
  
  
• Spaces near dry riverbeds or water features

Pro Tip: Use high-quality bunker sand for sale only. Cheap stuff can ruin the texture and mess with drainage.

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Where to Get Quality DG Landscaping Material

You can’t get results like this with low-grade material. You need DG that’s clean, consistent, and sourced from a legit supplier, not dusty leftovers or mystery blends.

That’s where Western Materials comes in. With over 40 years of experience supplying premium sand, gravel, DG, and bunker sand for sale, they’ve helped thousands of homeowners, designers, and contractors bring their landscapes to life.

Big project or small? Bulk delivery or pickup? Western Materials has what you need and gets it to you fast.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is DG landscaping material superior to mulch or gravel?

In contrast to gravel or mulch, which move, scatter, or wash away, DG landscaping material compacts neatly, looks natural, and remains in place.

2. Can I use DG in places with a lot of traffic, such as pathways or driveways?

Indeed! Your DG landscaping material will manage foot traffic and light vehicles like a pro if you add a stabilizer and compact it correctly.

3. Why mix bunker sand with DG landscaping material?

Blending bunker sand with DG creates a softer texture and lightens the look, perfect for play areas or garden paths.

4. How much maintenance is actually required for DG landscaping materials?

Extremely low maintenance, just a little raking every so often and a top-up every year or two!

5. Where can I purchase high-quality DG landscaping supplies and bunker sand?

Throughout California, Western Materials provides premium DG and bunker sand along with prompt delivery and knowledgeable assistance.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of battling your yard or just want to upgrade without blowing the budget, DG landscaping material is one of the smartest moves you can make.

It’s durable. It requires little upkeep. It's reasonably priced. When properly installed, it appears as though it was taken from a designer's portfolio.

Do you want to add a twist or soften the look? Add bunker sand and adjust the texture to your desired level.

Ready to make it happen?

Reach out to Western Materials today and get premium DG, bunker sand, and expert guidance delivered straight to your door.

Because building your dream yard shouldn’t be complicated, it should just work.

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