Decomposed granite is the most common ground cover in Denver xeriscape — and for good reason. It’s affordable, natural-looking, works with every plant style from modern minimal to cottage garden, and handles the Front Range climate better than any alternative. If you’re planning a xeriscape project, you’ll almost certainly be using DG somewhere. Here’s what you need to know before you buy a ton.
What Is Decomposed Granite?
Decomposed granite (DG) is granite rock that has weathered and broken down into small particles — typically 3/8 inch and smaller, with a mix of coarser grit and fine powder. The result is a material that compacts into a firm, stable surface while still allowing water infiltration. Unlike gravel, which sits loose and shifts, DG binds together when compacted, especially with moisture.
In Denver, DG sources primarily from Colorado and New Mexico quarries. The natural color is warm tan to gold-brown, which pairs naturally with native plant palettes and complements the color of Colorado’s sandstone and soil tones.
Decomposed granite — the workhorse ground cover for Denver xeriscape. Affordable, natural-looking, and permeable.
Stabilized vs. Unstabilized DG
DG comes in two forms. The choice matters depending on application.
Unstabilized DG
Standard DG without any binder added. Compacts well under foot traffic but can loosen over time in high-traffic areas. Best used in planted beds as a mulch layer and in low-to-moderate traffic paths. Drains freely. The most affordable form.
Stabilized DG
DG mixed with a polymer binder (either factory-mixed or applied on-site). Compacts into a firmer surface that holds its shape better under repeated traffic. Common applications: driveways, main entry paths, dog run zones, and any area that needs a solid surface without the formality of concrete or flagstone. More expensive than unstabilized but significantly more durable in high-use areas.
Stabilized DG is not fully impermeable — it still drains better than concrete — but it reduces infiltration compared to unstabilized. Factor that into the drainage design if you’re working in a water-sensitive zone.
Which to Use
- Planted beds and low-traffic areas: Unstabilized DG at 3–4 inch depth
- Walking paths, entries, dog zones: Stabilized DG at 3–4 inch depth
- Driveways: Stabilized DG at 4+ inches, may need a base layer of road base first
Decomposed Granite Cost in Denver
DG is one of the most affordable landscaping materials available on the Front Range. Costs vary depending on type, quantity, and delivery distance.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Unstabilized DG (per ton) | $40–$80 delivered |
| Stabilized DG (per ton) | $70–$120 delivered |
| DG installation (labor only, per sq ft) | $1–$2.50 |
| Full DG bed install (material + labor, per sq ft) | $2–$5 |
| DG path or driveway (full install, per sq ft) | $3–$7 |
How Much DG Do You Need?
To cover 1,000 sq ft at 3-inch depth, you’ll need approximately 9–10 tons of DG. The standard rule: 1 ton covers roughly 100 sq ft at 2-inch depth, or 70 sq ft at 3-inch depth. Go with 3 inches as the minimum for weed suppression — at 2 inches, weeds work through more easily.
For full project cost context, see our Denver xeriscape cost guide.
How to Install Decomposed Granite
A proper DG installation isn’t just dumping rock — the prep work determines whether it looks clean and holds for years, or becomes a weed-filled mess.
Step 1: Edge First
Install steel edging or concrete banding before any rock goes down. Edging keeps DG contained and prevents it from migrating into adjacent lawn, hardscape, or street. This is the most skipped step in DIY installs — and the most visible mistake six months later. Use heavy-gauge (3/16 or 1/4 inch) steel edging for longevity.
Step 2: Address Existing Vegetation
Remove existing lawn or weeds completely. DG over existing vegetation will push through within one season. Options: sod cutter, herbicide, or sheet mulching. See our lawn removal guide for method comparison.
Step 3: Apply Pre-Emergent
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to the bare soil before laying DG. This treats the top layer of soil and prevents weed seeds from germinating in the first season. Re-apply each April as part of annual maintenance.
Step 4: Skip the Landscape Fabric (Usually)
Woven landscape fabric under DG has a mixed long-term track record. In the first few years it works. Over time, soil works up through the fabric, weed seeds germinate in that layer, and roots thread through the fabric making removal a nightmare. The better approach: sufficient depth (3–4 inches of DG) plus annual pre-emergent. We skip fabric on most Xeris Landscaping projects.
Exception: use fabric under DG that will be walked on or driven on to prevent the DG from working into softer soil beneath.
Step 5: Install and Compact
Spread DG to target depth and compact with a plate compactor or hand tamper. Water lightly after compacting — moisture helps the fine particles bind. For stabilized DG, follow manufacturer instructions for the specific binder product used.
Steel-edged DG paths with native plant borders — clean, permeable, and built to last in Denver’s climate.
Maintaining Decomposed Granite in Denver
DG is low maintenance, but “low” is not “none.”
- Annual pre-emergent (April): The most important maintenance task. Apply granular pre-emergent when soil temperatures reach 50°F — this prevents the majority of weed germination for the season.
- Top-dressing: High-traffic areas compact and thin over time. A light top-dress of fresh DG every 2–3 years keeps depth consistent and the surface looking fresh.
- Leaf and debris removal: Rock beds catch leaves in fall. A leaf blower makes quick work of it — easier than raking grass.
- Edge maintenance: Check steel edging annually for sections that have shifted or heaved. Re-stake as needed.
For full seasonal maintenance guidance, see our Denver xeriscape maintenance guide.
Get DG Installed Right
Xeris Landscaping sources and installs decomposed granite throughout the Denver metro — planted beds, paths, driveways, and full yard conversions. We handle edging, pre-emergent, and proper compaction so the installation holds for years.