Green Slate Chippings

Overview

Decorative aggregates like green slate chippings are not just stones but key elements in landscaping design. Green slate, or 'Welsh Green', is much rarer than the blue or plum type, and often confused with 'Westmoreland' slate. Distinguished by the pale green hue, which turns emerald when wet, green slate chippings quickly stand out from the colours of most other decorative aggregates.

This encyclopaedia page provides comprehensive information about green slate chips, a product that effortlessly blends natural beauty with functionality. Whether you're a professional landscaper or a DIY enthusiast, here you'll find essential specifications, benefits, and numerous applications of green slate chippings. Additionally, there are links to resources on design fundamentals, ideas for inspiration, and instructive 'how to' guides for various garden renovation landscaping projects involving this versatile aggregate.

Green Slate Chippings Specifications

Benefits

Decorative aggregates like green slate chippings offer many benefits for both garden and landscape design. Their versatility allows for a wide range of uses, from enhancing aesthetic appeal to practical functions like weed prevention and drainage improvement. They are an excellent choice for people seeking a low-maintenance yet visually striking element that provides a stunning contrast against the surrounding greenery, adding depth and interest to any outdoor design.

Green slate chippings, in particular, are known for their unique dark green slate hue that intensifies when wet, making them an ideal choice for water features and rainy climates. The flat, angular shape of these slates provides a distinct texture and aids in better grip for paths and driveways, making them suitable for areas of heavy use.

Green slate chippings are exceptionally versatile, finding their place in various landscaping and design applications. They are prized for their contrast when used in planting borders, as a top layer in pots, and around water features, where their striking green colour provides a natural, sophisticated look. These chippings are also frequently utilised in paths and driveways, offering a stable and durable surface.

In the following section, we list many common green slate chippings uses, although it is not exhaustive. Wherever there is a hyperlink beside an item, an article from Outdoor Aggregates about the topic is available.

Inspiration and Informational Articles

DIY-Friendly How-To Guides

Other Applications

Some other excellent applications for green chippings include:

Unsuitable For

The following list represents the kinds of applications that green garden slate chippings are not suitable for:

Similar Alternatives

The following is a list of decorative aggregates which are alternatives to green slate. They may offer you a more suitable variation on the primary colour, a more economical option, or a close substitute for cases where the base material may be unsuitable for the project you are creating, e.g. limestone is not fish-friendly, where slate is. Prices usually include VAT.

Maintenance

Maintaining hardscape areas with green slate chippings is relatively straightforward, especially when a heavy duty membrane is installed underneath to suppress weeds, with most work limited to raking and the occasional removal of debris. Occasional power washing is advisable to maintain the original colour and prevent algae or moss buildup. Natural quarry materials also may have dust, which should be hosed off with water at the time of installation.

For areas with heavy footfall, such as paths or footpaths, replenishment of chippings may be required over time to maintain depth and coverage. For more on how to clean stone chippings, read our article: how to clean garden stones.

Purchasing Tips

When purchasing green slate chippings, consider the size and quantity necessary to achieve the right coverage for your project. Slate chippings come available in a range of sizes from mini mulch, ranging from 2-14mm, 20mm, 40mm, 60mm and larger diameter. When considering the size you'll need; for instance, green slate chippings 20mm is typically used for driveways, while smaller 10-20mm green slate is better suited to footpaths. Products like 60mm green slate paddlestones are also available and popular for use on borders for a luxurious feature. Where available, it is cost-effective to request a sample to assess the stone's colour and quality against your design requirements.

Using our gravel calculator to get an unbiased estimate of the construction materials for your project needs is one of the best and easiest ways to get the right amount without the risk of shortfalls or over-spending - all you need is a few measurements of the space. Ordering a bulk bag is often more cost-effective than smaller quantities. Also, always ensure you consider the driver regarding delivery aspects, especially vehicle access to the site for unloading bulk bags.

FAQs

Can you buy green gravel?

Yes, green gravel, often in the form of green slate chippings, is widely available. Green granite chippings are also available!

Does gravel go green?

Natural weathering can cause some gravel types to develop a greenish hue, but green slate chippings are naturally green.

What colours does gravel come in?

Gravel is available in a variety of tones and colours, including grey, blue slate, green, plum, and black.

What are the different colours of Welsh slate?

Welsh slate comes in various colours, including dark blue-grey, green, and purple.

Why is some slate green?

Some slate is green due to the presence of minerals like chlorite during its formation.

Do I need membrane under slate chippings?

Yes, a membrane is recommended to prevent weed growth and ensure stability.