Compost vs Construction Gravel

Compost

Decomposed organic matter used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention. Quality compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. It adds beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that support healthy plant growth and improve poor soils.

Construction Gravel

Construction gravel is a broad category of mixed-size stone used for general building and site work. It typically includes a combination of crushed stone sizes suitable for base preparation and structural fill.

Compost

• ✓ Soil amendment
• ✓ Garden beds
• ✓ Lawn top-dressing
• ✓ Raised beds
• ✓ Tree and shrub planting
• ✓ Seed starting mix

Construction Gravel

• ✓ Construction sites
• ✓ Base layers
• ✓ Backfill
• ✓ Temporary roads

Compost

• + Dramatically improves soil structure and fertility
• + Increases water retention in sandy soils
• + Improves drainage in clay soils
• + Adds beneficial microorganisms
• + Reduces need for chemical fertilizers

• − Quality and composition vary widely between sources
• − Can be odorous when fresh
• − May contain weed seeds if not fully composted
• − Too rich for direct planting — must be mixed with soil
• − Settles significantly after application

Construction Gravel

• + Versatile material
• + Readily available
• + Cost-effective
• + Suitable for many applications

• − Inconsistent sizing
• − Not decorative
• − Varies by supplier

Compost

Fine, crumbly texture when fully decomposed. Dark brown to black color. Should smell earthy, not sour or ammonia-like. Screened compost has been filtered to remove large uncomposted pieces. Mushroom compost is a byproduct of mushroom farming and is particularly nutrient-rich.

Construction Gravel

Mixed crushed stone sizes ranging from fines to 1" or larger. Color varies by quarry source.