Imagine your driveway turns into a swamp every time it rains, your garden paths are nowhere to be found, and you have a big patch of dirt between your flower beds that drives you nuts. You've heard ground cover will solve these problems, but you have no idea which type to use or how much to spend because there are so many choices (and they range in price from dirt cheap to really expensive). 

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know: what is the actual crushed shell price, the costs of other materials, the key pros and cons of each material, and which material will give you the best overall value in the long-term.

What Is Crushed Shell and How Much Does It Cost?

Crushed shell is made from crushed oyster, clam, or coquina shells. This gravel-like material is found throughout Florida's landscapes as a filler, driveway material, garden path, and planting bed. Crushed shell is naturally compatible with Central Florida's climate (it drains well during heavy rains), slowly releases calcium carbonate into the ground to elevate soil pH, and helps plant species such as roses, citrus, and vegetables grow.

Crushed shell price at The Gardens Nursery is for $69.00 per cubic yard. One cubic yard will provide coverage of a 10′ x 10′ space (100 sq. ft.) at a depth of approximately 2 inches, making it easy to determine how much crushed shell you need before placing an order. Sometimes the bulk shell rates are lower compared to the other alternatives.

Price Comparison: Crushed Shell vs. Mulch, Gravel, and Rock

Here's how crushed shell stacks up against the other materials available at The Gardens Nursery:

Bulk mulch pricing varies, so you can browse our Bulk Mulch collection for current rates. Organic mulch typically needs replacing every 1–2 years, making it costlier over time than its sticker price suggests.

Which Is More Cost-Effective Over Time?

To demonstrate a real-world case, let's assume you own a 200 sq. ft. driveway border, so you will need 2 cubic yards of material. 

Using mulch, at $50 a yard, you can purchase approximately 2 yards for around $100 each year, and since you must replace it every year due to Florida's hot and humid conditions, you will have spent about $500 over the course of 5 years. 

Crushed shell cost per yard is approximately $69 a yard, meaning you will spend about $138 for the first two yards you purchase, and due to only requiring minimal top-dressing for maintenance over the 5 years, you will ultimately spend about $160-180 total. 

Lime rock will sell for over $69 per yard, meaning you will have spent about $138 for the first two yards, but after the 5 years, you will continue to spend an estimated $138-160 for your remaining costs. 

Since crushed shell and lime rock are equal in their initial costs, a clear advantage of using crushed shell instead of lime rock is that crushed shell will add value to your soil, whereas limestone will not. It is also a significant bonus for landscape plants, trees, and citrus, where soil pH is important. The decorative shell price may increase based on the type you choose.

Pros and Cons of Each Material

Choosing the right landscaping material involves weighing its advantages against potential drawbacks for your specific project. Understanding the pros and cons of each option helps you make a cost-effective, durable, and visually appealing choice.

1. Crushed Shell 

Crushed Shell is a great option for drainage, for suffocating weed growth, and for providing calcium to the soil, all while providing the aesthetic of a clean and natural Florida look. Unfortunately, it can be sharp underfoot for bare feet and is not suitable for children's play areas. 

2. Mulch 

Mulch is excellent for water retention and soil temperature around shrubs and ornamental plants during dry periods. On the downside, it breaks down quickly in Florida's humid conditions, must be replaced every year, and can attract pests if applied too thickly. If you are looking for Mulch, you can shop for bagged mulch at The Garden Nursery.

3. Gravel & Lime Rock 

Gravel & lime rock are virtually permanent, work well with heavy-traffic areas, and require little to no maintenance. They do not contribute value to the soil ecologically, and may provide heat to the soil on the surface in the summer when exposed to direct sunlight; consideration must be given when placed near shallow-rooted plants in Florida during the summertime. 

4. Decorative Rock 

Marble chips, granite, and river rock provide the neatest and most polished look with the longest-lasting product. They have a high initial cost; however, they will pay back over time as this is a one-time purchase. Check out our Bulk Rock collection for a full range of decorative rock.

Which One Should You Choose?

Crushed shell is an excellent choice for being the lowest upfront cost and offering additional soil benefits. Crushed shell is also a very low-priced and almost permanent solution when using lime rock, which is also priced at $69 per yard with equal durability. Granite, at $108 per yard, is an option for high-traffic driveways where you want a more upscale look. For the homeowner creating a garden bed, Alabama marble will be the most expensive option at $185 per yard.

Overall, the best value option for most homeowners in Central Florida will be crushed shell due to its price point matching that of basic lime rock. Crushed shell is an excellent choice because it not only improves the condition of your soil but also has a long lifespan and can be used for your driveway, sidewalk, and planter bed. If you want to buy these materials, you can explore the collection at The Gardens Nursery today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is crushed shell cheaper than gravel? 

At The Gardens nursery, both crushed shell price and Lime Rock price are $69 per cubic yard. Crushed seashells will also contribute to increasing calcium in your soil, something gravel cannot do. 

2. How long does crushed shell last compared to mulch? 

Crushed seashells can generally last 5 -10+ years with little upkeep, whereas organic mulch in Florida's climate must be replaced every 1-2 years, meaning, over a period of 5 years, organic mulch is 3 to 4 times more expensive than crushed seashells.

3. What is the cheapest permanent landscaping ground cover? 

At The Gardens Nursery, the two cheapest options available in bulk are Lime Rock and crushed seashells, both of which are priced at $69/yard, with no annual replacement requirement. Therefore, both would be the most cost-effective options for a permanently landscaped ground cover.