If you are installing a swing set or playground for your children, sand, wood chips and pea gravel are appropriate and have adequate shock-absorbing properties when installed at an appropriate depth.

For driveways, coarser gravel is appropriate. If the rocks in the gravel are fairly small, and you live in a region that experiences moderate to heavy precipitation, you may need to maintain the driveway each year by raking holes and redistributing the fill to an even level. To prevent weeds from growing through the gravel, apply weed killer before pouring the gravel.

Wood chips are good for areas that have minimal traffic yet require a fairly finished look. They also work well for areas with plants and trees since they help retain water while minimizing the impact of foot traffic.

For moderate traffic area, loose fill can be used in combination with paving stones to create attractive walkways.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com