2-Year Review: Mulch Glue on Pea Gravel – Impressively Holding Up (S6E4)

When it comes to keeping pea gravel in place, anyone who’s installed it knows the challenge: it shifts, scatters, and migrates—especially on slopes or high-traffic areas. That’s why I decided to try PetraTools Mulch Glue on pea gravel as an alternative to expensive resin systems or paver installations. While it’s marketed mainly for mulch, I wondered: Could it stabilize pea gravel, too?

After two full years, here’s what I found.

Application – Simple but Requires a Bit More Prep

I applied PetraTools Mulch Glue on pea gravel directly over a freshly raked layer of washed pea gravel. I mixed the solution as directed, poured it into a garden sprayer, and applied a generous, even coat across the surface.

A few quick tips from my experience:

The sprayer needed a bit of cleaning afterward—gravel is less absorbent than mulch, so pooling can happen.
The glue took about 48 hours to fully cure and bond the stones together.
I used a second coat in areas where I wanted extra firmness.

Year One – Surprisingly Strong Hold

After the glue dried, I noticed a significant difference in gravel movement. The surface wasn’t rock-hard, but the top layer was “locked” together enough to walk on without noticeable shifting. Even after wind, foot traffic, and some rainfall, the gravel mostly stayed put.

No dust or washouts
Less gravel kicked out onto paths
Still permeable for drainage

It gave the appearance and comfort of a natural gravel path with some of the structural benefits of a bonded surface—without turning the area into concrete. The Mulch Glue on pea gravel held up really well after year 1.

Year Two – Gradual Breakdown, As Expected

Going into the second year, the bonded effect began to fade. Some gravel started loosening, especially after heavy rains or winter freeze/thaw cycles. However, the surface was still far more stable than untreated pea gravel in the same area.

This was expected, as PetraTools recommends annual reapplication. Since the glue is water-based and exposed to the elements, it naturally degrades over time.

Pros and Cons After 2 Years of Using Mulch Glue on Pea Gravel

Pros:

Reduces gravel movement significantly
Easy to apply with a standard garden sprayer
More affordable than resin-bound systems
Still looks natural—no visible film or discoloration
Permeable and plant-safe after drying

Cons:

Requires yearly reapplication for best performance
Not a permanent fix—more of a surface stabilizer than a deep binder
Not ideal for vehicle traffic or deep gravel layers

Final Thoughts – Would I Use It Again?

Yes—and I plan to. PetraTools Mulch Glue on pea gravel gave me a low-effort way to tidy up and stabilize a pea gravel area that previously felt messy and high-maintenance. It’s not a concrete substitute, but for light foot traffic and aesthetics, it delivered more than I expected.

For DIYers looking to lock down gravel in patios, firepit areas, or walkways, PetraTools Mulch Glue is a budget-friendly solution that’s easy to reapply once a year.