A gravel driveway is great for homeowners who want a practical and affordable driveway. Gravel driveways are less expensive than asphalt or cement driveways and come in various textures that add curb appeal to your home. Maintaining your gravel driveway is key to keeping it in good shape.

Here are five tips to help you keep it looking its best:

1. Check for Potholes, Ruts, or Bulges in Your Driveway

Rocks, tree stumps, and potholes can bulge on driveways and make drainage problems worse. If these problems are not fixed, they can become bigger and deeper, making driving difficult on your driveway.

To fix your driveway, you need to remove any large tree roots or rocks and add new gravel in layers. Make sure to compact the gravel after each layer. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may notice ruts and grooves in your gravel from using a snowblower. To fix this, rake the displaced gravel into the ruts and compact it.

2. Ensure Proper Grading for Your Gravel Driveway

To keep a gravel driveway in good condition, it is important to ensure it is properly graded and leveled. This will prevent any problems from developing over time.

It is important to ensure that your gravel driveway has a slight slope to the sides so that water does not pool on the surface. You can achieve this by grading the driveway and feathering the gravel out towards the edges of the driveway. This will also help to keep water away from your home or garage.

3. Watch Out for Pooling Water or Drainage Issues

Water pooling on your gravel driveway can cause problems like ruts and erosion. If you see any low spots where water collects after it rains, add more gravel to those areas. Make sure to compact the gravel well, but keep it a bit higher than the surrounding ground so that rainfall will run off. Another solution is to dig a ditch next to the driveway to channel water away from any low spots.

4. Lay Down a Layer of Landscaping Fabric

Adding a new layer of gravel to your driveway can help with drainage and prevent ruts and holes. However, before adding the new layer, you should consider adding landscaping fabric. This will help to keep the gravel in place and prevent it from sinking into the ground. To keep your driveway free of grass and weeds, you can cut landscaping fabric to fit the dimensions of your driveway. Landscaping fabric is available in different thicknesses.

5. Adopt a Long-Term Solution

It is possible to fix small ruts and potholes in your gravel driveway yourself, but if the problem becomes too big or you keep having to fix new issues, it may be time to call in professional help. To create a long-term solution that will be effective, you will need to use bigger tools than a rake and shovel. This is because you will need to reduce the amount of dust, compact the gravel, and create a smooth surface. You can do this by renting or buying some tools and equipment.

Conclusion

A gravel driveway is a great addition to any home. Proper maintenance will last for years and provide a beautiful, natural look. To keep your gravel driveway in top condition, regularly remove debris, fill in any holes, and rake the gravel to keep it level. With a little care, your gravel driveway will be a beautiful and functional part of your home for years to come.

Todd Heldt Excavating and Paving provides asphalt repair and pavement marking. We have been in business for nearly three decades and have successfully remained a Sacramento paving contractor focused on quality work and customer service. If you want to install a gravel driveway in Roseville, you’ve come to the right place! Call us at (916) 791-7593 for immediate assistance!