Is It Time to Add Gravel to Your Driveway?

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Gravel
Comments Off on Is It Time to Add Gravel to Your Driveway?

Gravel driveways are economical and require little professional maintenance compared to paved options. However, that does not mean they are maintenance-free. Annual raking can help keep gravel level and improve the surface, but over time gravel will become compacted and you may need to add more gravel to resurface your driveway. Here are some signs it is time to invest in adding to new gravel to your driveway.

Pothole Problems

Does your driveway have potholes or areas where water collects in puddles? Erosion and wear can lead to low spots that need filling to create a level surface again. While you can rake and fill these in, without adding new gravel and compacting it, the problem will continue to get worse.

Tire Tracks

Using the same spots to park your vehicle can leave tire tracks. You may even get grass or weeds growing in the areas between the tire tracks. Once again, spreading the gravel will help, but eventually you will need to add more gravel to fill in the worn areas.

Contours and Slopes

The shape of your driveway can change. It may become contoured, creating a low area that collects water, or slope in one direction or another. This can cause drainage issues that can be annoying and detrimental to your property.

If it is time to add more gravel to your driveway, you can save money by doing this yourself. You will need new gravel and equipment to compact and rake the new gravel into a level surface. Contact your local landscape supplier for gravel delivery to your home. They can suggest the right gravel type and the amount of gravel you will need to resurface your driveway.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

, ,
Read More

Choosing the Right Gravel for Your Driveway

September 22nd, 2016 Posted in Gravel
Comments Off on Choosing the Right Gravel for Your Driveway

Gravel is one of the most affordable materials for driveways, creating a durable surface that doesn’t require high maintenance. However, it is not as simple as just pouring down a top coat of gravel over a dirt base. For proper strength, drainage and durability, you need a combination of gravel types to build a solid gravel driveway that will last for years to come.

A quality gravel driveway should consist of at least three layers of gravel of different types. You need a base layer with larger stones, a middle layer with medium size rocks and a top layer with the small gravel. Using these three steps while tampering down each layer can create the durability and drainage you need. Here are the three gravel types that are often used for driveways:

  • Base layer. The bottom base layer should be #1 angular gravel with stones about four-inches in diameter, the size of a baseball. The angular gravel is not round, but crushed rock that works well for stabilizing driveways.
  • Middle layer. For the second layer, medium-sized angular #4 gravel should be used in a four-inch layer. This will bind with the bottom layer to create a solid foundation.
  • Top layer. For the last layer, small gravel about the size of a coin should be used in another four-inch coating. Typically, #57 gravel works well for this layer.

Choosing the right type and size of gravel for your driveway can make a big difference in how long it will last. Talk to your local landscape supplier that offers various sizes of gravel for more tips on building your new driveway.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

, ,
Read More

Does Your Driveway Need New Gravel?

October 12th, 2014 Posted in Gravel
Comments Off on Does Your Driveway Need New Gravel?

As winter approaches, it may be time to inspect your gravel driveway to ensure it’s ready for the wet months ahead. All driveways require some type of maintenance, and gravel driveways are no exception. Over the years, the gravel which makes up your driveway can shift or settle, causing potholes and ruts where water can collect. Now is the perfect time to add some gravel to patch those holes and uneven areas, and to make sure your driveway will be ready for the colder, wetter winter season. 

Repairing Your Gravel Driveway

If you have an existing gravel driveway which just needs a new crown or has a few holes which should be filled, you can do these repairs yourself. The first step is to inspect your driveway to determine what action is needed. During the inspection, ask yourself: 

  • Are there any potholes or ruts that need filling? How many, and what width and depth?
  • Does the entire surface need a new covering of gravel?
  • Does your driveway still crown in the middle? Gravel driveways should peak in the center to allow for drainage. 

Once you determine what needs to be fixed, make sure you take down the dimensions of your driveway, as well as the holes you will be filling. You will need to order gravel from your landscape supplier which you can either have delivered or haul yourself. For filling holes, larger gravel such as #57 will generally work. For the top layer, a smaller gravel like #21 is usually a good choice. 

After you have the gravel, start by filling in holes and ruts with your larger rocks. Then, cover these areas with the smaller gravel. Once you have added gravel to all areas that need enhancing, rake and spread the gravel level, with a peak at the center.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Landscape Supply

, ,
Read More

Does Your Gravel Driveway Need Maintenance?

September 28th, 2014 Posted in Gravel
Comments Off on Does Your Gravel Driveway Need Maintenance?

The great thing about gravel driveways is that they are the most affordable type of driveway to install. Unfortunately, this low initial cost comes with a price tag: higher maintenance. Gravel driveways require the most work for homeowners, needing consistent upkeep to maintain a level, evenly covered surface. If your gravel driveway is beginning to look uneven, with potholes and areas of sparse gravel rock, it is time to do some maintenance. 

Regular Maintenance Needed For Gravel Driveways

Homeowners with gravel driveways should expect to spend time a few times a year on maintenance. This can be as simple as raking the driveway to even out the gravel rock. It can also involve adding more gravel and either renting equipment for compacting and leveling or hiring a contractor. Here are some of the maintenance items which should be attended regularly to keep your gravel driveway even and level: 

  • Rake, shovel and tamping. For small issues with gravel displacement, you can use a shovel to fill in small holes, then rake over the driveway to even the surface. You will want to tamp the gravel down as tightly as possible.
     
  • Drainage. Water is the gravel driveways natural enemy, washing away your small rocks. You need to have adequate gravel to create a higher surface than the surrounding land, so that water does not pool on your driveway.
     
  • Resurface. There will be times when you need to add more pea gravel to your driveway, basically resurfacing the entire area. You can rent a tractor, grader blade and other equipment to do it yourself or hire a contractor to come level and compact the new rock. 

You landscape supply or gravel outlet should have the gravel you will need to perform regular maintenance on your driveway. It may also be beneficial to keep extra gravel on hand to make small repairs and fills as needed throughout the year.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Landscape Supply

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | Landscape Supply Directory | Find Local Landscape Supply Companies