A Guide to Gravel Driveways

Gravel is famous for its longevity. When a gravel driveway is well-maintained, it can last up to 100 years.

How do I maintain the driveway?

A gravel driveway should be at least four to six inches deep. To maintain this depth, add more gravel every two or three years. Use a hand tamper or weighted roller to pack it down. Also, add fresh gravel to any low spots or potholes as soon as you notice them.

To keep the driveway free of leaves, sticks, and other debris, rake it regularly and kill weeds using a spray bottle filled with vinegar and a couple of drops of dish soap.

Finally, you’ll need to create a crown, a high point that allows water to drain off the driveway and prevent erosion. To do so, use a tractor with a grading blade to pull gravel from the driveway’s sides to the center. Repeat this process once or twice a year to maintain the crown, which should be about one inch per every three or four feet of driveway width.

How do I care for the driveway in the winter?

Before winter arrives, fill any potholes, maintain the crown, and make sure the gravel is at least four to six inches deep. Once your driveway is covered in wet snow, remove it with a snow shovel. Let an inch of snow remain on the ground, so you don’t disturb any gravel. To remove dry snow, use a leaf blower or snow blower; to keep it from catching gravel, set the blower about an inch above the ground.

If it’s challenging to shovel or snow blow your driveway without disturbing the gravel, apply a 50/50 mixture of sand and rock salt to melt snow and ice.