Eco-Friendly Driveway

Considering a new driveway? There are lots of options available ranging from stamped concrete, to brick, to pavers, to permeable.

We went the route of a pebble driveway to replace the concrete driveway for a few reasons. It was economical, fast to install and permeable thereby reducing runoff & pollutants entering our storm drains.

My understanding is that storm runoff is one of biggest pollutants of our waterways. I'm in full support of making choices which will offset our impact on the environment.

Our initial thought was to install porous concrete pavers which have openings that can be filled with gravel or grass. We then decided on decomposed granite for the ease of installation and maintenance. It is also available in a few colors.

It's been two plus years and we've been really happy with the result. There is no worry about future cracking and settling as there is with a concrete driveway. No worries about staining either since we can move around or rake the gravel.

The drawback is the occasional required sweeping of stray pieces that end up on the path way or sidewalk and the difficulty in walking to the car in heels. Stray pieces can end up in the house on our wood floors if shoes aren't properly wiped at the door, but our floors have been getting a fair amount of abuse from two active dogs. It's a house well cared for and well lived in!