Some people might think of a driveway as simply being a way of connecting the street and your home, but your driveway can actually be an attractive feature in its own right that enhances the overall look of your front yard and the house itself. If you have a gravel driveway, there are a number of ways to add some visual interest to it and make it look tidier.
Gravel is a very practical driveway material that is also affordable and does not require much in the way of maintenance. Although it is attractive on its own, edging it with a different material can make a big difference in your home’s overall appearance.
Here is a look at some of the best driveway edging ideas to suit your gravel driveway that you can try this summer.
Bricks
If you are on a tight budget, you can’t go wrong by picking up some affordable bricks in the color of your choice and using them as driveway edging for your gravel driveway. Whether you choose to get a similar color to the gravel in your driveway or opt for a different color entirely to create some contrast, this is an easy DIY project.
You will need to dig a trench on either side of the driveway, apply some brick cement and then pile your bricks on top of one another until you reach the desired height.
Bricks are very affordable, and they are also eco-friendly if you choose to use reclaimed brick rather than purchasing it new. This will also give your driveway additional character.
Wood
Another popular edging choice for a gravel driveway is wood. It creates an interesting contrast and can help offset a green lawn on either side of the driveway nicely. If you have scrap wood, you can use it to outline your gravel driveway. Wood edging usually sits at a height that is slightly raised. This is a simple yet attractive idea for a very long driveway in a rustic neighborhood.
Be sure that the wood you use has been treated and will be able to stand up to the changing seasons. If you want something more decorative than the look provided by scrap wood, consider using logs or treating your wood with paint in a color that complements your home.
Grass
For a more cottage-style appearance, you can consider creating a grass outline on either side of your driveway. Although this is typically reserved for asphalt driveways, it is also a viable choice for gravel driveways, particularly those with darker gravel.
You can create your grass edging using sod, or you can apply some topsoil to either side of the driveway, sprinkle it with grass seeds and allow it to grow. Just keep in mind that grass driveway edging does require a little more maintenance (in the form of mowing) compared to other types of driveway edging.
Flowers
Another type of live edging that you can choose if grass does not appeal to you is flowers. Like grass, you will simply need to apply a layer of topsoil in your desired width on either side of the driveway and then plant the flowers of your choice.
The best types of flowers to use as driveway edging are those that tend to be in bloom throughout most, if not all, of the year and stand up well to the different types of weather your area experiences throughout the year. The density that a flower edging can provide serves as a nice contrast to a driveway made up of small pieces of gravel as well as the surrounding lawn.
Grass With a Series of Trees
If you have a long driveway and live in a country setting, consider using grass on either side of your driveway with trees planted at regular intervals on each side; roughly every 15 to 20 feet is ideal. This will provide the yard with a neat and uniform look that will only get better as the trees grow. Once they have matured, they will form an archway that can give your home a dramatic and beautiful entrance.
Concrete Blocks
If you have some concrete blocks lying around, you can use them to form a raised driveway edging on either side of your gravel driveway. This raised bed can be filled with crushed concrete, ideally in a color that contrasts to that of your driveway in order to help set it apart.
Alternatively, you can fill the raised area with topsoil and use it to plant flowers, grass, or bushes.
Privacy Hedge Screen
A large hedge screen is a nice choice for lining a gravel driveway that comes with the added benefit of providing your home with extra privacy. Light-colored gravel driveways in particular look nice against vibrant greenery.
Look for a hedge screen that is just tall enough to make your property feel secluded and private but not so tall that it feels imposing and dark. Keep in mind that the hedges can be trimmed and shaped to create a softer border.
Should You Edge Your Gravel Driveway?
There are many reasons that edging your driveway is worth the effort. Many people believe that it is chiefly an aesthetic pursuit, and although it is true that it will dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal, there are plenty of other benefits to keep in mind as well.
For example, edging will protect your front lawn and stop other drivers from backing into it as they leave your driveway. It can also reduce your driveway maintenance costs as it will help keep the gravel contained within the driveway area itself. Finally, the neat appearance that driveway edging gives your front yard can increase your home’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers when the time comes to sell.
Contact the Gravel Driveway Experts at Dirt Connections
The best way to ensure your gravel driveway will stand the test of time while looking great is by having it professionally installed with high-quality material. Dirt Connections is a top provider of gravel, stone, fill dirt and other construction materials in the Northern Virginia area. Contact us today to discuss your project and find out more about our services.
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