How To Protect The Edge Of Your Newly Paved Driveway

The most vulnerable part of your newly paved driveway is the edge where the driveway meets your yard. If a car or another heavy vehicle drives off of the edge of the driveway--or even just drives too close to the edge--this can cause the pavement to crack. This is especially true for the first two years after the driveway has been paved. During this curing period, the pavement is particularly soft and susceptible to damage, and protecting the edge of your driveway is especially critical during this time. These tips will help you protect your new driveway. 

Raise the Level of the Yard

After your driveway paving is complete, the surface of the driveway will be higher than the rest of the yard by several inches. Some of the vulnerability of the driveway stems from this difference in height, because there's nothing to support the edges of the driveway. Raising the surface of the yard to match the surface of the driveway will ensure your driveway has the extra support it needs. 

During the paving process, your driveway paving company may have pulled up some of the sod in the yard near the driveway's edge. Now is the perfect opportunity to re-sod the perimeter around the driveway at a higher level than the original surface of the yard. To do this, simply add soil on each side of the driveway. Tamp the soil until it matches the surface of the driveway, then lay down your new sod. 

Plant Shrubs Close to the Perimeter

One of the best ways to discourage visitors at your home from driving too close to the driveway's edge is to plant wide shrubs around the driveway's perimeter. Your guests won't want to drive too close to any shrubs that overhang the edge of the pavement. As an added benefit, shrubs have aesthetic value and can enhance your home's curb appeal, so this tactic may be good for your home in many ways. 

Line the Edges of the Driveway with Flat Rocks

Lining the edge of your driveway with large, flat-bottomed rocks can prevent cars from driving too close to the edge of the pavement. You'll want to be careful if you choose this method because rocks with sharp, pointed bottoms can dent or pit the surface of your driveway. Flat rocks are better because they distribute weight more evenly and are unlikely to puncture the surface of the asphalt. 

For more tips and suggestions about how you can protect the edges of your new driveway, consult with the driveway paving company that installed your driveway. Representatives from the paving company will be able to offer suggestions for keeping your driveway looking beautiful while it cures.


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