Driveways & Landscaping

Layout

• Keep the driveway layout simple. Make the route from the street to the parking area direct, unless there's a special feature, such as a magnificent tree, that can be protected or viewed by shifting the route. Leave enough room to park comfortably, but don't take more space than necessary; plan for 9 to 11 feet of width for parking for each car. If there's room, include a turnaround space, which can also accommodate extra parking. Allow 10 to 15 feet for the turning radius.

Materials

• For a harmonious effect, choose materials for the driveway that complement the house facade. Concrete can be finished in different ways to add visual interest. Exposed aggregate, where the concrete is washed off the surface to expose the gravel, is especially attractive and cost-effective. Brick is a suitable choice when it fits with the house's architecture. Add a concrete or wood curb for a clean, finished appearance to asphalt. Curbs also ease maintenance and protect lawns and plants.

Entry Walk

• The entry walk is an important transition from the driveway to private space. Mixing hardscape materials can signal the change. For example, if the driveway is plain concrete, use exposed aggregate or brick for the walkway. Size the walkway so that it's not overwhelmed by the scale of the driveway; 5 feet is a comfortable width that allows 2 people to walk side by side. Widening the walkway where it meets the driveway can enhance the sense of arrival.

Plantings and Driveways

• Plantings buffer the hard lines of all that concrete or asphalt, but plants can be damaged from tires and snow shoveling, and road salt and vehicle exhaust take a toll as well. Choose hardy, salt-tolerant plants with a compact form that won't overhang the driveway when mature. Snow contaminated by vehicle emissions and constituents shouldn't be piled on plants. Place trees at least 5 feet from hard surfaces to prevent root damage. With trees that drop fruit, avoid planting them in such a way that the canopy will overhang the driveway.