How to Care for a Gravel Driveway

Weed the gravel driveway regularly. Weeds often find their way through openings between the gravel stones making a gravel driveway look unsightly. Pull the weeds out at the root or spray an herbicide to kill and deter their growth.

Remove leaves from the gravel driveway using a leaf blower, not a rake. A rake will disperse the stones; a leaf blower will keep them intact.

Rake the gravel driveway using a heavy-duty metal garden rake whenever you see areas of unevenness. If you have a tractor with a metal rake attachment, it can make your job a bit easier.

Collect the gravel that the snowplow, shovel or snowblower removes during the winter. You will commonly find an accumulation of gravel down at the apron of the driveway or up at the top. Rake the gravel onto the driveway, filling in ruts and leveling the portions that show evidence of gravel removal.

Fill potholes with additional gravel when they form. Pat the gravel down with a heavy shovel to firmly pack it in place. Smooth the area afterward with a rake. One half inch of gravel for every foot that the driveway is wide is a good rule to follow when it comes to leveling.

Maintain an A-shaped crown at all times on the surface of the gravel driveway, with a gradual taper down to the sides, to prevent drainage problems. What this means is that the very center of the driveway should be a little thicker than the ½ inch per foot of gravel covering the sides. When you look at the driveway head on, the center should form the top of an "A" to allow for proper water runoff.