How to Build an Eco-Friendly Driveway

The rise in environmental consciousness has led many homeowners to seek eco-friendly alternatives to new building projects. For a new, eco-friendly driveway, avoid materials manufactured with environmentally hazardous methods, such as asphalt and concrete. Solid asphalt and concrete also encourage water runoff, allowing contaminants from the driveway surface to wash into the storm drains and ground water. Create a living, earth-conscious driveway using grass pavers. Grass pavers provide enough structure to support cars but feature honeycomb-like openings that promote gradual drainage. The openings also allow for the planting of grass, which serves as a natural filter. Look for grass pavers made from recycled plastic to ensure the driveway consists of sustainably made materials.

Shovel
Rake
Hand tamper
Crushed rock
Grass pavers
Grass seeds
Seed spreader (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Excavate the sod in the driveway plot to a 6-inch depth. Rake the soil to level the bed of the plot, then compact the soil by hitting the ground repeatedly with a hand tamper.
- 2
  Line the bed with 3/4 to 1 inch of crushed rock. Rake the crushed rock to spread it evenly across the bed then compact the layer with the tamper.
- 3
  Start in a corner and place the first row of grass pavers; regularly check the evenness of the surface by placing a level across the pavers' tops. Make any necessary adjustments by adding or removing crushed rock beneath an uneven paver. Continue adding rows until the entire plot is lined with pavers.
- 4
  Scatter a thin covering of sand over the driveway. Sweep the tops of the pavers to work the sand into the cavities and joints.
- 5
  Fill the paver cavities the rest of the way with garden soil. Broadcast grass seeds over the driveway. Toss an even distribution of seeds by hand or pour them in the hopper of a seed spreader, then push it back and forth in rows across the driveway. Sweep the surface of the driveway lightly to push the seeds left on the top edges of the pavers into the cavities.

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Paving