DIY Network

Asphalt Removal Asphalt Removal From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-207

The driveway on this property has become an eyesore: it's stained and cracked and draws attention from the surrounding lawn and garden area. The homeowners want to make it more of a garden area and less of a driveway, but due to lots of company several times a year, the area has to provide additional parking.

The solution is to make the space a plantable area using permeable pavers. The pavers not only allow the area to have a lush green lawn year round, but, when installed in the ground, and planted with grass, they will protect the roots of the grass when cars are driven over the area. Planting beds along the brick walls enhance the area and lighting along the walls ensures no fumbling for keys. Here's how to get started:

The asphalt was badly stained...

...and cracked.

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Figure A

In preparation for this project, you will want to remove any concrete, asphalt or ground cover (figure A). You may want to have concrete or asphalt removed by professionals. Not only is it a time-consuming and difficult job to do, but the materials must be properly disposed of, since they contain petroleum and other chemicals that are harmful to the environment. If you do decide to do it yourself, prepare to go low tech and high sweat, using heavy-duty hand tools. Wear protective eyewear and check with your city's waste-management facilities for the proper place to dispose of hazardous materials.

Tip: Concrete is harder to remove than asphalt.