DIY Network

Driveway Transformation Driveway Transformation From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-207

When the driveway materials have been removed and properly disposed of, it's time to begin the process of transforming the area:

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1. Add several inches of gravel to the driveway (figure A). Gravel will ensure that water soaks into the ground rather than running into the street. Hard surfaces, like driveways are a major source of runoff, which can be harmful to the environment. Runoff from driveways can be loaded with glutens which end up in our streams and rivers. Permeable pavers help to greatly reduce this type of runoff.

2. Add a layer of sand 1-1/2" deep to the gravel to bring the driveway up to surface level (figure B). Laying a base of sand helps provide a level base for the pavers.

   Figure A

   Figure B

   
   
3. The pavers used here are interlocking plastic, with a honeycomb design (figure C). They are placed on the ground, filled with soil and planted with sod. The sod roots then grow through the back of the paver (figure D) and into the ground. The pavers are made of recycled plastic and are incredibly strong. They can support over 97,000 pounds per square foot, so you can easily drive over them without destroying the root system of the grass. Pavers are also available in clay and concrete. These materials do not interlock and weigh quite a bit more than the plastic pavers. The concrete pavers are very effective when stabilizing embankments and inland shorelines.

   Figure C

   Figure D

   
   
4. When installing the pavers, decide whether to lay out horizontally or vertically, and if they are installed close to a solid surface, place them about an inch from the surface to allow for expansion or contraction when driven over.

5. They are easy to install and lock in place quite easily (figure E). You do need to stagger the rows of pavers so the seams will not all line up together (figure F), otherwise they might buckle when driven over. You can cut the pavers with either a hacksaw or a skill saw to break the edge pattern.

   Figure E

   Figure F

   
   
6. When the pavers are in place, cover with an amended, top-quality soil (figure G). The sod will need a rich, fertile soil if it is to thrive and maintain a lush look (figure H), and top-quality soil helps it develop the root system it will need to look its best.

7. The cells can be seeded, but it takes time to get the desired look, so sod it used here. Make sure the cells are at least half full of soil, then lay out the sheets of sod in rows, over the rows of cells.

   Figure G

   Figure H

   
   
8. The sod is laid out lengthwise (figure I), following the direction of the paver rows, and butting the sod edges tightly together. This helps minimize the amount of cuts that will have to be made to fit the sod in place. Cut with a sharp serrated knife as needed, and stagger the joints (figure J) just like the paver joints were staggered.

   Figure I

   Figure J

   
   
9. Pinch the sod edges together (figure K). This helps create a seamless look and will help to prevent browning edges as the sod acclimates to its new environment.

10. Rent a sod roller (figure L) and roll it over the sod so it makes firm contact with the soil surface. Rolling the sod also helps remove air pockets.

11. Follow instructions from the turf supplier on maintenance and make sure that the sod is kept consistently moist as it begins to root. This process can take several weeks depending on your climate and type of
    sod.
    

Figure K

Figure L