What You Should Know About Grass Driveways

If you want to elevate the look of your driveway, you can’t go wrong with grass driveways. It’s now time to kick aside the old, traditional concrete and asphalt pavers to the side and opt for a more trendy option. After all, grass driveways don’t only give your driveway a natural look. They also come with environmental benefits. Want to know more? Check out this piece as we explore everything you should know about grass driveways.

What Are Grass Block Pavers?

Also known as turf block pavers, grass block pavers are installed in home parking areas or driveways similar to how you would install traditional, concrete, or asphalt pavers. Typically, grass block pavers feature concrete or recycled plastic bases with an open cell where grass from the ground can grow. Grass block pavers are a more eco-friendly option and are perfect for individuals who want a more natural look in their home.

Where Can I Use Grass Block Pavers?

Generally, grass block pavers are used in parking areas, driveways, and walkways. When thinking of their placement, you have to do so strategically to make the most of their designs. Unlike traditional pavers such as interlocking ones, grass block pavers offer a both natural, appealing, and eco-friendly advantage . However, this is not all grass pavers do. Due to their design and natural element, they are perfect for slopes as well — helping to prevent soil erosion.

Concrete pavers on the other hand would have an outlet to direct the water — which, in turn, leaves them standing to cause puddling or flooding.

What Kind Do I Need?

For a driveway, you certainly want to go for a heavy and strong option to take in different vehicle loads. In this case, concrete grass pavers are the best option. As mentioned above, grass block pavers are constructed with different base materials and designs and then open up in the center to let the grass or turf grow through.

The different materials and designs used are not just randomly chose. Instead, they are used to cater to different needs and conditions. Therefore, before you invest in just any grass paver, you want to consider your needs so you can know which kind you need. Below, we’ve shared some of the common types of grass pavers and which ones you should opt for which conditions.

• Plastic permeable pavers — ideal for small cars or a parking space for guests — which is seldom used and so, it is less susceptible to wear and tear.
• Concrete — due to the sturdy nature of concrete, concrete grass pavers are perfect for driveways and parking areas as they can take the heavy load.
• Reinforced plastic netting (stable grid) — Due to their stable design, these types of pavers are perfect for areas that are at risk of erosion — especially sloped areas. These types of paver designs feature a mesh that stretches into cells where you can plant the grass through. The stable mesh design reinforces the grass and holds it in place; preventing the grass and the soil underneath from getting washed away.

How To Make A Grass Driveway

Making a driveway involves two key steps — i.e. installing the grass pavers and then, planting the grass. To set up the pavers and make the grass driveway, follow these steps:

Mix crushed gravel with sand and then, use it to create a base to level up the surface.

Put up blocks ( you can choose the material you want, be it concrete or plastic) on top of the leveled surface and then add an additional layer of sand.

Use a compacter to set the sand and then add a layer of topsoil — this creates the right environment to start planting the grass.

To plant the grass, sprinkle the grass seeds on the topsoil in the opening of the pavers and then, lay them in. Alternatively, for instant grass growth, you should cut off existing grass squares and then, lay them in the paver cells. Whilst this will have the grass grow quickly, they will not be as hardy and fuller as those planted from their seeds.

If you use seeds to plant the grass, you want to keep away from the area until the grass begins to grow. Additionally, always opt for drought-tolerant grass varieties to reduce the need to water them. This is because if you grow grass that requires constant watering, you will risk having a constantly wet driveway.

Whilst you can follow the steps to set up a grass driveway in your home, it is highly advised to hire a pro for some elements — especially the laying of the pavers. Unless, you are professionally trained, hiring a pro ensures the laying is done right and prevents any risks of future damages.

Originally published at https://mygardenzone.com on June 15, 2021.