How to Maintain a Gravel Driveway

Maintain your gravel driveway by raking regularly, adding fresh gravel annually, and managing weeds and drainage issues as they arise.

Redistribute Before Damage Sets In. Use a steel rake to pull gravel from the edges back toward the center of the driveway. Focus on areas where car tires have pushed stones to the sides. This prevents thin spots and maintains even coverage across the entire surface.
Plug Holes Before Weather Does. When you notice depressions or bare patches, add fresh gravel right away. Spread it evenly with a rake, then compact by driving over it slowly or walking on it repeatedly. Small problems become big ones quickly if left alone.
Keep Gravel Where It Belongs. Cut clean edges along grass and garden areas with a spade or edging tool. This prevents gravel from spreading into your lawn and keeps the driveway looking neat. Reinstall or adjust any border materials like landscape timbers that have shifted.
Stop Weeds Before They Spread. Spray gravel-safe herbicide on emerging weeds before they establish roots. Hand-pull any weeds that have already taken hold, making sure to get the entire root system. Address weeds immediately since they become harder to remove as they mature.
Water Flow Prevents Washouts. Walk the driveway after heavy rain to identify where water pools or runs off incorrectly. Clear any clogged culverts or drainage ditches along the edges. Add gravel to low spots where water collects, as standing water will eventually create potholes.
Refresh Your Whole Driveway. Order a truck load of matching gravel each spring to replenish what has been lost to weather and traffic. Spread it evenly across the entire driveway, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas near the garage and street entrance.
Reshape for Lasting Durability. If your driveway develops significant ruts or an uneven crown, rent a small grader or hire someone with a tractor. This typically needs doing every few years depending on traffic and weather conditions in your area.