Seamlessly Blend Your Landscaping And Driveway With A Beautiful Design Idea

Driveways are a necessary part of many homes, but that doesn't mean they always look great. Sometimes, large concrete driveway slabs or seas of gravel can feel a little jarring, especially if the driveway is surrounded by lush greenery, blooming flowers, and interesting landscaping. If your driveway feels like a bit of an eyesore because it sticks out, you may want to explore designing a grass strip driveway. 

Grass strip driveways are essentially wide concrete or paver tracks with strips of grass growing between them. They are sometimes called ribbon driveways, with the paver or concrete tracks being a path for your tires. This means that your car has support, but there is still some greenery growing, which allows you to seamlessly integrate your driveway with your lawn. There are quite a few benefits to grass strip driveways alongside aesthetics, too. Grass strip driveways are permeable, which means that water can drain through the grass strips and help to avoid flooding, runoff, or pooling. Furthermore, as the concrete or paver tracks have space to expand due to temperature changes, you don't have to worry about constantly repairing the cracks in your driveway, as the tracks are less likely to break or get damaged. In warmer climates, grass strip driveways are also a great option to reduce heat. The strips of tracks and grass usually stay cooler than solid concrete slabs, which can definitely help in the summer months.

Grass strip driveways do need some maintenance, as you will need to look after both the tracks and the central grass line. However, the maintenance is generally less than that of typical driveways, mainly focusing on getting rid of debris on the pavers and tending to the grass. 

Grass strip driveways are a fantastic choice, but there are certain things to consider before you add one to your home. Firstly, you will need to decide if you want the grass to be real or artificial. Artificial turf makes the grass strip between the pavers more durable, and it stays green year round. However, there are hidden downsides to artificial turf, such as environmental concerns and heat issues. Plus, it isn't as low-maintenance as you may think. You can also experiment with adding low-growing ground cover or succulents into the central strip to really embrace that softer, natural look.

Alongside the grass options for your driveway, you also need to decide what materials you want for the tire tracks. Concrete is a common option for these driveways, as it is tough and long-lasting. However, it can get damaged easily in areas with extreme weather conditions. For a more eco-friendly option, consider permeable pavers. These pavers are great for drainage and help filter out pollutants that can negatively impact groundwater. If you want more of a gentle, traditional look, gravel, oyster shells, or stones can work well for the tracks. 

When designing your grass strip driveway, work out the width and spacing for the tracks to make sure your cars can fit, and consider drainage and slopes. The grass strip in the middle is usually 24 to 36 inches wide, while the solid tracks range from 18 to 24 inches. Sloping the driveway away from buildings will help you avoid any issues with flooding. Once your driveway is installed, be sure to keep the tracks clean and the grass cared for! This will mean your grass strip driveway stays looking great for years to come.