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Can I Fill Potholes in My Driveway With Mulch?
Just because it fits doesn’t mean you should
Photo: pamspix / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: pamspix / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
If neglected, potholes will grow larger and cause major damage to your driveway.
It usually costs $100 to $300 per repair to treat gravel driveways.
It can cost $1,071 to $4,011 to repair asphalt driveways.
Avoid using organic materials, such as mulch, to fill potholes because that will encourage plant growth.
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Just like public roads, your driveway is also not immune from potholes. So what should you do if you notice them forming on your driveway? The best option is to properly repair any potholes as soon as you see them. But what is the right way to fix potholes?
Common Problems Potholes In the Driveway Cause
Anybody who drives knows potholes are bad for cars. They can mess up your suspension and wheel mechanisms or cause your vehicle to lose balance. Your tire may even get stuck if the pothole is large and deep enough.
Potholes also worsen if left untreated. They hurt your home’s curb appeal and property value but also cause structural damage to your driveway. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repairs will be.
How do Potholes Form in Your Driveway?
If you have a gravel driveway, erosion from rainwater and gravel loss from frequent traffic will cause potholes to form. That’s because gravel is a loose material compared to other driveway paving options.
If you have an asphalt driveway, potholes eventually form due to the material’s contraction and expansion as weather changes throughout the year. Cold makes asphalt contract, and heat makes asphalt expand. This slowly tears up the structural integrity of your asphalt driveway, causing the surface to collapse into potholes.
How to Fill and Repair Potholes
Photo: R.Tsubin / Moment / Getty Images
A core rule when it comes to pothole repairs is to never use organic materials, such as wood chips, mulch, dirt, or soil. Organic material promotes plant growth, and the roots will cause further damage to your driveway.
To repair a gravel driveway, it’s best to refill the pothole with the original type of gravel. Sand, gravel, or crushed shell all work well with gravel driveways. To repair an asphalt driveway, you can use cold patch asphalt or concrete mix as the filler material. You can then seal your driveway for an additional layer of protection.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If the potholes are too big or too deep, we recommend hiring an asphalt company. Meanwhile, most potholes on a gravel driveway can be easily filled by yourself without the need for any additional treatment or sealing.
Asphalt driveway repair costs between $1,071 and $4,011 and a gravel driveway repair costs $100 to $300 per project.
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