Question 1

How do you keep a gravel driveway nice?

Accepted Answer

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Keeping your gravel driveway beautiful—or any gravel structure for that matter—does call for regular maintenance. You may occasionally need to add more gravel to low areas if you notice any pooling after rainfall. Gravel might also become excessively dusty over time. You can compact it with a mechanical compactor, which you can rent for around $80 to $85 per day.

To minimize maintenance requirements for your gravel, it’s important to ensure your land is properly graded before installing the gravel. It’s also helpful to lay landscaping fabric beforehand to keep it in place.

Question 2

Are stump grindings safe to use in the soil or as fillers?

Accepted Answer

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Stump grindings are usually safe to use in soil, but in some cases, it’s not recommended. Wood chips in particular can bind nitrogen in the soil, which will make it difficult for grass to grow. That’s why it’s important to remove most wood chips and use healthy garden soil if you want to cover the stump spot with grass. Large wood chips may attract beetles and could encourage the growth of fungi when they decay, so you may want to remove them when using the grindings.

Question 3

How do I maintain a gravel driveway?

Accepted Answer

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Regular maintenance involves raking or leveling out any displaced gravel, filling in low spots, and adding fresh gravel as needed to help prevent potholes and ruts. If you live in an area with heavy rain, checking the drainage and reinforcing the edges periodically can help prevent erosion.

Question 4

What is the best soil to put around a house foundation?

Accepted Answer

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The best soil to put around a house foundation is fill dirt, which is soil that’s specifically designed for covering large areas and filling in holes. Don’t waste money regrading around your foundation with expensive topsoil. Use topsoil only for the last layer of soil, about 5 to 10 inches, so that when you do your foundation planting, your grass and plants will have the nutrients they need to grow.

Question 5

Does organic mulch attract bugs?

Accepted Answer

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While organic mulch offers many benefits, it can also attract bugs looking for shelter, food, and water. Insects, rodents, snails, and slugs are often attracted to its decomposing material.