More and more people are looking for alternatitives to the standard Asphalt driveway. I often get asked about grass driveways, how to install them and if they are a good investment.

A grass driveway is basically a lawn where the traditional blacktop driveway would go. They are created using plastic lattice work that is then filled with soil and seed. This grows until the plastic framework is hidden and you are left with a beautiful looking grass driveway.

Benefits of A Grass Driveway

Grass driveways have a few major benefits one being that they reduce the amount of water that runs into the sewer drains, which in turn reduces the amount of pollutants that enter our lakes and rivers.

A blacktop asphalt driveway tends to absorb heat from the sun and then it radiates that heat throughout the day. Resulting in the area around your driveway/walkway to be a few degrees hotter. When every driveway in your neighbourhood does this it makes your whole neighbourhood hotter than it should/could be.

A grass driveway soaks up the suns rays and uses it, much less heat gets released back into the area around it reducing the average temperature around the outside of your home.

Another benefit to owning a grass driveway is that there is no need to have it sealed with harsh chemicals every year.

Drawbacks of Having a Grass Driveway

Unfortunately at the time of me writing this there are quite a few disadvantages of having a grass driveway installed. The first is cost. A grass driveway including the framework, soil, seeds and labour can cost up to 5 X the cost of a traditional asphalt driveway.

Next is the maintenance, like a normal lawn you are going to need to cut, water and weed the grass on a regular basis.

Most suppliers and contractors that install these grass driveways recommend that you do not park your vehicle on the turf for many days at a time. Since the car will be blocking the sun and rain your grass will start to turn yellow and eventually die. They also recommend that you not drive in and out of your driveway more than 4-5 times a day.

Finally there is the issue of snow/ice removal in the winter time. The product manufactures say that you can snow blow and shovel a grass driveway just as you would an asphalt driveway. I some how doubt that you will get the same results without damaging the grass underneath.

*Note – Some cities and states do not allow grass driveways to be built in residential areas. Call your local town office to find out if they are permitted in your area.

Is Green The Way To Go?

I think that if you can afford to have a grass driveway installed and you don’t mind the extra maintenance then green is a good option for you. It really makes a statement, just don’t park your SUV on it