High Edges on Your Driveway

As you look to maintain and enhance your home's exterior, the condition and appearance of your driveway play a crucial role. One common issue that homeowners encounter is the difference in height between the driveway and the lawn, known as high edges. Understanding how to manage these high edges can make a significant difference in the overall look and longevity of your driveway.

What Are High Edges?

High edges can occur when the grade of your driveway is higher or lower than that of your lawn. This situation is often a result of the excavation and grading process during the installation of a new driveway. The driveway is graded from the garage floor, to move water away from the home. That sometimes means the level of the driveway needs to be different from the level of the landscaping. A landscaper can fix this after the driveway is complete.

How to Manage High Edges

If you have a driveway with high edges and plan to landscape with soil, one effective solution is to use plastic as a buffer between the driveway and the soil. Here's how you can manage this:

1. Prepare the Area:
   • Before adding soil, make sure the area along the edge of the driveway is clean and free of debris.
2. Install a Plastic Buffer:
   • Place a strip of plastic along the edge of the driveway where it meets the lawn. This plastic barrier will prevent soil from spilling onto the driveway and help maintain a clean separation between the two areas.
3. Add Soil and Landscape:
   • Once the plastic buffer is in place, you can add soil and proceed with your landscaping plans. The plastic will keep the soil in place and protect the driveway edges from erosion.

Benefits of Using a Plastic Buffer

• Clean Separation: Keeps soil and mulch neatly separated from the driveway, enhancing the overall look.
• Erosion Prevention: Helps prevent soil erosion and protects the structural integrity of your driveway edges.
• Easy Maintenance: Makes it easier to maintain both the driveway and landscaped areas.

Final Thoughts

High edges on your driveway are a common occurrence, especially after installation or regrading. By using a plastic buffer when landscaping with soil, you can effectively manage these edges, maintaining a neat and attractive boundary between your driveway and lawn.

If you have any questions or need professional assistance with your driveway maintenance and landscaping, Superior Seal & Paving is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice and services!