4 Essentials for Maintaining Gravel in Winter Weather

It is hard in the winter — for individuals, for houses, and even, yes, your gravel driveway. The snow, rain, and ice can wreak havoc and render your driveway uneven, eroded, or just plain difficult to maintain. Yet with some care, you can stabilize your gravel driveway and keep it dry and reliable throughout the winter! We have rounded up four of our favorite expert advice to keep your gravel driveway in great shape all winter long. If you can follow these tips, you’ll be able to stay out of repair bills and have peace of mind even at the chilliest times of year.

1. Rake Your Driveway to Make It Safe & Smooth

Raking is a common and overlooked winter driveway maintenance action. You can keep your gravel even, remove debris, and make it safer by raking frequently (you don't want to trip on uneven rock in the cold!).

How to Rake Effectively:

• Grab a garden rake or landscape rake made for gravel.
• Rake back and forth to return the scattered gravel and even up the crests or low points.
• Rake once or twice a month, especially if it’s been really snowy or wet.

Additional Tip: Gravel size is key! Lower grades of gravel won’t shift with bad weather. Talk to a professional for the best gravel size for your climate and driveway.

2. Address Drainage Issues

Drainage issues are one of the worst enemies of a gravel driveway in the winter months. Standing water or ongoing erosion will create potholes and ruin the grading, making for a slick ride (and costing you thousands).

Signs to Look For:

• Standing water or puddles after a big downpour or snowfall.
• Areas of gravel that seem to disappear due to erosion.

Quick Fixes:

• Put fresh gravel over potholes and level with a tamper.
• Look for low spots on the driveway and lay gravel to raise them.
• Always grade your driveway so the water flows out naturally.

Active Repair: When the storms pass, walk down your driveway to inspect for any dents or poor drainage. You will save time and money if you notice these problems early on.

3. Add More Gravel Where Needed

Gravel erodes from winter weather, leaving your driveway uneven or patchy. Take the effort to check your driveway and lay gravel as necessary to keep it in shape.

When Should You Add Gravel?

• Look at the surface of your driveway after heavy rains or snowmelt. Some experts suggest replacing the gravel at the end of winter to correct any accumulated damage.

Pro tip:  Not all gravel is created equal. Use a hard, weatherproof gravel like crushed stone or angular gravel for long-lasting stability.

4. Consider Upgrading if Necessary

Sometimes, a gravel driveway won’t cut it — especially if you’re located in a climate where winters are cold. If maintenance is too costly or you keep incurring repairs, you might consider a permanent upgrade.

When Should You Upgrade?

• If your gravel shifts or washes out constantly despite maintenance.
• If you get lots of traffic or cars on your driveway in winter.

Alternatives to Consider:

• Asphalt or concrete are more durable options that require less maintenance. They do require a larger investment upfront, but these materials can weather longer winters quite nicely!

Want to know your options? Call a professional to learn about home and climate solutions.

Winter-Proof Your Gravel Driveway Today!

It doesn't need to be complicated to keep your gravel driveway snow-cleared. Raking regularly, addressing drainage problems, replenishing gravel when necessary, and exploring alternative options when needed will save you time, money, and heartache. Need winterization for your driveway or an upgrade? For a quote, call Marion Gravel Driveways & Grading today. We have professionals who can help you maintain or upgrade your driveway to a weatherproof and reliable option!