Reason 1: You’ll have to dig deep
Not into your pockets necessarily but certainly in preparing the ground. An essential element to a lasting driveway is a good solid sub-base. Mini excavators may be fun at the start and working with a shovel may feel like a great form of exercise but it soon gets wearisome and boring. However, skimping on the digging buries a load of problems for later.
Digging out and preparation of the base are crucial and definitely not for the fainthearted. Not only are the professionals fit and experienced, they also understand how crucial it is to get the correct levels and falls to ensure water runs away to the drainage point properly. Did you even know you needed a drain?
Reason 2: You’ll have to take tough decisions
Gravel driveways are the cheapest to install but can be the biggest hassle to maintain. Paved driveways look super-swish but can be labour intensive and expensive depending on the blocks selected. Concrete and tarmac driveways often fall somewhere in the middle and are easier to maintain. While your budget is a key factor in this decision, you also need to consider the site that your driveway is on, as this may mean certain finishes are not appropriate.
So, which is best and most practical for your property? Making the right decision can be hard but making the wrong decision can be harder still. A professional landscaper or driveway contractor will know exactly which solution is right for both your budget and your property.
Reason 3: You need to get it right first time
Any driveway that’s not been laid properly is going to give you grief in the future. The secret is in the planning, the preparation and the choice of the right materials throughout the project, as well as in the precision of the laying itself.
The right base is essential for a paved driveway. Making it the correct depth and using the right geotextile for the job will make it far less likely to sink into the soil (sub-grade) and create an uneven surface. Growtivation’s Drivetex geotextile fabric is designed to stabilise the ground under your driveway to minimise these problems.
Meanwhile, gravel, concrete and tarmac driveways can develop hollows, ruts or cracks if not laid on a proper foundation. Water penetration and poor drainage can also cause a multitude of problems. Geotextile fabrics, laid as part of the ground preparation, will not only stabilise the ground but also improve drainage and filtration. A professional landscaper will know which materials are right for your site and be able to source them easily and quickly.
These are just some of the reasons why it can be best to leave laying driveways to the professionals. And if you want to know which driveway landscaping professional to use, simply ask them if they use Growtivation’s Product That Works range – if they do, you have the best for the job.
To find out more about Growtivation and our Product That Works range call 0800 197 8885 or email sales@growtivation.com and we’ll be glad to advise you. And don’t forget to download your free copy of our Landscaping That Works guide to weed control and geotextile fabrics.
