Best materials for new drive?

sue.b_2

Hi

I have a tarmac drive that is over 20 years old. It is lumpy due to tree roots running under it. Some of the trees have been felled in the past 10 years but others are protected by tree preservation orders. I would like to have the drive relaid but cannot decide on the materials. Most people round here have block paving but the quality of workmanship seems variable and the bad stuff looks horrible.

I like the look of gravel. Does anyone have experience or strong views on the different types of surface materials?

Thanks

uncle_buck_3

You may find this site useful as it gives details of all types of driveway construction.
http://www.pavingexpert.com/

110frankie

block paving and gravel will both be affected by tree roots. To honest most materials will, but I find six inches or more of concrete tends to "deflect" the tree roots and send them elsewhere.
So, if you like gravel, why not do a six inch thickness of concrete with , say, a 2 inch border, and add a couple of inches of gravel on top of that.

Mind you, to lay a drive properly you will almost certainly have to chop/remove some of the roots that are close to the surface and I think this 'may' be taken as affecting a TPO'ed tree. there's a good chance that you may have to request permission from the planning committee before doing this.
See a solictor or CAB - or even just ask the planning department - before making too many plans.

sue.b_2

Thanks. I had seen the pavingexpert site but really wanted opinion from people who have tried different types of material.

110frankie, I was afraid that any solution might affect the trees. The best solution might be to realign the drive but the cost of removing the old one completely and relandscaping worries me. The drive is 40m long although a new route could be shorter if I put in new access from the road. Dealing with my local planning authority is a nightmare because personnel change very frequently and then one has to start all over again meeting new requirements.

I will probably put it off for another year or maybe move!