Transforming your conventional driveway with a smart paving system could potentially minimize the likelihood of flooding.
Grass Pavers: A Sustainable and Attractive Alternative to Traditional Tarmac Driveways
In the realm of home improvements, a new trend is gaining traction: grass pavers. Holly Reaney, a content editor at our platform, shares her passion for traditional and country-inspired interiors, and she's particularly excited about this unique driveway material.
Grass pavers, also known as grow-through paving, are made from concrete and offer several benefits over traditional tarmac driveways. Primarily, they are permeable, allowing rainwater to pass through and soak into the subsoil below, reducing surface runoff by significant amounts. This not only helps prevent localized flooding during heavy rain events but also reduces pollution by filtering out contaminants that would otherwise wash into waterways.
The environmental benefits of grass pavers are numerous. They recharge groundwater, reduce stormwater runoff, and stabilize soil, promoting plant health. Moreover, their porous, honeycomb design helps control erosion, especially on slopes.
Aesthetically, grass pavers offer a visually greener, softer look compared to the hard, gray appearance of tarmac driveways, improving curb appeal and blending more naturally into garden surroundings. They also allow for patterned designs, creating a more aesthetic alternative to traditional driveways.
Installation of grass pavers is similar to that of traditional pavers, with a compacted MOT Type 1 sub base. The pavers are laid and the gaps between them filled with soil and seeds, or low-growing ground cover plants like Creeping Thyme, Mint 'Corsican', and Micro White Clover. For a lush carpet of planting, each plug in the pavers should be fully filled.
One of the advantages of grass pavers is that they don't require planning permission due to being classified as permitted development. They also offer a more affordable option, with DIY moulds available on Etsy for creating concrete paving blocks at a lower cost, though this will take more time.
CJC Aggregates stocks Virage Grasspark for £82.54 per square metre, making it one of the higher costs for resurfacing a driveway with grass pavers. However, the long-term benefits, both in terms of the environment and aesthetics, make it a worthwhile investment.
In summary, grass pavers combine functionality with environmental and aesthetic advantages, making them a sustainable and attractive alternative to traditional tarmac for driveways. Consider them for your next home improvement project, and join Holly Reaney in embracing this unique and eco-friendly driveway solution.
[1] Sustainable Driveways: Grass Pavers (https://www.sustainabledriveways.co.uk/grass-pavers/) [2] Grass Pavers: The Sustainable Driveway Solution (https://www.permeapave.co.uk/grass-pavers/) [3] GrassPave: The Eco-Friendly Driveway (https://www.grasspave.co.uk/) [4] CJC Aggregates: Virage Grasspark (https://www.cjc-aggregates.co.uk/products/virage-grasspark/) [5] The Benefits of Grass Pavers (https://www.permeapave.co.uk/grass-pavers/benefits-of-grass-pavers/)
Houseplants can complement the sustainable-living lifestyle as they are often low-maintenance and require less water compared to outdoor plants, making them ideal for those looking to minimize their water usage. Additionally, home-and-garden enthusiasts might find growing their own houseplants to be a fulfilling hobby, transforming their indoor spaces with lush greenery that thrives in a sustainable home environment.
