Top-Notch Gravel Pathway & Driveway Installation and Repair Services in Des Moines
Let’s be real—a well-constructed gravel surface is more than just tossing some stones around. If you skip the crucial steps like prepping the base, installing fabric, or compacting properly, you’ll end up with potholes that seem to appear overnight after every storm. Our goal? To create paths and driveways that drain efficiently, remain intact, and look fantastic—even on the charming hills and cozy streets of Des Moines.
What Challenges Do We Tackle?
- Potholes and Ruts: Tired of filling them after every rain? We’ve got the solution!
- Mud in Winter, Dust in Summer: Without a solid base, gravel can become a muddy mess or a dusty nuisance.
- Gravel Spillage: Say goodbye to gravel creeping into your lawn, flower beds, and the street.
- Water Pooling: We’ll ensure your driveway isn’t a water catchment area with proper grading.
- Wheel Ruts: Our techniques prevent fabric exposure and ensure durability.
What We Install (and Why It Works)
Proper Base: We dig out soft spots and fill them with crushed rock base (not round rock) for unbeatable stability.
Geotextile Road Fabric: Only where necessary—under driveways and paths—to keep your base intact.
Top Course Options:
- Paths: Smooth finishes with ¼″-10 or ⅜″ minus—perfect for heels and strollers.
- Driveways: Durable ⅝″ minus or 1¼″ minus that interlocks beautifully and stays in place.
Real Compaction: We don’t just drive over it; we use plate and roller compaction for every layer.
Edging That Lasts: We use steel/aluminum edging or timber/concrete restraints to keep your gravel exactly where it belongs.
Effective Drainage: We create a crown or cross-slope (⅛–¼″ per foot) to guide water away.
Stabilization Options: Honeycomb/gravel grids are available for those tricky steep approaches.
While pea gravel looks fantastic, it shifts too easily. We’ll reserve it for decorative areas only—never where vehicles need traction!
Installation & Repair Options
- Full Build: From excavation to fabric installation, base layering, top course application, compaction, and edging, we handle it all.
- Resurface: We’ll fix ruts, add base where it’s thin, reset the grade, and finish with fresh material.
- Drainage Solutions: Need to install a channel drain or catch basin? We’re on it! Plus, we can reroute downspouts away from your driveway.
- Tight Access Experts: We specialize in alley pads, side-yard ribbons, and steep approaches.
Quick Coverage & Ordering Tips
- 1 cubic yard at 2″ depth covers about 160 sq ft—a handy rule of thumb for minus products.
- Base Math: For a 4″ base over 400 sq ft, you’ll need approximately 5 yd³; don’t forget to add 10–15% for compaction losses.
- Typically, a driveway refresh requires 1–3 yd³ of ⅝″ minus, depending on the depth of the ruts.
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Best Friend)
- Pothole/Rut Repair: We scarify, add base, and re-compact—no quick fixes here!
- Edge Patrol: We’ll re-spike edging and sweep stray gravel off your lawn and pathways.
- Drainage Monitoring: We keep inlets clear and adjust swales after storms.
- Top-Up Passes: A light freshening of fines to maintain surface integrity.
- Weed Control: We prioritize Integrated Pest Management with pre-emergent treatments and hand-pulling.
We’re a low-maintenance landscaping crew dedicated to reducing potholes, preventing tracking, and extending the lifespan of your surfaces.
Service Cadences (Choose What Works for You)
- Quarterly: Perfect for comprehensive maintenance with spring/fall resets and checks during storm season.
- Bi-Monthly: Ideal for shaded areas or sites with heavy tree litter.
(New builds on slopes may start with monthly visits for the first 60–90 days, then taper off.)
What’s Included in Annual Maintenance
- A detailed grade read and low-spot map with photos.
- Our scarify/compact approach for potholes (no “top it and hope” methods).
- Edging resets and cleanups at borders.
- Drainage inlet clean-out and minor swale adjustments.
- Optional dust control treatment during peak summer months.
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Safer Walking and Driving: Fewer slips and a smoother ride.
- Extended Surface Life: Locked-in fines mean less rock loss and tracking.
- Crisp Appearance: Clean edges, uniform color, and no scattered gravel.
- Cost Efficiency: Timely, minor fixes are kinder to your budget compared to major repairs.
How the Process Works
- Free Estimate: We start with photos or a quick walkthrough to provide clear, upfront pricing.
- Plan & Prep: We determine your base and fabric needs, edging, and drainage routes.
- Build/Repair Day: We’ll excavate, install fabric, layer bases, apply the top course, compact, edge, and clean up.
- Follow-Up: We provide easy care tips (like when to rake and where to top up) and discuss any additional options.
Why Des Moines Chooses Neat & Tidy
- We’re a local team familiar with clay pockets, steep alleys, and Des Moines’s heavy winter rain.
- Licensed & insured for your peace of mind.
- Transparent pricing—all materials, labor, hauling, and disposal included.
- We take pride in being punctual, respectful, and leaving your property clean.
- Eco-friendly approach—we prioritize permeable surfaces, smart water management, and minimizing landfill waste.
Ready for a driveway or path that truly stands the test of time?
Call or text Neat & Tidy today for a gravel install or repair that drains, compacts, and stays put. We’ll handle the tough stuff—so you can enjoy your outdoor space hassle-free.
