Fix Ruts and Drainage Before They Worsen

Gravel driveway installation and resurfacing for properties in Mount Vernon

A gravel driveway in Mount Vernon takes a beating from seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, and regular vehicle traffic. Over time, the stone gets pushed to the sides, low spots form where water pools, and ruts develop in the tire paths. What was once a level surface becomes uneven and difficult to navigate, especially after storms when mud mixes with the remaining gravel and makes the driveway feel unstable.

Gravel driveway installation and resurfacing corrects these issues by regrading the surface, adding properly sized stone, and addressing drainage problems that cause recurring damage. D and L Outdoor Services, LLC works on rural homes, long private lanes, and properties in Mount Vernon where paved driveways are not practical or preferred. The service restores accessibility and reduces the need for constant patching or filling, which saves time and material costs over the long term.

If your driveway has deep ruts or standing water that does not drain within a day, resurfacing can correct those problems and provide a stable surface again.

How New Gravel Is Laid and Graded

The process starts with evaluating the existing base and identifying where drainage is failing or where the gravel has worn too thin. In Mount Vernon, drainage issues are common on driveways with slight slopes or areas where runoff from nearby fields collects. Equipment is used to regrade the surface so water moves off the driveway instead of pooling, and new gravel is spread evenly across the width of the lane.

After resurfacing, you will notice that the driveway sits level with no visible ruts, and tires roll smoothly without sinking or catching on uneven spots. Water runs off to the sides instead of sitting in the center, which means the surface stays firmer after rain and does not turn into a muddy mess when vehicles pass over it.

The gravel used is sized and graded for durability and appearance, which means it compacts well under traffic and resists being pushed out of place. The service works best on driveways that already have a stable base, and it does not include full excavation or installation of drainage pipes unless those are specifically requested and scoped separately.

Most people want to know a few things first

Homeowners with gravel driveways often have questions about how long the work takes, what type of stone is used, and how to maintain the surface after it has been resurfaced or installed.

What causes ruts to form in gravel driveways
Ruts form when vehicles repeatedly travel the same path and push gravel to the sides, leaving a thin layer over compacted soil. Poor drainage makes the problem worse because water softens the base and allows tires to sink deeper with each pass.
How often does a gravel driveway need resurfacing
Most driveways need resurfacing every three to five years depending on traffic volume, weather exposure, and how well drainage is managed. Rural properties in Mount Vernon with long driveways may need touch-ups more frequently in high-traffic areas.
What type of gravel is best for driveways
Crushed stone with angular edges compacts better than round river rock and stays in place under vehicle weight. The size is typically between three-quarters of an inch and one and a half inches, which provides a stable surface without being too loose.
When should I avoid driving on a newly resurfaced driveway
You should wait at least 24 hours before driving on new gravel to allow it to settle and compact naturally. Driving on it too soon can create new ruts before the surface has stabilized.
Why does gravel wash away after heavy rain
Gravel washes away when water flows directly down the driveway instead of draining to the sides. Regrading the surface with a slight crown or slope prevents this by directing runoff away from the center of the lane.

D and L Outdoor Services, LLC installs and resurfaces gravel driveways for residential properties throughout Mount Vernon and surrounding areas in Southern Indiana, including homes with long private lanes where access and maintenance are ongoing concerns. If your driveway has deep ruts, poor drainage, or a thin layer of stone that no longer provides a firm surface, resurfacing can correct those issues and restore usable access to your property.