Clients

From The Lyon Park Citizen
April 2008

The Tree Hugger’s Driveway Dilemma - By Bill Anhut

For years, space has disappeared in our garage. Cars have no room to park. Similarly, parking space in front of our home has been diminishing as more vehicles park on our street. When the county installed sidewalks and new lights on Cleveland Street, we built a driveway apron and a small asphalt pad, on a side lot, for contingency parking. However we have been reluctant to install a permanent driveway, fearing it would harm our beautiful October Glory red maple growing nearby. We think we have found an eco-friendly driveway solution that will complement our landscape, and not damage the tree.

While visiting the beaches of Normandy a couple of years ago, we stayed at a small pensione that had no onsite parking. We were directed to park our rental car in a nearby back yard with a beautiful lawn. Upon closer inspection, we discovered the yard was comprised of geometric stone shapes providing shelter for healthy green grass segments. It was a beautiful lawn by
day, and parking lot at night.

We have since learned that asphalt can leach bad chemicals into the soil, which then are ingested by plants and tree roots. We have concluded it is time to remove the asphalt pad and after a little research, install a permanent driveway of stone turf pavers like our French hosts
had many years prior. The grass growing within the turf pavers allows rainwater to be absorbed rather than run off into the storm sewer system. The water also passes through the pavers
and crushed rock base to nourish the tree’s roots. Our goal is to create an attractive landscape to compliment our home and provide a parking space when needed.

We considered several products such as a honey comb plastic product, but settled on stone pavers manufactured by EP Henry, thinking they would be more durable. EP Henry’s web site
referred us to several local installers. After considering bids and qualifications, we have contracted with Jad Dumbrell of Covent Gardens. He understands our desire to minimize damage to our tree’s roots and our neighbor’s adjacent garden. Hopefully in a month or so, the new driveway will enhance our home’s landscape plan and create additional parking when needed. I’ll write a review of our experience after the work is completed.