Miami Beach Options for Environmentally Friendly Driveways

Being eco-conscious does not have to begin only at your front door. With a bit of imagination and openness, driveways can also be environmentally friendly and visually appealing. Green driveway options control runoff, prevent flooding and replenish groundwater by using permeable materials. When surface water is absorbed, the soil below filters the water and prevents harmful chemicals from contaminating groundwater or the water in storm drain systems. A green driveway also prevents the heat buildup that happens with traditional materials – perfect for the multitude of inviting and bright days in sunny/idyllic Miami Beach, which was ranked as the fifth greenest American city. These upgrades can also influence how quickly your Miami Beach home sells. Explore these eye-catching and affordable options to put a sold sign on your home much faster than your neighbor can.

Grass

Miami Beach Options for Environmentally Friendly Driveways - Driveway_inspiration_miami_beach

Grass may seem like an odd choice for a driveway because part of the purpose of a driveway is keeping cars off the lawn. Grass paving works a little differently from a standard lawn, though. Rather than simply planting grass in the ground, a grass driveway has several layers. The first is a layer of sand, and over this sandy layer lies a plastic mesh that has holes filled with a sandy loam. The grass grows through the mesh, which supports the car and protects the roots of the grass. The holes allow water to pass through the soil, while the layers of grass and sand filter runoff. Saint Augustine grass thrives in droughts and is not bothered by extreme salt levels. Centipede varieties do not need to be mowed and are low maintenance. Bahia grass thrives in sandy soil and is known for being resistant to insects. If your driveway does not have shade, consider Buffalo grass, which thrives in direct sunlight.

Pavers

If a grass driveway is too out of the box for you, permeable concrete pavers are another great option. This traditional-looking alternative allows for drainage through the gaps between the pavers. Just as with a grass driveway, you will need a bottom layer for support. Think crushed stones or sand. The pavers provide a blank canvas on which you can create a tiled look or a natural one with grass growing between each paver. It is best to keep the gaps clear of debris for optimal water drainage. If grass is not a suitable option, consider using bricks.

Porous concrete

A great eco-conscious choice that will match the other driveways in the neighborhood is porous concrete. Consisting of about the same materials as regular concrete, a porous option is comprised of crushed rocks and just enough cement to hold the material together. Water can pass through the resulting gaps.

Gravel and sand

The goal of a permeable driveway is to allow for water drainage. Gravel and sand are inexpensive and easy-to-install options. They may require regular sweeping and raking but add visual interest through a variety of colors. Try to find stones that are as smooth as possible for more effective water drainage.

Groundcover plants

If grass isn’t your style, groundcover plants are a great alternative. Whether flowering or foliage, these low-growing plants kill weeds and can be used as driveway material. Ferns are also a great option. Explore foxtail ferns that work well in or out of the sun, or garden ferns that are ideal for your driveway’s foundation. Junipers and perennials grow low and wide for easy maintenance.

Plastic-Free Miami Beach

One of the most unique characteristics of Miami Beach is the dedication to incorporating art and beauty into every facet of home. Even largely forgotten driveways can be a study of curb appeal in the Sunshine State. Let’s do our part to help the environment through the decisions we make every day and through our choice of materials for our homes that will last for years. Welcome guests and loved ones with these environmentally friendly options before they step inside your beautifully appointed home.

Miami Beach Options for Environmentally Friendly Driveways - Plastic_Free_Miami_Beach_Plaque

Located in the North Beachneighborhood of Miami Beach, Urban Resource is a plastic-free business that is dedicated to helping sellers explore green options to maximize real estate investments. The Plastic-Free Miami Beach program seeks to eliminate single-use plastics from all residences and businesses. The first level is for businesses to remove straws and bags. The second is to remove another item unique to that business. The third level is to be completely free of plastics. Once a consultant visits a business and discusses sustainable efforts to help the environment, the business is inspected and given a wooden plaque to signify their dedication to the longevity of their community.

Talk to your local Miami Beach experts at Urban Resource to explore environmentally friendly driveway options to sell your home quickly. Founded in 2003 by the brother and sister team of Daniel and Laura Veitia, Urban Resource is Miami Beach’s most trusted real estate and property management company. Located in the neighborhood of North Beach in Miami Beach, each expert is dedicated to getting you the optimal return on investment for your real estate asset.