What should be placed on the ground before installing a gravel entrance?

Placing a geotextile on the ground before installing a gravel entrance is essential for several reasons. Geotextiles serve as a stabilizing layer that helps to separate the gravel from the underlying soil. This separation prevents the gravel from mixing with the soil, which could lead to the gravel becoming compacted and losing its effectiveness as an erosion control measure.

Additionally, the geotextile assists in filtration, allowing water to drain through while blocking soil particles from migrating upwards. This filtration function is critical in maintaining the integrity of the gravel surface over time and minimizing sedimentation issues. By using a geotextile, the longevity of the gravel entrance is enhanced, leading to reduced maintenance requirements and better overall performance in managing stormwater runoff and preventing erosion.

In contrast, while a drainage system can be important for managing water flow, it does not provide the same stabilizing and filtration benefits as a geotextile. New gravel would typically be placed on top of the geotextile but would not have the necessary separation function needed to prevent soil mixing. A concrete slab may provide a solid surface but would not offer the flexibility of a gravel entrance and could lead to additional issues with stormwater management, such as increased runoff and erosion on adjacent