What Is Driveway Grubbing?

Building a new driveway usually requires removing existing vegetation. Any process of removing grubs, bushes and small trees is known as grubbing. This process can involve heavy equipment or hand and power tools, depending on the size of the project and the overall budget for the work. Grubbing is performed before the work of grading the driveway but after the route of the driveway is determined.

Tools and Equipment

Small projects may require small tools. Do-it-yourselfers equipped with a chainsaw, axe and shovel can tackle a small project. Cut the trees and shrubs off as close to the ground as possible. Use the shovel to excavate around the roots and then cut the roots free with the axe or chainsaw. Use pickups or all-terrain-vehicles to pull the cut materials away from the driveway site.

Contractors

Bigger projects, or small driveways with bigger trees and shrubs, may require the efforts of a contractor. Cutting and disposing of large trees may require tractors or loaders. Use a skid steer loader to remove roots and smaller shrubs. In addition, the heavy equipment the contractor possesses can also be used to move large rocks from the planned driveway location.

Erosion Concerns

Once the trees, shrubs and rocks are removed, the land may be subject to erosion by wind or water action. Grade the driveway and add gravel to the surface as soon as possible after grubbing out the plants. Plant grass on any drainage ditches or slopes associated with the driveway. In areas vulnerable to erosion, choosing a driveway path that disturbs the landscape the least and requires the least grubbing produces the least potential for erosion.

Chemical Control

Broad spectrum herbicides, such as those containing glyphosate, kill the plants before the grubbing process begins. This eliminates the possibility of the shrubs and bushes growing from the roots after the plant is removed.

References

• Fixr: Build a Gravel Driveway Cost
• Texas A&M University: Controlling Plants Mechanically