There is a simple way to increase the health of your yard…  Allow water to get to the soil in the right amount.  The magic word is permeability.  Permeability is the measure of how much water can permeate (soak through) the material.

Many auto enthusiasts have second garages on their property.  One of the issues with second garages, as well as the accompanying driveway, is the ratio of permeable to impermeable surfaces.  Aside from the house and garage (they better be impermeable!), most driveways and sidewalks are impermeable… and we can change that.

Many counties, including Gwinnett County, here in GA, have code requirements for the maximum ratio of impermeable surfaces.  So, if there is a house, garage, sidewalk and two driveways, that percentage might start to get tight…  Gravel is permeable, but not allowed in some areas.

WikiHow has a write up on the solution.  Basically, it tells how permeable pavers can be installed.  As part of a landscape design, this can help the yard, the environment and your wallet (fewer watering bills…).