How Often Should a Gravel Driveway Be Regraded?

Short answer: usually once a year. Sometimes every 2–3 years if it’s done right.

If you’re like most homeowners I see around Whidbey Island, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom County, you might think a gravel driveway is “set it and forget it.” Honestly, I wish it worked that way. Between sideways rain, freeze–thaw cycles, moss, cedar needles, and the occasional delivery truck that feels heavier than a small barn, gravel driveways need some annual TLC.

For most driveways, regrading once a year, ideally after the rainy season, keeps things running smoothly. This is when we restore the crown (the gentle hump in the middle), smooth out potholes, and make sure water flows off the surface instead of forming mini-lakes.

When Once a Year Isn’t Enough

Some driveways age faster than others. From my experience on dozens of jobs across the Island and nearby counties, here’s what drives the need for more frequent attention:

1. Steep driveways

Gravity is undefeated. Anything with a real slope — especially the ones where UPS drivers pause to reconsider — tends to wash out faster. Those tiny 5/8 minus fines I use love downhill adventures.

2. High-traffic driveways

Driveways that double as small roads — think work trucks, delivery vans, or horse trailers — take a beating. The more heavy vehicles you get, or the faster people drive, the quicker the gravel gets torn up. And the turnaround spots? Those take the worst punishment.

3. Drainage-challenged spots

If water lingers longer than your houseguest who “just needs to crash for one night,” expect ruts, potholes, and washouts. These areas sometimes need spot regrading or even fresh pit run underneath to rebuild the base.

4. Soft or mossy areas

Shady driveways under cedar trees or along mossy banks tend to stay wet longer. Moss is cute on the forest floor — terrible on a driveway. Spot regrading is often needed in these stubborn, damp spots.

When Every 2–3 Years Is Enough

Here’s the nuance most articles leave out: if your driveway is relatively flat, built properly, crowned correctly, and doesn’t get a ton of heavy traffic, you can stretch regrading to every 2–3 years.

I see this a lot on driveways we install with careful grading, correct crown, and the right mix of 5/8 minus gravel. Even after wet winters, these driveways hold up surprisingly well. Water drains efficiently, traffic spreads evenly, and you don’t get those “oh no, another pothole” calls as often.

How to Tell It’s Time for a Regrade

Even a well-built driveway eventually needs attention. Look out for:

• Water pooling after normal rain

• Soft, mushy spots under tires

• Flattened or missing crown

• Potholes or washboard bumps

• Gravel spreading into lawns, ditches, or even the neighbor’s yard

When you see any of these signs, it’s probably time to call in a pro — or grab a rake and a roller if you’re feeling ambitious.

My Honest Take

Annual regrading is a solid default for most driveways. But if it’s flat, well-built, crowned correctly, and doesn’t see tons of heavy or fast traffic, 2–3 years is perfectly fine. Skip too many years, though, and nature takes over: regrading plus adding new material plus fixing areas where water has rearranged your gravel like a toddler redecorating a living room.

Do it right the first time, maintain the crown, and your gravel will mostly take care of itself — leaving you with a smooth, durable driveway that actually makes you smile when you pull in.