If you’ve ever tried to shovel a gravel path after a snowstorm, you already know—it’s not as straightforward as clearing concrete or asphalt. The shovel gets caught, gravel flies everywhere, and you’re left with a patchy mess. But gravel paths don’t have to be a winter headache.
With the right approach, tools, and materials, keeping gravel paths snow-free in New Jersey winters can be simple and effective. Whether you’ve got a rustic garden trail, a gravel driveway, or a stone-lined walkway, this guide will walk you through smart, low-damage strategies to maintain access and safety during icy months.
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we’ve helped homeowners and landscapers across NJ choose the best materials and seasonal tactics to make gravel work year-round—not just in fair weather.
Why Gravel Needs Special Attention in Winter
Gravel paths are a popular landscaping choice for their rustic look, drainage benefits, and affordability. But when winter hits, they come with a unique challenge: you want to remove the snow—but not the gravel underneath.
Inconsistent clearing techniques can result in:
- Displaced stones (you’ll be raking them out of your lawn come spring)
- Uneven surfaces or ruts
- Compacted ice and snow that becomes slippery
- Long-term erosion of your path’s shape and structure
That’s why a little strategy goes a long way.
Step 1: Be Proactive – Clear Snow Early and Often
The biggest mistake people make is waiting too long. Snow that’s walked on, driven over, or left to melt and refreeze becomes a nightmare on gravel. Once it compacts into ice, it bonds with the stone below and becomes harder to remove without damaging the surface.
Best Practice:
- Clear snow after every few inches fall, rather than waiting for accumulation.
- Even a light brushing or raking after a dusting can save you from slippery buildup later.
If you stay ahead of the snow, you’ll spend less time digging out and more time staying safe.
Step 2: Use the Right Tools (No Metal Shovels!)
This is where most people go wrong. Standard metal snow shovels dig into the gravel, displace stones, and ruin the path’s level surface.
Better Options:
- Plastic snow shovels with rounded edges – They glide over the gravel and reduce stone movement.
- Snow pushers – Ideal for lighter snowfall and easier on uneven surfaces.
- Leaf rakes or landscaping brooms – For light, powdery snow.
- Snow blowers (with adjustable height) – Can work well if you set the height to hover above the gravel.
💡 Pro Tip: Lay a wooden or rubber-edged board over problem areas and use that as a base to guide your snow shovel—this helps prevent scooping the stone underneath.
Step 3: Avoid Salts That Harm Gravel (and the Environment)
Traditional rock salt or chemical deicers can damage your gravel, leach into nearby soil, and harm plant roots—not to mention the impact on pets and groundwater.
Safer Alternatives:
- Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) – Less corrosive and safer for the environment.
- Sand – Adds traction without melting snow, perfect for icy patches.
- Pea gravel or coarse grit – Doubles as both traction aid and filler where gravel has shifted.
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we recommend non-toxic, pet-safe options that offer effective deicing without damaging your property or natural surroundings.
Step 4: Consider Snow Fencing or Barriers
One of the smartest winterizing moves? Preventing snow accumulation in the first place.
If you live in a windy area or have open space around your gravel paths, installing temporary snow fences or natural windbreaks (like shrub rows or lattice) can:
- Reduce drifting snow
- Minimize plowing/shoveling time
- Keep your gravel path from becoming a snow trap
Snow fencing is especially useful for driveway entrances and longer gravel walkways that get buried after every storm.
Step 5: Top Off Gravel in Late Fall
Before winter even arrives, your best bet is to regrade and replenish your gravel. A well-packed surface holds up far better under snow and traffic.
Checklist:
- Fill in low spots to prevent pooling and icing.
- Compact loose gravel to create a firm, walkable surface.
- Add edging or stone borders to keep gravel in place during snow removal.
We carry everything from crushed stone to pea gravel, river rock, and red stone—all available for bulk pickup or delivery across New Jersey.
Need help choosing the right gravel type for your path? Our team at Kirk Allen Landscape Supply is happy to guide you based on path width, slope, drainage, and aesthetic goals.
Step 6: Build an Emergency Snow Kit (Just for Gravel Areas)
If you’re serious about maintaining gravel walkways all winter long, put together a simple, dedicated kit.
Your Gravel Snow Kit Should Include:
- Plastic snow shovel
- Traction sand or grit
- Bag of eco-safe deicer (CMA or similar)
- Heavy-duty gloves and winter boots
- Portable LED floodlight for early mornings or after-dark clearing
- Push broom or landscaping rake for finishing touches
Keep this kit somewhere easily accessible—not buried in the shed behind your snowblower!
FAQs About Snow Removal on Gravel Paths
Can I plow a gravel driveway?
Yes, but with care. Raise the blade slightly so it skims the top of the snow, not the gravel. Avoid plowing down to the surface.
Is heated gravel an option?
While heated driveway systems exist, they’re usually not recommended for loose gravel paths due to lack of heat conduction and movement of material.
How deep should gravel be to hold up to snow removal?
We recommend at least 3 to 4 inches of compacted gravel, topped off annually to maintain even coverage and drainage.
Gravel That’s Built to Last—Year-Round
Winter shouldn’t ruin your gravel paths—or your back. With the right mix of tools, timing, and materials, you can keep things clear, safe, and great-looking until the snow melts and spring arrives.
At Kirk Allen Landscape Supply, we help homeowners and professionals throughout New Jersey get the gravel, stone, mulch, and soil they need—whatever the season throws at you.
📍 Visit us online at https://www.kirkallenlandscapesupply.com
📞 Call us at 973-347-3117 to order gravel, schedule delivery, or get winter prep advice from our local experts.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Snow Take Over Your Gravel Paths
Gravel paths add charm and practicality to your landscape—but only if you maintain them, even through the toughest months. By clearing snow early, using the right tools, and reinforcing your gravel before winter hits, you can enjoy safer walkways and protect your investment for years to come.
And remember—winter prep doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of know-how and the support of a reliable local supplier, you can keep your property in top shape—snow, sleet, or shine.
