Thanks for all the advice! Hmmm, water. The water doesn't seem to flow at all. And there definitely aren't any springs (it's pretty darn dry when it doesn't rain). The entire property is on top of a hill. The majority of the driveway is pretty level, sloping toward the road a tiny bit if anything. The ground is so soft and sandy, the water just seems to sink down into it rather than flowing anywhere. Good to keep drainage in mind though. Near the house, the driveway will curve and slope more steeply up to the garage. Might need to do something there up direct drainage (maybe a tinhorn under the drive so the water doesn't flow across it?) Any other thoughts or advice? Should we put down any ground/weed killer before the gravel to keep the tree and other roots from sprouting up through it?

Zone 8 grandma, nice solution that fits well with the surroundings. It looks very inviting. Chambma, I've not tried it yet, but have heard that straight 5% white vinegar (a one-gallon jug at the grocery store is really inexpensive) will take care of weeds in a drive or similar location. Just spray it on and they should "burn" up in short order. Just be sure you don't use this in a garden or lawn, as it can change the pH of the soil, making it unsuitable for any plants you do want to grow there. I know what you mean about the round gravel. That was in our drive when we bought the property (and migrated everywhere else!) and we finally got rid of what was left and replaced with crushed bluestone. I posted it on Freecycle and someone came and took it away to use under a shed he was building.

I agree, mowing and whackin and flying stones stink. What weeds or grass are you having to wack? You need to know what so you know how to get rid of them first. Depends on what's there as to how to get them gone. Is your old driveway in sun or shade? There are lots of plants that don't need wackin that would love to grow Zone 6 gravel. Tell more about your driveway area and someone will help. Annie

dftush, That does sound heartbreaking. As a general rule, be assertive in looking out for your own interests when it comes to dealing with your neighbor or anyone else. Also, explain the reason WHY you do or don't want contractors, neighbors, and others to do things or not do things a certain way. It's possible your neighbor thought you felt guilty about him plowing because you weren't paying him and had no idea you were proud of your driveway and that the plowing would cause significant damage. Of course it's also possible that he's just one of those people who "doesn't get it" because his brain is wired a different way and he doesn't have a sense about when he is causing damage, and will do things even when told not to. Get an estimate for the repair of your driveway and ask your neighbor to pay for it. Don't accept any offers for him to fix it himself. (Basically he can't be trusted to do it properly, no matter how much of a nice guy he may be.) If he will not pay, ask the company whose truck he drove to pay for it. The company may not have to pay out of pocket if they have insurance for damage caused by plowing. If they will not, gather your evidence (it will be helpful if you took before and after photos) and take both your neighbor and the company that owns the truck to small claims court. For use in dealing with the police or court system in the future, write him letter and send it certified mail informing him you do not want him to plow your driveway and if he does, you will consider it trespassing and report it to the police. Mail a copy to the company that owns the truck as well. Keep the a record of sending the letter, including the delivery confirmation receipts for your records. If he STILL doesn't take the hint, you might consider putting a locked gate at the end of your driveway, or parking a car across the end of the driveway when it snows.