If you own property in Midcoast Maine, chances are you rely on a gravel or dirt road for access. While gravel roads are cost-effective and charming, they require consistent upkeep to handle Maine’s rugged weather and seasonal changes. Whether you’re managing a shared private road or a personal driveway, the following tips will help you maintain a smooth, durable, and safe surface all year long. Here are the top 10 gravel road maintenance tips for landowners in Midcoast Maine.

Over time, traffic and weather flatten the crown and create ruts, potholes, and washboarding. Grading your gravel road at least once or twice a year—especially after mud season—restores its shape, improves ride quality, and extends its life. The best time to grade is when the gravel is moist, not dry or muddy, to allow for proper reshaping without creating more damage.

Your road should have a slight center peak (around a 4–6% slope) so that rain and melting snow run off to the sides instead of pooling. Roads without a proper crown quickly develop potholes and erosion problems. Check your road regularly to make sure the crown hasn’t flattened out.

In Midcoast Maine, heavy rains and snowmelt can wash out roads if water isn’t managed properly. Make sure ditches are free of debris and vegetation, and clean your culverts at least once a year. Blocked drainage systems cause water to back up and erode the roadbed, leading to costly repairs.

Gravel gradually wears down, especially in high-use areas or on hills. Bringing in fresh gravel every few years replenishes the surface, helps build up the crown, and fills in low spots. Choose a high-quality gravel blend with good binding fines for a stable, long-lasting surface.

Fix potholes by cutting out the damaged area, reshaping the base, and filling it with new gravel. Simply filling a hole without proper preparation usually leads to a short-lived fix. For best results, compact the new gravel after placing it to prevent the hole from reforming.

In the dry summer months, unpaved roads can generate a lot of dust. Applying calcium chloride or magnesium chloride binds the fine particles in gravel, reducing dust and helping to preserve the surface. It’s especially useful on roads with frequent traffic or near homes.

Overgrown brush holds in moisture, shades the road surface, and can block visibility—especially dangerous on curves or hills. Regular trimming helps your road dry out faster after rain, improves safety, and prevents ditches from clogging with leaves and debris.

Before snow flies, mark culverts and ditches to avoid plow damage. Snowplowing should be done with care—plowing too deep can scrape away gravel and damage the crown. Consider compacting snow on the road with a vehicle or roller to create a packed surface that lasts through winter.

While grading is essential, doing it too frequently—or with improper technique—can strip away the binding material that holds your gravel together. If you see excessive loose rock or your road is getting soft, you may need to add fresh gravel instead of continuing to grade.

If you share your gravel road with neighbors, consider forming a road association. This allows for consistent maintenance planning, cost-sharing, and decision-making. A well-maintained shared road adds value to all properties involved.