The Ribbon Driveway: Eco-Friendly Classic Returns

This week my husband and I present our ribbon driveway plans to the township zoning board. This classic design — green grass running between two parallel pavement strips — dates back to the 1920s, born before widespread paving. Cars parked on grass driveways created ruts over time, leaving only a central grass patch. Eventually the ruts were filled with concrete, and the ribbon driveway was born.

Today the design is making a comeback for its environmental benefits and nostalgic appeal. Environmentalists favor it for requiring less impervious material, adding greenery, and dramatically reducing water runoff.

In Fullerton, California, preservation guidelines encourage ribbon driveways to break up paving expanses and increase landscaping — a smart approach worth adopting everywhere.

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build: Ribbon driveways contour to property constraints, natural barriers, or houses with ease.

Madson Design: Individual concrete pads offer a modern take with increased green space and improved water drainage.

Gast Architects: This California drive features pavers, slate, and greenery in a grid pattern rather than traditional concrete and grass.

Brooks Ballard: This property's driveway honors Craftsman roots with gable dormer, brick porch pedestals, and prairie-style window muntins complementing the ribbon design.

Without the landscaped center portion, water runoff would be a major concern. The grass alleviates drainage toward the home.

Plush green grass works beautifully in climates without snow removal needs, like this La Jolla, California residence.

Avondale Custom Homes: "The long and winding ribbon" — a Beatles-inspired admiration for this sweeping drive.

FGY Architects: Opening onto a carport and parking pad, the landscaped center breaks up what would otherwise be a large impervious area.

Brooks Ballard: Leading to a two-car garage, this ribbon drive features extensive landscaping — an environmental plus.