When homeowners in Hershey, PA start thinking about improving their outdoor spaces—whether that’s adding a new patio, landscaping the yard, or building a front entry walkway—the driveway is often the best place to start. A professionally paved driveway creates a stable, functional foundation that ties the entire property together.
In a town known for its tidy, well-kept neighborhoods and chocolate-scented air, a smooth, clean driveway sets the tone for everything else you plan to do outdoors.
Key Takeaways
- A paved driveway gives Hershey homeowners a solid start for outdoor renovations and better curb appeal.
- A smooth asphalt surface adds value, supports landscaping, controls water, and keeps outdoor spaces neat and easy.
- A little care after paving helps Hershey driveways last longer and stay strong through changing weather.
- ProSeal Asphalt Maintenance Inc. provides expert paving that makes Hershey homes look great and ready for outdoor upgrades.
How Quality Driveway Paving Sets the Foundation for Outdoor Upgrades
When we talk with homeowners around Hershey about outdoor makeovers, we always recommend starting with the driveway. Here’s how it can prepare your Hershey home for lasting, beautiful outdoor upgrades:
Improving Property Value Around Downtown Hershey
A newly paved driveway instantly boosts the visual appeal of homes throughout the Hershey area, from the tree-lined streets near Cocoa Avenue to the quiet developments around Palmdale.
When you’re planning to add outdoor features like garden beds, retaining walls, or upgraded lighting, a sleek asphalt driveway enhances the overall look and helps increase property value.
Buyers in the Hershey real estate market often notice driveways first—especially when they’re freshly sealed and well-marked—because it signals the entire home has been well maintained.
Creating a Solid Base for Future Landscaping Projects
Landscaping projects in Hershey, especially around hilly or uneven properties near Park Avenue or the South Hanover Township area, need a strong foundation to look their best. A professionally paved driveway prevents soil erosion and runoff, which helps keep your new plantings, edging, and decorative stonework intact.
Once the driveway is properly graded and paved, you can plan landscaping with confidence knowing the base won’t shift or wash out during the rainy Central Pennsylvania spring.
Enhancing Water Drainage Near Hershey’s Variable Terrain
Hershey’s mix of sloped terrain and older properties can create tricky water management issues. A quality driveway paving job addresses these challenges with precise grading and proper drainage. For homes near Spring Creek or in low-lying spots off Fishburn Road, controlling runoff is essential.
Well-designed driveways direct water away from your foundation and landscaping, protecting your investment in future outdoor renovations.
Establishing a Clean Look That Complements Outdoor Design
Whether you’re upgrading a Craftsman-style home near the Hershey Gardens area or a modern build closer to the Hershey Medical Center, a newly paved driveway brings a clean, finished look that complements any design aesthetic.
Once the driveway is in place, features like walkways, fencing, or accent lighting have a unified appearance. It’s like setting a stage—everything you add afterward looks more intentional and cohesive.
Reducing Maintenance for Upcoming Outdoor Improvements
Before you install new landscaping or outdoor structures, having a fresh driveway reduces ongoing maintenance hassles. When your driveway is properly sealed and even, there’s less risk of cracks, weeds, or oil stains creeping into nearby garden areas or paver walkways.
Homeowners in Hershey often schedule an asphalt paving before tackling big projects like outdoor kitchens or patio installations to avoid cleanup or patchwork repairs later.
Steps to Take After Your Driveway Is Professionally Paved
Allow Proper Curing Time for the Asphalt
After a new asphalt driveway is installed, patience pays off.
In Hershey’s variable fall and spring temperatures, we recommend staying off the surface for at least 48 to 72 hours, depending on humidity and sunlight exposure.
This curing period allows the asphalt to harden properly, preventing surface marks or premature wear. Especially in shaded areas near trees or on north-facing drives, extra drying time can make a big difference.
Schedule Your First Sealcoating Service
Sealcoating is one of the best ways to protect your investment. Around Hershey, where road salt and freeze-thaw cycles are common in winter, sealing the asphalt within the first year helps block moisture and extend its lifespan.
Many homeowners plan their first sealcoating in the mild months—often around late spring—when temperatures sit comfortably above 50°F.
Plan Landscaping Around the New Driveway
Once the driveway is complete, it’s the perfect time to plan complementary landscaping. Adding mulch beds, decorative borders, or low-voltage lighting along Chocolate Avenue or Sand Beach Road properties can enhance both appearance and functionality.
Just make sure to leave a few inches of space between the soil and the edge of the asphalt to prevent moisture damage and allow for proper drainage.
Add Finishing Touches Like Edging and Lighting
Curb appeal is all about details. Homeowners in Hershey often install brick or stone edging along their new driveways for a polished look that ties into nearby patios or walkways.
LED lighting along the borders not only adds safety but also makes your home stand out beautifully at night, especially during local events like Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane or summer concerts at Hersheypark Stadium.
Maintain the Driveway Seasonally
A well-paved driveway can last 15 to 20 years with proper care. Sweep regularly, remove debris, and check for early signs of cracking after Hershey’s cold winters. Avoid using metal shovels on the surface during snow removal.
Keeping up with maintenance ensures your driveway remains a strong, attractive foundation for all your outdoor upgrades for years to come.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Space from the Ground Up
At ProSeal Asphalt Maintenance Inc., we help homeowners throughout Hershey and the surrounding areas start their outdoor transformations the right way—with expert driveway paving and crack sealing services designed for local conditions. We know how Central Pennsylvania’s climate affects asphalt, and we use proven techniques and high-quality materials to ensure lasting results.
If you’re ready to boost your home’s curb appeal and lay the groundwork for your next outdoor project, contact us today to schedule your driveway paving estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical driveway paving project take in Hershey, PA?
Most residential paving projects in Hershey are completed within one to two days. Preparation, grading, and compaction take the most time, while curing usually requires an additional two to three days before use.
What type of asphalt mix works best for Hershey’s climate?
A dense-graded hot mix designed for freeze-thaw protection performs best in Hershey. It handles winter cracking, spring rain, and summer heat effectively, providing long-lasting strength and smoother performance for residential driveways.
Can an existing gravel driveway be paved without full excavation?
Yes, if the gravel base is stable and well-compacted, paving can often be done with minimal excavation. Contractors usually add base reinforcement and regrade to ensure proper drainage and surface strength.
How can homeowners keep their asphalt driveways looking new year-round?
Regular sweeping, resealing every few years, and cleaning oil spots quickly help asphalt last longer. Avoiding heavy equipment, sharp objects, and chemical de-icers keeps the surface smooth and attractive throughout the seasons.
