Adding Permeable Paving in the Maintenance of Parking Lots

September 3, 2024

Parking lots and commercial properties often go hand in hand. We live in a car-based society, and customers, tenants, and employees need a place to stow their vehicles when not in use. Asphalt and concrete serve their purposes where parking lots are concerned, but they also have flaws. Concrete, asphalt, and similar materials can crack, break down, wear out, and require costly repairs over time. Permeable paving is an excellent alternative to traditional materials. Sustainable, cost-effective, and ideal for most properties, resin-bound paving can enhance the lifetime and usefulness of your parking lot and property. Here are a few more thoughts on adding permeable paving to aid in the maintenance of parking lots.

What Is Permeable Paving?

Before we proceed, here are a few insights into permeable paving, what it’s made of, and why it’s so great. Permeable paving is also known as pervious paving. It consists of different materials, mostly recycled substances compiled into aggregate. Like other paving substances, permeable paving provides a solid and firm surface; unlike those materials, it allows water to pass through. This is important for several reasons, which we’ll address below.

Adding Permeable Paving in the Maintenance of Parking Lots

Permeable Paving for Parking Lots

Permeable paving has multiple applications, including for paths tree pits. Your commercial parking lot can also benefit from this type of paving.

Improved Drainage and Reduced Flooding

Permeable paving allows water to drain through the aggregate; concrete and asphalt do not. With the latter, this creates the potential for pooling, flooding, polluted water runoff, and structural damage. It’s important to keep the water flowing because it reduces the risks of damage due to water accumulation in your parking lot.

Enhanced Environmental Sustainability

Once the water passes through the permeable paving, what happens next? The ground below the paving can absorb the water, but that’s not the end of the process. Eventually, it returns to the groundwater supply. This means the local municipal water system doesn’t need to work as hard to redirect and purify it. Reducing runoff and flooding also prevents any parking lot pollutants—think engine oil, gas, grease, heavy metals, and other chemicals and liquids—from contaminating local bodies of water and killing off flora and fauna.

Permeable paving also meets green building practices and contributes to achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. This enhances your property’s appeal and your green initiative street cred!

Cost Savings Over Time

Make no mistake. Concrete and asphalt are affordable paving substances, and permeable paving comes with a higher price tag. However, you get what you pay for. The cost of installation and materials for permeable paving pays for itself over time. Resin-bound paving is longer-lasting and doesn’t develop cracks and potholes as soon as traditional paving materials.

Permeable paving also reduces the deleterious effects of water ingress, the enemy of buildings and parking lots. In some regions, property owners face costly stormwater management fees to offset pollution caused by impervious surface runoff. An investment in permeable paving pays off over time.

Looking Good

With permeable paving, you’re not restricted to a spectrum of greys and blacks. This type of paving consists of various materials, providing multiple hues and styles to choose from. Permeable paving has less of an industrial look about it, making your parking lot appear more inviting and professional. You pay more upfront, and the investment really shows. Tenants and clients will be impressed with the new lot.

Heat Island Mitigation

Is it getting hotter? Rises in temperatures are far more pronounced and noticeable in asphalt and concrete parking lots, forming what we call “urban heat islands.” These paving materials absorb heat, and human and vehicular activities only increase the temperatures. When nighttime comes, it’s harder for the lot and surrounding area to cool down as the asphalt or other materials release heat captured during the day. Permeable paving can prevent heat islands since they are made from lighter-colored materials with higher reflectivity. They don’t absorb as much heat as traditional paving materials, making the surrounding area cooler, as well.

Staying Compliant

Check your local laws for rulings on stormwater management, sustainability, and other issues affecting the local ecosystem and quality of life in the community. You may find restrictions on what you can and cannot use in the construction of your parking lot. Permeable paving tends to be favored over other materials due to its many beneficial qualities. Staying compliant means less chance of facing fines, legal action, and the ire of the community.

How To Implement Permeable Paving in Your Parking Lot

Assess Your Needs

Consider these factors before deciding on a paving material:

The size of the parking lot
The volume of traffic
The local climate
Nearby structures and waterways
The quality of the soil on and around the property

Also, determine whether you’ll prioritize drainage, sustainability, aesthetics, or other factors. Discuss these with the contractor, as they will undoubtedly make suggestions, as well.

Choose the Right Material

You can choose from several types of permeable paving materials, and they all have advantages and considerations. Some resemble asphalt yet allow water to pass through. Others are more like concrete and present a special mix that creates voids for water infiltration. Permeable gravel is another excellent choice. Discuss your options with the paving professional, keeping project time, budget, and local regulations in mind.

Periodic Maintenance

Permeable paving requires less maintenance than traditional materials, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect it entirely. The paving professional will outline what your paving material requires to keep it looking good and stay in shape. Generally, clean off the surface to remove debris and prevent clogging. Trim weeds and grass, clear away snow, and note if water fails to drain after a rainstorm. Watch for signs of damage or wear, and promptly address any issues to prevent further problems.

Those are just a few notions about adding permeable paving in the maintenance of your parking lot. Permeable paving is the perfect choice for parking lots and other surfaces. If you want to learn more about what resin-bound paving can do for your property, contact us today for a free estimate!

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Resin Bound Tree Pit Surrounds

By Jim Robinson • September 9, 2025

Resin Bound Tree Pits: The Smarter Way to Protect and Showcase Urban Trees In towns and cities everywhere, urban planners face the same challenge: how to protect tree roots while keeping public spaces clean, attractive, and safe. Traditional solutions—like loose gravel, soil, or metal grilles—often fall short. That’s where resin bound tree pits come in. What is a Resin Bound Tree Pit? A resin bound tree pit is a surfacing system that uses a blend of natural stone aggregates bound together with a clear, UV tolerant resin. Installed around the base of a tree, it creates a strong, permeable, and decorative surface that allows rainwater to drain through while protecting the soil and roots below. Think of it as a breathable shield for urban trees: tough enough to withstand foot traffic, but porous enough to support healthy root growth. Why Choose Resin Bound for Tree Pits? Permeability for Healthy Trees The resin bound surface is fully porous, meaning water and air can still reach the roots. This promotes long-term tree health and reduces the risk of waterlogging. Cleaner, Safer Surfaces Unlike loose gravel, resin bound surfaces don’t scatter, sink, or create trip hazards. In fact they help to eliminate trip hazards! They provide a smooth, stable finish—ideal for high-footfall areas. Aesthetic Appeal With a wide choice of natural stone colors, resin bound tree pits can complement surrounding paving, creating a polished, modern look in public spaces. Durability & Low Maintenance Resin bound surfacing is resistant to weeds, litter build-up, and erosion. It keeps the area around tree bases tidy without constant upkeep. Accessibility Friendly A smooth surface around tree pits is easier to navigate for strollers, wheelchairs, and pedestrians—making public spaces more inclusive. Where Are Resin Bound Tree Pits Used? City sidewalks to reduce tripping hazards and improve walkability Parks and plazas for cleaner, more attractive landscapes Shopping districts where appearance and safety matter Corporate campuses or schools to combine functionality with visual appeal A Sustainable Choice for Urban Environments! Resin bound systems align with modern sustainability goals. By ensuring stormwater naturally drains into the ground, they help prevent flooding and reduce strain on drainage systems. Combined with their long service life, a very competitive price point, they’re a future-proof investment for greener, smarter cities. Final Thoughts If you are considering the use of resin bound for your tree pits, don't just choose any resin bound product, choose one that is time tested, data driven and will sustain the demands of a harsh city environment. A good resin bound product will have similar strengths to concrete yet it will be completely pervious. Resin bound tree pits are more than just a neat landscaping detail—they’re a practical solution that supports tree health, improves safety, and enhances the look of urban spaces. If you’re planning a streetscape project, commercial landscape, or public park, resin bound surfacing could be the perfect choice for both form and function.