If you're thinking of adding some paving to your garden, or if you're about to replace the paving that you already have, you should think long and hard about using permeable paving. As the name suggests, permeable paving doesn't trap water with a non-porous surface. Instead, it allows water to trickle through, even though the surface still looks completely solid, and that comes with a wide range of benefits.

Here are just four.

1. Eco-Friendly

First and foremost, permeable paving is a very eco-friendly option. As humans have built larger and larger cities that pave over more and more land, something called the urban heat island (UHI) has developed. Instead of being permeable and moist, surfaces are non-permeable and dry, meaning that the area becomes warmer. This is bad for the environment, but permeable paving can help reduce the problem. It's still tough and durable, but it reduces the urban heat island (UHI) effect, providing the best of both worlds.

2. Less Watering

Your garden probably consumes more than its fair share of water to stay lush and green. That's fine, but there's no denying that it's nice to be able to reduce your monthly water bill. By laying down permeable paving, you can do just that. Water will run down into the ground, filtering through to the surrounding soil to help nourish your plants.

3. No Surface Water

Nobody likes walking out onto a bunch of puddles, but that's really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to surface water. When there is heavy rainfall, your drainage system might not be able to cope with the wealth of water falling from the skies. Holding too much can damage the foundation of non-permeable paving, and you might even suffer property damage if water continues to build. Additionally, discoloration is more likely to occur when water is allowed to sit on top of your paving.

4. Durability

You might think that a permeable surface wouldn't be as strong as one that is impervious to water; however, the opposite is often the case. The problem with non-permeable paving, as well as concrete or asphalt, is that it can't move very easily when the soil beneath it shifts. These shifts occur most often when the moisture in the soil starts to freeze. Luckily enough, permeable paving is made with a floating surface, making it more flexible. It's still strong, but it's also incredibly adaptable.

For more information about permeable paving and other good options for your garden, contact a paving or landscaping company in your area.