Private Road Maintenance 101: What Property Owners and HOAs Need to Know

Sabrina Apodaca
May 30, 2025
2 min read

If you live on a private road or manage one through an HOA, you already know: upkeep isn’t optional. Unlike public roads, private drives and subdivision roads are your responsibility—and when they’re neglected, the cost adds up fast.

From potholes and washouts to erosion and safety concerns, regular road maintenance is critical to protecting your property, your vehicles, and your community. In this post, we’ll break down the essentials of maintaining a private road—and explain when it’s time to call in a trusted local contractor.

Why Private Roads Break Down

Private roads—especially gravel or unpaved ones—are constantly exposed to the elements. Rain, snow, heavy vehicles, and time take their toll. Common issues include:

Potholes and surface erosion from weather and traffic
Washouts and gullies caused by poor drainage or slope
Loose gravel and rutting from repeated tire tracks
Dust control problems in dry seasons
Drainage ditches clogged with debris

Over time, these problems don’t just affect comfort—they lead to bigger risks: stuck vehicles, emergency access issues, property damage, and rising repair costs.

What Regular Road Maintenance Should Include

Maintaining a private road isn’t about reacting to damage—it’s about preventing it. Here’s what a proper maintenance plan should cover:

1. Grading

Routine grading re-levels the road surface, smooths ruts, and restores proper crown or slope to direct water runoff.

2. Gravel Refresh

Adding the right type and depth of gravel improves traction, strengthens the base, and helps prevent dust and erosion.

3. Drainage Management

Clearing ditches, adding culverts, and adjusting the slope can drastically reduce washouts and puddling.

4. Edge Reinforcement

Keeping the shoulders of the road stable helps prevent crumbling edges and loss of surface material.

5. Seasonal Checks

Spring thaw and heavy rain seasons are key times to assess damage and schedule touch-ups before problems get worse.

Who’s Responsible for Maintenance?

In most cases, the responsibility falls on the property owners—either individually or through a shared HOA agreement. That means it’s up to you (or your association) to coordinate repairs, handle budgeting, and hire the right contractor.

If your community uses the road daily, maintenance isn’t just a cost—it’s an investment in property value, access, and safety.

Why Work With a Local Road Maintenance Contractor?

DIY maintenance might work for small touch-ups, but private road grading and repairs require the right equipment, materials, and know-how. At Fitzgerald Services, we’ve spent over 20 years maintaining gravel and private roads across [City/Region], serving individual landowners, rural homes, and neighborhood HOAs.

When you hire us, you get: