I need help with the size of our circular driveway to minimize asphalt and increase green space while getting the functionality?

by Cyndi
(Northville, Michigan)

Before we have asphalt laid, I want to be sure of the design of the driveway. We have had the old driveway torn out and have laid only gravel so far. After driving my Ford Explorer and my husband's F-150 on it, we have found the design of the circle is too sharp. I tried to copy and paste your "tear drop" design driveway, but could not get it to copy.
I have enclosed pictures and would appreciate any help you can give on the design of the driveway. Our goal is to minimize the asphalt, increase functionality and green space and have it tie nicely into the house.

Dear Cyndi,

You have a beautiful home and I can see why you don't want the asphalt to overwhelm the front of it. Keep working on the turning radius until it's comfortable for your vehicles. Consider delivery trucks using the driveway as well. Is the leg of the driveway that goes off the circle on the right necessary? Is the area behind the wall a patio? Could a walk off the circle driveway work or do you need the extra parking? Cars can be parked along the circle. Be sure to make the driveway at least 18 feet wide by the front door, so cars can pass each other. You have a nice large evergreen tree on the right. In the green space across from this tree in the bend of the driveway, plant some large evergreen shrubbery to frame the house and help screen the view of the asphalt that leads to the garage. The driveway that leads from the main road can be as narrow as 12 feet. I can't tell how wide it is in the picture.
Thanks for submitting your question.

Nancy