Why More Farmers Are Choosing Tar & Chip for Their Roads

Introduction

In rural parts of Kent and across the UK, farm roads aren’t just a convenience—they’re a necessity. Whether it’s transporting machinery, moving livestock, or accessing fields in all weathers, the quality of these roads has a direct impact on efficiency and day-to-day operations. Increasingly, farmers in areas like Faversham are choosing tar and chip as their preferred surface—and it’s easy to see why.

At Faversham Driveways, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in demand from gravel or tarmac to tar and chip for agricultural settings. It’s a solution that delivers impressive durability without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll look at the practical reasons why this traditional surfacing method is seeing a modern-day revival on farms.

Key Takeaways

• Tar and chip provides a robust, weather-resistant surface ideal for farms.
  
• It’s more affordable than tarmac or concrete yet still offers excellent durability.
  
• The natural stone finish complements rural environments without compromising on performance.
  
• Faversham Driveways delivers tailored tar and chip solutions for agricultural roads in Kent.
  

What Is Tar & Chip?

Tar and chip, sometimes known as chip seal, is a method that combines hot bitumen with layers of stone chippings. The hot tar acts as a binder, holding the stone in place. Once rolled, the result is a bonded, hard-wearing surface that offers natural traction and resistance to wear.

Unlike tarmac, which is smooth and often used in urban settings, tar and chip has a more rustic texture. It blends visually with its surroundings while still providing a strong, reliable surface for daily use.

Why It’s Ideal for Agricultural Use

Farm roads are subjected to far more stress than a typical residential driveway. They must cope with constant movement of heavy equipment, 4×4 vehicles, livestock trailers, and the effects of British weather.

Tar and chip shines in this environment because it:

• Handles weight well – tractors and large vehicles won’t easily deform the surface.
  
• Improves traction – the rough texture is especially helpful on sloped or muddy paths.
  
• Requires minimal upkeep – a re-chip every few years maintains the surface without major disruption.
  
• Drains naturally – it’s less prone to pooling water than concrete or compacted gravel.
  
• Blends aesthetically – stone chips can be selected to complement the surrounding environment.
  

Cost and Maintenance Benefits

Budget matters—especially when managing large rural properties. Tar and chip strikes a balance between performance and affordability. It’s significantly more cost-effective than a full tarmac or concrete surface but outperforms gravel in both lifespan and usability.

Gravel paths often require frequent raking, weeding, and topping up. In contrast, a professionally installed tar and chip road will stay stable and functional with very little maintenance for years.

Practical Applications on the Farm

This surfacing method is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for many different parts of a working farm:

• Access roads – from the main road to barns, storage units, or fields
  
• Yard areas – where frequent foot and vehicle traffic occurs
  
• Driveways – leading to the farmhouse or let-out cottages
  
• Trackways – where livestock or quad bikes are used regularly
  

Because tar and chip is customisable in terms of aggregate type and finish, it can be made to suit everything from operational farm roads to more decorative residential drives.

Conclusion

More and more farmers are discovering the practical advantages of tar and chip surfacing. It’s hard-wearing, cost-effective, and ideal for the demands of modern farming. Whether you’re upgrading an existing gravel road or planning a new farm access route, it’s a solution worth serious consideration.

At Faversham Driveways, we specialise in delivering high-quality tar and chip surfacing tailored to the needs of agricultural clients across Kent. If you’re ready to improve your farm roads with a surface that’s built to last, contact us today for expert guidance and a no-obligation quote.

Call us on: 01795 718 992
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