Asphalt Paving in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN

Asphalt paving in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods means country driveways under trees. This unincorporated community in Sugar Creek Township grew around the Sisters of Providence, led by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, who arrived here in 1840. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College sits on the Sisters' grounds beside the motherhouse, and US 150 runs through the community alongside much of their property. The 2020 census counted 767 residents on about 1.24 square miles of land.

Wooded lots

Trees are a big part of what makes this area attractive, and they affect paving. Roots can lift asphalt, shade keeps surfaces damp longer, and falling leaves and sap stain and hold moisture on the pavement. We plan driveway edges to limit root cutting, recommend clearing leaves before winter, and pay attention to drainage where shade slows drying.

Long drives

Many homes around the community sit back from the road. For long drives we quote hot-mix asphalt and tar and chip side by side, and we often suggest asphalt near the house and chip seal on the long run. The base work is the same either way: restore a crown so water runs off, add and compact stone where needed, and check culverts at ditch crossings.

Driveways onto US 150

US 150 is a federal highway, so new or changed driveway connections onto it fall under INDOT's driveway permit process. Repaving behind the right-of-way usually does not. We find out what applies before scheduling.

Elevation and soil

The community sits at about 597 feet, above the river plain. Upland soils here are typically silty and somewhat poorly drained, with a seasonal water table near the surface in late winter and spring. A good stone base keeps the driveway firm through that season.

Maintenance in the shade

Shaded asphalt stays damp and can grow moss or algae at the edges, while sunny sections fade faster. Crack sealing each fall and a sealcoat every few years, timed for a dry stretch, keep both in shape.

Leaves and drainage

Fall leaves left on asphalt hold moisture against the surface and clog the paths water takes off the driveway. Blowing them off before winter and keeping ditch lines and culverts clear are easy steps that protect the pavement.

A typical scope

For a long wooded driveway, a quote here often includes trimming low branches for equipment clearance, regrading the existing stone, adding stone where it is thin, checking the culvert at the road, and paving hot mix near the house with tar and chip or asphalt on the run. Edges are set to avoid large roots.

Sealing in the shade

Shaded driveways stay damp longer after rain and dew, so we wait for a warm, dry stretch to sealcoat and allow extra cure time before traffic.

Visitors and events

The college and the Sisters' grounds draw visitors along US 150 throughout the year. If your property has guest or overflow parking, we can build a stone-based parking area with asphalt or chip seal sized for occasional heavy use.

Getting a quote

We walk the drive, look at trees, slope and the road connection, and send an itemized quote. Call (812) 892-3270 or

Get a Free Estimate

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