One side of my driveway has some spots where the concrete spilled out and formed a jagged edge.

Eventually, I'm going to put in irrigation and then upgrade the grass. In this particular spot, there's a low point (as you can see in the pic below).

I'm thinking it's best to remove that excess concrete to make it easier for irrigation and new sod. How would you recommend I do that? Jackhammer? Chisel and sledge hammer? Obviously want to avoid cracking the driveway.

Rent a handheld concrete saw with a diamond blade from Home Depot for about $40 and it will leave a smooth clean edge and take about 5 minutes.

You could probably just hammer most of it off, but there's a chance it will spawl. If you want that clean edge guaranteed, then a concrete saw is in your future. If you own a grinder, you can use a cut off wheel on that to at least kerf the break line and then hammer it off.

If it's going to be covered by the grass, i'd just leave it. Sprinkler pipe should deep enough that it isn't an issue. If you still want to remove it and it will be covered up an doesn't have to look prefect, bang on it with one of these and it will probably break right on the face:

You don't want your sprinkler head too close to the edge of the driveway anyway. Keep it 6" off to avoid running over it. And use swing joints for the heads. They are cheap and it will save you repair money in the future.

Cheap 4 1/2" angle grinder from harbor freight and a dry cut diamond blade. You can probably get both for under $25 total and get to keep them. Perfect if you ever do a tile job. If you want something bigger, go with the 7" and get a pack of 7" masonry cut off wheels. With a HF coupon, you're looking at maybe $45 bucks total.

Aggietaco said:

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You could probably just hammer most of it off, but there's a chance it will spawl. If you want that clean edge guaranteed, then a concrete saw is in your future. If you own a grinder, you can use a cut off wheel on that to at least kerf the break line and then hammer it off.

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Thanks for all the great feedback. Angle grinder path seems the most reasonable.

These little wings start about 3 inches from the main surface, and run 2-2.5 inches deep. Concrete saw would get deep enough to go through it but I'd be worried about being balanced enough to control it with the wheels on uneven surfaces?

Different concrete saw. You're thinking the kind used to cut and score slabs. He's probably thinking of the demo type saw that you hold. Based on your description, spend the extra $20 or so and get the 7" angle grinder if you go that route. I've done cutting like that with my 4 1/2", and it blows, but I couldn't fit anything else in the space. The 7" will give you plenty of reach, though you may need to angle in.

How far out from the driveway does the extra concrete protrude? I wouldn't even worry about it if its a couple of inches. Every driveway or sidewalk has this condition somewhere. Just raise the grade with some topsoil and be done with it.

Builder93 said:

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How far out from the driveway does the extra concrete protrude? I wouldn't even worry about it if its a couple of inches. Every driveway or sidewalk has this condition somewhere. Just raise the grade with some topsoil and be done with it.

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Anywhere from about 1-4 inches. My initial thought was to cover it with soil/grass, but wondered if it was more advantageous to just clean up the edge. Thanks for the replies!

I wouldn't put too much into it. If you want to pound it with a 5 pound hammer, then see what you can do but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.