Tips for Planning Pathways

Most landscaping designs include pathways. Having a pathway can save you getting wet or muddy shoes and can help to keep people off the lawn and flowerbeds. A pathway to the main entrance of your house will show those unfamiliar with it just where to go as the main access area is not always obvious.

A pathway is often the first project that a handyman chooses to do himself and most are quite easy to build, especially those of gravel, or stepping-stones. All you need to do with stepping-stones is decide where you want them to go and lay them out. You may then decide to dig out the grass from underneath them and replace it with gravel to keep the stones from subsiding sideways or sinking right out of sight. This will depend on your soil type and moisture levels.

Gravel paths look wonderful, especially if they are lined with brick, stone or an edging of some kind. Metal edgings are available, cheap and easy to install. Gravel paths are strong enough to take the weight of a loaded wheelbarrow and last almost indefinitely with little maintenance. All they need is a gravel top-up every so often. They are not suitable for areas that have deep snow in the winter; when shoveling snow you’ll also pick up lots of the gravel.

Gravel paths are not suitable for walking on in bare feet, as the gravel is often sharp. It also tends to stick into the bottom of your shoes, so can be trodden into the house. This may not be a problem if you use specific gravel like rounded white stone. If your block is steep, gravel can be washed off during heavy rain. If you need steps, gravel cannot be used to make them.

The most important thing for cement pathways is the foundation. If you don’t lay a good foundation, the cement will subside or crack and look ugly for years. A cement path properly made is a delight to all who use it. Children can ride pushbikes and pedal cars along it with ease. It is good to walk on with bare feet and will save your shoes or slippers from a drenching when you rush out to rescue the laundry from a storm.

Mulch paths are perhaps the easiest to create, but need more maintenance as weeds may pop up and mud seep through - unless you lay a strip of black plastic underneath. Mulch for paths can usually be purchased at your local nursery. A mulch path is cool, easy to build and maintain and looks good. It may not be too good for walking on with bare feet, though - and the children won’t be able to ride their trikes on it easily.

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