How to Use Dirt to Make an Outdoor Pathway Safe

If you need to install a pathway in your garden, it is important to choose a material that is safe for children. While concrete and asphalt are common materials, gravel can be a good alternative. Gravel is easy to install and less likely to break into pieces that can be kicked out of the yard.

There are many types of gravel that can be used for pathways, including crushed shells, pea rock and washed stone. You can find these materials at a local home improvement store or nursery. Before you begin, take measurements of the area you want to put the path in. This will help you know how large the path will need to be.

For a pathway to be safe, it should be wide enough to accommodate the foot traffic of people who walk or ride bikes. The width should be 36 to 48 inches to allow for two people to walk comfortably on the path. It is also a good idea to put a border around the edge of the pathway.

Once you have decided where the pathway will go, you should remove the grass that is already there. If you don’t want to replace your lawn, you can cut it into pieces and use them as stepping stones for the pathway. Be sure to set the stepping stones at least an inch above the soil level. Otherwise, the mower may run over them.

Alternatively, you can set stepping stones on top of a layer of sand that is at least 1 inch deep. You can then place bricks on the sand for a more decorative touch.

A great way to add interest to a pathway is to plant flowers. In particular, bees love colorful flowers. Brushing them against the gravel will release their scent. Plants that grow between the stones provide a nice contrast, while trailing plants soften the harsh lines of the path.

A more expensive option is to put down a layer of pavers on the ground. When choosing pavers, be sure to find a style that blends well with the rest of the garden. If you choose natural stone, such as slate, it will be more expensive. However, it is a stylish choice. Decomposed Granite

Another inexpensive way to make your path safe is to use reclaimed bricks. Bricks are a classic pathway material, and you can find them at your local building supply center. They are sturdy and can add an interesting texture to your path.

Stepping-stones are another inexpensive option. These stones can be made out of wood offcuts, concrete blocks, or various other materials. They are often laid directly on the lawn, but they can also be set on a sand base.

If you have a sloped landscape, you may want to set the pathway on a drainage membrane. The membrane will prevent weeds from growing along the edges. Also, be sure to add a layer of landscaping fabric to the gravel. Landscape fabric prevents weeds from escaping through the gravel, and it will keep the soil below cool.