From long sweeping walks or large flat stone paths to contrasting colors of mulch threading their way through plant beds, landscape paths get you around your yard for pleasure and for necessity. There are many uses for pathways, and what you make one out of is often determined by its function. Home entries are uniform and smooth; woodland and garden walks are more flexible. However, the key to any path is quality materials, foundation and visual interest.

Materials

Many avid gardeners and landscapers use quite unusual materials in their creative endeavors (just look online and you’ll find loads of photos!). The variety of materials Eagleson Landscape uses are on the professional side: concrete, asphalt, clay or concrete pavers, many different kinds of stone, mulch and turf. We prefer an assortment of concrete pavers for our landscape pathways. They come in many styles, and you can lay them in custom patterns, resulting in a high amount of interest and little maintenance for the cost. Whatever material you fancy, you will want good quality. There is truly a difference between professional-grade and cheap products often found at large retailer stores like Walmart and Lowes. Our own supplier insists his clients buy quality, even to the point of going with another supplier, because of how much difference it can make to durability and longevity. We use Reading Rock paver products and have never (knock on wood!) had a major quality control issue.

Foundation

Building a path that will last you for years starts at laying the perfect base. There is a steep learning curve when it comes to paths; having the correct tools and experience makes for a far better end result. When installing a paver path for instance, you have to lay a 9-inch base beneath, requiring heavy equipment and literally tons of stone and sand. A level base ensures the walkway is properly flat, sturdy, and lasting.

Paths must also be built to drain water away from a home unless you use a material like individual stones or permeable pavers, which allow water to settle through the walkway itself.

Design

At its most basic, a walkway’s main purpose is to get from point A to point B. However, even though a simple straight path may be the best option, we create them to be beautiful too. Walkways can be angular or curved, their particular design coming down to taste and matching the style of the property. Paths that meander through a landscape should tuck in and out of the space to bring curiosity and intrigue, making you wonder what is coming around the corner.  Angular paths are more formal, whereas curving paths have a natural, relaxed look.

Walkways add a lot to your outdoor space both in visual appeal and functionality. Though seemingly simple, a lot of thought and skill goes into the design and installation of each path we create.

Eagleson Landscape Company provides landscape and hardscape services in the Greater Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Fishers and Geist.