Walkways

Many people request information on how to make walkways for their particular place. Much depends on the condition of those using these passageways. If they are in more vigorous physical condition, it could be better to have paths which are more natural. Surfaces may vary in natural appearance, year round use, cost and resource intensity:

Dirt or mowed lawn -- natural but harder to upkeep during the rainy weather or growing season;

Sawdust trail -- has a clean look and can recycle in time into the surroundings but can invite moles or termites;

Chips -- will last longer and can be serviceable but difficult to maneuver a wheelchair;

Stone -- such as flagstones laid in somewhat random fashion with grass in between can be aesthetically pleasing, but can be slippery in wet weather;

Gravel -- a more manufactured look but good for all weather traversing for those who can walk;

Split logs --a difficult undertaking for some people without the proper skills or equipment;

Pressure treated wood walkways -- good for all weather walkways in soggy and wetland areas;

Brick or tile -- these pleasing surfaces are made by pressing in and leveled smooth;

Concrete -- furnish a hard but resource intensive and costly surface throughout the year especially for those with wheelchairs. Make only as wide as necessary for the chair and consider retaining part of the total path as unhardened surface for the more physically mobile;

Blacktop -- same as above but could have snow or ice melt more quickly;

Plastic materials -- these are now mixed with earth and make a natural looking hardened path. While quite expensive they allow all-weather use.