Designing Walkways with a Purpose

A great landscape is only as good as the walkways that connect it. It’s not enough to have a beautifully curated landscape design if you don’t have the pathways that flow through it. A well-thought-out pathway system in your landscaping can highlight the aesthetic of your outdoor space. Don’t leave your pathways as an afterthought. A great pathway will complete your landscaping in a way that will leave your guests in awe. Pathways don’t just look great; they will enhance the curb appeal of your home, which can increase the value should you ever choose to sell it. Our team has years of experience designing and installing pathways for homes of all shapes and sizes. We will seamlessly fit a pathway into your outdoor landscaping to the highest standards in the industry. Read our blog to learn more about what makes a good pathway, the importance of them, and the best strategies to keep in mind when it comes to your pathway.

Go with the Flow

Pathways are one of the most functional parts of your landscape design. Things like the material used (concrete, stones, etc.) and the overall layout are among the most important things that must be closely considered. The most basic function of a walkway is to ensure that people don’t ruin the landscaping by walking in the grass or other plant areas, but there are other reasons that make the walkway essential.

Safety: Walkways provide an obvious and natural path for people to navigate through your outdoor space. Without them, people might trample through plant areas or other things that could either be dangerous or ruin your landscape design. Another way to prioritize safety is to install lights around your pathways. Not only will it be easier to see when it’s dark, but it will cut down on maintenance costs from people accidentally walking into the landscaping when it's dark. This will keep your home looking great for years to come with minimal maintenance.
Separation: It may be important to separate different areas of your landscaping, like flower beds or gardens. Walkways are the perfect way to partition off specific areas. This not only looks good, but can be functional if done right.
Functionality: If you want to help guide people to specific parts of your outdoor spaces, a strategically placed walkway can do just that. Think of walkways like a sign pointing to things that you want people to enjoy in your landscaping.

Upkeep & Maintenance

Like everything else in your outdoor space, there is maintenance and upkeep involved to keep it looking its best. Standard things like keeping up with sweeping to prevent any debris buildup, and making sure there is proper drainage, will cut down on costly maintenance and also ensure that your walkway isn’t slippery or dangerous to walk on. Ohio has many seasons, each with its own challenges, so it’s important to trust the experts and consult with someone who has years of experience recommending the best maintenance tactics.

Complement Your Landscape Designs

It’s all about the big picture. Everything should flow together and create an inviting space for your family and guests. Pathways are just one piece of the puzzle. There are things to consider to make things feel like a cohesive design.

Curves: Curves can have an inviting effect and can feel more natural than straight lines. This will all depend on the aesthetic and feel you are going for. We are experts at determining the best fit for you.
Break it Up: It can be a good idea to vary the sizes of the elements you use in your landscaping. Having everything be the same size, including your walkways, will take away from the depth and layering of the visuals.
Viewpoints: There should be specific spots that you want to highlight with your landscaping. Creating specific points of interest will be easier if you have a way to lead people there. You can also consider benches or other places to sit along your pathway at these specific points.

Avoid These Landscape Mistakes

There are certain elements to avoid when it comes to creating these paths. You can either prioritize these or avoid them altogether.

Slope: every yard (back and front) has a different slope. It’s important to keep this in mind when planning so that you get proper water runoff and ensure the safety of everyone who uses your space.
Size: You don’t want a path that is too wide or too narrow. If it’s too narrow, people will not be able to walk on it comfortably. If it’s too wide, it will look out of place and dominate the visuals.

How We Do It

We take the time to get to know every facet of your project. We don’t miss any details and go through a thorough process to give you the exact aesthetic you want. We start with an on-site consultation to get a feel for the scope of your project. We then get to work designing and crafting what your project will look like when it comes to life. Once we finish the design work, we review it with you to make sure everyone is on board. After that, our team gets to work bringing the vision to fruition. We don’t complete our work until you are 100% satisfied with the work that has been done.

Contact Our Design Team

Are you ready to get started on your pathway project? Our team are experts at incorporating them into your existing landscape design or blending them into a new project for you. Contact us today to get your free quote.

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