Your landscaping is one of the most important parts of your home’s exterior. When it’s in good shape, it makes your home look and feel nicer. But in order to get the most out of your landscaping, you need the space to be functional. To do this, you need to make it easy for people to access different parts of the yard. Walkways are a great way to make your landscaping both more impactful and more eye-catching. But to make it work, you need to implement the right design. Here are a few simple tips from your Denver sprinkler maintenance pros to help.

Know How You’ll Use the Yard

Before you can start installing your walkway, think about how you’ll use the space. Are you looking for a simple way to get from the front door to the driveway? Or are you looking to direct traffic away from certain parts of the yard? Further, do you use the space for entertainment purposes or are you looking for a way to add a unique look to your space? Knowing how you’ll use the walkway will help you better determine the right design for your home.

Think of Where You Want to Direct Traffic

Walkways provide a clear spot for people to walk on. This helps reduce the risk of trampled plants and landscaping. But it also helps keep your guests safer. After all, no one wants to deal with a trip and fall injury when they’re supposed to be entertaining friends and family. When creating the design, figure out where you want to direct traffic. This will help you determine the perfect placement for those pavers, cobblestones, or concrete slabs.

Consider the Materials You Want

Walkways can be made of almost anything. Some people choose to install wooden decking to create a raised boardwalk feel. Others prefer to lay down natural stone. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll want to create a look that works with your home exterior. Think about the types of materials you have in the space already. Are there hardscaping features you already love? Get inspiration from those things. Remember, a walkway is a great way to build off those accents you enjoy looking at. Use stones that mimic the look of retaining walls or look for materials that match the stonework around the house to create a unique and cohesive look.

Look at Your Budget

All landscaping work costs money. But responsible contractors will work with your budget to help you get the look you want at your home. This means you’ll need to have a firm number in mind before they can start looking for materials and laying down those new walkways. Think about how much money you’re willing to devote to the project. Do you have savings you can draw from? Or are you planning on taking out a loan to fund the project? And if you are, can you afford to make the payments each month? 

The last thing anyone wants to do is take on a project that’s going to put strain on their monthly budget. Make sure you know how much you can afford, what you’re willing to spend, and how you’ll pay for the work before you speak with a contractor. Once you have this number in mind, you’re ready to start getting estimates.

Think About Who Will Be Using the Path

The materials you choose are only part of the path’s design considerations. You also need to think about who will be using the path. This can determine the placement, width, and even the types of materials that are best suited for your purposes. For example, if you’re using the walkway as a decorative piece in your back yard or want to make gardening access simpler, any type of flagstone should work just fine. 

But if you’re trying to improve the entrance to your home, you may want to make the walkway as accessible as possible. Concrete slabs or smooth paving stones may be the best choice. These reduce tripping hazards and make it easier for people to get from the driveway to the front door if they’re not completely steady on their feet. 

Consider How Much Work You Want to Put In

The walkways themselves are typically low-maintenance. But some materials require more cleaning and care than others. For example, you’ll need to keep the grass and plant matter between paving stones mowed to reduce the risk of tripping hazards and to make sure people can appreciate the look of those stones. Concrete or paved walkways often require less frequent maintenance. Think about how much work you’re willing to put into keeping the walkway looking great. This will help you narrow down your choices.

Be Mindful of Your Sprinkler System

You need your walkway to be functional. But that doesn’t mean you should install one along the most direct path. In fact, doing so could put your landscaping and your sprinkler system at risk for extensive damage. Before you start work on your walkway, make sure you know where each sprinkler head is located. You may also want to schedule a consultation with your sprinkler repair expert to make sure the equipment under the soil can support the weight of the pathway without getting damaged. This will allow you to map out the best path for the walkway to reduce the ongoing impact it has on the rest of your yard. 

Walkways Elevate the Space

The right walkway can make all the difference in your home’s exterior and can even add to your home’s resale value. But you need to get it installed by an experienced professional. This way, you’ll get the design that works best for your home and lasts for many years to come. Even better, you’ll avoid the stress of having to work on large-scale yard improvements on your own. Don’t wait. Contact Water Solutions today to schedule a free estimate. Our experienced landscaping contractors are ready to help you bring your vision to life.