Walkway Landscaping

Would you like to try your hand at landscaping but lack confidence? Why not do some walkway landscaping to get you started? When we normally think of landscaping, we think of big jobs that often require the skill and expertise of a landscaping contractor or landscape designer. For big jobs, designers and contractors are certainly a good choice. But for those who want to get into the action themselves, landscaping along a walkway is an excellent way to add some personal flair without breaking the bank or losing your mind. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Adding some landscaping details to your walkways is not only good for your self-confidence it also adds value to the home. The difference between a bare walkway and one that has been given some color and life is striking. It is eye catching and if the walkway happens to be in front of the home it is often one of the first things that visitors notice.

For homes that do not yet have walkways or pathways, a good first project is to create that walkway or pathway. We have articles on how you can complete these projects in the course of a weekend. Please read them if you want to install a new walkway.

For those who have a walkway or pathway, your first task should be to simply look at the walkway and formulate some mental images of what you would like to see there. You can make a sketch of your walkway on graph paper, using a 1 square equals 1 foot scale. As you draw out your existing walkway, make notes on the side of the paper as to what features you would like to add to the area. At this point in time, list anything that comes to mind. You can narrow the list later on.

By the way, if there is some area or some feature of the current pathway that you do not like, make a note of that too. This would be a great time to correct that feature.

While the list of what you would like to do to the walkway will be uniquely yours, here are some suggestions.

You may want to consider taking up old pavement or stones and putting down new ones. To add some vibrant color to the area, consider adding flowers along either one or both sides of the walkway. An easy way to bring new life to an old walkway is to replace certain bricks with more colorful bricks. You can design unique brick patterns that will give the walkway a distinctive look.

One of the most impressive ways to brighten up a walkway is to add lighting. You can buy lighting kits that make this task much easier than it was a decade ago. Adding a row of lights to your walkway not only give it a wonderful new look but it also improves safety.

Once you know what it is that you want to do to the walkway and have your list narrowed down you can visit any major home supply store to get estimates and to purchase your materials. One overlooked benefit to larger home supply stores is their expertise. If you have questions about your project, ask someone at the store. Chances are they can answer it.

If your project becomes more complex than you first imagined, do not hesitate to call a landscape contractor. Most contractors will visit your home and give you advice and guidance for a small fee. It can be money well spent if it keeps you out of trouble.