Every year there are residents throughout the Hamilton and Burlington area that undertake landscaping projects to make their outdoor spaces more enjoyable. While some of these projects can be quite extensive, there are also smaller and more affordable ways that homeowners can add a touch of drama or luxury to their outdoor living area. One upgrade that is simple to make on its own or as part of a larger landscaping project is the addition of garden stepping stones.
Natural stones can be a fantastic addition to any landscape. Not only are they beautiful, but they are incredibly sturdy and durable and won’t shift under you when you step on them.
Before adding garden stepping stones to your landscape, however, there are a few questions that you should ask yourself. Here are some of the factors that you will want to consider:
- Shape and Size
Garden stepping stones come in all shapes and sizes ranging from very traditional to modern to whimsical. Before selecting a stone shape, consider what feelings you wish to invoke with the overall design of your landscape and choose stepping stones that fit in with that theme.
- How to Lay Them
While it can be tempting to simply lay stepping stones directly on top of the grass, this is not recommended since the grass will quickly grow above the stones, and you will not have the desired effect. Instead, it is best to remove the grass where you will place the stones first and fill in the area with a bit of topsoil or sand. This will help your stepping stones to stay above the grass line and look their best.
- How to Space Them
Before installing your stepping stones, it is recommended that you lay them out where you think they should go and see if the spacing gives you a comfortable stride. The last thing you want is to have your stones so close together that you have to waddle along them like a penguin or to have them so far apart that you feel like you are jumping from rock to rock across a stream.
Pro Tip: The stride length for a person of average height is about 18 inches.
- Why Stepping Stones and Not a Solid Pathway?
Of course, the decision of whether to use garden stepping stones or a solid pathway for your Hamilton or Burlington area garden is a personal one; there are many reasons why stepping stones might be a better choice for you.
A solid pathway can sometimes detract from the overall look and flow of the garden. On the other hand, if you have members of your household that have mobility issues, you might want to talk to a design landscaper about you can incorporate a solid walkway that still works with your landscape design.
Contact us today!
If you are considering adding garden stepping stones to your landscape in Hamilton or Burlington, we would love to help. The team at Evergreen Landscapes has been completing award-winning projects since 1984, and we would love to help you achieve your ideal outdoor space as well.
