Tips to build fabulous flagstone path

There are a couple of landscaping tricks to keep in mind when constructing an informal path through your yard. A flagstone path can meander through the woods, lead from the front of your home to the rear, help you access your garden or connect various lawn areas. Theyre an excellent device to help create visual connections within the yard.

Material: Flagstone, a natural stone, is flat like a flag. You can cut it into squares or use a hammer and a chisel to easily break it into different sizes and irregular shapes.

Crab Orchard and Pennsylvania Bluestone are the most frequently used types in this area. Cherokee Flagstone is harder and shinier, but it isnt as easy to work with because you must manually cut it.

The color you choose should blend with the rest of your landscape.

Path: Lay out your path to match the typical gait of an adult. Select pieces that are 18- to 24-inches wide (side to side) and 1- to 2-inches thick. Use flagstone as individual pieces, not little pieces that you fit together like a puzzle. If you use pieces smaller than 18 inches the stones tend to wobble when stepped on. Put a 6- to 10-inch gap between each stone.

Flagstone paths work best in relatively flat or gently sloping areas. Use a shovel to scrape the ground so its flat and stable, and then add a small amount of coarse sand to help level the stone.

Bury each flagstone piece about half-way in the ground. Add mulch, stone or plants flush with the top of the stone.

If your yard is sloped, create a series of steps with some level areas between them. This is similar to a landing on a run of stairs.

You can use the same flagstone, but youll also want pieces that are 4- to 7-inches thick that you stack on top of each other.

Hardwood mulch works well around the path because it packs down well. My favorite mulch to use around a flagstone path is crushed slate, which is available by the ton at select stone yards. Its a pretty light blue color. Due to its small particle size, it packs down and helps hold the stone in place. It also helps control weeds.

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Tips to build fabulous flagstone path