Planning a Backyard Path: Gravel Paths

March 13, 4:44 PM [GMT -5]

We live in Vancovuer, BC where we get lots of rain. I installed a path as described in the plans With 4' of gravel, but even with overhead sprinklet watrering, the dirt washed up between the gravel to make a muddy mess during the first growing seaosn. After the first winter the path was about 1/4 dirt with the grqavel whiuch looked quite poor and got muddy, of course. I had to rake all the gravel out, excavate down 10" to put crushed rock (which I then compacted), sand (compacted) then gravel. The paths now drain well and look great. I think the extra work is needed for anywhere the underlying soil isn't predominatly sand sp draining extremely well and if overhead sprinklers are used or there are wet winters.

April 29, 8:11 AM [GMT -5]

I built a gravel path like this using crushed limestone. I like the look, very casual, and it sure was easy. Gets a little muddy when there's a big rain, and a little dusty when its been very dry, but both are not big problems. The limestone where I live has a lot of stone dust in it.