Four Simple Steps for Laying Stepping Stones on Grass

Creating a walkway in your yard is a simple and satisfying home improvement project that can beautify your yard and add curb appeal to your home. The materials you use for this project could be natural stone, preformed paving stones, or brick masonry. The various patterns of stones and grass, stones and gravel, or even stones and moss are interesting and attractive combinations.

Creating a pathway in your yard has many benefits:

• A stone pathway creates an inviting look that draws guests into your backyard space
• It guides foot traffic, such as a garden path leading to a display bed or from the front yard to the back yard.
• It adds a designed look that defines different areas of your total landscaping plan
• In rainy or muddy conditions, it provides a solid path
• It protects the grass from excess foot traffic
• It creates a contrast to your plants and landscaping
• You can create a custom design including anything from a straight formal walkway to a more informal winding path with natural stone
• A stone pathway requires little maintenance and will last for decades

The process of creating a stone pathway consists of four main steps.

1. Create a Design

Use a length of rope or a garden hose to experiment with different designs. You can try a straight line or a curving design to create more interest. In creating your design, consider the architectural design of your home, and find a style that will complement it.

Once you’ve decided on the general pathway, lay your stones directly on the grass. This will give you a good idea of what the finished project will look like. Test the layout by walking across the stones. For the best result, you’ll want to be able to walk from stone to stone naturally. This will tell you if the stones are placed at the right distance from each other so you can make adjustments as needed. If you prefer a more polished look, you may want to measure the spaces between each stone and make them equal.

2. Remove the Grass

Cut an outline in the grass around each stone, using a spade, edger, or machete. Then carefully lift the stones, remove the turf underneath, and dig out the dirt under the grass. You’ll want to dig down to just a bit deeper than the thickness of the stones. By doing this, you’ll ensure that when the stones are laid down, the top of the stones will be level with the surrounding grass. That will make mowing the lawn much easier, as you don’t have to be concerned with chipping the stones or damaging your mower.

3. Create a Solid Foundation and Lay Down the Stones

Use builders sand or crushed gravel to create a foundation for the stones. This will ensure that the stones won’t wobble or sink into the lawn in wet weather. Spread a thin layer of sand or other material in the holes, using a small board to spread the sand evenly and level it out. Then tamp the area down firmly to end up with a sturdy and flat foundation for the stones. Lay the stones down and stand on them to seat them firmly. If they’re at all wobbly or off-level, you may need to redo the foundation.

4. Soften the Edges

Once the stones are in place, brush a bit more sand or soil around their edges. This will help to make them look more natural and will keep them from shifting. If you’d like, you can sow some grass seed around the edges to encourage the grass to grow around the stones.

DIY or Hire the Pros?

Creating a stone walkway in your yard can be a fun do-it-yourself project or something you might want to turn over to the experts. A professional landscaping contractor can help you design your walkways, select the right materials, and handle the installation from start to finish. If you’ve been considering a new walkway in your yard, check with the experts at Pro Landscape Utah.

We are a family-owned and operated business that has served the citizens of Davis and Weber Counties for over a decade. Our mission is to provide healthy and beautiful outdoor living spaces tailored to our customer’s particular needs. We offer the installation of landscaping, fencing, and sprinkler systems, as well as leveling and grading services. Our landscape professionals have years of experience in landscaping and construction and are experts in the many aspects of landscape design and installation. Our personalized approach to each project can make your outdoor dreams a reality. If you’d like more information about any of the products and services we offer, please visit our website, or give us a call at 801-436-7992. We look forward to serving you!