Walkways may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering a landscape. However, they play an even more essential role in completing your landscape. Whether it's enhancing the appeal or functionality of your outdoor space, well-planned walkways can really make a difference. So, when scrolling through backyard hardscape ideas, be sure to include walkways as an essential element in your landscape design.
Even though the main function of walkways is to guide foot traffic, they are important to protect your garden and lawn from unwanted wear and tear. Not to mention, walkways can increase the visual appeal of your landscape to some extent.
However, at the same time, many homeowners want to reduce the environmental impact of their landscape. This is where the concept of building walkways made of eco-friendly materials comes into play. As the name suggests, these walkways are popular for being an eco-friendly walkway option for homeowners. They include materials that have low carbon emissions, are recycled and are natural.
But if you are new to the concept of building sustainable walkways or already have a plan to execute, this blog will help you more in determining the right materials and practices to build an eco-friendly walkway.
Materials to use for creating eco-friendly walkways
- Recycled glass
- Porous pavers
- Bamboo
- Reclaimed bricks or stones
- Gravel
- Wood from sustainably managed forests
- Decomposed granite
- Rubber mulch or tiles
- Cork
- Natural stone slab
How to ensure eco-friendly practices during walkway construction?
Of course, material selection is the most critical step in building a sustainable walkway, even if you already have some trending backyard hardscaping ideas in mind. However, along with choosing the materials, you need to ensure that you will follow the right steps or practices to bring this unique concept to life. Here are some noteworthy practices that can increase the efficiency of the efforts you’ll put in your project:
Start with the right material selection: As our core focus is on building a sustainable walkway, we must choose materials that are eco-friendly. So, you should consider materials like natural stones, permeable pavers, crushed stones, reclaimed concrete or asphalt, or crushed stone.
Carefully design the walkway: Of course, you need to put more effort into designing a walkway. Before bringing your hardscape ideas to life, assess your site and determine the right design accordingly. Make sure you choose a design that uses minimum materials while recycling waste.
Implement green infrastructure: You can also add green infrastructure elements such as bioswales, rain gardens, or native plantings alongside walkways. These will help you manage stormwater, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity.
Do not overlook regulations and aesthetics: While you're focusing more on sustainability, this doesn't mean you should overlook aesthetics. Nobody will use walkways that look unattractive. Likewise, consider the regulations carefully so that your construction meets codes. Consult backyard hardscape contractors if you don’t really know about the codes.
Optimize maintenance practices: Maintenance is the key to any structure you add to your landscape. However, you must follow maintenance practices that minimize environmental impact. For example, you can use eco-friendly cleaning products, reduce chemical use, and use low-emission equipment.
Final Words
An eco-friendly walkway can enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. However, you must plan everything carefully to turn this idea into reality. From the choice of material to the method of construction, all these things matter a lot. But if you have some good backyard hardscape ideas in mind, including sustainable walkways, it is better to consult and hire professional landscape companies. Outdoor Makeovers & Living Spaces is Atlanta's leading, award-winning landscape design and construction company that we recommend to you for all things outdoors.
What to do next? Visit their website to start discussing your project or learn more about their expertise!
No comments yet