Arrangement of garden paths
After home improvement is completed, you can proceed to the design of the site. Modern landscape design includes the development of a variety of decorative elements. But an important part throughout the garden paths are. Thanks to them, the site can be divided into several zones. In addition, they will carry a large functional load, that is, to protect the seeded lawn from trampling. Also, the proper arrangement of garden paths will allow to organize rainwater runoff.
Variety of materials for the design of tracks
To date, to perform the tracks, you can use various materials. A huge range can be divided into 3 large groups.
- Solid: concrete, all types of bricks, natural and artificial stone, wood.
- Soft: sand, chips, crushed stone and gravel of small fractions.
- Combined include a combination of different materials.
The most durable, perhaps, can be called paving slabs, stone and concrete. A tree, even if it is covered with several protective layers of paints and varnishes, will begin to collapse after 5 years.
When choosing a material, it is necessary to take into account not only the planned landscape design, but also the type of land, as well as the level of wastewater.
Classification of garden paths
Due to the possibility of using a large number of materials, several classifications were created. So, garden paths are divided into the following types:
- appointments;
- the material used;
- applied technology.
On the summer cottage most often install these types of tracks:
- Ground Due to the minimum cost, this option is one of the most common. It is enough to dig up sections of roads and well ram the ground. On the sides is organized rainwater runoff. Sand or small crushed stone is used as a fixer.
- Stone Is the most common option that has been used by man for several centuries. All kinds of natural stone are suitable for this purpose. Due to its high strength, the garden path can withstand heavy loads.
- Brick. If previously it was used only for the construction of buildings, in modern landscape design, brick is widespread. To ensure the long operational life of the garden path of brick, it is necessary to lay this building material on the edge. For greater protection from moisture and the action of the soil, experts recommend the use of clinker bricks.
- Concrete. By strength, it can be compared to stone. To achieve high quality it is necessary to use a mixture of sand, cement, water and crushed stone of fine fraction. In addition, when casting, experts recommend the use of reinforced metal mesh. Also in the process of kneading the solution can be added to the composition of pigments.
- Asphalt. Stone chips are associated with liquid tar or bitumen. It is necessary to immediately lay on the prepared surface (sand). To achieve smoothness, it is important to tamp them with a roller.
- Tree. Less recommended material, as it is subject to rapid disintegration and swelling. Despite this, wood cuts are actively used by designers when planning landscape design. It is recommended to fill the base with bark, which is able to absorb a large amount of moisture. When melting planning, you can get the original design of garden paths.
- Tile. Today paving slabs can be called one of the most common options for decorating paths in the garden. Manufacturers produce a fairly large range of shapes, sizes and colors. Everyone can safely experiment and implement a variety of ideas.
Thanks to different technologies, you can create tracks of different shapes, patterns and colors. When choosing varieties of wood, preference should be given to aspen, pine, cedar and larch. Regardless of what material was chosen to create a garden path, it is important to strictly follow the technique of its installation.
Track planning
First of all, any work must be planned on the site map. It is important that the tracks reach all corners. If the groundwater is very high and the surface is weak, it is necessary to strengthen it. Otherwise, after the first winter, the gardens will lose their shape and collapse.
The best time to work on the arrangement of garden paths is a dry and warm summer.
The main path should be wide enough. Its direction is from the gate to the front door of the house. Further, additional accommodation takes place throughout the yard and the site. Important areas are:
- gazebo;
- rest zone;
- playground;
- palisadnik;
- water;
- Alpine slide and other beds.
To determine the width (each track can have a different width) it is necessary to take into account its purpose. The standard width is from 1 to 1.5 m, just as much space is needed for two people. The width of the secondary paths (beds and flower beds) should not exceed 1 m. The main thing is the optimal number of tracks. Do not clutter up the entire personal plot with transitions.
If on the territory there are trodden paths, then in their place it is worthwhile to equip permanent paths.
Laying garden paths on the site
Now it's time to start applying the markup on the site. To do this you need a tape measure, a cord and pegs. Further, when arranging the tracks with your own hands, you can start preparing the base. It is necessary to remove the soil, about 30 cm high. A layer of waterproofing is laid in the prepared trenches. Fine gravel or sand is poured on top (the filler is selected individually).
On the prepared base can be laid selected coating. Laying technology will depend on which material has been selected. For example, when laying bricks, gaps are filled with sand, it is also used for paving slabs. For concrete, you should use the technology of pouring the foundation for the house. Most types of natural stone should be laid on a mixture of sand and cement to ensure maximum adhesion. A drainage system is installed on both sides to drain rainwater.
During the arrangement of garden paths it is worth remembering that over time they can settle, so their height should be 5 cm above ground level. Protection against moisture is equally important. To achieve this, it is enough to make a small bias in a couple of degrees.
Combined garden paths
Original and interesting will look combined tracks in the garden. They carry not only a decorative function, as sometimes there is a technical need. For example, a path made of stone, brick or tile is very popular, but it will look more original if you lay a small layer of fine gravel or expanded clay along its edges. They will act as a drainage, and absorb excess moisture.
In addition, with proper and skillful combination, you can visually shorten or expand the garden path. When choosing materials it is necessary to take into account the main requirement: they must be well combined with each other and correspond to the chosen style of landscape design. Among the most successful combinations can be identified:
- wooden cuts (boards) and gravel of small fraction;
- clinker bricks and paving stones;
- tile, stone and gravel.
In the role of borders can also be plants and flowers. In their selection, it is necessary to focus on the shape and boundaries of the created tracks.
If there is a side drainage system, rainwater will not fall on the lawn or flower beds, and wash them.
So, with the help of simple technological operations and expert advice, you can do your own to elevate the area around the house, make it functional, practical and at the same time decorative. The most common materials will create a cozy corner. It is enough to use fantasy and you can drastically change the appearance of the infield.
Video
From this video, you can learn how to correctly make garden paths: