How to Determine a Walkway in a Grassy Yard

Plot your primary path leading straight away from your house. This path should be easy to follow and wide enough --- at least 48 inches --- for two people to comfortably walk on side-by-side.

Add a secondary path or paths to guide visitors to interesting areas of the lawn or garden, perhaps a special bench, flower garden or bird bath. Secondary paths should be wide enough to accommodate one person, about 30 to 36 inches.

Make curves in the path appear natural by winding them around a tree, rock or shrub. Paths that follow the drip line of trees in your yard -- the outermost leaves of stretching branches -- appear very natural as well.

Think about what you want visitors to see when walking on your path. A meandering path can weave in and out of special plantings and landscape structures. A path that curves around a corner beckons visitors to find out what lies ahead.

Choose a path surface that is practical and complements the style of your house and lawn. Stone pavers are an attractive way to break up a grassy lawn and protect grass from foot traffic, but stone can be expensive. Gravel and crushed stone are easy to install, inexpensive and available in many colors. Paving bricks can be laid in a number of patterns, are relatively affordable and low-maintenance. A mulch path is best for low-traffic areas away from the home, as it is easily tracked in. A grass path is easy to create, but it requires regular feeding, watering and mowing.

Consider drainage when planning your path. No one wants to walk on a wet, muddy path after a rainstorm. Your path should be a little higher in the center than on the edges so that water can drain off. This slight "crowning" does not have to be severe. Just a little elevation should do the trick.