Pathways in Landscape Design: Creating Flow, Function, and Healthy Soils

Paths are essential landscape infrastructure, elements that quietly shape how people move, how soil stays healthy, and how a landscape evolves.

Well-designed pathways guide circulation, prevent soil compaction, frame planting areas, and invite people into the garden in a way that feels welcoming and easeful. They are the bones of the landscape, setting the structure that allows plants, habitat, and human use to coexist successfully.

How We Think About Movement in the Landscape

Every pathway we design and install starts with observation and intention. We pay close attention to how a space is used now, how it will be used in the future, and how people naturally move through it.

In larger landscapes, pathways support wayfinding and help visitors understand where to go. In smaller gardens, they encourage circulation through planted spaces rather than around them, allowing people to experience the garden up close.

Just as importantly, paths protect the living systems beneath our feet. By clearly defining where foot traffic belongs, we reduce soil compaction in garden beds, preserve soil structure, and protect plant roots, all critical considerations in regenerative landscapes.

Path Hierarchy: Designing for Frequency and Function

A core principle guiding our pathway design is path hierarchy, which organizes circulation based on frequency of use. Much like a street system, not all paths are meant to function, or feel, the same.

Primary pathways are the most heavily used and visually prominent. These are the paths that connect driveways to front doors or move people from parking areas into the home. Because they receive consistent foot traffic and are highly visible, we design them with durability, width, and visual weight in mind. These paths often establish the tone for the entire landscape.

Secondary pathways serve important but less frequently traveled routes, such as side-yard connections or paths leading from the back door to a vegetable garden, compost area, or shed. These paths still need to be clear and functional, but they can be lighter in feel and material than primary routes.

Tertiary pathways are informal footpaths that move through garden beds and habitat areas. These allow access for observation, harvesting, maintenance, or quiet enjoyment while protecting soil and plants from repeated foot traffic. In habitat gardens especially, these subtle paths invite interaction without disruption.

Pathways as Design Framework

Pathways are often one of the first elements we establish during the design process because they shape everything that follows. Once circulation is defined, planting beds naturally take form, edges become clear, and outdoor rooms begin to emerge.

In many cases, we also design multi-use spaces, where a pathway doubles as a destination, such as a widened section that becomes a patio or seating area. This approach maximizes functionality while encouraging people to explore areas of the landscape that might otherwise be overlooked.

Choosing Pathway Materials: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses

Material selection is driven by use, aesthetics, longevity, and ecological impact. Below is how we evaluate and work with some of the most common pathway materials in habitat-focused landscapes.

Pavers and Bricks

Pavers and bricks offer structure, flexibility, and a wide range of design possibilities. They are often used for primary and secondary paths where durability and clean edges are important.

Pros:
Pavers provide a strong, stable walking surface and can be installed in patterns that add texture and visual interest. They are modular, which allows for future repairs or adjustments without removing the entire path.

Cons:
Many pavers are impervious unless specifically designed for permeability, which can increase runoff. Installation requires careful base preparation to prevent shifting over time.

Care:
Pavers benefit from occasional sweeping and rinsing to prevent the buildup of debris. Joints may need to be refreshed periodically, and some finishes may require resealing depending on exposure and wear.

Concrete

Concrete is sometimes the right choice for primary pathways that experience consistent, heavy foot traffic. When used intentionally, it provides a strong, clean-edged surface that clearly communicates where people are meant to walk, particularly in highly visible areas such as front entries or connections between driveways and homes.

Pros:
Concrete is extremely durable and long-lasting, making it well-suited for primary paths that see daily use. Its solidity provides a clear sense of permanence and structure within the landscape.

Cons:
From an ecological standpoint, concrete has a large carbon footprint and is typically impervious to water, which can increase runoff if not carefully integrated into the overall site design.

Care:
Concrete pathways require relatively minimal maintenance, but proper care is important for longevity. Ice melt products should be avoided, as repeated freeze–thaw cycles can cause cracking and surface flaking. We recommend using sand for winter traction instead. Occasional power washing helps keep surfaces clean, and finished concrete may need to be resealed periodically to protect the surface over time.

Stepping Stones

Stepping stones are most often used for tertiary pathways that move gently through garden beds and habitat areas.

Pros:
They provide clear places to step while preserving the surrounding soil and plants. Stepping stones can feel informal and inviting, encouraging slower movement and closer interaction with the landscape.

Cons:
Because they are typically set individually, stepping stones can shift or heave over time, especially in freeze-thaw conditions.

Care:
Periodic adjustment may be needed to keep the stones level. When installed in gravel rather than soil, long-term stability and drainage are improved, reducing maintenance needs.

Flagstone Walkways

Flagstone walkways create a grounded, natural feel while still offering a substantial, durable surface. We often use flagstone for primary or secondary paths where we want both strength and organic character.

Pros:
Flagstone has strong visual weight, making it an excellent anchor in the landscape. When stones are fit closely together, the surface is stable and long-lasting, and the irregular shapes soften the overall design.

Cons:
Flagstone installation is more labor-intensive than modular materials, which can affect cost. If the base is not prepared just right, it can lead to uneven surfaces over time.

Care:
Routine maintenance is minimal but important. Occasional cleaning helps prevent moss or algae buildup in shaded areas, and joints may need attention if settling occurs.

Pathways are the Framework of the Garden

Pathways are never just about convenience. They are about guiding movement with intention, protecting soil and plants, and creating landscapes that feel intuitive, welcoming, and resilient.

By thoughtfully considering hierarchy, materials, and long-term use, we design and install pathways that support both human experience and ecological health, helping landscapes function beautifully for years to come.

Story by Emily Reeves; True Nature Gardens, LLC