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To prevent heaving and sinking, and how deep . . .
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Posted by JanePA Z5-6 PA (My Page) on Sun, Aug 29, 04 at 12:50
The walkway around my fountain has been there for several years and is very compacted. When I started the walkway at the entrance to the garden a couple of years ago I used field stone (came free), etc., and I have never noticed that they heaved, but some possibly sunk a little bit in the beginning. I have now removed most of the field stone and have now positioned flagstone where I want it to stay, but I need to know what to use for the base and how deep it should be. Also, is there a 'rule of thumb' on how close the pieces of flagstone should be near each other? As stated previously this ground is compacted from walking on it, been through many storms and has been through several PA winters so I don't think it will be doing much heaving since it hasn't in the past few years. The walkway had to be dug to accommodate the thickness/size of each field stone, but the flagstone is pretty much the same thickness and is definitely easier to work with, but after spending so much time on it I would really like to get it finished.
Thank you for any suggestions you care to make.
Jane |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: To prevent heaving and sinking, and how deep . . .
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Hi Jane,
Me again the response on the edging Q. I used to have a landscape contracting business so this advice is first hand. From the picture that you had before it looks as though all the stones are already laid out. The last thing you want to do is pick them up, dig out, and lay a gravel base and then relay the stones. So if you don't mind some heaving and sinking, and it will happen, lay away! Eventhough you have walked on the path for years you just haven't noticed the movement.
If you do put down a gravel base then 3-4 inches of a 1/4" to 5/8" minus crushed gravel is the way to go. Shop around for the cheapest deal on delivery.
As far as the spacing is concerned it is entirely up to you. The wider the gap, the more plants will grow in there.
My spacing ranges form 1/4" to one inch wide.
Hope the advice helps. |
RE: To prevent heaving and sinking, and how deep . . .
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Thank you very much Matteow. I worded my post hoping you would see it. I read your (My Page) and knew you would know how long it has taken me to do what I have placed so far, not really knowing the best way to go about it.
The path makes a complete circle around the fountain area and there is about a 12' path from the entrance to the garden to where the path splits. I have carpal tunnel in both hands which is sure not helping, and vice versa. My husband can get me cracker dust, a real fine limestone, or I can go larger. We needed to work at our well area and I think he told me 3/4 ton of the cracker dust was only around $11.00 since he can haul it. It would pack real tight. I want to do it as best I can now, because I want it to be the last time I have to do it. A lot of the path is already 3" deep since I previously had field stone inlaid, and it should not be that difficult to remove the filler if I use my Mantis tiller and rake. I will really have to think about this in the next day or two. After using two vacation days to work on this walkway, plus Sat. in temps over 90, redoing it seems rather monumental. My husband thinks it looks great, and a little heaving does not bother him. He said it is not likely there will be people on tour buses waiting at the end of the drive to stumble through my garden. LOL -- He does keep things in prospective for me.
Thanks again. Jane |
RE: To prevent heaving and sinking, and how deep . . .
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Hi Jane
What you had laid out looked just fine, if you don't mind the minor heaving than I say lay away!
I moved into our home two years ago and we have an old brick path that is all wavy. The landscaper/virgo in me wants to redo it, but we rather like the rustic look of the wavy path.
Happy Gardening!
Matt |
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