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Low Maintenance Garden Paths

With an extensive network of paths to manage, in your experience what surface material is the most trouble free? One that doesn’t accumulate (too much) dirt for moss and weeds to flourish, doesn’t need raking to keep “fresh”. Are the self-binding aggregates/hoggin a good option?

Any ideas welcome.

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  • Hi
    With the wet weather and the damp conditions that seem to last all year sometimes, I think you are quite right to try and reduce (eliminate would be nice but I think that is far reaching!) the moss and weeds. Also minimal maintenance is quite important as you say there is an extensive area to maintain. The Paving Expert http://www.pavingexpert.com/gravel01.htm has a lot of information on there as do a lot of the members on this network.
    But have you thought about Resin Bonded resurfacing?
    Resin is a really good option but you need to be aware of the difference between Resin Bonded and Resin Bound. Bound is porous and Bonded is not is one quite important aspect. There is a lot of information out there promoting the use of Resin Bound as opposed to Resin Bonded. We are in Nottinghamshire and primarily work with Resin Bonded as we aim to resurface existing solid monolithic surfaces for a number of reasons. We aim for the residential sector (driveways paths and patios) and to work with existing surfaces - if it's not broke don't fix it! Resin bonded does not affect existing levels.
    Resin Bonded will work on the paths BUT that is assuming they are basically sound and it would provide a great resistance to moss ( as it is not porous weeds and moss cannot get a grip like they can with slabs or block paving or resin bound in some cases). Another key benefit is the anti slip properties and the minimal inconvenience when installing. No mess no disruption no skips no waste removal of existing surface. With Resin Bonded not being porous you should be aware of the fall of the paths the surrounding drainage that sort of thing as water dispersal needs to be considered.
    The surface may well be suitable for Resin Bound if it is purely for foot traffic. However Resin Bound is porous and therefore can allow moss and weeds and generally does not have as much benefit with the anti slip aspect . Resin Bound encapsulates the aggregate and it is generally applied to a greater depth and can therefore affect existing levels.
    The dispersal of water in the area needs to be the first consideration I would have said. That may well indicate which route to take.
    There are lot of Resin companies springing up but if it is something you consider at some stage, then drop me a line and I can direct you to some I know are longstanding.

  • Faith,

    Excellent reply. I can only echo your sentiments, however, looking at the photo, its hard to tell whether the existing pathways are worn concrete or loose aggregate. If its the latter, then we should make Gareth aware that there will be the requirement for excavation and a tarmac or concrete surface installed before the resin bonded or bound gravel. The lifespan of these surfaces does warrant the intial expense though.

    I could also suggest a breedon self binding gravel which is cheap, but this will do little for reducing dirty footprints inside the buildings.

    You get what you pay for.

  • PRO Supplier

    Hi Gareth,

    Raking need not be so much of a chore. Have a look at the Turf Teq Power Rake (www.groundscare-products.co.uk). Several groundsmen have used it to loosen the surface and rough-grade. They are available for hire as well as purchase. Have a look at the attached photos.

    Faith, I was interested to read your reply. Are you able to do a similar maintenance job on resin paths if they become pitted or undulating over the years?

    Paul Errington

  • Interesting replies thanks.

    Unfortunately the paths are loose aggregate so the resin bonded/bound may not be feasible.

    Also because of the terraces and steps not possible to access with heavy machinery.

    Hoggin & a sprayer probably the way forward.

  • Hi Paul

    Only a year late to respond! Apologies.  Trying to juggle too many balls at the same time and missing some!   To back track yes the resin can work on paths.  Once again it does depend on the extent of the deterioration.  Resin Bonded resurfacing is meant to extend and prolong the life of the  existing surface but  cannot complete miracles  (well not yet!). It all depends on the substrate as that is what supports the resin bonded resurfacing.

    Paul Errington said:

    Hi Gareth,

    Raking need not be so much of a chore. Have a look at the Turf Teq Power Rake (www.groundscare-products.co.uk). Several groundsmen have used it to loosen the surface and rough-grade. They are available for hire as well as purchase. Have a look at the attached photos.

    Faith, I was interested to read your reply. Are you able to do a similar maintenance job on resin paths if they become pitted or undulating over the years?

    Paul Errington

  • PRO Supplier

    What's a year in the scheme of things? Time goes fast when you are enjoying yourself!

    Here are a couple of photos of another job done recently using the TurfTeq power rake.

    3314704873?profile=original3314706118?profile=original
    Faith Caine said:

    Hi Paul

    Only a year late to respond! Apologies.  Trying to juggle too many balls at the same time and missing some!   To back track yes the resin can work on paths.  Once again it does depend on the extent of the deterioration.  Resin Bonded resurfacing is meant to extend and prolong the life of the  existing surface but  cannot complete miracles  (well not yet!). It all depends on the substrate as that is what supports the resin bonded resurfacing.

    Paul Errington said:

    Hi Gareth,

    Raking need not be so much of a chore. Have a look at the Turf Teq Power Rake (www.groundscare-products.co.uk). Several groundsmen have used it to loosen the surface and rough-grade. They are available for hire as well as purchase. Have a look at the attached photos.

    Faith, I was interested to read your reply. Are you able to do a similar maintenance job on resin paths if they become pitted or undulating over the years?

    Paul Errington

  • Is that Scampston Paul?

  • PRO Supplier

    Yes, it is. They rented the machine in January this year. Here's what their Head Gardener, Paul Smith had to say about it:

    "We hired the Turf-Teq power rake to clean up our mile or so of self-binding gravel paths. The paths have been down for over ten years with a large amount of footfall and traffic compacting the gravel down. We also had a problem with the top layer looking dirty and moss covered. The power rake made a fantastic job of breaking up the surface and allowing some of the clearer gravel from below to be brought up to the surface. We were able to adjust the height of the rake so that it did not overwork the gravel or pull up any sub-base. It was also quick - about a day's work to get around all the paths. We will definitely use this machine again. The service from GroundsCare products was also first class".

    Paul Smith Head Gardener, Scampston Walled Garden, North Yorkshire.

    You can see other photos and comments about the machine at http://www.groundscare-products.co.uk/pr.htm

    Paul Errington
    0118 940 7235
    Doug said:

    Is that Scampston Paul?

  • Beautiful garden. Paths are alright too!

  • PRO Supplier

    oh yes; I didn't notice the garden :)

    Couple of photos attached showing the rake doing other jobs. One is grass reinstatement; the other is prep for a wild flower meadow
    Doug said:

    Beautiful garden. Paths are alright too!

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