Combine artificial grass, stepping stones and paved paths for a clean, manicured look outdoors
Whether you’re designing a backyard retreat or a commercial building exterior, combining artificial grass with stepping stones and paved pathways can create outdoor spaces that are equally functional and visually appealing.
The most memorable landscapes are designed with natural – or at least natural-looking – elements that subtly direct how people should interact with and move through an outdoor area.
Adding curb appeal to a walkway while ensuring functionality isn’t hard, but there are a few tried and true tricks that the pros use to bring landscaping visions to life with purpose and style.
Choose your materials
Before choosing materials or patterns, determine the purpose of your hardscapes. Are you trying to create an efficient path from point A to point B, or a place to linger and enjoy the beauty of the natural world?
This choice can influence both the materials you select for your walkway and the layout. For example, commercial properties may require more simple, linear walkways that maintain visual order and minimize upkeep. Alternatively, residential yards or parks may benefit from more playful paths between lawn elements.
Once you know the aesthetic you are looking for, it’s time to select your pavers or stones. For more contemporary spaces and commercial exteriors, high-contrast pathways add a dramatic visual component while improving accessibility for differently-abled users. For a more cohesive look, you may select materials that complement the grass colour, like natural stone, concrete, or porcelain pavers.
Artificial grasses, like Emerald Landscape Grass, can be used in any of these designs, framing each component with low-maintenance turf that never fades or browns. Its resistance to wear-and-tear also makes it a perfect option for both high-traffic and recreational areas.
Plan the layout and path flow
Once you’ve decided what you’re building with, it’s time to map out pathways that follow natural lines of travel. There are several popular stepping stone and pathway patterns you can implement to create a sense of depth and dimension in your lawn design.
Linear layouts are sleek and formal and are ideal for modern homes or even commercial exteriors. Rectangular pavers placed in straight rows through turf evoke a satisfyingly clean sense of symmetry.
Offset or staggered steps are perfect for adding visual interest. By slightly shifting the alignment of stones, you can facilitate a more organic flow – perfect for gardens and large lawns.
Similarly, curved or meandering paths encourage a relaxed, exploratory feel that’s ideal for residential backyards, hospitality exteriors, or winding trails through flower beds.
Grid patterns create a bold, contemporary look, where the path becomes a design centrepiece. For an added natural touch, use patio stones that allow turf to show through the small cracks between stones or slats.
Large, isolated stepping pads spaced apart with artificial grass offer a minimalist aesthetic, ideal for establishing Zen-inspired or informal garden spaces.
![Large, isolated stepping pads spaced apart with artificial grass offer a minimalist aesthetic]()
Install landscape grass and pavers with precision
To get the most out of your new exteriors, you may wish to hire a professional landscaper to install the stones, pavers and artificial grass. To get the cleanest outcome, they will lay turf first, then cut openings for pavers or stepping stones so they sit flush.
Working with pros will help to ensure your lawn is built on a level, well-drained base to avoid uneven surfaces or water pooling, providing safety for your visitors and longevity for your investment.
A beautiful lawn enhanced with a pathway design, whether utilitarian or just for looks, is the base of a landscaping project.
From there, it’s easy to enhance any outdoor space with lighting, abutting plantings or decorative gravel borders, final touches that will create dimension and guide movement along your path for years to come.