Path then lay grass, or other way around?

Rachel55 · April 2019

Hi there

We’re creating a new lawn area where we used to have an unlined gravel path and slabs. In autumn we did lots of rotovating and incorporating rotted manure and grit/sand into the lovely clay soil.

So now we’re gearing up to laying the lawn but we also want a slab path around some of it. So the question is do we lay the lawn, allow to establish and then add the path. Or are we best laying the slabs for the path and then lay the lawn?

Any advice most welcome x

Alchemist · April 2019

First thoughts; if you are getting builders in, I’d lay the path first. Their boots have rotavators! If is a significant path you’d also save on the grass. Im sure you’d get advice from others who have done this.

Fairygirl · April 2019

Hard landscaping first.
You'd find it difficult to avoid compacting the ground if it's done the other way round, and then you'll have to work at sorting out the lawn.

AnniD · April 2019

Yep, agree, lay the path first. As the others have said, you will find the ground gets trampled, so much better to get that done then prepare for turf laying or seed sowing. Don't forget to make sure the lawn level is slightly above the path so the the mower goes over the slabs.