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Use for use, man-made stone is a superior landscaping material compared to its naturally occurring counterpart. A well-designed yard may embody a certain aesthetic appeal, but the underpinnings of landscaping are starkly functional. From retaining walls to pathways, stone use in landscaping provides the transition from one area to another. For the scope of this discussion, I am focusing on the benefits of man-made stone in constructing walkways.

In terms of pathways, concrete is the most ideal. The material is relatively cheap, relatively easy to use, and most importantly-durable. Unlike a walkway composed of river rocks or locally found stones, concrete is poured smoothed and is weather resistant.

Compared to other, more natural pathway materials like pebbled stone, concrete is simply easier to use and maintain. One type of pebbled-stone path involves loose rock packed in walkway frame. Although simple to construct, the shifting stones provide element of resistance to foot traffic and yard equipment with wheels like wheelbarrows. With a pebbled walkway, the landscaper also runs the risk of loose stones being casted on to a lawn, which can be dangerous when mowing. Another variation on is a fixed stone path where both pebble and larger stones are employed. However, with this style, the landscaper must contend with the grout between stones, succumbing to the elements. For example, grout can crack after a hard freeze and than weeds would grow in the break.

Another style of pathway is the garden steps, a series of stones connecting two areas. In designing this walkway, pre-fabricated stepping rounds offer the same appeal of their natural alternative but with the uniformed consistency that can only come from an engineered product. Where natural rocks have a holistic appeal of being pulled from nature to be placed in an earthy settling, manufactured stepping rounds offer the aesthetic and the functionality of being flat, which adds a level of safety, so less risk of slipping.

An additional dynamic to consider before choosing between natural and manufactured stone is eco-impact. Sure, a short retaining wall or walkway made of river rocks can add a tasteful splash of rustic appeal to any garden area, and in most rural areas, rocks are easy find and essentially free. In rivers, fields, yards, rocks are commonplace; however, in major population centers, randomly loose stones are somewhat lacking. Without a wealth of options, landscapers must choose between manufactured stone or quarrying for the rocks.

Ironically, the more nature is stripped for landscaping needs, the more impact people make on their surroundings, and the more those surroundings need to be landscaped. The cycle itself seems counterintuitive to the notion of recreating nature in the backyard through landscaping. Although clearing away elements of nature has a tangible effect, the excavation of flagstone and other materials is a geology event. In addition to cutting into the earth to pull out materials, the produce also has to be shipped from one destination to another.

Furthermore, the term itself "man-made stone" makes manufactured stones sound fake. As if, a stone is only truly a stone if it is conceived under nature's direct auspice. Bricks are a prime example of manufactured stones in the lumberyard.

Although I love the curb appeal and beautification that landscaping brings to the common-area courtyard of my apartment building, I appreciate the smooth concrete path leading to my front door. Trust me pushing a hand-truck over a pebbled pathway is far from fun.

Learn more about this author, Rebekah Mobley-Kasner.
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