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A Dryset Flagstone Walkway Project.  And a Cautionary Tale About Hardscaping and Stump Removal

12/6/2013

13 Comments

 
PictureAn English Cottage Walkway -- The Finished Product
A few months back I got a call from woman who was quite excited.  "We finally had the giant Silver Maple in the backyard removed!," she exclaimed.  "Now we can move forward with the patio I've always been wanting!"

I hate being the guy to squelch anybody's enthusiasm, especially when it comes to a nice size patio project, but unfortunately things aren't always that simple.  My first site visit confirmed my suspicions.

I never saw the tree while it was standing, but based on the woman's description and the enormous crater just off the back of the house, it must have been massive.  What I saw was a crater approximately 10-15' in diameter, with a depth of at least 2' where the stump had been ground out.  The center of the crater was filled with woodchips from the grinding process, and the perimeter of the crater showed the remains of the root system, with a network of large 6"+ roots spidering out from the center of the crater.

"I hate being the bearer of bad news," I told the woman, "but I have some serious reservations about putting in a patio this soon after the tree was removed."  The problem is that all those woodchips and all the remaining root system will soon begin decomposing.  And as it decomposes, the area will settle.  And no matter how much gravel is put in, no matter how well its compacted, it will soon settle once again, wreaking havoc on the patio.

That decomposing/settling process can take years to complete.

So what's a person to do? 

In most cases when a tree this size is removed, it's in an area far from the house.  Planting another tree in the spot is often the easiest and best solution.  Or turning the area into a garden can work great as well.

The problem in this case was that the tree was originally planted much too close to the house.  The crater was literally right outside the back door.  We certainly couldn't just leave a muddy crater there.

Picture
In Progress
Picture
And the Finished Product
We decided to go ahead with a simple dryset walkway -- one that could serve a functional purpose now, and one that could be lifted and reset as the area settles.  Additionally, we elected to keep all the stones in their full rectangular shapes with no cuts.  That will allow the stones to be reused in additional functions down the road once enough time has passed and the area is ready for a full patio.

But for now we excavated the woodchip/soil/root footprint as best as we could, compacted approximately 8" of crushed gravel, screeded a thin layer of sand, and set the 1.5" thick bluestones atop the sand.  A very typical dryset installation.  How long will it last before some settling occurs?  Tough to say for sure, but my guess is we'll most likely need to do a little bit of resetting in the next two years or so. 

But with the dryset technique we used, any future maintenance or repairs will be minor, and the stones can be used again without incurring additional material costs.  And the client gets a great walkway in the mean time.  Not a bad compromise. 

Quick.  Simple.  Effective.  And expert advice too, if I do say so myself.  Got a problem area in your yard that you're looking to do something with?  Give us a call, and let us know what we can do for you!
13 Comments
Matt link
12/5/2013 09:10:09 pm

I like that look Clark. Well done!

Reply
Clark
12/5/2013 09:35:36 pm

Thanks Matt!

Reply
Anna link
12/6/2013 04:57:56 am

Nice win-win solution. Those silver maple stumps are a bugger...

Reply
Victor link
1/4/2014 01:10:52 pm

Your client was lucky to have called you! I have seen way to many patios and walkways that were built over construction and landscape debris. In as little as 2 to 5 years and your dream come true is fast becoming a nightmare. Way to be their hero Clark :-)

Reply
Clark
1/7/2014 11:45:47 pm

Thanks Victor!

Reply
Grandrapidstreeservice.net link
1/26/2022 11:37:28 pm

Great job! That looks amazing, Clark.

Reply
Click here link
6/20/2023 05:18:22 am

Embark on an inspiring journey as we delve into the intricacies of a dryset flagstone walkway project. Gain valuable insights and expert advice on creating a stunning, durable pathway that enhances your outdoor space. Along the way, we'll also share a cautionary tale about hardscaping and stump removal, reminding us to consider all aspects of landscaping to ensure a seamless and successful project. Let's pave the way to a beautiful and functional outdoor oasis while learning from past experiences.

Reply
parramatta tree removal link
10/6/2023 05:46:11 pm

There are various substances on the market made to hasten the decay of a stump. Normally, the chemicals are poured into holes that have been drilled into the stump. The stump will become mushy after a few weeks or months and can then be removed by breaking it apart. This is still a very sluggish process even though it is quicker than spontaneous degradation. The chemicals' toxicity is another factor. It is safe to infer that the goods are bad for everything living because they function as both a deadly herbicide and to break down the wood fibers. It is suggested against using this technique in areas with kids or pets.

Reply
TREE FELLING Linton link
1/2/2024 05:39:45 am

Thanks for sharing this cautionary tale about hardscaping and stump removal. It's a valuable reminder that the aftermath of tree removal, especially near the house, can present challenges for immediate patio projects.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Ipswich link
1/20/2024 01:43:27 am

This real-life example highlights the importance of considering the aftermath of tree removal on construction projects. The decision to create a dryset walkway is a strategic move, offering functionality while acknowledging the potential settling issues. It provides a practical solution with an eye on future adaptability.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Wickham Market link
1/29/2024 11:34:39 pm

Thanks for shedding light on the challenges post-tree removal. The decomposing process and settling issues can indeed pose problems for a new patio, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and alternative solutions.

Reply
Tree Surgery Ely link
2/22/2024 09:55:51 pm

Great job on finding a compromise! Providing expert advice and offering solutions like a dryset walkway demonstrates resourcefulness and client-focused service in landscaping projects.

Reply
TREE SURGERY LODDON, NORFOLK link
5/1/2024 09:29:11 pm

Navigating the challenges of post-tree removal projects requires creative solutions. The dryset walkway approach offers a functional solution while allowing for future adjustments as the area settles. Appreciate the problem-solving approach outlined here!

Reply



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    Clark Kent Creations, LLC is a full-service landscape construction company servicing the Pennsylvania communities of Delaware County, Chester County, The Main Line, and the University City, Art Museum, and Manayunk/Roxborough neighborhoods of Philadelphia.  In addition to this blog page, additional information regarding the company and our services can be found on the subsequent pages of the site.
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    Clark Linderman is the president of Clark Kent Creations, LLC, a landscape construction company based in Swarthmore, PA.  He is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.  In addition to his passion for all things outdoors, he counts Michigan football, Phillies baseball, Superman memorabilia, Memphis R&B music, and good craft brews among his many interests.  He currently resides in Swarthmore with his wife, Sheila, two sons, his dog Krypto, and a really, really messy garage full of work supplies and toys.

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    Clark Kent Creations, LLC
    Swarthmore, PA
    Design and Construction to Maximize Your Outdoor Experience

    707-290-9410
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    Serving Delaware County, PA

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