Materials
NewspapersWood chipsStones (optional)
Tools
Shovel
Step 1: Secure a Supply of Wood Chips
If you or a neighbor has a chipper-shredder, stockpile chips, but for no more than a year (they’ll start to break down). Or check with your city or county manager’s office. Shredded wood chips are often available for little or no cost from local landfills, as long as you haul them. Alternatively, if you have an ample supply of pine needles or tiny or crushed sea shells in your area, collect those to line the path.
Step 2: Excavate the Area
For the best results, excavate the soil to about one inch deep wherever you want to lay the path. This will keep the wood chips from shifting. The path should be at least 18 inches wide, or 36 inches if you’d like two people to be able to walk next to each other. The ground doesn’t need to be completely level or smooth, but the soil should be compacted to create a solid base.
Step 3: Line With Newspapers
Line the bottom of the path with several layers of newspapers. In a couple of years, they’ll break down but in the meantime, they’ll prevent weeds from taking hold.
Step 5: Fill Path
Fill in the papered area with mulch, trying to spread an even layer throughout. The layer should be an inch or two thick to prevent the newspaper below from peeking through as the mulch shifts underfoot.
Optional: Line the Path With Stones
If you’d like, and if they’re readily available, use stones to line the path. They’ll add a finished look and will further prevent the wood chips from shifting.
