Trail Options and Costs

Started by RobertI • 3 replies • 935 views

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RobertI (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 1

Posted:

My association has unfinished phases. The plans call for two phases to be completed in 3" of mulch without a weed mat, and one phase in crushed stone. The association scoped out paved trails which would be expensive, but may require less maintenance. From what I found, there is coating which must be done every 10 years. Does anyone have the approximate upkeep tasks and related costs for mulch and/or stone trails. My goal is to present the three options to our Community Meeting in October.

Thanks

DaveD3 (Michigan)
Posts: 796

Posted:

Having had a mulch trail in my last house, I can say with certainty: Mulch sucks. It decomposes and vanishes just like it does from beds around the house. Figure on putting 3-4" of mulch on the entire trail every 3 years, then price out that much mulch and labour.

Stone is better, though possibly more expensive to start with, depending on what you need for as base. Adding stone is less frequent as it may just need a little dressing up.

Asphalt is by far the most durable option. If done by a reputable company, there should be no reason to do anything to it for 20+ years.

It should be pretty easy to estimate costs for all 3 options and compare them for short & long term $$

TimM11
Posts: 354

Posted:

Depending on the wear and tear, an asphalt trail might need to be sealcoated at some point, but in general the maintenance costs should be much lower assuming it is built properly.

Mulch breaks down fast even just around plantings, and on a trail, it will be even faster. It will be the cheapest option at first, but probably not in the long run.

DaveD3 (Michigan)
Posts: 796

Posted:

Look at any golf course cart path as a reference for an asphalt path. They last essentially forever with minimal maintenance. Seal-coating should never be necessary on asphalt, but crack-sealing definitely is (particularly in an area with freezing temps).

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