How To Stop My Walkway From Getting Dirty Every Time It Rains?

You have a nice, clean walkway around your house and then the rain comes. Suddenly, what seems like every loose bit of soil in your yard finds its way to the walkway. Dirty walkways are not inviting and can be very frustrating as a homeowner. You tend to keep asking the same questions. Why is this happening? Why does it seem like your house is the only house one where this happens? What can you do to keep your walkway from getting dirty when it rains?

It was spotless before the rain

Why do some walkways get dirty when it rains and some stay clean?
Your walkway is below the level of the soil. This can be caused by a few things:

1. If it is new construction, one of the walkways was formed too low.
2. If it begins happening on an older walkway, the walkway has started to settle.
3. If you added new landscape beds or sod, they are washing out into your walkway.
4. The entire area semi-floods when it rains.
5. Water from the room washes out landscaping.

How to fix a walkway that is gets dirty after it rains?
Solution #1
The solution is simple, but pricey. Demolish and replace the section of your walkway. If your walkway is lower than the surrounding soil, that is the only solution that will give your guaranteed results.

Solution #2
See solution #1.

Solution #3
This can usually be corrected with landscape border material. There is a thin landscape border made of either rubber or metal that will keep your overflowing landscaping in check. Hardscape edging, like stones or bricks can also dam up your landscaping.

Solution #4
Contemplate and install a drainage solution. A lot of landscape material floats, so you need to get the water moving before it gets too high. French drains, burms, ditches, and grading are all solutions you can explore to correct an excessive water problem.

Solution #5
Setup an area with rocks, pebbles, or a french drain to catch where the water comes off the roof along the drip line of your home. This will keep the water from washing out your landscaping onto the walkways.