Covering an area of unsightly overgrown ivy with a patio

Question

We want to put a patio in the back yard of this rental to replace the overgrown ivy. We spent last summer killing it so now we are ready to repalce it. It is located on very acidic soil with pine trees nearby. It is approximately 15' X 30'. We plan to connect a walkway along the garage to connect it to the backdoor area. We are thinking of placing new patio there too but think it is all looking like one big area of pavers. Should we consider something else in the area with the dead ivy and make the patio next to the house a bigger area. We want to try to do something that doesn't break the bank either. We are doing the work ourselves.

Sandi Roggow · Answer

Here are photos of the areas we want to improve.

Kathy C · Answer

Ask your local landscapers to donate any old paving slabs and use them, edging them with a new contrasting material such as brick. Give them a good scrub and they will look nicely worn rather than old and grungy. Don't skimp on foundations. Alternatively consider a deck - kinder for the tree roots. Solid top pallets are good, and cheap too.

Ivylore · Answer

Hi Sandi. I made a small patio in my back Here is what I did http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/patios/patio-designs-small-space-4192339 Best of luck!

Trudy · Answer

Since it is a rental I'm thinking least expensively. I would add more pavers by the back door. That is where you will want to grill and sit to eat; nobody wants to hike all the 'stuff' back and forth. 
You can make a paver path back to under the trees; either solid like a sidewalk or spaced like a checkerboard. Embed them in the lawn so you can mow right over them.. Under the pines you could use pine needle mulch. It's pretty, not labor intensive, not as expensive as pavers, and will keep down the weeds. Put your chairs for relaxing in the shade there. Potted plants may do better than those fighting with the dirt under the trees. Plus, you could take them with you when you leave.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Sandi Roggow I agree with extending the side patio. There may be times when you have a gang over and might want a larger space. I ran across Jami's post and thought you might be interested. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/walkways-paths/diy-backyard-makeover-before-and-after-8087892 This would be an inexpensive way to claim more outdoor living space in the back. If allowed in your area, you could even add a firepit and seating as well as a picnic table. Hope this helps, please update us with what you do.

Pamela · Answer

Since this is a rental have you thought about buying one of those pre-cast stone forms and mixing concrete to make your own stones and patio out of? It would be time consuming but it would be very cost effective. Here is a link to the kind of 'form' I am talking about: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/plants/building-a-cobblestone-path-with-moss-1796684 I think you should use the area closest to your back door and then maybe extend the patio out as you see you would use it. You could also make a fire-pit area and make seats out of logs. Lots of ideas!!! God Bless your efforts!!!

Val Roche · Answer

Desperate to know how you killed it , please. What did you use ? On a low income , so hope its not too expensive .. Thanks

Val Roche · Answer

THANK YOU SO MUCH

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Covering an area of unsightly overgrown ivy with a patio

Simple Garden Patio for a Small Space

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Suggested Project Book