Install flag stone to replace the grass next to sidewalk (Celeste: HOA, neighborhood)

[tom331]

I consider to put the flag stone to the strip, which is outside of the sidewalk near the street, to reduce the water usage and control the weed. The areas are outside of my property line, but I have maintained them since we purchased the property. The question is that should city maintains these areas? If not, can I put the flag stone at these areas to reduce the water usage and control the weed?

[centralaustinite]

Don't install flagstone, expensive, impervious -- so might impact drainage, and might irritate the city if they ever need to access anything that runs underground in the easement.

Good idea to get rid of the grass through, try xeriscape plants, mulch, or river rock.

[tom331]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

Don't install flagstone, expensive, impervious -- so might impact drainage, and might irritate the city if they ever need to access anything that runs underground in the easement.

Good idea to get rid of the grass through, try xeriscape plants, mulch, or river rock.

The sidewalks are on slope and the crashed granite will not stay. Some of my neighbor's gravels were washed away from heavy rain. River rock will not work either, a bus stop for middle school kids at front of the property. The students pick up or kick the rocks to the street.

[CptnRn]

Flagstone would add impervious cover, increasing rain run off, which the City has ordinances against doing. Shredded bark mulch would be best in my opinion, it allows rain to soak in and it tends to mat together helping keep it in place.

[10scoachrick]

That's a tough one. How about the open cast tiles like some folks use as a driveway. Still have water percolating ability and can be removed as needed for access to whatever is under there.

This site shows some pretty sophisticated designs and applications; but I reckon something more pedestrian would work(get it?...sidewalk...pedestrian?)
Permeable Pavers

[tom331]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

That's a tough one. How about the open cast tiles like some folks use as a driveway. Still have water percolating ability and can be removed as needed for access to whatever is under there.

This site shows some pretty sophisticated designs and applications; but I reckon something more pedestrian would work(get it?...sidewalk...pedestrian?)
Permeable Pavers

Thanks! They look nice. I might consider to use paver stone instead of flag stone The sprinkler has wasted a lot of water at the sidewalk grass section especially when it is windy.

[texdav]

Originally Posted by tom331

I consider to put the flag stone to the strip, which is outside of the sidewalk near the street, to reduce the water usage and control the weed. The areas are outside of my property line, but I have maintained them since we purchased the property. The question is that should city maintains these areas? If not, can I put the flag stone at these areas to reduce the water usage and control the weed?

You will have to get city permission since its a right of way next to street. Ordinance likely requires owner to maintain it tho. But then they also give you right to have driveway over the property and some usage rights. Remember tho if they need to get at under ground utilities you might have to replace it. Which is why they may not allow it also.

[RooCeleste]

Or what about flagstone (not concreted in) spaced out and set on top of crushed granite or pebbles? That would allow water to drain off but still have the look of the flagstone.

[Trainwreck20]

Or what about flagstone (not concreted in) spaced out and set on top of crushed granite or pebbles? That would allow water to drain off but still have the look of the flagstone.

Something like this was done in several communal areas in our neighborhood, I am not sure if the HOA did it or the COA, but it must be allowable via some mechanism. The areas were intersections that had fairly big grassy areas that I am sure where a nuisance to water. They aren't tiny, maybe covering 70-100 sq ft in some cases?

[tom331]

Originally Posted by RooCeleste

Or what about flagstone (not concreted in) spaced out and set on top of crushed granite or pebbles? That would allow water to drain off but still have the look of the flagstone.

Good suggestion and I like this option, but it will not work for my situation. The sidewalk strip is on the slope and the crushed granite will be washed away when it rains. I think that paver stone might work.