Side yards are often the least utilized space on a property. If your side yard will only be a passage to get from A to B, you should limit your investment in it, prioritizing spending on other higher impact areas of the yard instead. If you plan to do more with your side yard, we suggest investments can rise to support your goals. Now apply this logic to paving. For side yards that are seldom used, keep it cheap. Gravel is a great option, as is decomposed granite, but if you have existing paving, simply leaving it be may be your best bet. One caveat: if you roll trash cans or wheelbarrows down your side yard regularly, you’ll want a stable surface. DG will suffice, concrete is nicer. Whatever you do, avoid gaps in paving to avoid a bumpy roll.For side yards with grander intentions, you’ll want to choose path materials in the same way that you do in other parts of the yard, considering style and function to make sure your path is easy to use, attractive, and cohesive with the rest of the design.