Fixing Sunken Walkways: Causes & Repair Tips
A sunken walkway isn’t just a tripping hazard—it can make your entire landscape look neglected. Whether your front path has a few uneven pavers or your backyard patio is sinking in places, it’s important to fix these issues before they worsen. At Topscape Landscaping, we help homeowners in Moline and surrounding areas restore safe, level, and attractive walkways that stand the test of time.
Understanding what causes sunken walkways—and how to fix them—can help you protect your property and avoid recurring repairs.
What causes sunken walkways?
Sunken pavers or concrete walkways are more than just an eyesore—they can create safety hazards and signal deeper issues in your landscape. At Topscape Landscaping, we’ve repaired countless walkways across Moline and surrounding areas, and most problems trace back to what’s happening beneath the surface. Understanding the root cause is key to preventing recurring problems and protecting your overall landscape investment.
Here are the most common causes of sunken walkways:
1. Poor base preparation
If the base wasn’t built right, the walkway won’t last. A weak foundation leads to long-term shifting and settling.
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- Soil not excavated deep enough
- Lack of proper compaction during installation
- Thin or missing gravel sub-base
- Uneven sand layer below pavers
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Topscape Landscaping ensures all paver walkways, patios, and driveways are constructed with a properly compacted base and correct layering to withstand years of use.
2. Erosion or drainage issues
Water is one of the biggest threats to hardscaping—especially when it's allowed to flow unchecked beneath your walkways.
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- Poor yard grading or sloping toward the walkway
- Downspouts draining directly onto the path
- Irrigation runoff washing out the base
- Seasonal flooding or pooling water
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Our team at Topscape Landscaping provides custom drainage solutions such as French drains, catch basins, and regrading to protect your investment and prevent future sinking.
3. Tree roots or vegetation growth
Plants and trees may beautify your yard, but underground root systems often interfere with walkway stability.
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- Expanding tree roots lift and shift pavers
- Rotting roots collapse, leaving underground gaps
- Invasive shrubs planted too close to the hardscape
- Lack of root barriers during original installation
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We assess surrounding vegetation during every landscape design or hardscape repair project and recommend appropriate action—including tree removal or relocation when necessary.
4. Heavy loads or frequent foot traffic
Walkways not designed for your actual use will wear down quickly, especially in softer soils.
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- High foot traffic without reinforcement
- Lawn mowers or wheelbarrows causing pressure points
- Heavy outdoor furniture placed on weak areas
- Settling caused by freeze-thaw after compaction failure
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Topscape Landscaping builds durable outdoor living areas and hardscapes with the right materials and base thickness to match your lifestyle and usage.
5. Freeze-thaw cycles
In Midwest climates like ours, constant seasonal changes create expansion and contraction below your walkways.
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- Moisture in the sub-base freezes and expands
- Spring thaws leave voids or shifts in the soil
- Pavers or concrete crack, dip, or heave
- Repeated cycles weaken stability each year
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That’s why Topscape Landscaping uses freeze-resistant installation techniques and properly slopes all new walkways, patios, and landscape elements to prevent damage from winter weather.
How to fix a sunken walkway
Sunken walkways may seem like a cosmetic issue, but they’re often a sign of larger problems beneath the surface—issues that can worsen if not addressed correctly. While a quick DIY patch might seem tempting, proper repair requires professional evaluation, specialized equipment, and an understanding of how soils, water, and load-bearing surfaces interact.
At Topscape Landscaping & Lawncare, we assess the entire area—structure, base condition, and drainage—to determine the most effective and lasting solution. Here are some of the most reliable professional repair options:
1. Lift and re-level pavers
In many cases, sunken pavers can be repaired by carefully removing the affected area, addressing the underlying issue, and reinstalling the existing pavers on a newly compacted base.
Why this method works:
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- Makes use of existing pavers, keeping costs lower
- Allows access to inspect and correct any compromised base material
- Restores the original look and function of the walkway
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Why hire a pro: Re-leveling isn't just about moving bricks. Without the right compaction tools and experience, DIY fixes often lead to uneven results or recurring sinking within a year. Our team uses proper grading tools and compaction methods to ensure long-lasting stability.
2. Regrade and rebuild the base
When underlying issues like erosion or poor soil compaction are to blame, the best solution is to remove the sunken section entirely and rebuild the base with the correct layering system.
What this involves:
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- Excavating and hauling away failed sub-base material
- Installing compacted gravel and sand layers with geotextile fabric
- Reinstalling pavers or concrete to proper grade and slope
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Why this is critical: A poor base is the most common cause of sinking. Rebuilding it ensures your walkway won’t continue to shift with each season or rainstorm.
Why this isn’t a DIY task: Most homeowners lack access to plate compactors, grading levels, and proper base materials. Improper base reconstruction is one of the most frequent causes of recurring walkway failure we see.
3. Concrete slab repair or replacement
If your walkway consists of poured concrete, sunken areas may require different solutions depending on the size of the affected section and overall condition of the slab.
Options include:
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- Mudjacking or foam jacking: Used to lift smaller sunken sections by injecting material underneath
- Full replacement: Necessary when the slab is cracked, poorly installed, or beyond repair
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Why trust a contractor: Concrete lifting or replacement involves heavy machinery, exact measurements, and an understanding of expansion joints and drainage slopes. A bad DIY concrete job can create more hazards than it fixes—and reduce your property value.
4. Correct the drainage around the walkway
Sinking walkways often stem from poor drainage—not just poor construction. If water is washing out the soil or base material beneath your path, we address that issue as part of the repair plan.
Common drainage upgrades:
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- French drains or trench drains to redirect subsurface water
- Swales or berms to control surface runoff
- Downspout extensions or dry wells to manage roof water
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Why it matters: Even a perfectly rebuilt walkway will sink again if water keeps eroding the ground underneath. As experienced drainage specialists, Topscape Landscaping & Lawncare ensures all hardscapes are built with water management in mind.
When to call a professional
DIY fixes may work for a single paver, but larger areas require proper equipment and expertise. If your walkway has widespread sinking, standing water, or cracked concrete, it’s time to call in a professional.
At Topscape Landscaping, we specialize in:
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- Paver walkway repairs and re-leveling
- Drainage assessments and solutions
- Concrete removal and replacement
- Complete landscape renovations and hardscape installs
We’ll assess the root cause and provide a lasting fix—not just a temporary patch.
Proudly serving Moline and the surrounding area
Topscape Landscaping offers expert walkway repair and landscape services in:
If you notice sunken or uneven walkways on your property, we’re here to help with efficient, professional repairs tailored to Midwest conditions.
Restore your walkway the right way
Schedule a repair with Topscape Landscaping today
Don’t wait for a trip hazard or water problem to get worse. Reach out to Topscape Landscaping for a professional inspection and customized walkway repair plan. Whether you need a quick paver re-level or a full base rebuild, we’ve got the tools and experience to do it right.
We proudly serve homeowners in Moline, the Quad Cities, and surrounding towns with reliable landscaping and hardscaping services that improve safety, curb appeal, and long-term value.
