The fact that you intend to cover your entire backyard doesn't change the process -- follow the same instructions given for laying a flagstone patio or walkway.

How big is your backyard, by the way?

Thanks Marymd. My backyard is 40 feet wide and 70 feet deep. Any suggestions on where the best place to start is?

That's going to be one heck of a patio. In my imagination, such a "yard" would look very industrial, and large gaps between the flag will not compliment the look. May I suggest that you consider using more than one material, and possibly building planters, as you do this? Flagstoning 2800' is a massive project, and you should do it right for the long-term. That means a real foundation that isn't going to heave in the frost, and consideration of whether you want the maple to survive the loss of its root system.

There are a couple of people who have posted beautiful patio pictures on this forum, including a couple who have mixed brick and flagstone in amazing ways.

My friend who has raised dogs for years and always has at least 4 running around (not counting the assorted visitors, boarders and puppies) has eliminated most of the grass in her back yard. She had to do this because of all the dog traffic and the fact she has 2 huge black walnut trees and at least 10,000 squirrels (brave souls that they are) which did not make things conducive to a nice lawn. The size of her backyard is similar to yours and I also think it's a mistake to get rid of all of your grass. She sectioned her yard off into 3 areas keeping some lawn closest to the house. Her turf runs off the sliding glass door from her bedroom so it's soft to walk on and isolates the puppies from the adults when necessary. The area on the opposite side of the yard is a flower bed because she likes to garden and didn't want to give that up. (With dogs, fencing is the key!) She filled the largest section in the middle with small stone gravel for the dogs, a sandbox where they can dig, and a wading pool for them to cool off. You could do with your flagstone instead of the gravel.

This setup works very well because she can still maintain a small lawn area yet keep out the dogs with the fencing when she needs to (she uses split rail with hardware cloth nailed to it). Clean up is easier and NO mud ever. Plus ball play is A LOT more fun! It doesn't give the feel of a parking lot because she still has some grassy spots, flowers and a sitting area for people. I think you would like your yard better designing it similarly. Her yard is functional yet feels like it has "rooms." By creating separate spaces, it makes things interesting and is certainly more attractive to humans. I think your dogs would like it better, too. That's going to be one HOT backyard come next July and not as dog friendly as you think. ;o)

I was going to mention what Nancy pointed out: it's gonna get hot! Possibly consider sectioning off an area for the dogs, instead of paving over your entire backyard.

-Audric

As a dog owner myself, I can relate to your issues regarding dogs/grass/digging/yellow spots/etc. I really wonder though, do you think your dogs would enjoy the flagstone surface? As some others have said, it will get hot. I know my dogs love nothing better than lounging in the shade under a spruce tree (and getting sap in their hair) on a hot day. On grass. Softer, you know?

Is digging the only issue or are you also concerned about yellow spots from urination and/or the grass is too high maintenance? If digging is the only concern, have you read some of the training books that suggest designing a single designated spot where the dogs are allowed, even encouraged, to dig and teaching them that they are NOT ALLOWED to dig anywhere else? It takes some time and work, but can certainly be done.

Just my opinion, I think the dogs would appreciate some grass.

Ann

If you want to garden at all, I would suggest adding in some raised beds - 2" up or so maybe made out of railroad ties or landscape timbers, so they will be less likely to get up there and dig into those. Great idea for partitioning off a run area for your dogs... I have a little dachsie, no such problems. But my sister has a newfoundland, big paws that can really dig.

I think all gardens should be designed to accomodate whoever uses them. Ann asks "do you think your dogs would enjoy the flagstone surface?" Watching a two year old child pull the head off a tulip and pretend to drink from it was worth two thousand years of visits to Kirkenhof. Dogs are only 'something' like children, dogs and gardens respond better to training than kids. If I had to choose between my girl's enjoyment and some mess to clean up in the spring there would be no contest.
'Reconsider the flagstones', is the short version.

Two other things to consider; price and drainage. That's a lot of flagstone......and a lot of water that has to go somewhere. Neighbors? How easy will it be to haul the flagstone to the backyard from the front where it will be deliverd? If you don't do it, someone else will and charge accordingly.
Get some bids for the entire project, drainage included, and then make a decision.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I guess that's what a forum like this is for... getting advice on what to do and what not to do! I really appreciate all your help, and if my dogs could speak... they would say thank you too.

Can you lead me to the beautiful patio picture link??

"I was thinking of tilling the soil a couple of inches, mixing it with some sand and tamping it down. Its sounds simplistic, but is this the way I would do the entire yard?"

no, cause that's not how you dry set a patio either. That mud you speak of is not a base for stone no matter how much sand you till in. 2" of compacted crusher run then 1" compacted stone dust or sand minimal!

40x70 worth of flagstone is going to be very expensive...what is your budget?

This thread is over a year old. I think the OP is long gone.

"Every spring my yard is one large, muddy mess! .... my yard is fairly level, has good drainage" Something does not add up. Add 2,800 SF of impervious stone and a 1" rain storm and you'll have 1,800 gallons of water searching for a home ... your home, or your neighbor's home most likely.