We are redoing our side and backyards and had planned to put a gravel path down the side of our house leading to an open gravel patio. However, I just realized that both of these areas are located right beneath a very tall and large Douglas Fir tree. Which is why we have had trouble growing grass under it.

I am concerned about what the maintenance of the gravel path and patio would be over time with pine needles and cones dropping year round.

Do you have any other ideas that would look neat, tidy and rustic as an alternative? I mentioned to my husband that we could at least do the path in bark dust, but he seemed to think that that wouldn't look good. That area is also tends to get boggy in our NW winters.

The first picture is where our intended side path will go, sloped down towards the back. The other two pictures are of the back yard, half would be a round gravel patio with firepit, the other half (not under the tree) would be a small grassy area.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!