By the time the base fills out and makes a complete mound, the front edge is likely to reach out onto the path a bit. So, I guess it's a decision about whether it should be allowed to do so. At my place, it would.

Thanks Jean - you've confirmed what I feared was likely. I've moved it & substituted a little Mugho Pine. You can see the result in my posting 'Yesterday and Today' in the Garden Gallery.