Use Gator Dust for Natural Stone Paving Projects

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Mortar and Adhesives
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Gator dust is a polymer product widely used in landscaping as a top quality joint sealant with both aesthetic and functional applications. Filling the joints between wetcast and natural stone paving units with gator dust prevents unsightly weeds from springing up and stabilizes pavers for a satisfyingly long-lasting installation. Gator dust is also used to repair cracks in distressed surfaces and to seal paved surfaces for a more aesthetically-pleasing finish. Gator dust is available in dark gray and beige colors that complement the look of natural stone.

The bonding power of gator dust lies in the product’s polymeric base. Made from a unique, scientific blend of polymer binders, graded sand and other additives, gator dust has a very firm bonding action. This product has been formulated specifically for all types of natural stone applications; gator dust should never be used with concrete paving systems since it leaves a white reside on concrete surfaces. Gator dust works equally well on both level and inclined surfaces and when used properly, it provides a remarkably dense compaction that will lock natural stones securely in place for years.

When using gator dust, it is important to know that water has a marked effect on the material. Gator dust should only be installed during dry weather conditions since excess moisture will undermine the product’s performance. Similarly, gator dust should only be used on paving surfaces with a proper drainage bed system since surplus water retention will soften the filler, potentially destabilizing the installation.

Altogether, gator dust has many benefits. It puts a stop to unwanted sprouting, helps prevent soil erosion and adds an attractive final touch to natural stone features. It may be applied to stone patios, walkways, driveways and even pool decks. With great ease of maintenance and fine durability, gator dust just may be the perfect sealing system for your masonry needs.

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5 Easy Steps to Do-It-Yourself Sod Laying

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Sod
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With spring right around the corner, you may be thinking that it’s time to do something about that dirt yard.  Laying sod the correct way is essential if you want a healthy lawn.  Most homeowners will want to hire a professional landscaper to lay the sod, but it’s a job many homeowners can handle themselves if they have the time and inclination.

Tip 1: Measure Before You Order

You don’t want to end up with too much or too little sod to do the job.  Draw a sketch of your lawn and measure the areas you want to fill.  Multiply the length by width of each space and divide by 9 in order to convert the number to square yards.  That is the amount of sod you need to order.

Tip 2: Prepare Your Soil

While you’re waiting for your sod to be delivered, make sure the soil is level by grading or raking it, sloping away from the foundations of the house.  Fill in any low spots with top soil.

Tip 3: Installation

Place the sod as soon as it’s delivered by laying it in a straight line, such as along a sidewalk.  Push the edges together as tightly as possible – sod shrinks as it dries.  Form the next row by staggering the joints, like bricks.  When it has all been installed, you can use a roller to make sure the sod has good contact with the soil and to reduce the appearance of the seams.

Tip 4: Water!

You’ll want to water within thirty minutes of delivery, to keep the sod from shriveling and dying.  It should be watered daily for two weeks, to give it time to root itself.  After that, weather conditions in your area will indicate how much you should water.

Tip 5: Mowing

Your sod has rooted when it becomes obvious that it needs mowing.  Be careful not to cut it too short the first time, or it could dry out.  Also be careful when going over seams.  Eventually, you’ll be able to trim it to an ideal height of 1.5 inches.

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Mulching How-To

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Mortar
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It’s that time of year again and gardeners everywhere are getting the planting itch.  Among your plans for this growing season should be the addition of mulch to improve your soil’s health and keep the weeds out of your garden.  It also improves the view!

If you’ve never used mulch before, the process is very simple.  You’ll want to decide what kind of mulch you want first.  It varies in appearance, texture, and price.  These include pine mulch, cypress mulch, compost, bark, gravel, black plastic, grass clippings, and even shredded leaves.  You’ll receive different benefits from different mulches.  Plastic, for example, will keep the soil warm while bark chunks will aerate it.

Once you’ve decided what you’d like to use, it’s time to prepare the area.  Dig the beds, install borders or edging, and enrich the soil now, if you’re going to.  This is also the time to pull any early weeds and lay down landscaping fabric or plastic.

Depending on what kind of mulch you chose and how you obtained it – whether through a gardening center or from your own lawn – it may not be easily hauled to your garden spot.  Choose an easy means of transportation, whether in a wheelbarrow or bucket, and begin adding mulch to your chosen spot.

The ideal depth is up to you but aim for at least two to four inches.  Avoid shoving mulch right up against existing plants and tree trunks.  You don’t want to suffocate them.  For plants that will be added later, you can create basins in the mulch where they will be planted.  Otherwise, rake the area flat and you’re finished.

Mulch can also be used in the winter by covering pruned plants entirely with it.  This will insulate the plant from the cold.  The next spring, simply uncover it.  Remember, as well, that mulch doesn’t last forever.  You’ll need to renew organic ones every few years since they will have decomposed.  It’s fine to add new mulch on top of the old.

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Topsoil: An Essential Ingredient for Seasonal Landscape Maintenance

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Topsoil
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This spring, many homeowners will grapple with the challenges of seasonal landscape maintenance. As warmer days arrive, old gardening projects resurface and the task of sprucing up outside spaces begins. Reestablishing the lushness of summertime lawns is a priority around this time of the year. Topsoil is an essential ingredient for restoring your lawn and for healthy springtime beds and vegetable gardens.

Topsoil promotes healthy plant growth and improves soil structure due to its extremely high mineral and plant nutrient content. Natural topsoil is excavated from the upper layer of pristine Greenfield sites or from former agricultural land and is the result of dynamic natural processes that have occurred in the soil over time. Manufactured topsoil is natural topsoil that has been enriched with organic materials like peat moss, composted leaves, aged rice hulls and lime.

Spring is the best time to overseed a lawn and topdressing with topsoil is the best way to prepare a lawn for overseeding. Whether you are overseeding an entire lawn or filling in patchy spots, high quality, fertile topsoil is the answer to your lawn renovation needs. Topsoil helps newly planted trees and shrubs develop a healthy root system and growth pattern, making it a necessary soil conditioner for new sods, for seed starting, or for newly planted trees and shrubs. It is invaluable for starting new lawns, providing an even surface and firm foundation for installing turf or for seeding. Topsoil is also used to revive ‘dead’ garden beds that have been eroded by seasonal changes.

Topsoil truly is the ideal, multi-purpose soil amendment. It improves the tilth and cultivability of soil, aids moisture retention and helps to eliminate weeds and soilborne diseases. Used equally in residential landscaping and commercial turfing projects, such as golf courses and sporting fields, topsoil is essential for safeguarding the long-term health and vibrancy of lawns and plants.

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Mulching Matters: The Power of Pine

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Mulch
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Mulching is a proven method for protecting and enriching the soil in your garden beds or around individual plants. Organic mulches are a popular choice for landscapers because they are readily available, easy to apply and more economical than non-organic mulches.

Pine mulch is one commonly used type of organic mulch. For this type of mulch, there is the option of using either pine straw or pine nuggets. Pine straw consists of weathered pine tree needles and is excellent for providing dense coverage and thwarting the growth of weeds. Pine straw mulch is not easily washed away by rain and requires yearly reapplication to remain effective. An appealing aspect of pine straw mulch is the look of the material; the rust colored needles are an attractive detail in garden beds and can enhance the overall aesthetics of any landscape.

Pine nuggets are chunks of pine tree bark. Compared to pine straw, this darker colored mulch provides looser coverage and can last for several years before a new application is needed. On the other hand, pine nuggets are more susceptible to erosion and you may find some mulch is washed away by rain water. Altogether, pine nuggets are a good choice in drier climate conditions where a more permanent mulching solution is desired.

These differences aside, both pine straw and pine nugget mulches provide all the benefits of organic mulches. Organic materials spread around the base of a plant decompose over time, discharging soil-enhancing nutrients and encouraging the growth of soil-friendly microorganisms. Organic mulches also promote healthy plant growth by keeping the soil aerated and protecting it from moisture loss and erosion. They insulate soil against adverse temperatures, reduce weed growth and keep soilborne diseases at bay. Additionally, because mulches clear the area around plants, they almost negate the likelihood of accidentally damaging foliage during mowing or trimming.

By choosing the right pine mulch for your gardening needs you can reap the benefits of mulching today!

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Outdoor Pavers Add Pizzazz

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Pavers
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So you’re thinking of paving an outdoor area and you’re wondering which type of surfacing system is right for your needs. Outdoor pavers are the definitive option for external spaces because they literally lay the groundwork for beautiful and versatile landscape designs. Pavers are durable, easy to install and offer great safety value. They add decorative charm to any landscape and also serve functional purposes, such as edging a garden or framing spaces.

Stone pavers are naturally occurring flagstones mined from bluestone, limestone, granite, sandstone, travertine or slate quarries. They are more expensive than manufactured pavers but remain popular because of their durability, low maintenance and fade-resistant colors. They come in an endless array of colors and cuts and can be used to achieve either an ‘old world’ effect or a modern look.

Concrete pavers are manufactured by pouring mixed concrete into patterned moulds. You can choose from any number of elegant designs and shapes. Most concrete pavers are a light gray color, providing a pleasing contrast in darker landscapes; however, these pavers come in a wide variety of colors. Concrete pavers stand up extremely well in all weather conditions and require only periodic pressure-washing to retain newness. They are a very cost-effective solution for external paving needs.

Brick pavers are another attractive paving option. These pavers are manufactured by firing a mixture of sand, cement and water in a kiln. Brick pavers are commonly a classic red color, but you can choose from a variety of striking tints and finishes. Shapes range from simple rectangular pavers to more complex wedged shapes. Curved and rounded brick pavers are ideal for edging projects. Brick pavers are known for their durability but they are not very fade-resistant and will lose some of their luster with time.

Whether you are planning to line a swimming pool deck, resurface a patio, or give your old asphalt driveway a much-needed makeover, outdoor pavers are perfect for adding pizzazz to your landscape.

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Modular Blocks Give You More Bang for your Block

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Modular Block
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Modular blocks are a fashionable, functional and flexible building material widely used in residential, commercial and industrial landscaping. These high-strength, precast concrete units give you more bang for your block since that are structurally more sophisticated than standard concrete bricks and provide a more aesthetically appealing finish.

Interlocking and offset stacking modular block systems are engineered for easy installation and for resistance to external forces such as lateral soil pressure, hydrostatic pressure or surcharge and seismic load in the ground. This makes modular blocks a popular choice for constructing heavy-duty retaining walls and even for larger building projects in landslide-prone and earthquake-prone areas.

The main components of modular block systems include the block units themselves, foundation soil/the base, drainage, backfill/retained soil, and wall reinforcement such as geogrid or geotextile. While there is a highly technical aspect to these sophisticated systems, integrated modular block solutions are available for quick and simple installation in any weather conditions. Ultimately, modular block systems reduce land take and can be installed with minimal site disruption.

Modular blocks are more natural-looking than concrete blocks, marrying the geometric affordances of brick with the textured look of natural stone. This makes modular blocks a stylish option for freestanding walls including sitting walls, planter walls, garden walls, privacy walls and boundary walls. The blocks also make for safe and attractive outdoor fire pits. They come in a variety of patterns, sizes, colors and textures to complement the aesthetics of any landscape. Beautiful decorative designs add substance and style to your straight, curved or terraced wall.

Modular blocks are truly the crème de la crème of low-cost building materials. They are less expensive than poured concrete walls, easy to maintain and handsomely complement other landscape features like walkways, courtyards and arbors. Whether you are building a functional retaining wall or bordering a pergola, consider using stately modular blocks for a quality that lasts.

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Elegant Landscape Timbers for Stability and Style

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Landscape Timbers
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Landscape timbers are heavy-duty wooden planks that have a variety of landscaping applications. These elegant building materials can serve an ornamental purpose in exterior settings, but are also ideal for building sturdy and functional outdoor structures. The secret behind the durability of landscape timbers is the pressure-treated or micronized-treated wood. Industrially treated landscape timbers contain chemical preservatives that make them rot-resistant and insect-resistant. Softwood timbers are manufactured from the heartwood of cedar and redwood trees and hardwood oak timbers are also common.

Landscape timbers are able to withstand external conditions, making them an ideal material for decks, boardwalks, garden bridges, picnic tables and outdoor benches. Stationary structures like sheds and children’s playhouses that are in permanent contact with the ground are susceptible to decay and wood-boring insects, but these problems are avoided with hardwearing landscape timbers.

The weathered look of some landscape timbers and the range of colors and textures available have a definite appeal for decorative wood projects. Smaller, lightweight timbers are perfect for crafting striking lawn ornaments like planters, wishing wells or lighthouses. In green landscapes, cherrytone landscape timbers provide a pleasing contrast when stacked for raised garden beds or used for terraced stairs. Wood stain and varnish can be used to further embellish the timbers.

Important functional features such as retaining walls and garden edging are commonly engineered using landscape timbers. When used as edging, landscape timbers help organize a landscape, creating neat boundaries, boxes or shaped borders around lawns, trees, driveways and shrubs. Timber edging protects foliage from damage during mowing and cuts down maintenance. Timber edging can be laid in symmetrical, repetitive or interconnected designs to create balance, draw the eye to focal features, add formality, or suggest rhythm and unity within a landscape.

Whether you are envisioning a raised pond, an attractive post fence or a simple sign post, versatile landscape timbers will add character, stability and style to your woodwork project.

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How To Tell If Commercial Topsoil is Healthy

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Topsoil
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Topsoil is the topmost layer of the earth’s surface; normally, no deeper than about eight inches.  Its unique combination of decayed organic matter creates a nutrient and mineral-rich environment that is necessary for plants to grow.

It can be hard to find naturally, especially in urban areas, so commercial topsoil has become popular with gardeners looking to improve their garden or lawn soil.  You can find this at your local landscape supply cent but be sure to check the soil carefully when buying.

Many states don’t enforce regulations regarding what constitutes topsoil.  In these cases, manufacturers may use sand, manure, or sawdust mixtures instead and foreign objects like rocks, weeds, seeds or even harsh chemical traces could interfere with your own plants’ health.

Unhealthy topsoil is grayish, dry, and crumbly but you can’t always depend on just your eyes.  Some manufacturers will combine wood ashes with poor soil to give it the rich, dark color of a healthy mix.   So you need to learn as much as you can about the mix before purchasing it.

Try examining the soil for rocks or large roots or anything overly hard.  Feel it for moisture – it should have a crumbly texture.  You’ll also want to smell it.  Topsoil has a natural, earthy smell and any foreign  chemical scent will be obvious.

If you’re buying from a gardening or landscape supply center, you can ask for test data of the topsoil.  You’ll want to see information about the pH, acidity, and the amount of clay or sand in it.  An acceptable mix will have a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and be labeled loam or sandy loam.  This is important since sandy soil won’t hold water and minerals and clay won’t allow proper drainage.

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5 Different Types of Stone for Stacked Stone Walls

March 1st, 2012 Posted in Natural Stone
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Stone for wall-building generally comes in three basic shapes: dressed stone, round fieldstone, and flat stacking stone.  Each shape will give your landscape a different look and feel.  Round field stone, for example, will create a more rustic feel while dressed stone is best used in formal settings.  You’ll also want to consider its use since harder stones will be needed for water-based features and so on.

Your landscape supply center will provide the widest selection of stones to choose from.  Fieldstone, granite, limestone, and flagstone are the most readily available stone types.  The following are five very popular looks:

1. Chocolate Sandstone

Like its name, this stone has a rich hue that subtly blends in with its surrounding landscape.  This is a good choice if you’re looking for an earthy tone that won’t call a lot of attention to itself.

2. Colorful Sandstone

Sandstone is not limited to one single color, which can bring some very interesting options to your wall.  In fact, if you feel like using a variety of colors, nothing says you can’t.  This look even keeps things looking vibrant even in the winter months.  White, cream, brown, gray, red, yellow, pink, and even blueish tones are some of the many color varieties.

3. Mixed Limestone

Mixed limestone refers to the shape of the stones.  This method is usually a wall made up of both thick and thin blocks to form a more rugged look and pattern.  You can use both light and dark stones, as well, for further variety.

4. Tennessee Fieldstone

Tennessee fieldstone comes in a variety of earth tone colors including buff, gray, light brown, dark brown and reddish-brown, among other colors.  This is a good choice for those wanting a more ordered look.

5. Gray Granite

As its name suggests, this stone comes in one color though shading may vary.  Granite is usually cut for thick and flat piece, giving you a stocky or chunky wall.

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