Advantages of Laying Sod Over Sowing Grass Seed

March 27th, 2013 Posted in Sod
Comments Off on Advantages of Laying Sod Over Sowing Grass Seed

If your lawn is sparse or severely damaged, or you’re starting a new lawn altogether, you’re probably looking for the best method of growing the lush, beautiful grass that will set off your landscape design and create a foundation for years of outdoor family fun. While there are distinct advantages and disadvantages of both sowing and sod installation, there are a few reasons why you may want to consider laying sod above sowing grass seeds to start your new lawn. 

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the difference between installing sod and sowing grass seeds. Sod is a mature lawn with soil that comes in patches or rolls complete with root systems that will establish themselves on your property with proper application  of water and pressure. Sod will not require regular fertilization, and can generally be walked on about two weeks after installation without damaging your lawn. Seeding requires a bit less work during the planting phase, but far more maintenance. 

Seeded plots can’t be walked over by people or animals for at least six weeks, is more susceptible to weed growth and can often require up to two years before they’re fully mature with uniform grass coverage. Sod creates a flawless lawn with uniform coverage immediately, creating almost instant gratification and is far less likely to require spot seeding to fill empty areas. 

Discuss the advantages of sod with your professional landscaping contractor today to determine what type of sod is best for your area, and to discuss the advantages of sod over sowing grass seed. Because sod is more physically demanding to install, you will almost certainly require the services of landscaping professionals to ensure that the job is done correctly.

, ,
Read More

Boulder Use in Landscaping Design

March 27th, 2013 Posted in Natural Stone
Comments Off on Boulder Use in Landscaping Design

Creating a dramatic landscaping design that makes an unforgettable impression can be as simple as adding a few well-placed boulders as you plan your new lawn or garden area. Boulders are great ways to draw attention to a particular area of your property when they’re used as accent pieces, and can be an integral part of retaining walls, creek bed linings and other landscaping fixtures. 

A professional landscape designer can help to ensure that your boulder placement is aesthetically pleasing and natural looking, regardless of how you’d like to incorporate them into your lawn or garden. Experienced landscaping designers can also show you how to use boulders to conceal unsightly drain pipes and security cameras or lighting fixtures. Natural stone boulders can also enhance the look of a swimming pool or spa, accentuate specific elements of your design or accent patios and decks. With natural stone boulders that are properly selected and placed, you can even create a faux waterfall that adds an unprecedented level of drama and appeal to your property. 

Because natural stone is such a long-lasting material, the addition of landscaping boulders to your lawn is an investment that will not have to be repeated year after year. Your natural stone landscaping boulders will withstand the elements with strength and grace, enhancing your lawn beautifully without requiring lots of tedious looking after or maintenance. 

When it comes to using boulders in landscape design, you’re limited only by your imagination and the size of your property! Speak with a professional landscaping designer about the best ways to incorporate natural stone boulders in your new design today!

, ,
Read More

Enhancing Your Lawn and Garden With Tennessee Field Stone

March 27th, 2013 Posted in Fieldstone
Comments Off on Enhancing Your Lawn and Garden With Tennessee Field Stone

Tennessee fieldstone is a versatile and beautiful natural stone product that can be used to enhance your landscaping design in a variety of impressive, eye-catching ways. The adaptability and wide range of applications of Tennessee fieldstone makes it an ideal choice for the creation of indoor and outdoor fireplaces, stacked stone walls, water features and stepping stones, just to name a few. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate stone fixtures into your landscaping design, Tennessee fieldstone is a viable material choice for almost any project you have in mind. 

Another key to the versatility of Tennessee fieldstone lies in the fact that it can be shaped and chiseled as needed to create the perfect shapes for any project. The weathered look of fieldstone is part of the charm, so you’ll also be able to maintain your stone landscaping features with minimal effort. Unlike other fixtures that will require attention with the changing seasons, your Tennessee fieldstone’s timeless beauty only increases as it is weathered by the elements. 

Tennessee fieldstone is available in thin stack, medium stack, long thick, fieldstone cap medium, fieldstone cap thin, fieldstone steppers and broken stack. There’s a type of Tennessee fieldstone out there that’s ideal for any stone landscaping design feature, making it a favorite of many landscapers and do-it-yourselfers. Working with an experienced landscaping designer and contractor can help you to obtain the lawn and garden of your dreams, especially when it comes to the selection and placement of fieldstone for path creation, the erection of stone walls and the enhancement of water features or the creation of a graceful, dramatic outdoor fireplace.

, ,
Read More

Flagstone for Landscaping Applications

March 27th, 2013 Posted in Flagstone
Comments Off on Flagstone for Landscaping Applications

Whether you call it flagstone or flagging, the wide range of landscaping applications that can be enhanced with the addition of flagstones is impressive, to say the least. Flagstone is a flat, sedimentary rock that’s easily split and shaped but still withstands the elements very well, making it a favorite of landscaping contractors and designers. Colors tend to range from crab orchard, a tan and brown mixture, to gray and mocha shades. 

Flagstone is even and flat for the most part, making it an ideal choice for elegant and eye-catching patios and walkways. The irregular shapes come together to create an attention-grabbing arrangement, and is naturally slip-resistant for increased safety. Close placement creates a polished look, while leaving a bit of space between the flagstones lends a more natural, earthy look to your patios and walkways. 

Flagstone can also be used to build retaining walls around flowerbeds and along pathways, creating interesting shapes and clear delineation of borders. You can even create stacked fences along the perimeter of your property with flagstones, creating a unique property enclosure that’s pleasing to look at as well as functional. They’re also an ideal choice for water features like fountains and man-made waterfalls. The slip-resistant surface of flagstone paving makes it a viable and more aesthetically-pleasing alternative to concrete for use around the perimeter of swimming pools and spas.

Working with an experienced and reputable landscaping designer to determine the best ways of incorporating flagstones into your new lawn or garden can help you to ensure that the placement and selection of your stones is handled properly, and that your flagstone features are a delight in your outdoor living spaces for years to come.

, ,
Read More

Improving Soil Quality With Topsoil

March 27th, 2013 Posted in Topsoil
Comments Off on Improving Soil Quality With Topsoil

If you’re planning a large landscaping project, there’s a very good chance that you’ll need to bring in some topsoil to complete it properly. Topsoil is sifted and screened to ensure that no sticks, rocks or other debris is introduced to your lawn or garden. 

It’s important to understand the difference between topsoil and fill dirt before you begin a landscaping project, even if you’re working with a landscaping contractor and designer. Fill dirt is typically a mixture of soil and sod removed from other projects that has not been sifted or separated and is used for heavy-duty lawn leveling projects like filling an old swimming pool or pond. Fill dirt will usually require a second layer of high-quality topsoil before it’s suitable for planting or sod installation. 

Topsoil typically does not contain any added fertilizers, but is still a rich, fertile soil that’s ideal for planting and leveling uneven areas of your lawn or garden. Properties with particularly poor soil quality will require the addition of clean, healthy topsoil to properly foster the establishment and growth of new plant life for landscaping design. If the soil on your property is sandy or comprised largely of clay that doesn’t promote plant growth, you’ll almost certainly need to introduce topsoil before planting to ensure that your new landscaping additions thrive and live up to their full potential. 

Your landscaping contractor or supplier may also suggest the addition of topsoil if you’re planning to install sod to start a new lawn for leveling purposes, or if part of your design includes the building and creation of raised beds for gardening.

, ,
Read More

Types Of Lawn Edging

March 14th, 2013 Posted in Landscape Timbers
Comments Off on Types Of Lawn Edging

Humans love borders and boundaries, something that defines where one area ends and another begins. Lawn edging may be just part of the human need to quatrain off the lawn from the garden or to make a neat appearance. However, lawn edging can also have a legitimate purpose as well when used as a barrier to stop wanted plants or grasses from invading a lawn. There are a few different types of lawn edging that can be used, depending on personal taste and purpose. 

Choosing Lawn Edging

While you can certainly “edge” your lawn by digging a trench around the perimeter, this is not as aesthetically pleasing as adding a decorative border. There are several choices, from expensive rock to even plastic edging that can be added. 

–          Rock. Natural and in many cases the preferred edging material, rock can make beautiful edging for a lawn. However, unless you happen to have rock of similar size and type lying around, it is a little more expensive then other options.

–          Wood. Railroad ties and landscape timbers are often used for edging. The drawback to wood is that it will eventually rot and need to be replaced. It also is difficult for curved areas.

–          Formed edging. There are cement, plastic and metal edgings that are specifically made for lawn edging. Most of these are fairly inexpensive and come in a variety of shapes. 

Whatever your preference, lawn edging can give your yard a professional appearance while at the same time, limiting exposure to unwanted plants permeating your lawn. Your local landscape supply store most likely has a variety of edgings to choose from to meet both your aesthetic and budget needs.

 

, ,
Read More

Tips For Buying Planting Soil

March 14th, 2013 Posted in Soil
Comments Off on Tips For Buying Planting Soil

As spring approaches, thoughts turn to planting flowers and plants in your garden or yard. Depending on what you are planting and where, you will most likely also need some soil to add to your existing flowerbeds, potted plants or garden to enhance the nutrient content. There are many different types of soil and compositions that can be used but to get the best results, you want to make sure you are buying the correct soil for your planting needs. 

Soil Factors To Consider

There are many different kinds of soil but there are also types of compositions to consider. The soil you would buy for a potted plant that you intend to transplant later into your garden will differ from the soil you would buy for your flower garden. When looking at soil, three types are common among the choices: 

–          Organic and non-organic. Organic soil contains organisms that adds nutrients to the soil and can be used over and over again. This is best for gardens or soil that will be re-used. Non-organic soil is fortified with fertilizer and other nutrients that are added, but will be depleted after one season. 

–          Soil weight. The weight of the soil determines how much moisture it will hold. Most plants in direct sun will need a medium weight soil to hold moisture, where plants in the shade can use a lighter weight. 

–          Fertilizer. The type of fertilizer that is best for plants differs greatly. Make sure to read instructions on soils containing fertilizer on feeding instructions or consult your landscape supply store. 

Getting the right soil can make all the difference when planting. Once you choose your plants, make sure you also choose the right soil that will help them flourish.

, ,
Read More

Find Local Company | Landscape Supply Directory | Find Local Landscape Supply Companies