Why Use Polymers Instead Of Just Sand?

September 25th, 2013 Posted in Landscape Materials Suppliers
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Sand has long been used as the go-to substances for holding paving stones or bricks in place in driveways, walkways and patios. Although it is often still used, sand made with polymers has entered the market and provides a better solution to interlocking pavers and bricks. The chemical make-up and design allows for better stability and weed deterrent than sand alone.

What Is Polymeric Sand?

Polymeric sand is essentially sand with polymers added to the mix. Most use quartz and/or crystalline silica polymers. Polymers give the sand a better weight and resistance, allowing it to fill in the gaps between paving stones or bricks without the issues that are involved with sand alone. With the use of polymers, the sand does not need to be sealed to harden and solidify between the joints.

Many landscape companies and contractors have moved to using polymeric sand for one simple reason; it lasts longer and works better than sand alone. Some of the benefits of using sand with polymers include:

–         Less washout. Sand often is displaced when heavy rains or storms hit. Polymeric sand stays in place and does not wash out like plain sand.

–         No sealer needed. Adding sealer costs more and takes more time, giving polymeric sand an economic edge over sand.

–         Great weed control. Sand with polymers gives excellent protection against weeds, some argue much better than sand alone.

–         Better paver protection. Polymeric sand can help improve the life of bricks and pavers by reducing the water seepage below them.

Most professionals will agree that when laying paving stones or bricks, that polymeric sand is the best option available.

Posted on behalf of Alliance Stone

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Using Boulders to Accent Your Garden

September 25th, 2013 Posted in Natural Stone
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There are more people using boulders in their landscaping to add a unique look to their yards and gardens. Not only can they be used as accents, there are some practical purposes for them as well. Boulders can range in size and colors from small round rocks often found in gardens to large Tennessee boulders that are a statement in and of themselves. Here are a few ways to add depth and beauty to your garden with the use of boulders.

–         Edging. Small boulders are great for edging. Use them to edge around the outside of a garden, separate areas within the garden or clustered to accent a statue.

–         Markers. Boulder make great canvases for painting or engraving. You use a boulder to claim your garden space or to memorialize a lost loved one. You can even use boulders to mark your vegetable garden rows with painted pictures of corn, peas, beans, etc.

–         Garden seating. Giant boulders can make great chairs or seats to take a moment to rest and enjoy your garden. They give comfort while not taking away from the garden’s natural beauty.

–         Plant stand. Large boulders can be a great place to perch a potted plant or other accents in your garden, offering different levels to add allure to the aesthetics of your garden.

–         Camouflage. If you have a pipe or area that needs to be hidden, boulders can nicely hide anything that is detracting from your garden’s beauty.

The only limit to how you can use boulders in your garden is your imagination. With so many sizes and colors to choose from, they can add a beautiful and interesting accent to any garden.

Posted on behalf of Culbreth Stone

 

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Field Stone Landscaping Ideas

September 25th, 2013 Posted in Fieldstone
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Field stones once were considered a burden to remove from the earth to make an area ready for planting. While they may still frustrate the farmer, they now are used to bring beauty as well as function to many landscaping projects. These stones come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, giving them versatility in how they can be used. Here are a few ways you can use field stones to give your landscaping a new look.

–         Stone wall. One of the oldest and most functional uses for the field stone is a retaining or decorative walls. These stones tend to be flatter and easier to stack, making them perfect for creating a rustic looking wall.

–         Paving. Field stones are a great way to create a natural looking patio or walkway through a garden. Once flush with the ground, they give the impression of a natural paved floor.

–         Borders. Once again, field stones are great to stack, even if just high enough to create a border. Use them to border your garden, mailbox or driveway, adding dimension and natural beauty. They also work well around garden ponds, giving a natural edging.

–         Fire pits. Create your own backyard camping area with a field stone fire pit. Use the flatter stones to edge the pit for a fire-resistant ring and the rounder and jagged stones to create the interior fire pit.

–         Sculpture pieces. Field stones come in so many sizes that larger ones can be made into pieces of art or even furniture. A large flat stone can be used as a table top, making art into function.

Check with your local stone provider for even more creative ideas for the use of field stone in your landscape.

Posted on behalf of Alliance Stone

 

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Do You Know Your Choices In Gravel Types?

September 25th, 2013 Posted in Gravel
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Gravel is used in a variety of landscaping and home improvements, from creating a beautiful patio to surfacing a driveway. Depending on what you are trying to achieve, there are going to be gravels that will better suit your needs. The size, aesthetics and price can all come into play when choosing the right gravel type for your project.

Pea Gravel

A great filler gravel for patios and walkways is pea gravel. This gravel comes in small round rock, like a pea, but can come in different sizes. They come in a variety of shades, like tan, gray or white and are fairly inexpensive.

Crushed Or Decomposed Granite Gravel

Both crushed and decomposed granite are great for patios and walkways, though each is a little different. Decomposed granite is a finer gravel and tends to give a rustic look, while crushed is a bigger variety, which gives more texture. Crushed is more expensive and can be harder to locate.

Limestone Gravel

If you want a white and clean looking driveway or walkway, limestone may be an excellent choice for your project. Limestone packs well for both, although it can be a bit dusty in dry conditions and leave white residue on your shoes in wet ones.

River Rock Gravel

River rocks can come in large rocks, great for creek beds and even retaining walls, or in smaller sized gravel. Depending on where it is obtained, it can come in many colors with smooth, round rocks. It’s great for pathways and edging landscaping.

There are so many different choices in gravel that can add both function and beauty to your project. Check with your local landscape supply store to find out which will best fit your needs and budget.

Posted on behalf of Clayton Hulen, Green Brothers Earth Works

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Selecting the Right Sod Type For Your Climate

September 25th, 2013 Posted in Sod
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You know you want a beautiful lush lawn, however when it comes to choosing a sod type, you might be wondering what the differences are. Although there is a wide variety of types of sod that give many different benefits, from low maintenance to high traffic, one of the basic factors that with determine what sod is best for your lawn will be climate.

Sods For Colder Climates

If you live in an area that is cooler, the grass will need to be able to withstand temperature and moisture changes. You want a grass that can take periods of drought during the summer after long, cold winters. Some good choices include Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. 

Sods For Hotter Climates

For areas with warmer temperatures throughout the year, you have many options you can choose from. Some of the higher quality sods include the zoysia grass, which requires less mowing and stands up to heavy foot traffic. A more reasonably priced option is Bermuda grass, which does well in hot temperatures and in heavy traffic, however it does require more maintenance.

Sods For Mid-Range Climates

For those in areas that have cool winters, yet not cold, there are even more choices. You can lean toward whichever end you choose, depending on whether your weather is more hot or more cold. In many cases a blend or hybrid sod may be your best bet, giving you the best of two or more grasses.

Before buying any sod, consult with a professional to discuss traffic needs, sunlight and moisture requirements to find the best sod for your particular needs. There are sods in every climate type that will be better suited for each situation.

Posted on behalf of Clayton Hulen, Green Brothers Earth Works

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