Getting The Most From Your Mulch

July 16th, 2014 Posted in Mulch
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Do you know when to mulch, what type to use and how much is needed for your landscaping projects? Mulch is used to retain moisture and nutrients in the soil while preventing weed growth. While mulch is made from a variety of organic materials such as grass, leaves and even paper, one of the most useful and aesthetically pleasing is tree or bark mulch. However, there is a right way to apply mulch, along with benefits to using certain types of bark mulches for different projects. 

Choosing Your Mulch

Mulch can be made from any type of tree, but there are certain types that are more popular to use for mulch. Hardwood trees are often ground to become mulch, with some mulches containing a variety of different types of trees while others are made from a specific tree or bark. Some specific uses for mulch may require buying the right blend for your needs. 

  • Playgrounds. Mulch is often used for playgrounds at schools, parks and daycare facilities. In some states, mulch must meet certain certifications to be used in play areas. Cypress mulch is often an excellent choice for these areas as it does not break down as quickly, making it excellent for reducing mud.
     
  • Trees. To protects roots, reduce weeds and retain moisture around trees and shrubs, pine bark mulch is often an excellent choice. Usually 2” of mulch replaced annually will be sufficient to keep trees and shrub bases protected.
     
  • Aesthetics. If you are using mulch to as an aesthetic enhancer to your yard more than to create topsoil, dyed mulches are a great choice. These mulches are often made from hardwood and dyed a variety of colors to compliment your yard. 

To ensure you get the right mulch in the right amount, talk to your local landscape supply store. They can help you choose the best mulch for your project, as well as give you tips on how to maintain it over the years.

Posted on behalf of Clayton Hulen, Green Brothers Earth Works

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Differences Between Flagstone And Fieldstone

July 16th, 2014 Posted in Fieldstone
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If you want to use natural stone in your landscaping, you may be wondering what the difference is between fieldstone and flagstone. While both offer the beauty and durability of authentic stone, each has its own benefits. Which stone will be the best fit for you will depend on the type of project you’re undertaking and the end result you are trying to achieve. 

Fieldstone

For a rustic, natural stone to build retaining walls, patios or outdoor firepits, fieldstone is an excellent choice of material. Fieldstones are rocks that have been formed over the centuries from falling off rocky ledges or from glaciers. Rough fieldstones are not quarried but gathered above ground, having a natural, often jagged appearance. However, these stones can also be cut to size to be used in a variety of projects. 

Flagstone

Flagstone is a quarried rock that is generally cut into flat slabs, making it perfect for creating a flat, durable surface. For patios, pool decks, pathways and stairways, flagstone can be used to create a dazzling stone surface which can accentuate any outdoor area. This versatile material is also used for interior designs, especially in bathrooms and sunrooms. 

Both flagstones and fieldstones range in color depending on where they are quarried or gathered. The benefit of both stones is their unique attributes which cannot be duplicated in man-made stone products, such as a level of durability that other materials cannot match. 

If you are not sure which stone would be best for your project, talk to your local landscape supplier or quarry. They can advise you on whether flagstone or fieldstone will be a better fit for your specific needs.

Posted on behalf of Culbreth Stone

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Accent Your Yard With Big, Beautiful Boulders

July 16th, 2014 Posted in Landscape Boulders
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If you are designing your landscaping with a natural theme, boulders can be the perfect accent pieces for an authentic, natural appeal. Nothing can compare to natural stone in terms of lending a touch of nature to your yard which will last a lifetime. While they may be heavy to move, once they are in place they will outlast almost everything in your yard. With a little creativity, you can incorporate these durable stones into your landscaping design as beautiful and natural fixtures. 

Ideas For Landscaping With Boulders

Boulders add a certain rustic flare to your yard, beautiful in a way that only Mother Nature can provide. There are many ways to add these behemoth rocks into your landscaping to make them appear as if you built your yard around them instead of adding them on after the fact. Some great ways to use boulders include: 

  • Borders. Boulders come in all sizes, from bowling ball size to a few feet wide. Use smaller boulders to build a natural stone border for gardens, offering a natural break between your lawn and planted areas.
     
  • Accents. Large boulders are perfect to accent areas to which you wish to draw attention, or to define the end of one space and the beginning of another. Larger boulders can be used as plant holders or even natural chairs within your garden.
     
  • Water features. One of the best uses of boulders is in and around water features. Create a beautiful border for your pond or steps for water to cascade over.  You can even create a mini creek bed with boulders that winds through your back yard. 

Talk to your local landscape supplier about ways to use boulders to give your back or front yard a rustic and natural appeal. Many suppliers can even deliver these large rocks right to your home to make it easier to use these great landscape enhancers.

 Posted on behalf of Alliance Stone, Inc.

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Using Authentic Stone Treads For Landscaping

July 16th, 2014 Posted in Flagstone
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While there are many man-made products which are meant to mimic natural stone, nothing can duplicate all the benefits of real stone in landscaping. For durability and beauty, natural stone is the perfect material for any structure, pathway or stairs that you want to withstand the elements. One of the most versatile products for flat surfaces is flagstone step treads, cut into manageable sizes which make it easier to build the perfect outside stone surface. 

Incorporating Stone Step Treads Into Your Yard

There are several great ways to add the beauty of flagstone step treads into your landscape design. What makes using these stone treads over formed cement or other products so desirable is the unique beauty that each tread can provide. Every stone is different, yet can be cut to uniform sizes to make them excellent for creating a durable, rustic outdoor ground covering. Some ways to use flagstone step treads in your yard include: 

  • Patios. Create a hard, flat surface with the beauty of natural stone. Steps treads can fit together nicely to make both small and large patio areas.
     
  • Pathways. Step treads can be used easily to make a convenient and rustic path through your garden or yard.
     
  • Stairways. For gradual slopes or even steeper hillsides, stone step treads are the perfect material for creating a stairway.  Steps can come in small squares or four-foot-long treads, depending on what you need. 

Talk to your local flagstone provider to find out what sizes of flagstone step treads they carry; quality providers can often create custom sized steps for your specific project. You will love the incredible beauty that flagstone treads can add to your landscaping project, which will last for decades to come.

 Posted on behalf of Culbreth Stone

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Landscape Materials For Weed Control

July 16th, 2014 Posted in Gravel
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There are several landscape materials which can help control the growth of weeds in your gardens and planting areas in your yard. Instead of trying to use chemicals to kill or inhibit the growth of weeds, landscape materials like fabric, mulch and gravel can stop weeds while offering other benefits. However, choosing the right material is important for the health of your plants, as well as for aesthetic appeal. 

Landscape Fabric

While landscape fabric is useful for keeping some weeds at bay, it is usually not used alone. This fabric can be put under soil, mulch or gravel to give additional protection from weeds. It also does not add any aesthetic value beyond keeping weed growth to a minimum. 

Tree Mulch

Mulch is great for gardens, trees, shrubs and planting areas. There are several varieties of tree mulch which offer protection from weed growth while adding an organic element to your planting soil and a naturally beautiful look. Tree mulch will breakdown over time, contributing the top soil in your planting areas. It also is perfect for retaining moisture in the ground, often used to protect tree roots and promote healthy growth. 

Gravel

Gravel can be used as mulch as well, controlling weed growth while adding aesthetically to your landscape design. However, gravel will not enhance the soil like organic mulches, so it is best used in areas other than gardens or planting areas. Gravel is great for pathways, rock gardens and driveways to keep weeds under control. 

If you are not sure which material will be best to control weeds in your landscaping, talk to your local landscape supplier. They can discuss which materials will work best to add beauty to your home while keeping those nasty weeds at bay. 

Posted on behalf of Clayton Hulen, Green Brothers Earth Works

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