Creative Uses For Modular Landscaping Blocks

September 28th, 2014 Posted in Modular Block
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One of the most versatile landscape supplies for building is the sturdy modular block. Unlike the boring gray blocks of years ago, modular blocks now come in many shapes, colors and sizes.  There are several ways to use these landscaping blocks, from the popular retaining wall to creating flower beds and even outdoor furniture. What makes these building items so popular is that they are inexpensive, easy to use and available at almost any landscape supply store. Here are some ideas on how to use these handy blocks creatively in your landscaping. 

Retaining Walls

When building a retaining wall, modular blocks offer an excellent choice for a stable, strong wall which is easy to put together. Modular blocks are designed to fit nicely together without mortar, creating a tight, secure wall for decorative purposes or for erosion protection. The variety in colors and shapes allows homeowners to match their retaining walls easily with other landscaping materials on their property. 

Raised Gardens

Landscaping blocks are the ideal product for creating a quick raised flower or garden bed. These blocks are heavy enough to maintain stability when stacked without additional cement or mortar. Many homeowners are choosing modular blocks over landscape timbers for building planting beds, due to their environmental benefits. While treated timbers can release harmful chemicals into the soil, modular blocks do not compromise the soil that will be held inside to grow flowers, vegetables and herbs. 

Furniture

Get creative with modular blocks, and make your own garden furniture. Create hefty benches in your garden area, quick tables or pedestals. There is no limit to what can be built with these blocks with some imagination, yielding sturdy and weather resistant furniture options for you outdoor living spaces. 

Check out the vast variety of modular landscape blocks at your local landscape supply store, and begin your next creative landscape project.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Landscape Supply

 

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Does Your Gravel Driveway Need Maintenance?

September 28th, 2014 Posted in Gravel
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The great thing about gravel driveways is that they are the most affordable type of driveway to install. Unfortunately, this low initial cost comes with a price tag: higher maintenance. Gravel driveways require the most work for homeowners, needing consistent upkeep to maintain a level, evenly covered surface. If your gravel driveway is beginning to look uneven, with potholes and areas of sparse gravel rock, it is time to do some maintenance. 

Regular Maintenance Needed For Gravel Driveways

Homeowners with gravel driveways should expect to spend time a few times a year on maintenance. This can be as simple as raking the driveway to even out the gravel rock. It can also involve adding more gravel and either renting equipment for compacting and leveling or hiring a contractor. Here are some of the maintenance items which should be attended regularly to keep your gravel driveway even and level: 

  • Rake, shovel and tamping. For small issues with gravel displacement, you can use a shovel to fill in small holes, then rake over the driveway to even the surface. You will want to tamp the gravel down as tightly as possible.
     
  • Drainage. Water is the gravel driveways natural enemy, washing away your small rocks. You need to have adequate gravel to create a higher surface than the surrounding land, so that water does not pool on your driveway.
     
  • Resurface. There will be times when you need to add more pea gravel to your driveway, basically resurfacing the entire area. You can rent a tractor, grader blade and other equipment to do it yourself or hire a contractor to come level and compact the new rock. 

You landscape supply or gravel outlet should have the gravel you will need to perform regular maintenance on your driveway. It may also be beneficial to keep extra gravel on hand to make small repairs and fills as needed throughout the year.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Landscape Supply

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Prevent Tracked In Dirt With Patios, Pathways And Pavers

September 28th, 2014 Posted in Pavers
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The winter months can bring rain, snow and other moisture to create soft, muddy front and back yards. If you have kids or pets who love to play outside, there’s a good chance they are bringing that soft dirt and mud back in with them on their shoes and paws. One way to help reduce the amount of dirt being tracked into your house is to create patios and pathways which can create mud-free zones in your yard. Pavers are an affordable and easy way to create these outside surfaces, which can save your carpets and floors inside your home. 

Benefits Of Patio And Pathways

If you don’t currently have a sidewalk or paved pathway to both your front and back doors, now is the time to install one before the weather turns wet. Additionally, having even a small patio where kids can take off their shoes or paws can be wiped down before coming in the house can make a big difference in your indoor cleaning. 

Choosing Your Pavers

For both pathways and patios, there is an immense variety of pavers you can use for building beautiful surfaces. The type you choose will depend on the colors and shapes you prefer, along with your budget. The most common choices for pavers include: 

–        Brick. The classic look of brick can add style to any outdoor area. Brick is fairly inexpensive since it’s a man-made material. You can choose from classic red brick, or many other varieties of colors.

–        Cement pavers. One of the most affordable and versatile options is cement pavers. There are hundreds of varieties of shapes, sizes and color. For those on a budget with large areas to cover, cement pavers are definitely an excellent choice.

–        Natural stone pavers. For a rustic aesthetic appeal, natural stone pavers are the ultimate in style. Although very beautiful, natural stone pavers are also the most expensive, due to the limited supply and cost of obtaining these rocks from their natural source. 

Visit your local landscape supply store to find the perfect paver to keep excess dirt out of your home in the months to come.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Landscape Supply

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Pros And Cons Of Mulch And Gravel For Ground Cover

September 28th, 2014 Posted in Gravel
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Both mulch and gravel are commonly used as ground cover in landscaping. Although one is not necessarily better than the other, there are distinct differences between the two. While mulch decomposes and must be constantly replaced, gravel will last for centuries without changing, making it seem like the best choice. However, there are pros to using mulch, just as there are cons to using gravel. 

Mulch Pros And Cons

Mulch is organic material, like bark, which is used to protect the soil as a ground cover. It’s readily available at almost any landscape supply store, and can be purchased in bags or in bulk. Many people prefer to use mulch for ground cover for a variety of reasons. Some of the pros and cons of mulch include: 

  • Pros. Mulch adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes, making it excellent for ground cover around trees and in garden areas. It also comes in a variety of colors and types, which can create a beautiful landscaping when it is first applied.
  • Cons. Because mulch decomposes, it must constantly be replenished. Also, mulch will lose its bright color and become dull after a few months in the elements. 

Gravel Pros And Cons

Gravel used as ground cover is usually the small, pea gravel variety. Often you will notice many commercial properties will use gravel in their landscaping for the longevity of the product. Some of the other pros and cons of gravel for ground cover: 

  • Pros. Gravel can last a lifetime with a little upkeep and maintenance. Also, landscape suppliers have a wide variety of colors and sizes that are excellent for aesthetic purposes.
  • Cons. While gravel lasts, it also will not enhance the nutrients of your soil, like mulch does as it decomposes. It is also more expensive for the initial application, although it may save money over mulch in the long run. 

Both mulch and gravel can protect your soil, add beauty to your landscape and deter weed growth. Talk to the experts at your local supply store to determine which material is best for your next landscape project.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Landscape Supply

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