Time to Replace Your Mulch for Winter

Mulch helps make your landscaping look neat and tidy, but it also has functional properties. Mulch can protect your tree roots and help retain moisture in your soil. It can also limit weed growth, reducing your need to pull out weeds from your landscaped areas while adding nutrients to the soil. Many mulches can last a year or more, but a refreshing of mulched areas before winter is always a good idea for improved protection, while keeping your yard looking pristine.

So what type of mulch is best for your needs? There are several options, from different kinds of bark and tree mulch to pine straw. Here are some basics on some of the common mulches and their uses:

  • Pine Bark Mulch. Pine bark makes an excellent mulch, especially around trees and shrubs that enjoy an acid-rich soil. The pine bark can be dyed brown, red or black for aesthetic appeal.
  • Cypress Mulch. Cypress mulch is made from the entire tree, not just the bark. Like pine bark mulch, it works well for tree roots. It also has a pleasant odor and helps repel insects, which makes it a common mulch for use in playgrounds and daycares play areas.
  • Pine Straw. Pine straw can be an affordable mulch for large areas and works well for sloped areas where other types of mulch may roll or slide.

These are just a few of the mulches available to help landscape your yard. Talk to your local landscape supply store to determine which mulch will be best for your applications. You may want to use different types for various areas for aesthetic and practical purposes.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

5 Great Uses for Tennessee Flagstone

Tennessee flagstone is a beautiful material that can be used for many different projects around your home. This durable material offers a natural beauty that artificial stone cannot match, with every stone being completely unique. Tennessee flagstone can be used both inside and outdoors for durable surfaces. Here are five great ideas for using this material around your home.

  1. New patio. Flagstone is ideal for paving and creating a gorgeous patio for your home. The irregular shapes make a unique pattern that blends well into a natural setting. It is also easy to maintain and can last for decades.
  2. Create a natural stone stairway down a hillside or slope with flagstone treads that ideal for outdoor steps. It is a great do-it-yourself project to make it easier to go up and down your hillside.
  3. Tennessee flagstone is a wonderful material for making a memorable walkway to your front door or through your gardens.
  4. Fireplace or fire pit. Make a delightful fireplace or fire pit from flagstone, for either your living room or outdoor living space. Flagstone is perfect for adorning the outside of your mantel or fire pit area.
  5. Driveways. Want to impress the neighbors? Choose Tennessee Flagstone to pave your driveway for an upscale option for your home. This beautiful addition will add value to your home and make your driveway the envy of the neighborhood.

Want more ideas on how to use flagstone around your home? Visit your local quarry that offers Tennessee flagstone for more ideas on how to include this gorgeous natural stone in your home design, inside and out.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
Whitwell, TN 37397
423-930-8249

Components of a Strong, Stone Retaining Wall

Are you considering trying to build a retaining wall on your own? If you want a sturdy wall, stone is a great option that is also aesthetically appealing. However, there is more to building a strong retaining wall than stacking stone. Here are a few components that can help you create a wall that will be functional and last for many years to come.

Retaining Wall Grid

One of the ways to make sure your retaining wall has the structure it needs to last for decades is to use a retaining wall grid. This gives you the basic scaffolding for your natural stone wall. These grids can be found at quality landscape suppliers and can offer a great starting point for your project.

Portland Mortar

You want mortar that will hold your stones in place and create a strong, durable wall that will stand up to thousands of pounds of pressure. Portland mortar is one of the strongest mortars available, offering higher durability than the average mortar.

Stackable Stones

To make your project easier, find a landscape supplier that offers quality, stackable stone that will fit perfectly together to make your new retaining walls. You can have the beauty of natural stone cut into uniform shapes that work well to create a strong, sturdy wall that will last.

A retaining wall can help prevent erosion, make use of a hillside for planting or just be a beautiful addition to your landscape design. Before you begin, visit your local landscape supply store to find the right components to ensure your retaining wall is built right from start to finish.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617