Using Authentic Stone Treads For Landscaping

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

Landscape Materials For Weed Control

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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