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Choosing Retaining Walls

Retaining walls can help prevent erosion, allow you to make usable space out of a steeply sloped yard, create a beautiful focal point, or help you to define areas for gardening or decorative planting. They're also invaluable for fire pits or barbecue pits.

Retaining walls can be roughly categorized into two types: dry-laid and structural. A dry-laid wall is comprised of loose rock held in place by gravity and careful planning, often with room for plants and roots. A structural wall is either made with poured concrete or of individual pieces of rock or concrete joined with mortar.

When planning for a retaining wall, consider the use and its placement in your yard. Measure your yard or landscape carefully and plan your space accordingly. Due to the weight of the rocks you'll be moving, you'll want to have a plan firmly in place before you start to build to avoid having to move them more than once.

A proper foundation is just as essential to the integrity of a retaining wall as it is to a home. You'll need level, compacted earth, and you'll want to lay larger stones at the bottom, especially in a dry-laid wall.

Drainage is another important component, regardless of the type of wall you choose. Structural walls that have mortar in between the stones or bricks may need weep holes or drain pipes. Gravel backfill can be helpful in directing the water. The biggest source of failure with retaining walls is improper drainage, so don't skimp on this.

The materials available to use give you a lot of options. Concrete block is available in a variety shapes, styles and colors, and is among the most affordable options. Flat-face block gives you beautiful, smooth lines, and weathered looks are available for anyone who wants a more organic look. Different shapes available allow you to achieve straight lines or rhythmic curves.

Natural stone walls provide an attractive, organic look. Subtle color differences in natural stone help to create beautiful variegation in your wall, but the irregularities in shape will require a mix of planning and experimentation in order tobuild a stable wall. Do-it-yourselfers should stick to walls under three feet high —anything higher should be left to the experts.

Cut stone walls are another option for anyone who likes the organic feel of natural stone but prefers the uniformity of regular shapes. Due to the consistency of cut stone blocks, these are just as easy to build as a concrete wall.

A beautiful retaining wall adds a delightful focal piece to your landscape and provides help with soil control and plantings. Click here to find out more about the materials available for retaining walls in Morgan Hill.

Mulch Ado About Landscapes

Pristine lawns, beautiful trees and luscious beds of plants are only the beginning of this beautiful landscape. The addition of mulch serves as a barrier to weeds and the dark brown color provides lovely contrast to varying shades of green.

4 Tips to Get Paver Supplies at Low Cost

Pavers add beauty and function to your outdoor living space. It’s a low-maintenance way of giving your driveway, walkway, steps, patio or fire pit a touch of elegance. If you’re a weekend warrior who plans on installing pavers yourself, then you’ll need the proper supplies such as gravel, sand, barriers and sealers. Here are four cost-saving approaches for getting what you need for your outdoor space makeover.

1. Buy in Bulk

Depending on the size of your project, buying in bulk may be the way to go. As a general rule buying in bulk offers a cheaper price per item. Also, you may get a discount when you buy large quantities of supplies.

2. Pick-up Items Yourself

If your project requires large amounts of pavers, the supplier can deliver them to you – for fee. Instead of an on-site delivery, pickup the pavers yourself. It’s one way of saving a few extra dollars.

3. Check out Wholesalers

There are paver suppliers who sell these items at wholesale prices, which is less expensive that purchasing them at retail. You can get high quality supplies at a reasonable price because these items may be over runs, discontinued or have minor cosmetic flaws.

4. Shop out of Season

Spring and early summer are the peak demand times for all things related to maintaining and improving outdoor living spaces. Because of this, the tools and materials you need such as a shovel, rake, mason’s chisel, pavers and paver sand are a bit pricier. Wait until the end of summer or early fall to catch those clearance sales. This way you can get the same items at a wallet-friendly cost.

You don’t have to spend and arm and a leg to create an upscale outdoor space. Check out this website to find affordable paver supplies in Gilroy.

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4 Tips for Maintaining Your Grass Lawn

There’s no doubt a plush, greenlawn enhances your home’s curb appeal. However, there are common problems that can wreak havoc on your grass such as weed invasions. Luckily, you can take matters into your own hands with a few tips that will help you maintain a healthylawn throughout the year.

1. Use Deep Watering Techniques

Deep watering stimulates root growth and ensures the root system gets an ample amount of water. An ideal ratio for growing grass is one inch of water per 12 inches of soil. For best results, water the grass early in the morning, every three days.

2. Tackle Weeds

If weeds are popping up, use a post-emergent herbicide. As a preventive measure for keeping your grass weed-free, treat your lawn with a per-emergent herbicide. This stops the weed seeds from germinating.

3. Put Down Fertilizer

Fertilizer is like health food for your grass. It gives it a vibrant, robust appearance. Additional benefits include:

Thickening the grass which makes the lawn more resistant to weed growth.

Protecting new turf and helping it flourish in its new habitat.

Strengthening grass roots so water absorbs more quickly. As a result, this prevents the formation of soggy or muddy spots.

In most cases, a lawn needs fertilizer once or twice a year. However, the climate and grass type are a factor in how often your grass needs feeding.

4. Keep Mower BladesSharp

The sharpness of your mower blades affects the overall look of your lawn. Sharp blades give your grass a cleaner, more manicured look.

These are some basic maintenance tips. There are many more lawn care options available that will make your grass the envy of the neighborhood. To learn more about turf grass in Morgan Hill, visit this website.

Making Cinder Block Walls Pretty

Bare cinder block walls are ugly and paint peels, cracks and covers poorly. Coating the surface of the cinder block wall with bonding cement creates a uniform look that can be painted, and it also increases water resistance and durability.

Use Landscaping Stones to Decorate Your Lawn

Landscaping stones add a decorative touch to your lawn. Stones vary by size, shape, color and material and this gives you a wide range of design options. Here are four cool ways of taking your yard to the next level of beauty.

1. Make a Flower Bed Border

Instead of using plastic tubing or brick, place stones around your flower bed. It’s an eye-catching way of separating the bed dirt from the grass. Small stone pieces work best for creating a wall of separation.

2. Replace Mulch or Dirt

A flower bed with landscaping stone adds a visual flair because it’s a unique alternative to the traditional use of mulch and dirt. Add interest by using contrasting sizes and colors. In addition, the elimination of weed growth is benefit of using stones.

3. Create a Walkway or Path

A stepping path from your front door to the driveway or sidewalk amplifies your home’s charm. For safety purposes, avoid stones with slippery textures.

4. Add an Outdoor Living Space

If you don’t have a patio, deck or other backyard sitting area, then consider a flagstone patio. Flagstone comes in a wide of array of rich textures and sizes. It’s low-maintenance and durable. Whatever you choose will add style and serenity to your outdoor area.

The creative uses of landscaping stone are endless. A professional landscaping service can assist you with selecting just the right stones for turning your lawn into a work of art. Visit this website and learn more about landscaping stones in San Jose.

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Understanding the Most Common Types of Sod

Sod is a useful tool when needing extra grass after damaging weather exposes soil or when moving into a home with an unhealthy lawn. Before you purchase sod, here is a brief explanation of the most common types.

Adapted Grass

While most sods sold today are not native grasses, they have been adapted to thrive in different climates. For that reason, sod is divided into two categories: cool season and warm season. Cool season sods are best for areas that have cold winters and warm to hot summers. These grasses include:

Kentucky Bluegrass

Perennial Ryegrass

Bent Grass

Rough Bluegrass

Red Fescue

Warm season grasses are planted in areas that generally are not prone to cold temperatures or winter weather. Sods well suited for this zone include Carpet Grass, Buffalo Grass, Bahia and Bermuda Grass. However, just because these are warmer climates, the grass can be challenging to maintain. Lawn caretakers may need to seed their lawns over the winter months if they want to uphold green grass.

In the Zone

Because not all areas have winter and summer seasons, transitional zone sods have also been developed. These include Tall Fescue, Thermal Blue and Zoysiagrass. These grasses thrive in the states of Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and the panhandle of Texas.

If you would like more information about the types of sod used in lawn care or where to buy sod in Morgan Hill, please visit this website. You can learn even more about sod grass, how to care for it and what type is best for your yard.

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Cinder blocks for Sensational Landscaping

One of the easiest ways to spruce up your garden or outdoor area is through the use of cinder blocks. While you may think they are just for bordering gardens, they can also be used to create outdoor furniture or even a fireplace. Here are some DIY projects for incorporating cinder blocks into your outdoor space.

1. Make a Table

Yes, you can create a unique outdoor table by stacking cinder blocks and topping it with a wooden top. Drape an outdoor tablecloth over the wood and you have yourself a sturdy and weatherproof table! You can even eliminate the wood and just cover the blocks with your place mats or tablecloth.

2. Outdoor Shelving

Cinder blocks can also be used to build outdoor shelves for flowerpots and decorations. By combining different sizes and styles of blocks, you can create a colorful wall of flowers and garden decor. You can even let your children paint the blocks with their unique artwork while you place potted flowers atop the cinder blocks.

3. Light up the Night

One final and family friendly project is the creation of an outdoor fireplace. Cinder blocks will keep ash from spreading into your garden and the fireplace can be used year round for S'mores, songs and family stories. If you decide to build a fireplace, be sure to know the building and zoning laws in your area.

If you want to learn more about buying cinder blocks in San Jose and discover more ideas, visit this website today! You will find many creative and budget friendly projects for any backyard.

Sleek Modern Landscaping

Move away from the boring landscaping of the past, and add something interesting and modern. The sleek edges of the bolder mixed with smaller river rocks and simple green moss gives your patio artistic interest.

The Magic of Mulch in Your Garden

Are you a home gardener looking for a way to enhance your garden and keep your plants healthy throughout the growing season? If so, you should consider incorporating mulch. With easy application and advantageous features, mulch is a win for gardeners.

1. Understand the Benefits of Mulching

Mulch is highly beneficial to vegetable and flower gardens. When applied, your garden will retain more moisture, meaning you will not have to water as often. Adding mulch to your soil also hinders the growth of those annoying weeds. Finally, any mulch composed of organic materials will slowly break down, making the dirt highly fertile and healthy for future seasons.

2. Choosing Your Mulch

Before you can apply mulch to your garden, you need to choose which type is best for your garden. Today’s market is full of many options including:

Straw mulch

Wood chips or shredded bark

Cocoa hulls

Pine bark nuggets

Straw mulch looks lovely in a garden because of its soft, golden hues and breaks down slowly. Wood chips and shredded bark usually absorb nitrogen from the soil, making it less acidic. Cocoa hulls can be more expensive, but their chocolate scent, soft texture and deep colors add elegance to any garden. Pine bark nuggets do not decompose as fast as shredded bark and work well on flat surfaces with flower plots and vegetable gardens.

To learn more about mulch for sale in Morgan Hill, please visit this website. With the proper mulch for your garden you can grow vibrant flowers and healthy vegetables.

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Five Ways to Use Gravel to Accentuate Your Backyard

While backyard improvements may recall images of towering trees, cascading flowers and stone pathways, have you ever thought of how gravel can add to your landscape? Here are five simple ways to utilize innovative gravel in your own backyard.

1. In Lieu of Grass

If you live in a drought prone area or are tired of paying too much for your water bills, gravel can be an easy substitute for grass. Raking in pea gravel or even river rock can create a decorative and low maintenance area free of sprinklers and lawn upkeep.

2. Crushed Granite

A unique type of gravel landscaping is crushed granite. With a reddish-tan coloring this gravel adds a charming, rustic look. These silt like pieces are perfect for garden pathways and patios.

3. Rock Edges

Gravel and river rock can also be used to create stunning edges along your flowerbeds or vegetable gardens. If you are feeling artistic, you may even consider creating a dry riverbed that meanders through your yard.

4. Mix in Ornamental Plants

If you do not want gravel in your entire yard, section off a small garden area with a mix of pea gravel and ornamental grasses or orchids. This will create an elegant outdoor space and the gravel will provide excellent drainage for the plants.

5. Checkerboard

One final and unique way to incorporate gravel into your landscaping is by creating a checkerboard of plants and gravel. This can be done by installing square wooden frames and filling them with gravel and ground cover plants.

If you would like to learn more about utilizing gravel and where to buy gravel in Gilroy, please visit this website.

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Flagstone Offers Beauty and Functionality for Unique Driveway Effects

In our increasingly sophisticated world, fewer people are happy living in homes and with yards reminiscent of cookie cutter designs, one-of-five floor plans and uniformity without personality. As homeowners become increasingly savvy regarding style, functionality and custom potential, more people opt for elegance top to bottom and along the periphery. In this mode, many choose flagstone to create stunning effects notable from the moment visitors begin their tread of the driveway.

Mainly composed of feldspar and quartz and bonded in cement, flagstone is available in a wide variety of attractive colors. This makes it an excellent choice for a wide variety of home designs as well. Whether yours is a rustic, sleek or more typical abode, flagstone may be used in the construction of the driveway to create a unique, very personal presentation for all your guests.

Families who opt to attach patio and entertaining spaces to their driveways or to create a comprehensive grounds design find flagstone to be very eye-catching in outdoor living spaces and customized garden spots. As every stone is rather unique, no driveway, patio or walkway will look boring or uniform. Each will have a unique personality that may be enhanced with attractive decorative additions.

From drive to doorway, elegant paths can be created to make returning home for quiet family times as entertaining is when guests arrive. What’s more, flagstone driveways and other paths create attractive, unique appearances without sacrificing functionality, resilience or safety. Durable and laser cut, these foundational stones are ideal for supporting the weight of your family’s vehicles and will stand the test of time and the elements. Where and when cracking may occur, a unique flagstone pathway may be repaired easily, quickly, and without great expense, while asphalt and pure concrete will require extensive repair and in many cases full replacement.

Flagstone driveways are not ideal for everyone. Many people will convince themselves that they are too expensive and not necessary for creating a beautiful environment. What those people lack in imagination, they may save initially in their pocketbooks. In the long run, though, flagstone will earn its usage in beauty, elegance, style and resilience. People who choose flagstone will gain, too, a more alluring sense of peace, fortified by the simple style of Nature, for a driveway that not only carries them home but also beckons them again and again.

Gorgeous homes deserve proper presentation and a sense of cohesion that begins from the very first turn onto the property. Flagstone drives are crucial to many designs for creating paths that call their people home. For more information on flagstone in San Jose, please visit this website.

#flagston

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