Sunday, December 28, 2014

Monday, December 22, 2014

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Silverstone 3/4" Crushed Decorative Rock at Dixon Landscape Materials



Raj Hansra of Dixon Landscape Materials shows off their new stocking item. This is Silverstone 3/4" crushed decorative rock and it has become very popular. We think it is so popular because of the beautiful colors with blue, green, gray, streaks of white. It looks good wet or dry and is easy to install.

Call Dixon Landscape Materials at 707-678-8200, and visit their website at www.dixonlandscape.com.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Walk On Fir Bark



Raj Hansra with Dixon Landscape Materials shows us the Walk-On Fir Bark which is very popular in landscaping and is much easier to work with than Gorilla Bark.

Dixon Landscape Materials, 150 East H St, Dixon CA. 707-678-8200. www.dixonlandscape.com

Friday, December 5, 2014

Sod Or Seed, Which Is Best?

New home owners will have to ask themselves if they want sod or if they will seed the yard. You will have advantages to both methods, so it will really depend on a few factors whether you plant or sod your yard. Planting will obviously take more time before a usable yard is established but it is also much cheaper than installing sod.
Sod
The main advantage of sod is that you will have a usable lawn much quicker. Sod is commercially grown grass that is cut into large sections. You can then order the sod and have it delivered to your front door. At this point all you have to do is lay it down in the yard and you can turn a dirt yard into a fully functional lawn in one day.
That is over simplifying the installation procedures, but it is much quicker than planting grass. You will have to prepare the soil before you get your sod. If you lay sod on top of poor soil, you will have a poor lawn. The sod is meant to have little soil with it and it is to take hold of the existing soil in the yard to grow. Hence, both with sod and seeds, you will have to prepare the soil in order to have a nice lawn.
You will also need to roll the lawn after it has been laid. This helps smooth out the lawn and have the roots come into contact with the existing soil. You will want to limit walking on the lawn for the first 10 days and you will want to water daily for a couple of hours in the morning until the roots are able to take hold of the original soil.
The disadvantages of sod are that it is labor intensive and it is more expensive than seeding your lawn. It takes a lot more man hours to put in a sod lawn than planting seed. Additionally, the commercial grass is much more expensive than seed. Hence, labor costs and the grass make the sod option much more expensive.
Seed
Seeding your lawn is cheaper and does not require as much labor, but it takes much longer to have a usable lawn. You will have to prepare the soil if you are laying sod or planting seed, but soil preparation is much more critical when planting seed. In order to have better results, you will also have to be careful what part of the season you are planting. You can lay sod during the entire growing season, but planting your yard needs to be done early in the season so that it is established before the cold months come and your grass goes dormant.
If you do decide to seed your yard, you will be able to do so at a much cheaper rate than sod. Once the soil is prepared you will need to purchase seed. You have more choices of grass seed to choose from when you are planting instead of laying sod. If you have a shady yard or a high traffic yard, you can pick different grasses than if you have a sunny yard or low traffic. You will probably have only of few choices of sod.
After planting, you will want to care for your yard with exactness. Rope off your yard so that you don't have traffic on the newly planted grass. Water the yard often to help the grass germinate and take hold. You may need to reseed in areas where the grass didn't take as well.
In summary, you can plant seed or lay commercial sod when doing your lawn landscaping. You will want to consider your budget and time when you decide which decision to make.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/538070

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Pavestone RumbleStone™ Waterfall



Pavestone RumbleStone™. Rustic building blocks for your outdoor hardscape projects. Simple to complex, large or small, the possibilities for creative expression are as far and wide as that inner child's imagination.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Stain And Stencil Concrete Floors



Learn more about NewLook's SmartColor at http://www.GetNewLook.com/SmartColor.....

NewLook showcased SmartColor at its booth at the World of Concrete 2013. SmartColor is a water based decorative concrete stain; it is the reliable and user-friendly alternative to reactive based or acid based concrete stains. Watch this video and learn how to apply SmartColor over a Modello decorative masking pattern (stencil) to enhance your concrete surface.

SmartColor is a water-based, nano-acrlyic concrete stain used to revitalize and decorate exterior concrete surfaces. The formula's advanced nano-technology yield efficient penetration and tenacious adhesion with properly prepared concrete surfaces. Learn how to easily prepare concrete and match the mottled effects of an acid stain using SmartColor--the intelligent choice for staining concrete!

Contact your local Authorized NewLook Distributor today to purchase your supply of SmartColor concrete stain. Go to www.getnewlook.com/find-distributor-and-­installer.html to find your distributor or contact NewLook directly for more information (801) 886-9495.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Installing a Flagstone Patio-DIY



Here's Blog Cabin's step-by-step process for installing a flagstone patio. This video is part of Blog Cabin show . SHOW DESCRIPTION :Blog It. Build It. Win It. DIY Network's crew of home improvement experts build the cabin you helped design.When it's done, one lucky winner is going to call it home.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Yard Privacy & Screening Ideas



http://www.landscapingnetwork.com Yard privacy is important to just about all homeowners. See how this front yard was designed for screening, because the front yard is the home's main patio and entertaining space. Fences, plants and concrete retaining walls are used to screen the yard from the street and neighbors.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Backyard Bar-DIY



A couple who love to entertain get a backyard transformation. This video is part of Yard Crashers show hosted by Ahmed Hassan . SHOW DESCRIPTION :You never know what you're gonna bring home from the home improvement store - maybe some new patio chairs or a bag of cement - or it could be professional landscaper Ahmed Hassan. It's like winning the landscape lottery: Ahmed waits at stores looking for the perfect weekend warriors who could use his help. People go in thinking they're just buying a bag of mulch, but instead come home with Ahmed and his team, who completely transform their landscape. It's ambush landscaping at its best!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Paver Patio Design Tips



Patios come in a range of materials, all of which can greatly boost equity.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

Do You Need A Backyard Fire Pit?

Depending on how the weather turns, you may find that you enjoy sitting in the backyard at specific times of the year. It is not uncommon to consider different ways to improve your back patio or deck - maybe you've considered a gazebo or garden, or even a firepit to keep yourself warm on cooler evenings. Do you need a firepit to enhance your backyard entertaining, however? It can be a solid investment or a folly, but if you consider the pros and cons you will find you've made the right decision for home improvement.
Here are a few points to consider if you have thought about installing a fire shoppe in your backyard:
1) How often do you sit out in the backyard? Do you think the addition of a firepit will inspire you to spend more time outside? The good thing about firepits is that you can use them year round - for cozy conversations during the fall and winter and marshmallow toasting and hot dog roasting in the summer. If spending time outside is a favorite activity, you may want to improve the experience with a comfortable firepit setting.
2) What is your budget? Firepits come in a variety of styles and sizes. Some are merely portable iron bowls you can find in a home improvement shop, while others are brick structures that require professional construction and installation. Some will burn wood, others work with gas. The type of firepit you want may not correspond with the money you are able to invest, so make sure you go over your finances before you make a firm decision.
3) Are there any obstacles to installing a fire shoppe? Having a place where you will have an open flame may affect your home insurance. Also, if you live in a condo or other planned community there may be restrictions to what you can have installed in your yard area. Check with your insurance company and HOA or board to see if any regulations prevent you from setting up something.
If nothing stands in the way of your plan to enhance your backyard relaxation, you next want to research what kind of pit you want. Do you have an existing deck or patio? You may be able to build onto it and install a gas line for it. If not, you may wish to landscape the backyard altogether with the firepit as the focus. A local contractor or backyard leisure store can offer you many ideas.
Enjoy your nights before the fire, no matter the time of year. A backyard fire shoppe will keep you warm.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7267472

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Installing Pavestone Pavers



http://www.pavestone.com - Pavestone Company has manufactured segmental concrete products for the commercial, residential, contractor, industrial, and retail consumer markets since 1980. Dedicated to the production of concrete pave stone and retaining wall units, our business principle is to be driven not only by technology in manufacturing, but also in the development of segmental paving and retaining wall systems. Now with 20 regional manufacturing locations, distributing to over 40 states, Pavestone Company continues to set the standards for service to the buyer, specifier, and contractor. With over 250 million dollars in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, Pavestone Company provides the quality that sets the standard for its competitors and industry. The depth of selection in shape, color, and texture continue to place Pavestone as the leader of the industry!`

Friday, October 24, 2014

Sod: Measuring Your Lawn And Putting A Plan Together



Instructional video from Park Avenue Turf on putting together a game plan for best installation of your new lawn sod.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Stain & Stencil Concrete Floors -- SmartColor Concrete Stain and Modello Stencils



Learn more about NewLook's SmartColor at http://www.GetNewLook.com/SmartColor.....

NewLook showcased SmartColor at its booth at the World of Concrete 2013. SmartColor is a water based decorative concrete stain; it is the reliable and user-friendly alternative to reactive based or acid based concrete stains. Watch this video and learn how to apply SmartColor over a Modello decorative masking pattern (stencil) to enhance your concrete surface.

SmartColor is a water-based, nano-acrlyic concrete stain used to revitalize and decorate exterior concrete surfaces. The formula's advanced nano-technology yield efficient penetration and tenacious adhesion with properly prepared concrete surfaces. Learn how to easily prepare concrete and match the mottled effects of an acid stain using SmartColor--the intelligent choice for staining concrete!

Contact your local Authorized NewLook Distributor today to purchase your supply of SmartColor concrete stain. Go to www.getnewlook.com/find-distributor-and-­installer.html to find your distributor or contact NewLook directly for more information (801) 886-9495.

Friday, October 17, 2014

How to Install a Stone Walkway-DIY Network



Watch this DIY Network video for step-by-step instructions on how to install a stone walkway. This video is part of Ultimate How-tos show hosted by Dean Marsico, Derek Stearns .

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

We Have Concrete For Your DIY Projects!

Dixon Landscape now offers a Do It Yourself (DIY) solution for your concrete needs. We have a fleet of small "portable cement mixers" that tow behind a vehicle and hold 1-yard of concrete, which continues to mix during transit so that it is an effective pour when it arrives at the destination. 

It is a very inexpensive way to do a smaller job compared to buying concrete in a bigger truck. It is also more convenient and useful than mixing it yourself onsite - and a good deal less work as well.

We load all the ingredients onsite (concrete gravel, cement and water) into the "mixer trailer" while it is spinning here at Dixon Landscape...the mixer trailer is then ready to haul away to the job destination.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Best Paver Patio Foundation-DIY



Build the best paver foundation by digging deep for a stable base. This video is part of 10 Things You Must Know show hosted by Amy Matthews . SHOW DESCRIPTION :A home improvement project would be a lot less daunting if you could just remember the 10 Things You Must Know! In this DIY Network series, host and licensed contractor Amy Matthews gathers the best experts in her field to count down the 10 insider tips every homeowner MUST know before taking on a basic home improvement task. Whether you're painting a kitchen, wallpapering a bathroom or building a deck, the job will be a whole lot easier if you watch DIY's 10 Things You Must Know first!

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Learn How to Build A Backyard Stone Firepit-DIY



Watch DIY Network's Rock Solid and learn how to construct this backyard stone fire pit with a crushed stone seating area. This video is part of Rock Solid show hosted by Dean Marcisco, Dean Marsico, Derek Stearns . SHOW DESCRIPTION :They're expert masons and real-life comedic cousins, and they're only on DIY Network's Rock Solid! With irreverent humor, practical jokes, and luckily for us, lots of masonry expertise, Derek Stearns and Dean Marsico show you how to build sturdy stone top tables, sensational outdoor showers, fabulous fire pits, and rare rock gardens. This is not your average do-it-yourself show, but Derek and Dean ensure every project is Rock Solid.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Pavestone RumbleStone™ Waterfall



Pavestone RumbleStone™. Rustic building blocks for your outdoor hardscape projects. Simple to complex, large or small, the possibilities for creative expression are as far and wide as that inner child's imagination.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Tips For Sod!

Landscape Like A Pro!
Does your home look worn and tired? If your answer is yes, some landscaping may be helpful. A small amount of landscaping can turn an older home into a visually appealing residence. For landscaping tips that can help you, keep reading this article.
Find out about the climate and hardiness zones of the plants you choose. Also think about whether annuals or perennials will work best for you. Be conscious of how the seasons will affect your landscaping. Consider every way that nature will impact a landscaping project before you start.
Remember to aerate your soil. If you loosen or puncture the soil, it will increase air permeability and water penetration. Aerating can be as simple as turning the soil over with a trowel, or in the case of lawns, making small holes in the grass. This can be done with an aerating machine, a garden fork, or even by walking on the grass wearing a pair of spiked golf shoes. This brings oxygen into the roots and promotes healthy new growth.
Use granite for the surfaces in the outdoor kitchen you are installing. There are many cheaper materials available, but they can be damaged by water, temperature fluctuations or having hot items placed upon them.
Don't tackle too large of a landscaping project at one time. It is best to break up an endeavor this large into smaller individual projects that are easier to budget and execute. It can also assist you in changing your design while carrying out in the process of landscaping.
Use fertilizers that are free for the taking. Using chemical free grass clippings or human urine for a nutrient rich and free fertilizer. Twenty parts water with one part urine is an excellent fertilizer for seedlings, or steep the grass clippings in water to make a tea for watering and fertilizing the plants. So don't spend a lot on the garden when the fertilizers can be had for free.
Pick out products that are made well and avoid cheap ones. Home improvement stores may sell inexpensive products, but if their quality is low, you aren't getting a good value. A niche retailer will offer you great advice and high quality products at a reasonable price. Do not fret about spending money on products, because you need quality products to create a quality yard.
By properly timing what you purchase, you could save yourself a bit of money. For instance, winter is the best time to purchase lumber, while shrubs, mulch, and tress should be bought later on in the season. When new plants become available, wait several years before purchasing them so that the price is not so high.
Consider growing wheat grass or cat grass near the plants your cat enjoys eating. Additionally, use your cat's keen sense of smell to your advantage. Citrus fruit peels and mothballs both smell horrible to cats, so put them on the soil near the plants your cat likes to eat.
Include many different plant species when you plan the look of your yard or garden. This will give you greater protection in the case of disease or damaging insects. If you plant the same plants, chances are they'll all be lost. Plant health can often depend on diversity when you are planning your yard.
It can be a wise investment to consult with an experienced landscaper before you embark on any major landscaping project. An experienced landscaper will be able to give you advice and feedback that is priceless because it may save you time and money. It may cost you $75 or so for a one hour consultation, but it may be well worthwhile.
Don't cut your freshly laid sod grass down by the soil when you run the mower. If you leave a bit more height, the sod grass roots will get deeper, making your lawn stronger. The shorter the grass, the shallower the roots, which makes the lawn more likely to develop brown patches.
When you mow your lawn, it is a great idea to leave some of the glass clippings where they fell. This will supply some good nutrients to your lawn as the grass decomposes, and you will not have to add fertilizer to your lawn as much as you would have otherwise.
For some items, you can use a cheaper product. Things such as containers, mulch, and regular perennials are things you want to buy cheaper, as the costly versions are the same. It is crucial you carefully watch over the plants. Many discount big box stores may not have workers who provide the optimum care to their plants.
To keep your lawn looking great when there's a water shortage, set the blades of your lawnmower to their highest height. Doing this will allow your grass to go dormant, keeping it looking fresh with minimal water. Be sure to change your blades back to their normal setting when you're able to water your grass normally.
It can be hard to grow flowers around a large tree you may have in your yard for shade. You may want to consider using ground cover instead. Not only will this make your yard more beautiful, it's simple to keep up with. Consider hosta and sweet woodruff as ground cover.
You home doesn't have to look drab and uninteresting. Use a few tips you have learned here. It can be as beautiful as the homes you see in films. Just apply all that you learned and change the landscape of your property once and for all.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7874713

Monday, September 22, 2014

Friday, September 19, 2014

Landscape With Boulders!



It may sound a bit of a stretch to say; landscape with boulders, but it all depends on how you plan to acquire and position your boulders. Now, you can actually create your own boulders using a process that allows you to make your own fake boulders very inexpensive and the cost to make these fake boulders is one of the perks to this project.
In order to make your own boulders you just need to determine what size boulders and where you want them to be placed. The rest is just following some very easy, step by step plans, that you can acquire online. The process is unique and that makes discovering this method important from the standpoint of cost savings and customizing your project.
Creating your own landscaping rocks and boulders is not only economical but a lot of fun as well. Just imagine having the perfect landscaping design, using rocks and boulders that you didn't have to buy or have moved to your property, that is exciting just thinking about it.
Boulders can actually convert your landscaping project from normal to extraordinary, simply by being able to position the right size boulders in the right position to accent the rest of your lawn. Boulders add so much depth to your landscaping that you will gain rave revues from neighbors and those that happen to drive by your property as well.
If you consider the more elaborate landscaped lawns and public areas, they usually contain boulders to really set their landscape designs apart from the normal hedge or shrubs and a few select plants scattered about. By adding the boulders you can separate certain plants and shrubs that allow you to included more species of plants which adds more variety and attraction to your lawn.
Landscaping with boulders has always been a problem when moving or positioning these large rocks is involved. The cost usually deters the thought of even using them altogether. With modern technology and a few good plans you can now landscape with no limits in sight.
Depending on where live, you may have a certain type of boulder and rock that is native to your area. Some places have limestone rock formations, others have granite or field-stone. Being able to incorporate the native type of boulder formations will allow you to blend your landscaping project with the rocks that are found in your area, making your landscape look natural as well.
Boulders that are light weight and easy to move can allow you to reposition your layout from time to time and this is an added advantage that you won't find using real heavy boulders. This alone is an added value that you get by using fake rocks and boulders.
Not having to use any special tools and forms to make your own fake boulders is a plus that comes with some rock building plans. Free-standing boulders without forms are a great way to make and move your boulders into any position you choose. Rocks are always the icing on the cake, as far as award-winning landscaping designs are concerned. Now you can add rocks to your lawn or backyard and know that you have created your own masterpiece in landscaping.
Before you begin your next landscaping project, consider incorporating rocks and boulders that you can build and place without having to increase your budget. Fake rocks and boulders are the way to go.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6626573

Monday, September 15, 2014

Friday, September 12, 2014

Cobble,Cobble Here!



Dixon Landscape Materials has a large selection and large quantity of various sized cobbles to decorate your landscaping project. Whether commercial or residential, these cobbles can add the perfect touch to your landscape. They are very popular in creating dry river streams too.

Dixon Landscape Materials is located at 150 East H Street, Dixon CA. Call us at 707-678-8200 and visit our website at www.DixonLandscape.com.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Pavestone RumbleStone™ Waterfall



Pavestone RumbleStone™. Rustic building blocks for your outdoor hardscape projects. Simple to complex, large or small, the possibilities for creative expression are as far and wide as that inner child's imagination.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Playground Wood Chips At Dixon Landscape Materials



Raj with Dixon Landscape Materials shows us their very popular playground wood chips, which is made from Cedar and certified for playgrounds. It is also used all around the garden, parks and so on.

Call Dixon Landscape at 707-678-8200 and visit their website at www.dixonlandscape.com

Thursday, August 21, 2014

We Have DIY Solutions For Your Concrete Needs!

Dixon Landscape now offers a Do It Yourself (DIY) solution for your concrete needs. We have a fleet of small "portable cement mixers" that tow behind a vehicle and hold 1-yard of concrete, which continues to mix during transit so that it is an effective pour when it arrives at the destination. 

It is a very inexpensive way to do a smaller job compared to buying concrete in a bigger truck. It is also more convenient and useful than mixing it yourself onsite - and a good deal less work as well.

We load all the ingredients onsite (concrete gravel, cement and water) into the "mixer trailer" while it is spinning here at Dixon Landscape...the mixer trailer is then ready to haul away to the job destination.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Lawn Sizing & Lawn Design Ideas




http://www.landscapingnetwork.com Lawn sizing can help with water use. Get lawn design ideas one how big your lawn needs to be for a play set and grass area for active children. Learn how big a lawn area needs to be to fit a play set and leave room for playing soccer or throwing a baseball. Also learn about lawn placement - discover why this lawn area was placed at one end of the lawn while the main entertaining spaces are on the other side of the lawn.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Gator Block Bond Adhesive



Gator Block Bond is one of the strongest polyurethane adhesive on the market. It is especially formulated for bonding concrete, natural stones.

To ensure optimal adhesion, make sure that the concrete and stone surfaces are clean and free of any foreign matter. Drying times vary depending on factors such as humidity, porosity, temperature and materials bonded together.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Rock Landscaping Ideas That Are Quick And Simple

Landscaping your yard can be a fantastic way to add beauty and color to your residence. When you landscape the yard you could very easily help to make it a thing of beauty. You might want to landscape the entire yard, make a quiet garden area or work on the a small section. Incorporating a lot of regional natural plants and things such as rocks will be quite nice. Stones can easily add color and design to an otherwise uninteresting landscape. If you're looking for some rock landscaping ideas remember there are many ways to integrate beautifying with rocks into your backyard.
Decide What You Would Like to Do
Ideas about using natural stones can be discovered in numerous sites. First off, think about what you want. Smaller rocks and stones might be used to line the edge of a private drive, flower bed or even a little pond. Larger stones might be integrated into the middle of plants or even natural herbs. A very big decorative landscape rock which is of an interesting form and color may even grow to be the focal point of your garden project. Before you choose glance through publications, travel all-around your town and take a look at other individual's yards and even view rock landscaping pictures online to have an notion of what you want.
Do Some Research
Local rocks and stones are probably what you should use in your design. Check out local home building sites for suggestions of what type of stones are available in your location. If you are lucky enough to live in places you can go get your own river rocks for landscaping you can find some beautiful ones that way. When you know what you want to utilize you can draw up your rock landscaping designs and get started.
Options for a Layout Designed with Natural Rocks
Creating an backyard design offers you numerous ways to incorporate stones into your designs. One creative interesting way to put various rocks is to create a landscaping rock wall. A mail box foundation or a rock wall as a backdrop for a backyard garden is merely a couple of interesting concepts it is possible to consider. The rocks will be embedded in the wall, or sculpture base in something such as a mailbox post. You may utilize polished flat stones as stepping stones and develop a wondering path via your flower garden. The strategies for these landscaping ideas are really endless.
Don't Want to Do It Yourself?
Not everyone likes to do things themselves and if you're not a do-it-yourself individual no problem. But bear in mind, you can easily always employ somebody to do the job for you. There are plenty of local landscaping companies specialized in rock design that are prepared to do the work for you - but remember rock landscaping prices can differ based on where you live. The positive side is that they may have access to rocks you don't. The downside - that type of contracting work could be pricey.
Begin Your Rock Landscaping Project Right now
These rock landscaping ideas [http://www.newlandscapingideas.info] will allow you to turn your backyard into a thing of beauty in no time at all. Develop a rock landscaping garden or a wall, line a few paths, get imaginative! Why have a big empty space of green grass whenever you can have so much more than that? Your friends will be pleading with you to share your rock landscaping secrets when you are finished.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4416128

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Concrete Stain Demo [Full]



This video includes the complete training demonstration of NewLook's ORIGINAL Solid Color Stain and TiqueWash. Many thanks to Valley Supply, Dan Maki and Grant Farrell of Puyallup, WA.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Stain & Stencil Concrete Floors -- SmartColor Concrete Stain and Modello...



NewLook showcased SmartColor at its booth at the World of Concrete 2013. SmartColor is a water based decorative concrete stain; it is the reliable and user-friendly alternative to reactive based or acid based concrete stains. Watch this video and learn how to apply SmartColor over a Modello decorative masking pattern (stencil) to enhance your concrete surface.

SmartColor is a water-based, nano-acrlyic concrete stain used to revitalize and decorate exterior concrete surfaces. The formula's advanced nano-technology yield efficient penetration and tenacious adhesion with properly prepared concrete surfaces. Learn how to easily prepare concrete and match the mottled effects of an acid stain using SmartColor--the intelligent choice for staining concrete!

Friday, August 1, 2014

Introducing RumbleStone Building Blocks



With Pavestone's new RumbleStone building blocks, you can easily create grill enclosures, mailboxes, benches, fire pits and just about any outdoor structure you can imagine. RumbleStone combines a rough, rustic look with the unmatched durability of Pavestone manufactured stone.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

TechniSoil G3 - Pathway Stabilizer Product Demo



TechniSoil G3® Pathway Stabilizer is a simple solution for enhancing landscapes with custom pathways and patio areas. This eco-friendly liquid stabilizer for decomposed granite and crushed stone yields a durable, dust-free surface in just a few basic steps. By bonding crushed aggregate fines, G3® Pathway Stabilizer forms aesthetic natural surfaces for the modern landscape.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

How to Landscape With Brick Pavers : Landscaping Basics



Landscaping with brick pavers is a very common way to add a walkway to your overall landscape design. Landscape with brick pavers with help from a landscape designer in this free video clip.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Landscape Like A Pro: Tips For Sod

Landscape Like A Pro!
Does your home look worn and tired? If your answer is yes, some landscaping may be helpful. A small amount of landscaping can turn an older home into a visually appealing residence. For landscaping tips that can help you, keep reading this article.
Find out about the climate and hardiness zones of the plants you choose. Also think about whether annuals or perennials will work best for you. Be conscious of how the seasons will affect your landscaping. Consider every way that nature will impact a landscaping project before you start.
Remember to aerate your soil. If you loosen or puncture the soil, it will increase air permeability and water penetration. Aerating can be as simple as turning the soil over with a trowel, or in the case of lawns, making small holes in the grass. This can be done with an aerating machine, a garden fork, or even by walking on the grass wearing a pair of spiked golf shoes. This brings oxygen into the roots and promotes healthy new growth.
Use granite for the surfaces in the outdoor kitchen you are installing. There are many cheaper materials available, but they can be damaged by water, temperature fluctuations or having hot items placed upon them.
Don't tackle too large of a landscaping project at one time. It is best to break up an endeavor this large into smaller individual projects that are easier to budget and execute. It can also assist you in changing your design while carrying out in the process of landscaping.
Use fertilizers that are free for the taking. Using chemical free grass clippings or human urine for a nutrient rich and free fertilizer. Twenty parts water with one part urine is an excellent fertilizer for seedlings, or steep the grass clippings in water to make a tea for watering and fertilizing the plants. So don't spend a lot on the garden when the fertilizers can be had for free.
Pick out products that are made well and avoid cheap ones. Home improvement stores may sell inexpensive products, but if their quality is low, you aren't getting a good value. A niche retailer will offer you great advice and high quality products at a reasonable price. Do not fret about spending money on products, because you need quality products to create a quality yard.
By properly timing what you purchase, you could save yourself a bit of money. For instance, winter is the best time to purchase lumber, while shrubs, mulch, and tress should be bought later on in the season. When new plants become available, wait several years before purchasing them so that the price is not so high.
Consider growing wheat grass or cat grass near the plants your cat enjoys eating. Additionally, use your cat's keen sense of smell to your advantage. Citrus fruit peels and mothballs both smell horrible to cats, so put them on the soil near the plants your cat likes to eat.
Include many different plant species when you plan the look of your yard or garden. This will give you greater protection in the case of disease or damaging insects. If you plant the same plants, chances are they'll all be lost. Plant health can often depend on diversity when you are planning your yard.
It can be a wise investment to consult with an experienced landscaper before you embark on any major landscaping project. An experienced landscaper will be able to give you advice and feedback that is priceless because it may save you time and money. It may cost you $75 or so for a one hour consultation, but it may be well worthwhile.
Don't cut your freshly laid sod grass down by the soil when you run the mower. If you leave a bit more height, the sod grass roots will get deeper, making your lawn stronger. The shorter the grass, the shallower the roots, which makes the lawn more likely to develop brown patches.
When you mow your lawn, it is a great idea to leave some of the glass clippings where they fell. This will supply some good nutrients to your lawn as the grass decomposes, and you will not have to add fertilizer to your lawn as much as you would have otherwise.
For some items, you can use a cheaper product. Things such as containers, mulch, and regular perennials are things you want to buy cheaper, as the costly versions are the same. It is crucial you carefully watch over the plants. Many discount big box stores may not have workers who provide the optimum care to their plants.
To keep your lawn looking great when there's a water shortage, set the blades of your lawnmower to their highest height. Doing this will allow your grass to go dormant, keeping it looking fresh with minimal water. Be sure to change your blades back to their normal setting when you're able to water your grass normally.
It can be hard to grow flowers around a large tree you may have in your yard for shade. You may want to consider using ground cover instead. Not only will this make your yard more beautiful, it's simple to keep up with. Consider hosta and sweet woodruff as ground cover.
You home doesn't have to look drab and uninteresting. Use a few tips you have learned here. It can be as beautiful as the homes you see in films. Just apply all that you learned and change the landscape of your property once and for all.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7874713

Friday, July 18, 2014

Ant Control



We cover some of the ways you can get rid of ants before they become a big problem.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

How to Install Veneer Stone



This video shows you how to install stone veneer with QUIKRETE Veneer Stone Mortar.

The addition of stone veneer can turn an ordinary wall, column or fireplace into an elegant and distinctive home feature. With a little careful planning, creativity and puzzle-solving skills, stone veneer projects can be successfully achieved.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Starting An Herb Container Garden




How To Start An Herb Container Garden
A tasty addition to just about any meal, herbs are extremely easy to grow at home. In fact, if you have no backyard, be excited because herbs are ideally suited to container gardening. Since you can keep your container in the kitchen, you'll find it easy to use them more often, and they'll be a beautiful addition to your décor. Because some herbs, such as mint, will take over a regular garden, the container garden provides an added benefit by keeping runaway plants under control. There are just a few easy steps to follow to have a lovely and useful garden of your own.
First off, you'll need to choose a container. The only limits here are your imagination and food safety. Your only limitation when it comes to choosing pots for herbs is that you need to use containers that are food safe. Make sure you're not using pottery glazed with lead based chemicals. Plastic or glass pots as well as unfinished terra cotta will be safe. Almost all herbs will thrive in small pots or you can put several together in a window box, an old wheelbarrow, or anything that can hold the soil.
Choosing your herbs is really a question of taste. You may love the taste of rosemary and hate the taste of oregano. Perhaps to you parsley is just plate decoration while marjoram is divine. Choose which herbs you'd like to use and then plan accordingly. Pay particular attention to which herbs like more sun or less water and be sure to put like plants together when you craft your herb container garden.
Many of the herbs you will want to grow can be purchased as plants right from the start. Some herbs, however, will mature quickly and easily from seeds, so plan on putting together a mix of plants and seeds as you start on your container herb garden. Grassy green herbs like chives, mint, and parsley really perform best from seed because they're very difficult to transplant and they grow very quickly. The bushy, woody herbs like oregano and rosemary are much better to start as plants. You can also get a number of the softer herbs like basil and mint as plants. The wonderful thing about those is that you'll be able to enjoy them in your cooking almost immediately.
If you keep your container herb garden indoors, you may be able to keep the garden going year-round, but even indoors you may need to replace a few plants. Still, fresh herbs in a stew in the dead of winter are a surprising and wonderful delight, and experimenting with which herbs you can keep indefinitely is well worth the effort.
Once you're underway, you'll find your container herb garden a rewarding and creative use of time. Beautiful and useful, the garden can change your kitchen into the envy of your friends and they joy of your family.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6036482

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

The Always Popular Salt & Pepper Decorative Rock At Dixon Landscape Materials



Raj Hansra of Dixon Landscape Materials shows off the always popular Salt & Pepper decorative rock. This rock has rounded edges generally and has a great mix of whites, grays, blues, and tinges of gold. It looks good wet or dry and Dixon Landscape Materials keeps it in stock in 3/4" as shown, 3/8" pea gravel size, 1-1/2" size.

Call Dixon Landscape Materials at 707-678-8200, and visit the website at www.dixonlandscape.com.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Installing Pavestone Pavers



http://www.pavestone.com - Pavestone Company has manufactured segmental concrete products for the commercial, residential, contractor, industrial, and retail consumer markets since 1980. Dedicated to the production of concrete pave stone and retaining wall units, our business principle is to be driven not only by technology in manufacturing, but also in the development of segmental paving and retaining wall systems. Now with 20 regional manufacturing locations, distributing to over 40 states, Pavestone Company continues to set the standards for service to the buyer, specifier, and contractor. With over 250 million dollars in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, Pavestone Company provides the quality that sets the standard for its competitors and industry. The depth of selection in shape, color, and texture continue to place Pavestone as the leader of the industry!`

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Stain & Stencil Concrete Floors -- SmartColor Concrete Stain



Learn more about NewLook's SmartColor at http://www.GetNewLook.com/SmartColor.....

NewLook showcased SmartColor at its booth at the World of Concrete 2013. SmartColor is a water based decorative concrete stain; it is the reliable and user-friendly alternative to reactive based or acid based concrete stains. Watch this video and learn how to apply SmartColor over a Modello decorative masking pattern (stencil) to enhance your concrete surface.

SmartColor is a water-based, nano-acrlyic concrete stain used to revitalize and decorate exterior concrete surfaces. The formula's advanced nano-technology yield efficient penetration and tenacious adhesion with properly prepared concrete surfaces. Learn how to easily prepare concrete and match the mottled effects of an acid stain using SmartColor--the intelligent choice for staining concrete!

Contact your local Authorized NewLook Distributor today to purchase your supply of SmartColor concrete stain. Go to www.getnewlook.com/find-distributor-and-­installer.html to find your distributor or contact NewLook directly for more information (801) 886-9495.

Monday, June 30, 2014

How to Stain & Seal an Old Pool Deck



NewLook International's ORIGINAL Solid Color Stain, TiqueWash and SmartSeal were used to restore and stain this old, faded pool deck. Visit www.GetNewLook.com for more information.

Friday, June 27, 2014

How to Stain Stamped Concrete Floors



How to Stain Stamped Concrete Floors -- http://www.getnewlook.com/Translucent-Enhancer.html

Want to learn how to stain concrete floors? Read the video transcript:

The Translucent Color Enhancer is a water-based, polymer-modified, transparent concrete stain. It is non-acid, non-acrylic and non-epoxy based. [Integral concrete color eat your heart out!]

The Enhancer is used for antiquing stamped, textured concrete surfaces to create a two-toned finish. It can also be used to blend surface blemishes and discolorations.

The Enhancer is a 3-component [transparent concrete stain] kit that is packaged in a variety of sizes, each of which cover a range of square feet depending on surface porosity, moisture content, surface temperature and method of application.

Like all specialty coatings, the Translucent Color Enhancer must be installed on a properly prepared surface. For this project, the above half of a 10x10 slab on grade was stained with a coat of the ORIGINAL Solid Color Stain. The stains and discolorations on the lower half were left alone in order to demonstrate how a different base finish can affect the final appearance of the Enhancer. Visit GetNewLook.com for more information about surface preparation.

Once the surface has been prepped and the Enhancer has been mixed according to instructions, you're ready to begin applying the material.

Begin by spraying the [transparent concrete stain] material in one corner and work your way across the surface. The translucent nature of the Enhancer causes it to work in such a way that wherever there is more product material, you will get a deeper, richer or darker color. Gravity will cause the Enhancer to run off the high areas and puddle in the textured areas of relief where it will dry darker and give the surface the antiqued, two-toned finish desired.

You may choose to apply the enhancer in one very heavy application or apply multiple lighter coats to get the desired depth of color. However, a general rule with applying an enhancer is that the stain should be applied evenly. If this is not taken into consideration, one result may be that you end up with a spotty look from your sprayer.

If you have drip marks or a spotty look from your sprayer you may also lightly mist the wet stain with water to help break up these spots. This has to be done very lightly so that you do not over-dilute the stain and compromise it's bonding properties. A hand squeeze water bottle is best to use so that you can better control the amount of water applied.

Keeping a high amount of pressure in your sprayer will ensure a more consistent and even application. Drips, spots and over-application are less likely to occur. Maintain your sprayer to make sure an even spray is always occurring.

The Enhancer should be applied when it is cool to allow the enhancer time to fall into the low areas of the stamp. In summer months, it is important to budget enough time in the morning to be done before it gets too hot.

It is important to understand that not all stamped surfaces look alike and as such should not be approached in the exact same way. Stamped surfaces that have deep impressions will lend themselves to potentially having more contrast. To create more contrast on surfaces with subtle impressions, you may lightly mist water on the wet concrete stain to help push it off the top areas and into the lower areas of the stamped surface. This allows more of the base color to show through.

If there is too much stain in an area, you may rag it up but it is recommended that you start with a slightly wet rag so that you do not take up too much stain.

Note: the Enhancer must be sealed when cured and dried.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Cobbles, Cobbles, Cobbles. We Have Cobbles!



Dixon Landscape Materials has a large selection and large quantity of various sized cobbles to decorate your landscaping project. Whether commercial or residential, these cobbles can add the perfect touch to your landscape. They are very popular in creating dry river streams too.

Dixon Landscape Materials is located at 150 East H Street, Dixon CA. Call us at 707-678-8200 and visit our website at www.DixonLandscape.com.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Steep Slope Front Yard Landscaping | Hillside Landscaping



Landscaping ideas for a steep slope or hillside. Front yard landscaping is created for a circular driveway on a slope or hill. Landscape planting ideas for xeriscaping front yards.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Homes.com DIY Experts Share How-to Build an Outdoor Fire Pit



DIY experts Katie and Jon Jasiewicz from SewWoodsy.com show how to build an outdoor fire pit for Summer as part of their series of DIY tutorials for Homes.com.
In this DIY tutorial Jon provides detailed instructions to prep the outdoor area and build the fire pit. Be sure to visit often for inspirational tips to complete your next DIY project!

Friday, June 6, 2014

We Have Synthetic Turf And Accessories!

Check out our line of synthetic turf and accessories! We have everything you need to install and keep your synthetic turf looking great!

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

How To Start A New Lawn By Laying Sod

It has got to be the most commonly asked question about starting a new lawn. Anybody who has ever contemplated starting a new lawn has pondered this question. Sod or seeds? Ordering topsoil and seeds is cheaper and offers you more of a variety of grass types. Sod on the other hand, gives you a beautiful and healthy lawn instantly. It is basically the microwave for lawns, but it costs quite a bit more than topsoil and seeds. Which one is right for you? Let's take a look at each. Then you can make an educated choice based upon your needs.
The first thing you need to do, regardless of which method you choose, is prepare your lawn. This means that you need to get rid of any grass and/or weeds that may be there. There are a number of tools you can use for this including flat-bladed shovels and sod-cutters. Regardless of which tool you use, be sure to get the grass and/or weeds from their roots. If you do not get their roots, you are wasting your time. The next thing you need to do is have your topsoil chemically tested to see which type of grass you will need. There are a few tests that should be run, including figuring out the pH and the sodium adsorption rate, to name a couple. These tests will probably cost about thirty dollars or so, but it is well worth the investment. After all, who wants to go through the trouble of making a new lawn only to wake up one morning to a weed-infested, yellow lawn? The next step is to till. This includes buying or renting a tiller and breaking up all of the compacted topsoil of your soon-to-be lawn. Then, apply a starter fertilizer and compost to the topsoil.
After adding the fertilizer and compost into the mix, it is important to till again. This will work the fertilizer and compost into the topsoil. Be sure that it is level, and if slanted, slanted away from your house so that your house does not flood from water run-off. If necessary, grab a rake and rake the topsoil to level the topsoil completely. You will then need to buy or rent a roller. This will level the topsoil completely. The main idea here is to ensure that the topsoil is COMPLETELY level.
This is where you must decide how to answer that age-old question we were talking about earlier. Below I will go through the steps to starting your new lawn by laying sod.
LAYING SOD
Here comes the fun part. It is time to roll the sod. You should start by rolling one strip of sod on one far side of your lawn. Then roll another strip of sod on the other far side of your lawn. Continue in this manner until you reach the middle. When rolling the rolls of sod, be sure to roll them next to each other very tightly, but without overlapping. If it is not level anywhere, you should shovel some topsoil under the roll of sod to even it out. Another very important thing to do when you roll the sod is to make sure that adjacent rolls are not lined up evenly with each other. They should be unevenly lined similar to the way bricks are laid. When you are done rolling the sod, get that roller and roll over the entire lawn to make sure there is good contact between the sod and the topsoil. This will enable the sod's roots to attach to the topsoil. The most important thing to do after you complete the process of laying sod is to water your new lawn religiously every day. If you will be too busy to water your new lawn every day, or if there are local laws against it, you should definitely look into having an automatic sprinkler system installed.
It is important to lay sod at the right time. The "right time" will vary based upon where you live and what your climate is. It is best to speak to whoever will be supplying you with your supplies about when is the best time to lay sod in your particular area. There are a number of ways to go about finding a local landscaper who can supply you with all the supplies needed to lay sod, but it is nice knowing that you are using a reputable company.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/605475

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Backyard Paving Remodel



http://www.landscapingnetwork.com See how to dress up a plain-gray concrete patio with acid stains and then carve it to look like paving stone. Coordinating brick steps and borders complete the makeover.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

DriveHard Weatherproofing Sealer



DriveHard by NewLook International
DriveHard is a penetrating sealer that protects concrete and helps provide strength, durability and weatherproofing.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Spring Wasp & Stink Bug control



Put out your traps in the spring and help reduce the number of wasps and stink bugs in your garden

Monday, May 19, 2014

Playground Wood Chips At Dixon Landscape Materials



Raj with Dixon Landscape Materials shows us their very popular playground wood chips, which is made from Cedar and certified for playgrounds. It is also used all around the garden, parks and so on.

Call Dixon Landscape at 707-678-8200 and visit their website at www.dixonlandscape.com

Friday, May 16, 2014

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Pavestone RumbleStone™ Round Fire Pit



Pavestone RumbleStone™. Rustic building blocks for your outdoor hardscape projects. Simple to complex, large or small, the possibilities for creative expression are as far and wide as that inner child's imagination.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Pavestone Venetian Stone™



Pavestone's Venetian Stone™ Series gives a distinctive cleft surface texture to pavements. It's modular pattern equalizes the scale of any project and is fitting to most any architectural elements.

The possible applications for pavers are only limited by your imagination. Maximize your outdoor living experience with a design that is all your own. Create a scenic walkway in a beautiful downtown park. A variety of hues and textures allow you to have unlimited possibilities to both compliment and enhance the natural beauty of any surrounding while being friendly to the environment. From palatial outdoor entertainment areas to pool decks with a relaxing spa-like feel, you can count on unsurpassed strength and flexibility. Concrete pavers can withstand the forces of weather, water and traffic. Plus, they are especially designed to withstand freeze-thaw conditions, making them a good choice for cool as well as warm climates. Your design project will be as beautiful years from now as it is the day it is installed.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Cinder block Garden Bench



We show you how to build a nice bench out of cinder blocks that will make a nice bench in your garden.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Playground Wood Chips At Dixon Landscape Materials



Raj with Dixon Landscape Materials shows us their very popular playground wood chips, which is made from Cedar and certified for playgrounds. It is also used all around the garden, parks and so on.

Call Dixon Landscape at 707-678-8200 and visit their website at www.dixonlandscape.com

Monday, April 28, 2014

New Product: Silverstone 3/4" Crushed Decorative Rock at Dixon Landscape...



Raj Hansra of Dixon Landscape Materials shows off their new stocking item. This is Silverstone 3/4" crushed decorative rock and it has become very popular. We think it is so popular because of the beautiful colors with blue, green, gray, streaks of white. It looks good wet or dry and is easy to install.

Call Dixon Landscape Materials at 707-678-8200, and visit their website at www.dixonlandscape.com.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

OSU Turf Tips



Testing your soil is not hard. Check out these simple and easy tips for testing your moisture, for bugs and other pests, so you can have the perfect lawn.

Monday, April 21, 2014

We Have DIY Concrete!

Dixon Landscape now offers a Do It Yourself (DIY) solution for your concrete needs. We have a fleet of small "portable cement mixers" that tow behind a vehicle and hold 1-yard of concrete, which continues to mix during transit so that it is an effective pour when it arrives at the destination. 

It is a very inexpensive way to do a smaller job compared to buying concrete in a bigger truck. It is also more convenient and useful than mixing it yourself onsite - and a good deal less work as well.

We load all the ingredients onsite (concrete gravel, cement and water) into the "mixer trailer" while it is spinning here at Dixon Landscape...the mixer trailer is then ready to haul away to the job destination.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Patio Project: Elements of Style



Erin Gates, of the lifestyle blog Elements of Style, shares her spring patio project using Pavestone's Venetian Stone™ Combo pavers.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Step 4 - A little bit about sod prep



Instructional Video from Park Avenue Turf on lawn sod preparation for installation.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Step 3 - Grading and Sprinklers



Instructional Video from Park Avenue Turf on sprinkler installation to make your new lawn sod installation a success.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Step 2 - Soil Preparation



Instructional video from Park Avenue Turf on best techniques for preparing your soil for lawn sod installation.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Step 1 - Measuring your lawn and putting a plan together



Instructional video from Park Avenue Turf on putting together a game plan for best installation of your new lawn sod.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Organic Fertilizers



There are lots of organic fertilizer choices out there on the market. We learn about some of them and when you would use them.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Walk-on Fir Bark at Dixon Landscape Materials



Raj Hansra with Dixon Landscape Materials shows us the Walk-On Fir Bark which is very popular in landscaping and is much easier to work with than Gorilla Bark.

Dixon Landscape Materials, 150 East H St, Dixon CA. 707-678-8200. www.dixonlandscape.com

Monday, March 24, 2014

Stamped Concrete Restoration with Solid Stain - Sun Masonry



Aaron Oldham collaborated with NewLook to create this project video. Products used: Sierra ORIGINAL Solid Color Stain, Medium Gray Translucent Color Enhancer & SmartSeal WB (Gloss).

Friday, March 21, 2014

Restore & Enhance Stamped Concrete with Water-Based Antiquing Colorant



Restore and revitalize your stamped concrete with TiqueWash™, a superior antiquing concrete stain colorant used to easily create a natural-looking, multi-toned finish on textured concrete surfaces. The high-quality water based formula includes ultra-fine polymers for improved surface penetration and strong adhesion when sealed with NewLook SmartSeal™ or other compatible sealers. The TiqueWash powder is mixed with water to create a translucent color wash that, once applied, runs off high spots and settles in the low spots of textured concrete. Use TiqueWash to restore the color of weathered concrete or create an antique color finish for stamped concrete.

Thoroughly clean the concrete surface before applying TiqueWash. Remove existing sealer and other foreign materials using NewLook EasyStrip™ and NewLook Concrete Degreaser™.

Using the included measuring cup, mix into a separate bucket one to three scoops of TiqueWash powder (depending on desired color intensity) with one gallon of clean water. Pre-moisten the surface with water to help ensure color consistency and proper settling of the pigments. Spread the TiqueWash mixture across the surface with a NewLook Applicator Brush™ or clean push broom. Apply a liberal and uniform amount of material. Keep the product mixture agitated throughout the installation process to ensure color consistency and prevent pigment from settling. Simply clean up with water.

Features & Benefits:
- Cement based formula yields a natural-looking finish
- Optimal pigment loading for improved adhesion and bonding
- Ultra fine polymers for efficient penetration
- Many popular, natural-looking colors
- Water based stain formula is non-reactive & reliable -- you can bet on the color!
- Fast-drying concrete stain imposes minimal business interruption
- Easily brushed on with the NewLook Applicator Brush

Coverage & Packaging:
One three (3) pound container covers approximately 2000--3000 sq. ft. of stamped concrete. One mixed gallon covers approximately 300--500 sq. ft. Coverage varies with porosity and method of application.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Pavestone RumbleStone™ Waterfall



Pavestone RumbleStone™. Rustic building blocks for your outdoor hardscape projects. Simple to complex, large or small, the possibilities for creative expression are as far and wide as that inner child's imagination.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Rock Landscaping Ideas That Are Quick & Easy

Landscaping your yard can be a fantastic way to add beauty and color to your residence. When you landscape the yard you could very easily help to make it a thing of beauty. You might want to landscape the entire yard, make a quiet garden area or work on the a small section. Incorporating a lot of regional natural plants and things such as rocks will be quite nice. Stones can easily add color and design to an otherwise uninteresting landscape. If you're looking for some rock landscaping ideas remember there are many ways to integrate beautifying with rocks into your backyard.
Decide What You Would Like to Do
Ideas about using natural stones can be discovered in numerous sites. First off, think about what you want. Smaller rocks and stones might be used to line the edge of a private drive, flower bed or even a little pond. Larger stones might be integrated into the middle of plants or even natural herbs. A very big decorative landscape rock which is of an interesting form and color may even grow to be the focal point of your garden project. Before you choose glance through publications, travel all-around your town and take a look at other individual's yards and even view rock landscaping pictures online to have an notion of what you want.
Do Some Research
Local rocks and stones are probably what you should use in your design. Check out local home building sites for suggestions of what type of stones are available in your location. If you are lucky enough to live in places you can go get your own river rocks for landscaping you can find some beautiful ones that way. When you know what you want to utilize you can draw up your rock landscaping designs and get started.
Options for a Layout Designed with Natural Rocks
Creating an backyard design offers you numerous ways to incorporate stones into your designs. One creative interesting way to put various rocks is to create a landscaping rock wall. A mail box foundation or a rock wall as a backdrop for a backyard garden is merely a couple of interesting concepts it is possible to consider. The rocks will be embedded in the wall, or sculpture base in something such as a mailbox post. You may utilize polished flat stones as stepping stones and develop a wondering path via your flower garden. The strategies for these landscaping ideas are really endless.
Don't Want to Do It Yourself?
Not everyone likes to do things themselves and if you're not a do-it-yourself individual no problem. But bear in mind, you can easily always employ somebody to do the job for you. There are plenty of local landscaping companies specialized in rock design that are prepared to do the work for you - but remember rock landscaping prices can differ based on where you live. The positive side is that they may have access to rocks you don't. The downside - that type of contracting work could be pricey.
Begin Your Rock Landscaping Project Right now
These rock landscaping ideas [http://www.newlandscapingideas.info] will allow you to turn your backyard into a thing of beauty in no time at all. Develop a rock landscaping garden or a wall, line a few paths, get imaginative! Why have a big empty space of green grass whenever you can have so much more than that? Your friends will be pleading with you to share your rock landscaping secrets when you are finished.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4416128

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Be Prepared for These Common Sod Problems

Planting or rolling out sod is a great way to be able to quickly get a green, lush, and healthy lawn that will enhance the look of your property and immediately give you a place to relax or play. Without diligent attention to details of sod preparation and maintenance, some unsightly problems could easily crop up that could destroy all or parts of your new lawn.
The first step, one that is vital to insure a healthy start to any new sod installation, is to make certain that the soil is prepared properly. The soil bed for sod must present an even surface that is accessible to the grass roots so they can dig in and get nutrients and water for even color and growth. Unprepared soil will be uneven, so areas of the sod may be left high and dry, turning brown as the grass in that area fails to take root.
Loosening and Preparing the Soil
Preparing the soil means removing all the rocks and as many stones as possible. Removing weeds will eliminate a fresh weed problem and take out the competition for the water that your new sod will need. Use a rake to loosen the top couple of inches of soil to make root access easier. Be sure to test the soil for the proper pH level and the proper nutrients to provide the level that is best for the type of sod that you have selected. When preparing the soil, be sure the grade is about four inches below any sidewalks or driveways. This is to ensure proper installation of the sod so that it is level with hardscapes and won't cause problems walking or create an impediment when rolling something onto the lawn.
One of the greatest enemies of new sod is insects. It doesn't take very long for webworms to spot new sod and invade, planting their flag by laying eggs that will hatch into lawn-eating grubs. A webworm infestation is visible when circular brown patches begin appearing. Worms may also leave tunnel openings the size of a finger at the surface. When pulling back a roll of sod, check to see if there are grubs on the bottom, which is where they feed.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
The best way to battle webworm is to get them at the larval stage. Keep the sod watered and well irrigated and try introducing rove and ground beetles, which are natural predators and are not grass-eaters themselves. You can, finally, resort to chemical weapons such as chloronicotinyl and diacylhydrazine. They are most effective on webworm larvae.
Cinch bugs can also be a problem for new sod. These pests usually appear during excessively hot and/or dry weather. They will create round brown spots that are visible in the lawn. To get rid of them, it's best to spray them with insecticidal soap for small invasions. You may use botanical insecticide for more severe cases.
If you are not sure why your new lawn is turning brown in some locations, contact a lawn care professional who is familiar with common sod problems in your region.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8279905