Monday, February 27, 2017

Molecule Teaser | Next-Generation Sealer Technology



Introducing Molecule® brand hardscape sealers by TechniSoil. The Molecule line of sealer products represents next-generation, water-based technology for premium hardscape protection. It penetrates the surface to provide robust stain resistance without leaving a film or altering the natural aesthetic. Molecule products are VOC-free, ready-to-use out of the bottle, and easy to apply.

Molecule [DS] Driveway Sealer

-- Molecule [DS] reduces tracking from vehicle tires, resists staining from debris and liquids, and limits freeze-thaw damage.

Molecule [JSS] Joint Stabilizer & Sealer

-- The Molecule [JSS] hybrid polymer formula provides robust stain resistance without leaving a film and locks paver joint sand in place.

Molecule [VMS] Vertical Masonry Sealer

-- Molecule [VMS] is specifically designed for vertical applications such as stone veneer, stucco, and brick masonry. It penetrates to reduce staining from graffiti, debris, and foreign liquids while limited freeze-thaw damage.

-- Molecule [HS] Hardscape Shampoo

When used regularly, Molecule [HS] maintains and extends the life of any Molecule brand hardscape sealer coating. The simple wash and wax application process cleans and protects your hardscape investment. Molecule [HS] is environmentally safe and ready-to-use out of the bottle.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Should I Use Rocks Instead of Mulch?



When deciding whether to use rocks instead of mulch, you should first understand what the purpose of mulch is in your garden and then decide whether you can forego using mulch in favor of rocks.

Mulch is made from organic matter such as wood chips, sawdust, pieces or shavings. Because the mulch is organic matter, it decomposes over time and will need to be replaced every year or so. While this is an expense, it ensures that your soil is regularly fed with nutrients from the mulch.

Mulch is light and can easily be blown around, not very helpful if you have a windy climate. On the flipside, because the mulch is lightweight and decomposes, it is good for flowerbeds that require regular maintenance to replace bedding plants and the like. The mulch is also easy to work with when removing weeds.

Some people prefer rocks instead of mulch because, although initially expensive to add, they do not need replacing. The look of rocks is attractive and contemporary and can lighten the garden if you choose light color rocks.

Rocks obviously don’t blow away because of their weight. However the weight means that rocks are not a good choice for beds that need attention, as they need moving. Although rocks are permanent, they add nothing to the soil which means you have to be careful about what you plant. Certain plants need a lot of nutrients and all soil will eventually need some kind of organic matter such as compost to enrich it and ensure your plants thrive.

Rocks instead of mulch are not a good alternative in all parts of the garden. Rocks work well with alpine plants that are naturally used to rocky areas. Rocks can also be added to areas where there are small trees and other more established plants that need no seasonal attention, but eventually they still might need some compost.

If you love the look of stone, then consider adding potted plants to your garden that you then cover with large stones. Or use gravel as an alternative to grass so that you get the look without changing your flowerbeds.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

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.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

HRZ 100 Hydro-Rain All In One Drip Zone Valve



Walking through the All-in-One Low Flow Valve from Hydro-Rain that includes a filter and pressure regulator.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

TechniSoil G3 - Pathway / G3 - Commercial Aggregate Education Video



An explanation of what the best aggregates to use with TechniSoil G3 - Pathway Stabilizer & G3 - Commercial Surface. An general guide of proper vs. improper aggregates.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

How To Remove Tree Stumps



Shopping List for How to Remove Tree Stumps:
- Loam, for filling stump hole
- Grass seed, to plant over backfilled stump hole

Tools for How to Remove Tree Stumps:
- Pointed shovel, for digging around stump
- Bypass loppers, to cut small tree roots
- Pruning saw or reciprocating saw with pruning blade, for cutting large roots
- Iron digging bar, to chop through roots
- Gas-powered stump grinder, for power grinding stumps
- Garden and lawn rake, used to smooth loam

Steps for How to Remove Tree Stumps:
1. Use a pointed shovel to dig out the soil around the tree stump. Continue digging until you’ve exposed the roots all the way around the stump.
2. Cut small-diameter tree roots with bypass loppers.
3. Use a pruning saw or reciprocating saw to cut through larger tree roots.
4. Chop through hard-to-reach roots with an iron digging bar.
5. After cutting all the roots, push over the stump, then roll it out of the hole.
6. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil and loam.
7. In the spring, rake grass seed into the soil and water frequently.
8. If you have to remove more than one stump, rent a gas-powered stump grinder.
9. Remove any rocks from the around the stump, then use the stump grinder to slowly chip away at the stump.
10. Stop grinding when the stump is 6 to 8 inches below the surface.
11. Rake away the wood chips, then fill the hole with loam.
12. In the spring, plant grass seed.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Backyard & Frontyard Landscape Ideas



In this video I go over 17 gorgeous pictures that will spark thoughts and ideas on how you should plan your future back or front yard. A few tips in the video are things such as "use 1 plant or bush for multiple purposes" and "plant flowers under your deck to hide all the ugly areas" and "put a waterfall in your backyard if you have a damp area."