Thursday, March 20, 2014

What Are The Steps And Materials That Go Into Installing A Beautifully Paved Patio?

There are many steps and materials that go into installing a beautifully paved patio, some of which you may not be aware of. One of which is polymeric sand.  

What is polymeric sand?  

Polymeric sand is a substance used to fill the joints when installing pavers. It is a very fine material, when mixed with water, create a bonding agent. Polymeric sand is the medium that interlocks pavers while keeping them secured in place.  

It is possible to use regular sand, but to make certain you enjoy years of low maintenance out of your hardscape polymeric sand is the way to go. There are many advantages to using polymeric sand, some of which include:  

Deterring weeds. Weeds are annoying land seem to grow pretty much anywhere overnight. Polymeric sand can't prevent a weed from ever popping up between your pavers, but it will make it considerably more difficult. Simply using regular sand offers zero resistance for weeds sprouting up.

Prolonging the durability of your patio. Polymeric sand promotes strength and longevity when using it to install pavers. Polymeric sand also lessens the amount of water that can get between the pavers into the base materials.

Preventing washouts. It only takes a heavy rain to get wash away regular sand, leaving paver joints with no protection. This is actually a very common problem with using regular sand. This won't happen when using polymeric sand.  

Enjoy your paved hardscaping for years to come. For more information, contact Houston area Laird Landscaping at 281-578-2795 or online at  www.lairdlandscaping.com

Monday, March 3, 2014

Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas On A Limited Budget

If you're looking to spruce up your yard, it is important to consider your budget. If the budget is small and low maintenance, there are many options and we can help you maximize your space as well as your budget.

Patios and Walkways

Wooden decks need regular maintenance such as painting and wood treating. Instead of creating an expensive deck, a ground-level patio can be constructed with patio pavers made of brick or stone. If properly sealed, once your patio is installed the only care it needs is to be hosed off with water occasionally or swept to ensure the patio remains clean.

Go Grassless

If you'd like to cut back on your water bill, removing most of the grass from the yard is an option. Invest in hardscaping that will stand the test of time for years to come. Shrubs, and other low maintenance plants can cover the ground in areas that are free of grass. Potted native plants can also provide greenery without putting a dent in your wallet.

Mulch It Over

Mulch prevents erosion, weeds and moisture loss. The mulch should be spread around tree bases, shrubs and flower beds. Bark, sawdust and wood chip are relatively inexpensive. Stone and plastic liners can be placed around trees and flower beds and mulch inside of them. Although stone is more expensive, it requires relatively little maintenance.

Low maintenance and low budget options are endless. For more information, contact Houston area Laird Landscaping at 281-578-2795 or online at www.lairdlandscaping.com.