Landscaping Basics

Although you may think that pouring cement is difficult, it is actually fairly easy. There are only a few simple steps to follow when you are creating the cement as well as pouring it. You just...

Every gardener knows the feeling of having worked hard to create an attractive flower garden only to have it dug up by neighborhood cats. Although it may seem that the cats are deliberately...

For years, master gardeners and scientists have said not to use wood chips for mulch because they are too acidic or rob the soil of too many nutrients. Recently, though, scientists have changed...

Growing shrubs and vines together provides endless opportunities for creating interest and mood in the garden. Both allow you to take the design of the flower beds higher for added dimension....

Drip irrigation (also called trickle or micro irrigation or even micro watering) works by slow watering, directly to the top soil. Drip irrigation's high effectiveness results from two factors:...

Better known as Canada green grass, Canadian green grass is a blend of grass seeds that provides lush year-round coverage for your yard. Canada green grass is composed of red fescue, Kentucky...

Yard statues are a surefire way to add low-maintenance nonliving points that add interest and pizzazz to your garden or landscaping. They do not need weeding, feeding or pleading to keep them at...

When you have compost with lime it means that the acidity of the compost was too high. It possibly had a high content of pine needles and lime was added to raise the PH of the soil. A compost lime...

Pea gravel consists of rock fragments, each about as large as a pea. It costs very little, but comes with one downside: The gravel may have sharp edges. So, if you have pets or small children that...

Landscape and urban planners determine how land will be used within a community. As a citizen of your community, you have the right to be involved in the planning process. In fact, according to...

Many people are surprised to learn that fireplace ashes make a very good fertilizer for plants and trees. Because the ash is a leftover residue of wood, it has a high pH level that neutralizes...

Weed barriers are a critical element of any landscaping plan. These cloth-like rolls of material are placed in flower beds and landscaped areas to prevent weeds from growing. Although extremely...

Drip, or micro-irrigation, technology uses plastic pipes to carry a low flow and low pressure of water to plants. Water is applied slowly, unlike in sprinkler irrigation systems. Drip irrigation...

Drip irrigation conserves water and waters only the area needed. Drip irrigation systems can be small drippers to micro-sprinklers for flowerbeds and can be customized to every landscape. Make a...

Landscaping your yard or garden creates an orderly, aesthetically pleasing effect for you and your guests to enjoy. While landscaping projects can include many elements, using various mulches to...

The trickling sound of a water feature creates a peaceful environment, making them favorite landscaping decor in residential areas. Water features add a natural touch to any yard even in the...

Professional landscapers use mathematics in order to get the job done right, and, for the most part, their money and time are huge factors.

Chicken wire is one of the most affordable types of fencing available to consumers. It serves a variety of purposes, such as caging in small animals like chickens (hence the name "chicken wire")...

Old tires can be a big environmental hassle to deal with. Millions of tires are disposed of every year. Old tires, however, can have many uses around the garden. Using tires around the house and...

A do-it-yourself home improvement can often be a daunting job, especially when faced with home sprinkler systems. The heartbeat of an irrigation system is composed of pipes, fittings and risers....

Gas trimmers are an essential tool for any landscaping enthusiast. Trimmers help to keep the sides of your garden or lawn straight and neat, ensuring that your landscape will continue to look even...

Framing a sidewalk is a relatively simple activity you can perform on your own, or with the help of a friend. Do-it-yourself home projects are very rewarding and are also a great way to save...

Wood mulch can benefit a garden by keeping down weeds, moderating soil temperatures and providing nutrients to the soil. While cedar mulch may provide some of these benefits, there are definite...

Whether you live in the tropics or just want a mental escape each time you step into your backyard, a tropical landscape creates a distinct outdoor living space. The planning of the tropical...

While clay soils are rich in nutrients and minerals, they are comprised of tiny particles that cause problems with drainage and aeration. Clay soils are easily compacted, and this compaction makes...

When trying to get rid of a ficus tree, many gardeners and landscapers have discovered that simply cutting it down is not enough. Ficus trees have a strong root system that is efficient and able...

Ground covers are easiest to grow by planting them in the spring, but they can be planted in the autumn, too, if done early enough to get established before the first frost of fall. It helps to...

Creating a raised bed lined with loose rock can add visual interest to your garden and provide a location to grow plants that require good soil drainage. The most vital aspect to using rock is the...

When preparing to lay sod, it's important to plan your strategy. Sketch the area where you plan to install the grass, and measure it. This will help you figure the square footage you need and...

Accent lighting in landscaping increases your home's beauty at night. It draws attention to your favorite features and makes your home seem more secure. There are many options in both style and...

Give your lawn a professional look by installing concrete landscape edging. This not only makes your flower beds look nice, but concrete edging also gives each section of your lawn a more groomed...

Fountains are a beautiful addition to any garden, but too often homeowners feel they have to locate the fountain right next to an outdoor plug--unless they want to run extension cords through...

Gravel driveways are ideal for certain homes as they avoid the upkeep of cleaning, filling cracks and potholes or killing the weeds that grow out of stone, cement and pavement driveways. They are...

Soil erosion is the washing away of soil by wind or water, sometimes resulting in deep gullies. There are several methods that may be implemented to control soil erosion for a home owner as well...

Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is medium to tall tree used in many landscape applications. A fast grower, green ash is useful for riparian conservation plantings, farm and field windbreaks and...

Using sod is an excellent way repair barren spots in your lawn or to start a completely new lawn. The choice of sod type depends on many conditions such as climate, soil and the general makeup of...

Desert landscaping can be a very attractive and alluring look to your home or garden. If you live in a dry desert city like Phoenix or Las Vegas, desert landscaping is encouraged in order to save...

Landscaping is only one aspect of improving your home's curb appeal. The front of the home makes a big impression on those passing by or visiting. The exterior windows are one of the most...

While you may think of a garden as filled with only flowers, incorporating shrubs to the mix adds structure and interest to a space. Planting shrubs can provide additional benefits such as privacy...

Compost worms such as redworms or red wigglers feel the cold once their bin gets below 57 degrees Fahrenheit. If you keep your compost worms outdoors in an area with cold winters, you must find a...

When you are starting with what looks like a vast expanse of dirt, trying to get a lawn to grow can seem like an unending battle. You rake, amend the soil, sprinkle the seed, rake some more, set...

The excitement of starting your landscaping job leaves you ready to jump right in with the project. Before you get too excited, take the time to prepare the area for the changes that will take...

Whether you're plotting land for a garden, estimating where to lay sod or making other landscaping measurements, sometimes the ability to lay out a reasonably accurate square area in a short...

Clay is a soil rich in the nutrients that plants need to thrive and it holds water. On the other hand, clay soil is easily overwatered, which causes compaction and eventually plant death. It is...

Cascading rock garden plants thrive where others cannot. An ugly retaining wall, an unsightly slope or a steep hillside can be turned into a vibrant focal point of dramatic color and eye-catching...

Mulching is a natural, effective way to improve the overall appearance and health of your yard or garden. Cedar mulch is aromatic and eye-pleasing, and turns any ordinary flower bed into a...

Changes in landscaping sometimes require growing grass in an area that was once covered with cement. Although sod can be planted in any but the coldest of seasons, the best time to lay sod is in...

Cubic yards of topsoil are converted to tons by multiplying the number of cubic yards times the soil density (in tons per cubic yard): ____ cubic yards X ____ soil density factor = approximately...

A tripper conveyor is a form of conveyor belt used in construction, mining, and other large-scale earth-moving businesses. They are also known as tiered or stepped conveyers, and the term...

Perennial borders accent your yard or garden. Grasses, shrubs, small trees and flowers are a few of the types of plants that you might include in a perennial border. By planning a simple design...