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Written by webtechs

Types of Landscaping Materials

Every homeowner dreams of having an appealing yard where they can relax and take in the outdoors. Outdoor areas can be used as sitting spaces to enjoy books or hold luncheons. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that creating a beautiful look takes time and money. This post details some of the different materials one might need from a landscape material supply store in Phoenix to make your landscaping dreams a reality.

Mulch

Mulch is the most general and vital landscaping material that every dedicated landscaper needs to know about. In basic terminology, mulch is anything used for covering the soil. It can be natural or inorganic.

The various forms of mulch, like lawn clippings, straw, and wood mulch, are used to achieve different purposes. Each has its pros and cons. The addition of mulch to raised beds helps gussy up the landscape.

Topsoil

Whereas garden soil is a rich mix of multiple elements, topsoil is just the top few inches of dirt found on the ground. It may be harvested throughout construction projects and used for landscaping. Topsoil is perfect for filling large cavities or forming garden bases but pales in comparison to garden soil or compost.

Using compost is a good place to start for anyone wanting to carry out landscaping in the Phoenix area. The addition of compost makes the soil richer. Compost is decomposed nutrient-filled natural matter that’s perfect for plants. The addition of it to any soil type is going to add nutrients and enhance the soil’s structure. It additionally elevates the soil’s moisture retaining capabilities and adds micro-organisms to it. Kinds of compost can comprise of handmade compost, manure, and other composts. Whether one wants to improve their yard, flower beds, or garden, compost is an important partner. Furthermore, it is adaptable in its uses. For example, it can work like a mulch on the flowerbed and could also be combined with the soil in the garden.

Decorative Stone

Presently, decorative stones are not limited to just hotter climates that impede grass growth. A fantastic option for low-water gardens, this landscaping material is minimal-maintenance. It only is required to be replaced following harsh weather. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean one shouldn’t agitate the stones every now and then and wash them. As a result eliminates any dirt and debris that may have collected. Decorative stones also suffocate weeds, so the concerns of cutting them down typically are eliminated.

Decorative Gravel

There are several types of gravel appropriate for various aesthetics and functionalities. For instance, lava rock is vivid and porous. It can work like a mulch for flowerbeds to help conserve soil moisture and manage temperatures. River rock, alternatively, is medium-sized and very sleek. It looks amazing on driveways.

Crushed Stone

This material is comparable to gravel in all respects, except that it is suited for various functions. While gravel is a natural occurring substance, crushed stones are smaller pieces of larger manually crushed stones. Meaning that crushed stone has sharp edges and could be unpleasant to walk on. Also, it provides lesser artistic taste than gravel. Therefore, it is not suitable for use either for decoration. Nevertheless, it can act as a fill and for landscaping access roads. It additionally works for drainage endeavors and a base for gravel and can be easily located in a landscape supply store in Phoenix.

Landscaping Sand

The applications of sand in landscaping are boundless. First off, it can be utilized as a construction material in driveway and walkway endeavors. It makes for a fantastic base layer and leveller, which is why it is perfect for filling the gaps between pavers. It stops the pavers from moving around, therefore maintaining stability.

Additionally, it provides a soft playing area. Therefore, if someone wants a play area integrated into their landscaping, they may want to think about utilizing sand.

Retaining Wall Edges and Blocks

Think about a raised garden or a retaining wall to provide the yard with some verticalness. Retaining walls is perfect for creating new waymarks and controlling irregular landscapes. Edges, as an alternative, are great for positioning paths and outlining gardens.

Conclusion

An energetic and healthy backyard requires a sound foundation. That is why choosing the correct landscaping materials for pathways, driveways, and gardens is important. Soil is the steadfast in most landscaping projects. It can be enriched with the addition of mulch and compost. As for weeds, purchase mulch or decorative stones to deter their growth. For a driveway, gravel is your friend. Luckily, each of these materials has several variations. So no matter what one’s landscaping requires, there is always an appropriate material.

Landscaping Materials Phoenix by A&A Materials, Inc.

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers Landscaping Materials for your landscaping needs. Call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Landscape Materials, Landscaping, Landscaping Materials
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Regular Post
Written by webtechs

Pros and Cons of Mulch

Mulch is a material you put over the garden soil to keep sunlight away from directly hitting it and decrease moisture loss via evaporation. Nevertheless, when utilizing this material in your landscape, it brings both good and bad impacts to the soil underneath the covering of mulch.

Which Mulch Is Right for You?

Mulch is the ace in the hole of gardening gladiators. Following the completion of a new landscaping project or removal of weeds out of gardens, placing mulch over the soil has a multitude of benefits: it hinders weeds, subsides evaporation, and creates an orderly, unified appearance to the landscape. Many mulches also enhance soil composition and fertility.

You have a lot of mulches to choose from. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of different mulches. Consider your location and your garden’s requirements and then spread some “mulch” needed love!

Fallen Leaves

  • Pros: No cost! Cut them up using a lawnmower or a weed trimmer or allow them to dry into a crumbly condition. On the other hand, place them in a pile and allow them to decompose for a year or so prior to use.
  • Cons: If they are wet and not shredded, they are going to mat and fester. When they are really light and dry, they are inclined to being blown away. Some leaves (for instance black walnut) release toxins and have detrimental impacts on some plants.

Grass Clippings

  • Pros: No cost!! Adds nitrogen to the soil.
  • Cons: Required to be dried before applying to prevent matting and festering. Break down rapidly. Do not use clippings from chemically treated lawns, particularly on vegetables intended to be consumed.

Pine Needles

  • Pros: No cost! Good weed suppression; remains in place well; great on slopes; slowly breaks down; increased acidity, which benefits some plants (rhododendrons, azaleas, blueberries, and some kinds of conifers).
  • Cons: Spiny to work with; acidification of soil.

Straw

  • Pros: Appealing color, good coverage, outlasts grass clippings or leaves.
  • Cons: Inclined to weed seeds, which could cause more issues than it solves.

Compost

  • Pros: Dark color sets plants off magnificently; quickly enriches soil; low cost, particularly if you create your own.
  • Cons: Breaks down fast; very short duration weed suppressor.

Shredded Bark

  • Pros: Low cost; readily available; breaks down somewhat slowly; stays in place on inclines; sometimes an eco-friendly use of wood industry byproducts.
  • Cons: Can consume nitrogen content from soil when it decomposes.

Wood Chips

  • Pros: Usually free from local horticulturists or electric companies.
  • Cons: Might be acidic; may contain species harmful to plants (like black walnuts) or harmful to humans (like poison ivy). Raw chips can drain nitrogen.

Pine Bark Nuggets

  • Pros: Long-duration (larger nuggets last longer); good weed suppressor; appealing.
  • Cons: Susceptible to tumbling down inclines or washing away in rainstorms.

Cocoa Hulls

  • Pros: Smells like chocolate! Fine texture, appealing color. Not prone to waning.
  • Cons: Easily blown away by wind; harmful to pets; may develop mold in hot humid climates. costly.

Rock And Gravel

  • Pros: Long duration doesn’t break down.
  • Cons: Long duration, doesn’t improve soil; difficult to remove or grow plants in.

Landscape Materials in Phoenix by A&A Materials, Inc.

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers landscaping materials for your landscaping needs. Call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Landscape Materials, Mulch, Sand, Top Soil
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River Rock
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Written by webtechs

River Rock Cost

River rock prices range from $45 to $130 per ton or $50 to $160 per yard. With an average cost of $105 per yard. River rock prices in 2025 are going to depend on several factors, including the type, size, and source of the rocks.

  • Size of the River Rock: Smaller rocks such as pebbles usually cost less than larger stones or boulders.
  • Type of River Rock: Premium options such as black river stones or Tennessee river rock r are more costly.
  • Availability: Rocks locally sourced are typically more budget friendly than imported materials.
  • Quantity: Purchasing river rocks in bulk usually decreases the per-unit cost.
  • Supplier: Retailers such as Lowe’s, Menards, and local stone yards have differing price points.

Types of River Rock and Their Costs

Below are some examples of river rock cost and some of their uses. Keep reading to learn more.

Small River Rocks and Pebbles

Small river rocks and pebbles are a favorable choice for gardens, walkways, and focal points. They are cost friendly and available in differing colors and sizes.

Average Cost: $50-$150 cubic yard or $100-$300 for each ton.

Typical Uses: Garden beds, water features, and decorative walkways.

Large River Rocks

Larger river rocks are perfect for landscaping projects that require structural or decorative aspects.

Average Cost: $150-$400 for each ton.

Typical Uses: Retaining walls, large-scaled landscaping projects, and erosion management.

Specialty River Rocks

Alternatives like black river stones, Tennessee river rock, or crushed river rock add distinct appeal however, come at a price.

  • Black River Stones: $300 to $700 each ton.
  • Tennessee River Rock: $200 to $500 each ton.
  • Crushed River Rock: $50 to $150 each cubic yard.

Landscape River Rock Phoenix by A&A Materials, Inc.

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers Landscape Boulders for your landscaping needs. Call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Gardening, Landscape Materials, River Rock
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Landscape Boulder Cost
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Written by webtechs

Landscape Boulders Cost 2025

Landscaping boulders cost around $120 – $350 each ton on average or $50 – $160 for each cubic yard. Landscaping boulders by themselves cost as little as $3 each for 10-inch boulders or up to $2,300 each for boulders larger than 48 inches. Landscape boulders can be utilized as edging, landscaping steps, retaining walls, all- natural seating, or as a centerpiece.

The following factors affect the cost of landscaping boulders:

Stone size & quality: Larger landscaping boulders over 36 inches cost the most since they are the most challenging to quarry and for transporting. Landscaping rocks that are smaller cost less and can be delivered by truckload. The stone quality also affects the cost, with smoother, top-quality boulders at the higher end of the scope.

Stone type: General landscaping boulder kinds can comprise of granite, sandstone, limestone, basalt/lava rock, and Gneiss. Because of landscaping boulders’ weight and the higher cost of transporting them across longer distances, some boulder kinds are only available in specific areas and prices are going to usually be the lowest for boulders quarried close to you.

Quantity: A lot of supplier’s price their landscape boulders by each ton, although many suppliers price smaller boulders by the cubic yard or by a full pallet. Verify with your supplier to check whether they have minimum order sizes for delivery.

Delivery fees: Landscaping boulder delivery costs $50 to $400+, subject to the distance and the boulder size and overall weight.

Site preparation & installation:

Leveling or grading: Re-grading a yard cost $0.40 to $2.00 each square foot to guarantee the area is level or graded properly for drainage prior to installing landscaping boulders.

Installation labor: Landscaping companies can charge $25 – $50 each hour for each person for labor. DIY installation can save on labor costs; however, it can be challenging for larger, heavier boulders.

Removing or repositioning existing rocks: Landscape rock removal costs $50 to $200 each cubic yard to reposition the rocks within the same property or $220 to $250 each cubic yard.

Landscape Boulders Phoenix by A&A Materials, Inc.

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers Landscape Boulders for your landscaping needs. Call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

boulders, Landscape Materials
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Regular Post
Written by webtechs

Materials for Landscaping

Everybody wants an appealing front or backyard. A lot hire landscape designers to do this job, since they can offer the planning, skilled workers, and materials you need for those large projects. However, some would instead work on their own front or backyards, with time and self-learning on their side. One of the bigger challenges for these kinds of firsthand home improvements is determining what materials they require to adequately landscape their yards, and what amount and quality they are going to need. The following are 6 of the most common materials required for landscaping projects.

  1. Soil & Fertilizer

It’s always amazing how much soil you are going to need for a landscaping project. The present soil might require new nutrients and be mixed and/or changed with soil and fertilizer. You could be unearthing clay or other useless soil and need to change it. For raised garden beds supplementary soil is just about always required.

  1. Mulch

Mulch is perfect for groundcover for many reasons. It traps moisture underneath the layer, meaning plants won’t need to be watered as frequently; the layer doesn’t encourage weeds to grow; and because water and time impact the mulch, its nutrients are absorbed by the soil. A finisher to any garden undertaking.

  1. Rock

Rocks can make a perfect fill that can “breath,” letting water to drain better from the area. Because it allows an irregular filler that doesn’t compact that great, it’s perfect for parking heavy machinery on, like vehicles or landscaping care equipment.

  1. Pavers and Bricks

Nothing compares to a backyard with a stone path or patio area. Pavers and bricks provide a more adaptable alternative to concrete and a less laborious process than placing natural stone. Typically bought by the pallet, each type of stonework comes in a staggering range of colors, sizes, and shapes. Prior to installation you are going to need to compact and level the area.

  1. Sand

When installing a stone floor utilizing the above pavers and bricks, and particularly with unshaped stone, a bag or two of sand is vital for keeping the stonework level. Sand acts like a buffer and enables you to rearrange the pavers or bricks. Following installation additional sand is poured between the pavers or bricks to stop them from shifting.

  1. Embankment Blocks and Edgers

Give your landscaping some verticality utilizing an embankment or a raised garden. These embankment blocks are a perfect way of either conquering your varying landscape or creating new points of interest. Edgers are perfect for keeping your paths in line in addition to outlining your gardens. They each come in all shapes and sizes, perfect for harmonizing with one another and other masonry.

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers everything for your landscaping needs. Contact us today or call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Landscape Materials
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Mulch vs Rocks
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Written by webtechs

Mulch Vs. Rocks

Following you planting new trees, foliage and flowers, you want to add the coup de grace–mulch. Mulch is going to make your landscape appear immaculate and refined.

However, does it make a difference what kind of mulch you use? Or should you maybe replace mulch with rocks?

Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of mulching with an organic mulch or an inorganic mulch such as rocks.

Mulch Vs. Rocks – Which Is Better in Gardens & Around Trees?

Pros & Cons of Organic Mulch

Below are the pros and cons of using mulch in your landscaping:

Pros

Improved Growth: Mulch can just about double how fast trees and plants grow, as reported by research studies.

Reduced Water:  Mulch promotes rain-water infiltration and soil water storage and decreases water evaporation, so you can spend less time and resources watering!

Additional Nutrients: As mulch decomposes, it adds nourishment that plants require to flourish.

Less Weeds:  Mulch decreases weed seed sprouting, so you are going to see less weeds in your beds.

The Perfect Temperature:  Mulch keeps soil and roots safeguarded in the winter months and cooler in the summer ones.

Decrease Compaction and Erosion:  Mulch hinders soil erosion, which is going to be uncontrollable in places where the soil is left exposed. Mulch additionally makes the soil more enduring against compaction. Additionally, people are unlikely to walk and/or drive on mulch, so there’s reduced soil compaction from the beginning.

Cons

Yearly Replacement: Subject to your mulch type, you are going to have to replace it or top dress it every 1 to 4 years. Therefore, it’s a continual time and cost expense.

Lavishness: Placing a layer of mulch more than 2 to 3 inches can diminish water movement and deteriorate bases of foliage.

Too Soon = Late Blooms: Putting mulch down too soon might slow how fast the ground gets warmer, meaning you could see blooms a little later than average.

Later than Normal = Weeds: Mulch hinders weeds from going into germination. If you mulch too late, it additionally might not stop them.

Look for Seeds:  Many organic mulches, such as shredded green waste and hay, might have weed seeds in them.

Pros & Cons of Rocks

Below are the pros and cons of using rocks in your landscaping:

Pros

Minimum Maintenance: You probably never need to have them replaced.

Lower Expense: Since they’re longer lasting, it is usually less costly to mulch with rocks in the long term.

Fire-Resistant:  Should you live in an area that has wildfires, rocks offer defensible space because they’re non-flammable.

Weeds Be Gone:  Rocks could keep weeds away longer because seeds have trouble germinating through them.

Resistant to Wind: Heavier rocks are perfect at stopping soil erosion in windy places.

Excellent for Rock and Succulent Gardens: Rocks are ideal for these garden areas!

Cons

Really Hot: Rocks increase the soil temperature and emit heat long after sunset, resulting in stressed-out, thirsty foliage.

Cleaning-out: Clutter and debris must be cleaned out from your rocks to maintain their look. This is a laborious endeavor that also takes away nutrients from the soil which is required to be replaced with fertilizer.

Keep an Eye on the pH: A lot of trees favor acidic soil; however, carbonate rocks produce alkaline soil, which can harm most trees.

The Comeback of the Weeds: Wind is going to eventually blow soil between rocks, creating an area for weeds to germinate.

Removal by Hand: When you want to take out rocks, you must do it by hand, which can be monotonous!

The outcome? Organic mulch is generally better than rocks. However, rock is better than having no mulch at all!

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers, all purpose sand, including washed concrete sand, aggregates, river rock, rip rap rock, mulch and wood chips for your landscaping or gardening needs. Contact us or call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Landscape Materials, Mulch, rocks
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Landscaping
Regular Post
Written by webtechs

10 Budget Friendly Landscaping Ideas

There is no need to spend all your hard-earned money on enhanced curb appeal. Beautiful landscapes might look expensive; however, an eye-catching yard can be affordable, too.

  1. Build A Walkway

Pavers or steppingstones make perfect inexpensive walkways. They catch the eyes to areas of your yard you want to display, and they invite your guests to do some exploring. A walkway also helps keep guests from walking on your grass and offers a sense of direction from one part of your yard to another.

  1. Save With Perennials

Plant perennials, that return with appealing color every growing season. This is going to save you money and gardening time since you won’t be purchasing and planting new plants each year.

  1. Scatter Some Mulch

Mulch is just what your yard needs to make your flower beds stand above the rest. It adds textured ground cover to your flower beds and aids in keeping out those bothersome weeds that keep stealing the spotlight.

  1. Plant Flowers Around Your Mailbox

When giving directions to your home, it would be a nice feeling to say, “Mine is the one with the pretty mailbox.” Nobody is going to be able to miss your front yard when surrounding your mailbox with a flower bed or a little trellis with self-climbers such as ivy or bougainvillea.

  1. Plant A Tree Sapling

To save a little of your hard-earned money, plant a small tree sapling and you might see your tree increase your home’s market price when it comes time for selling.

  1. Raise Your Garden Bed

Raised gardens keep bothersome weeds at bay, prevent soil compaction, offer superb drainage, and safeguard your plants from pests. Raised garden or vegetable beds also add an aesthetically appealing value to your garden(s).

  1. Reuse Items as Planters

Reuse that old water jug, bathtub, piano, or old bucket into a striking focal point full of plants. You are going to get an A+ in repurposing and probably have a one-off creation in your front yard.

  1. Landscape with Lighting

Outside string lights can convert your whole yard into a magical space after sunset.

Never had a meal outside due to it being too dark. By hanging luminescent string lights around your backyard’s dining area, you’ll have both an appealing evening landscape and a scrumptious meal.

  1. Hang Some Window Boxes

Are your front windows looking a little worn down? Hang some window boxes to add immediate charm and color to your front yard while at the same time covering up any weather. Window boxes are straightforward, appealing, and can be an appreciable DIY landscaping project.

  1. Use Edging for Adding Some Order

Should you want to landscape within a budget, often the best money-saving method is to enhance what you presently have.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers landscaping materials for your landscaping or gardening needs. Contact us or call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Landscape, Landscape Materials
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What is Mulch?
Regular Post
Written by webtechs

What Is Mulch?

Organic mulch is going to decompose and must be replaced. However, in the process of decomposing, organic mulches also assist in improving the soil’s drainage, structure, nutrient-holding ability, and increase organic content. The more dry and woodier the mulch, the more slowly it is going to decompose and the fewer nutrients it is going to provide to the soil.

Mulch is utilized to hold moisture in the soil, control, or block weeds, keep the plant roots and soil cool, hinder frost lifting in winter months, and make the gardens bed and landscape look more appealing. Keep reading to learn about the different kinds of mulches, along with beneficial information concerning the best kinds of mulches for your garden’s demands.

What Is Mulch?

Mulch is any material that gets spread or laid over the surface of the soil and used as a covering.

Types of Mulch

Many mulches are more artistically pleasing than others whereas other mulches are more effective and adds nutrients to the soil. There are two classifications of mulch: organic and inorganic, and both have their pros and cons.

Organic Mulch: This mulch is natural and not made from anything artificial. It’s ideal for adding useful nutrients to your garden, and it can block weeds, but it does not always totally block them.

Organic Mulch

  • Bark, shredded or chipped
  • Pine needles
  • Grass clippings
  • Newspaper
  • Shredded leaves
  • Straw

Inorganic Mulch: This is an artificial mulch and is not made of any natural materials. It’s best for completely blocking weeds, holding water, and preserving longer than organic, but it does not add value to the soil.

Inorganic Mulch

  • Landscape fabric and plastic
  • Stone and gravel

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers mulch and wood chips for your landscaping or gardening needs. Contact us or call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Landscape Materials, Mulch
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Best Landscaping Companies In Arizona
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Best Landscaping Materials Companies In Arizona

With its unique climate and environmental challenges, finding the right landscaping supply company is important for any homeowner in the state of Arizona. Many businesses currently flood the landscaping industry, so choosing the best suited for your home can be difficult. This is a look at some of the best landscaping companies located in Arizona.

A&A Materials Inc.

  • Location: Scottsdale, AZ

A&A Materials Inc. has been serving the Scottsdale area for more than 40 years. This family owned and operated company can help you with whatever landscaping materials are needed. A&A provides customers with an assortment of landscaping aggregates. At A&A you can purchase five different types of sand and four different types of rock, including the highly sought-after river rocks. These rocks are split into three categories: smooth, crushed and various sized river rocks. Providing affordable prices for the upscale Scottsdale area is one of the company’s main priorities. This company offers delivery and pick up for any purchased items. A&A Materials Inc. does provide free quantity estimates.

All Brite Landscape Materials

  • Location: Goodyear, AZ

All Brite Landscape Materials goes above and beyond when it comes to the world of landscape supply. Open Monday through Saturday, All Brite has an array of options for customers in the Goodyear area. Specific landscape materials that are available range from rocks to pavers. But, the variety does not stop there. All Brite also specializes in fencing, shades and yard decor. In search of the perfect Christmas tree come the holiday season? Look no further than All Brite, which has a wide selection of handpicked trees for sale.

Sonoran Landscaping Materials Inc.

  • Location: Tucson, AZ

This locally owned business has been operating in Tucson for the past 25 years. Sonoran Landscaping Materials Inc. has found a niche, providing customers with a wide array of decorative rock options. These low-maintenance decorative rocks are the perfect pairing for any walkways, grass or trees around your home. Sonoran’s rock selection is ideal for the arid climate, with more than a few sizes and shapes to choose from. Free delivery of landscaping materials is available for qualifying orders.

Flag Landscaping Inc.

  • Location: Flagstaff, AZ

Founded in Flagstaff, Flag Landscaping Inc. has been a trusted landscaping name since 2006. This company has continued to expand its offerings ever since opening. From yard maintenance to snow removal, Flagstaff’s cooler climate means more and more services become a priority by the day. Much like Sonoran, Flag Landscaping provides a selection of Christmas trees when the holiday season is right around the corner. Premier outdoor lighting systems as well as irrigation treatments are providing by this company. Open from Monday to Friday, Flag Landscaping can help Flagstaff residents with any gardening or outdoor needs imaginable.

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers native compost for your landscaping needs. Call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

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