Landscape - Soil
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Landscaping Soil

Soil is needed for nearly every landscaping task there is. Whether it’s gardening upkeep, planting or simply surrounding an area, soil serves many purposes. But, for many new to the world of landscaping, soil can be a misunderstood term. Let’s explore soil, mulch and compost as we dig into your landscape visions.

Soil

So why is soil such a tricky word for many landscaping consumers? Basically because the term soil is so loose. Many view soil as dirt and vice versa. There are two major types of soil, which differ from typical dirt used in gardening. One type is garden soil, while the other common type is topsoil. Garden soil is used for the obvious reasons. This soil is turned with existing soil prior to any planting to improve overall soil quality.

Although it won’t differ much from natural garden soil, it is essential to use garden soil before any planting is performed. Topsoil is another soil that is easy to analyze. This layer goes on top with its calculated blend of rich nutrients that your soil desperately desires. Most layers of topsoil can be up to one foot deep.

Dirt

Dirt serves a variety of purposes, as well. Laying dirt is the very first step in any gardening process. From fill dirt to screened fill dirt, landscapers must value the process of planning by laying dirt before moving on. Fill dirt is found beneath the top layer of soil.

Composed solely of sand, clay and rocks, fill dirt does not contain any organic matter. Screened fill dirt will penetrate far deeper than typical fill dirt. This very fine dirt will help create a sturdy base for whatever the season may bring. Even heavy rainfall will pose very little threat to screened fill dirt.

Compost

Compost is comprised of decomposed plant and organic animal matter. Many people think this can be used as a replacement for topsoil. Instead, it should be mixed into the existing soil to improve the overall quality. Already rich with nutrients, compost can even make nutrients available for plants.

Mulch

Mulch, like soil, is another necessary component for any and all landscaping ventures. The many benefits from using mulch include insulation for the soil, limiting weed growth, reducing erosion and retaining moisture. Think of mulch as your soil’s protector, always by its side, assuring the best possible life. Mulch should be laid at one of two times during the year.

The first is during the spring months to absorb all water associated with the rainy season. The other time to lay mulch would be heading into the winter. Mulch is used as insulation for the upcoming colder months. Laying mulch is an exact science, so make sure to properly calculate the exact amount of mulch needed for your project.

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

Landscape, soil
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How To Landscape Using Mulch
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Written by Brian B

How To Landscape Using Mulch

Nothing could be simpler than laying mulch, right? Wrong. While it may seem as though all you have to do is grab a shovel and mulch away, there are some specific details that must be followed. Here is our best advice on how to landscape using mulch.

Purchasing Mulch

We’ll start with the easiest step first. Before heading to a local supplier, you must find out exactly how much mulch you need for your landscaping project. You don’t want to underestimate the amount needed, and overestimating will just result in an excess of mulch wasting away in storage. Figuring out the square footage of your bed is key, then you can easily decide how many bags or scoops of mulch you’ll need to buy.

Mulch Timing

How to lay down mulch can be a tricky question, but when to lay down mulch is much simpler. There are two times of the year that are suited best for this particular landscaping project. Spring is the ideal season to lay down mulch. This season provides a great amount of rain to help break down the organic materials found in mulch. These will then penetrate the soil and give your garden an aesthetically pleasing look heading into the spring. The fall season can prove beneficial for mulch as well. Laying mulch before the colder weather hits gives your plants an extra layer of insulation. No matter which season you choose to perform the mulching, make sure it follows a rainy period, so the newly laid mulch can help keep in the moisture.

How To Lay Mulch

Laying mulch can be performed in a simple, five-step process.

  • Clean your beds: Make sure to rake up leaves, sticks or any other debris before laying mulch.
  • Water the beds: If you decide to lay mulch after a particularly dry run of weather, then you should manually apply water to these beds. Mulch will be added to help seal in the moisture you just provided.
  • Weed removal: One of the biggest benefits of mulch is it stops weed growth dead in its tracks. Removing weeds ahead of laying mulch will only give you more of a head start.
  • Spreading: Spreading the mulch by hand is the recommended process here. Shaking your mulch into little piles from a wheelbarrow can help you control portion size. You’ll know you’ve laid enough mulch when the spread is two to four inches thick. Spreading it too thin could cause weeds to grow right through your layer of mulch.
  • Water, again: Watering your bed should be the first and last step. One final watering will truly help your mulch flourish.

Tools

You now know how to lay the mulch and when to lay the mulch, but which tools should you use when performing this task?

  • Shovel: The shovel is essential for putting mulch into the wheelbarrow and removing it.
  • Wheelbarrow: Much needed for transportation of the mulch.
  • Pitchfork: The pitchfork could be used in addition or in spite of the shovel.
  • Rake: After laying the mulch, make sure to evenly rake it across your bed.
  • Gloves: Gardening gloves are certainly recommended for this process. Remember, you will likely be laying the mulch by hand.

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

Landscape, Mulch
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Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
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Written by webtechs

Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

Increase value to your home by enhancing its curb appeal with engaging, functional front yard landscaping ideas. Choose traditional front yard landscaping like foundation boulders, add a more contemporary architectural look with specimen plants, or decide on a breezy cottage plan.

Walkway Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

Rework your front walkway into an appealing statement by edging it in simple-care plants like succulents or other drought tolerant plants. Make even more magic by adding a slight curve in the path, imparting your walkway with a soft, mellow appearance.

Beautify a Slope

Grassy inclines can be challenging to maintain, so a front yard landscaping concept for a hill-like one, is to turn it into a stylish presentation of flowers and foliage. Keep it easy to maintain by covering the incline with appealing plants. The plantings progressing to the house make it look distinguished.

Let Nature be Your Guide

Welcome nature’s intuition in your front yard merely by following its lead. Choosing plants and other landscape materials native to your area. The butterflies and birds your front yard attract are going to captivate you and your guests.

Blend Nature and Art

Blend natural and man-made elements to give your yard a traditional, comfortable appearance. For instance, place boulders near your path and use groundcovers like mulch or wood chips. Flowering shrubs, like azaleas, rhododendrons, and Pieris, tone down the look of the boulders.

Create a Fork

Provide your guests with an enticement to walk through your garden by dividing your path. In this way, more areas of your landscape are accessible for examination.

Entice the Olfactory Senses with Aromatic Plants

In terms of your front yard landscaping schedule, strive to make things useful in addition to pretty. Maybe line your front walkway with aromatic flowers and plants. Gardenia, magnolia, or rosemary are all perfect options that are going to have your family, friends, neighbors and even delivery drivers captivated by their inviting aromatics.

Skip the Lush Green Lawn

Lucious grass is delightful, but it usually takes a lot of money, time, and water for maintaining. While it’s not suggested that you allow your lawn to dry out, if you’re over the notion of spending your days off mowing, think about utilizing a rock-based ground cover, such as gravel or landscape rock, rather than grass for an artistic take on landscaping varieties.

Utilize Containers in Your Landscape Design

Containers are usually an after-thought, but they do not need to be. You may consider placing potted flowers and plants on your front balcony or porch, but you can also utilize them in other locations, too. Think about placing them in your lower beds or along a path as a way of creating unusual and appealing borders.

Make it No-Mow

When you are looking for some low-cost yard landscaping ideas, think about decreasing your grass or installing man-made turf. No grass means you aren’t going to have to store a mower and it is going to save you hours of mowing. Not only is man-made turf easily maintained, but it is also going look great all year long. Focus on native and drought tolerant plants and you are going to be set!

Integrate A Water-Efficient Water Feature

Water preservation is a pervasive idea in desert landscape design, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a water feature at all on your property. Water features entice wildlife and make delightful focal points. Nevertheless, for some Arizona front yards, choices are restricted to smaller, more water-saving kinds. Fountains, pond-less water falls and birdbaths belong in this classification.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers, all purpose 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.

Front Yard, Landscape, Landscaping
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Landscaper Tips and Tricks
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Written by webtechs

14 Secret Landscaper Tips and Tricks

These techniques and tools are utilized by professional landscapers to breeze through yard and garden duties. “Appropriate” their techniques and make more effectual use of your gardening time and more importantly, your money.

Purchase a Tarp

Utilize a tarp for moving lightweight hefty material such as leaves, weeds, and even some types of brush. Use it for retaining soil when digging holes, and for keeping your grass clean when doing so. You can cover plants in the back of your truck when coming back from the home improvement store or nursery.

Strategically Use Weed Fabrics

Landscape fabric is ideally useful under pebbles, gravel, or mulch pathways to keep the material from submerging into the soil. Disregard the fabrics in planted places. It only offers a brief sense of satisfaction until the weeds begin to grow in the mulch on the top of the fabric.

Use Starter Fertilizer

Apply starter fertilizer when planting anything. These fertilizers can provide a considerable increase to newer plantings. The best fertilizers are low in nitrogen, have a little more phosphorous, and above all, mycorrhizae-beneficial fungi that helps to greatly increase the soil area from which plant roots draw their minerals. An excellent starter fertilizer coupled with good planting methods is a wonderful safety net.

Choose Sensibly Between Bulk and Bagged

Choose sensibly between bulk and bagged soil, mulch, and stone. Purchase bulk materials when it can be dumped on the area where it is going to be spread. Purchase bagged material if it is required to be moved again following delivery. All of these tactics are going to save time, labor and money.

Garden Tools

Only purchase good quality garden tools. The best quality might be a little too expense, and a needless cost for weekend do it yourselfers. Low-cost tools can potentially break in the middle of the first job. Save money and time by purchasing good quality garden tools at affordable prices.

Integrate Annuals

Integrate your annuals in beds or pots at high-visibility areas in your landscaping for maximum effect. It would be very expensive for planting new annual colors during the entire landscape each season. Use these high-impact, long-bloomers in key areas such as your entryway, mailbox, and patio containers.

Make Mowing Fast and Easy

Group plants into islands and beds and mulch them properly to avoid mowing and trimming around each single plant.

Keep Your Leaves

Don’t send your leaves to the rubbish site. Mow small amounts into your lawn to provide a small dose of fertilizer for the grass and nourishment for earthworms. Utilize a leaf shredding blower/vac or bagging mower for grinding up fall leaves for use as mulch or add them to your compost pile. Cultivate them into your gardens prior to planting winter cover crops.

Recycle Your Grass Clippings

Use a mulching mower rather than bagging and dumping your grass clippings. This is going to cut fertilizer requirements by up to thirty percent.

Test Your Soil

Have your lawn and garden soils tested by your local Extension Service. Assuming your fertility requirements can lead to pricy mistakes. Soil test outcomes are going to show the current conditions and what needs to be applied for your sort of lawn, flower gardens, vegetable harvests, etc.

Work From a Plan

Create a blueprint for your landscape but work in steps. Keep your budget in check and get the maximum impact by concentrating on smaller projects that are part of the bigger picture. When one project is finished, go to the next.

Purchase Enough the First Time

To determine how much mulch or soil to purchase, you need to know how to calculate square footage of the area, and how to convert cubic feet of the material for coverage of an area at particular depth. Make less trips to the garden center by buying the correct amounts of mulch and soil initially.

Purchase Enough Plants

Don’t deplete your variety of choices. Purchase more flowers and plants than you think you will need… you can always return leftovers or find a place to use them. Should you run short and must go back to the nursery, your color(s) might be gone.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers, all purpose 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.

Gardening, Landscape, Landscaping
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What is Fill Dirt?
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Written by webtechs

What is Fill Dirt?

Fill dirt is a kind of soil that is utilized to “filling” in holes, low areas, or other spaces that are required to be leveled or raised. It is typically made up of a combination of sands, clays, and other materials, and is usually compacted to provide a fixed base for construction jobs or other intentions. Fill dirt is usually not deemed to be appropriate for growing plants, because it is devoid of the required nutrients and organic matter to support the growth of plants.

This dirt is frequently used in construction and landscaping jobs for providing a stable base for buildings, roadways, and other such structures. It is also typically used to fill in low-lying areas or to produce a level surface for construction. In many cases, fill dirt could be used to build up the elevation of an area, like in the case of a retaining wall or to produce a slope for draining purposes.

Besides its use in landscaping and construction, this dirt can also be used in other kinds of projects. For instance, it may be used to fill in holes or gaps in lawns or yards, to produce a level area for a pergola or driveway, or to increase the elevation of a garden beds. Fill dirt can also be utilized for backfilling around a building’s foundation for providing additional stability and support.

When choosing fill dirt for a project, it is important to select a product that is correct for the intended purpose. Some fill dirt might be specifically designed for particular applications, like filling in holes or leveling surfaces, whereas others might be more general-purpose. It is also vital to think about the composition of the fill dirt, as this can impact on its suitability for various projects. For instance, fill dirt that has a high clay material might be more suitable for use in space with high moisture, whereas sandy fill dirt might be better for drainage intentions.

The Benefits Of Using Fill Dirt In Construction And Landscaping

One of the primary benefits of using fill dirt in construction and landscaping projects is that it is somewhat inexpensive in comparison to other kinds of soil. Since fill dirt is taken from the ground, it can be acquired for a fraction of the cost of purchasing topsoil or other kinds of soil from a plant nursery or landscape supply outlet. Making it an appealing option for those who are working on a limited budget.

Another benefit of using fill dirt is that it is easily worked with. Fill dirt is usually loose and easily spread, making it simple to use in various different landscaping and construction projects. This saves time and effort in comparison to other kinds of soil that might be more challenging to spread or shape.

Fill dirt is additionally highly versatile and can be used in various different ways. Through landscaping, fill dirt can be utilized for filling in low areas or to raise the elevation of a worksite. This can be useful for creating level surfaces for a garden or lawn, or for creating the base for a retaining wall or other structures. Through construction, fill dirt can be utilized for backfilling trenches or for creating a stable base for buildings or other structures.

As well as its practical uses, fill dirt can also be an environmentally friendly selection for construction and landscaping projects. Since it is taken from the ground, utilizing fill dirt can help to decrease the need for mining or other activities that puts a negative impact on the environment. Also, utilizing fill dirt can help to protect topsoil, which is an invaluable resource that is vital for healthy plant growth.

More Advantages And Benefits Of Using Fill Dirt

Fill dirt is a kind of soil that is usually used in landscaping and construction projects. Dissimilar to topsoil, which is the uppermost layer of soil and contains organic material, fill dirt is usually made up of subsoil that has been taken out of the ground throughout construction or mining. This kind of soil is usually used to fill in low-lying places, to level ground for buildings foundations, or as bases for paving jobs.

There are a lot of benefits to using fill dirt in construction and landscaping projects. First, it is an economic solution in comparison to other kinds of soil. Since it is made from subsoil, fill dirt usually does not have any organic material, meaning it is less likely to break down or compact after a while. Making it a perfect choice for filling in low-lying places or for use as bases for paving projects, as it is going to provide a stable foundation that is not going to shift or settle after a while.

Another benefit of working with fill dirt is that it is relatively easy to use. Dissimilar to topsoil, which can be compact and challenging to spread, on the other hand, fill dirt is loose and can be moved easily and spread using basic gardening tools. Making it a good choice for homeowner landscaping projects, in addition to larger construction projects in which a lot of fill dirt is required.

In addition to being affordable and easy to work with, fill dirt also has excellent drainage qualities. Since it is made up of subsoil, fill dirt usually has a lower clay material than topsoil, meaning it is not likely to become compacted or water-logged. Making it a good choice to use in areas in which drainage is an issue, like in low-lying areas or in places where heavy rainstorms are common.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers, all purpose 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.

Fill Dirt, Landscape
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What is River Rock?
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Written by webtechs

What is River Rock?

River rock, a dark type of rock acquired from stream beds, is a favorable stone product used for landscaping undertakings. It comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making it a very useful landscaping material. It can be utilized for garden areas, hard-scapes, outdoor living areas, water features, leech beds, and other masonry features.

Furthermore, homeowners and contractors choose this kind of rock for its price, availability, and variety. If you want to enhance your landscape’s practicality and beauty without breaking the bank, then choose river rocks. But don’t just purchase from any supplier or big box home improvement stores. Find a supplier that can provide you with top-quality river rocks, for instance us at A&A Materials Inc.

River Rock Landscaping

Many homeowners are now preoccupied with the expense of maintaining landscapes and lawns. A largely green landscaped area is going to require routine irrigation, lawn maintenance, fertilizing, control of weeds, and other pricey maintenance tasks. This can totally be avoided if you are going to choose a more cost-effective landscaping technique or approach.

One favorable option today is river rock landscaping. This technique has many benefits that you are surely going to enjoy. It can help you save on your water bills, improve the appeal of your landscaped area, control water run-off, and lower your maintenance expenses. River rock is also a less costly option in comparison to other landscaping materials.

Gardens

River rocks can easily be integrated into your gardens. They can be used as a useful aesthetic, used as edging materials, applied around flowering shrubs, or for flower gardens, footpaths, and garden areas. You can also use various colors and sizes of river rocks to create contrasting or complementing designs in the garden.

Leech Beds and Septic Systems

We also sell river rocks for leech beds and septic systems. We have carefully chosen three quarters to one and a half inch leach river rocks. A lot of licensed professionals and contractors in the state prefer us due to the quality of stone products we offer.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers 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, River Rock
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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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Xeriscaping
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Written by webtechs

What is Xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping or zeroscaping is terminology that was invented by Denver Water in the early eighties. It stems from the Greek preface xero, meaning “dry”. As a result, xeriscaping refers to a kind of low-water landscaping that has few or no plants. The practice is associated with water-conserving landscaping methods, and to drought-resistant landscaping. With more and more area throughout the world encountering droughts, landscapes with a decreased need for irrigation are an interesting road to explore.

Theoretically, a xeriscaped landscape needs little to possibly no water outside the water that the natural environment provides. In drier areas of the western US, like Denver, water is already thought of to be a limited and often costly resource. People are encouraged to restrict the use of drinking water to nourishment instead of irrigation.

The method of xeriscaping has environmental and monetary benefits. It comprises of vegetation that is suitable for the climate and is going to flourish with little additional irrigation, making it drought-resistant. Typically, xeriscaping means replacing current grass lawns with mulch, soil, or rocks, and native plant specimens. These include items such as cacti and flowers such as daffodils. There are also classes of plants that have adapted to dry climates, alleged xerophytes.

Why Xeriscaping is Important!

Adjusting to this sustaining practice not only decreases the amount of water that goes to waste, but it can reduce your water bill. Properties that choose to xeriscape have been seen to save an estimated a hundred and twenty gallons of water a day. With the extra money, you can buy even more xeriscaping items!

Xeriscaping is a perfect way to care for the planet and your community’s general water supply. You can help by water conservation and create a flourishing landscape that is going to never be devoid of aesthetic beauty. It’s the best of the two worlds. You are helping the environment and at the same time creating a visually pleasing and easily maintained landscape!

Fast Key Facts

  • This kind of landscaping is a straightforward idea in reference to low-water landscaping, and the term was initially conceived in the early eighties.
  • At least forty states in the US might face freshwater insufficiencies by 2024.
  • Only around three percent of the Earth’s water is freshwater.
  • About thirty to sixty percent of all household water is used outside, mainly for irrigating lawns and gardens.
  • Xeriscaping can save around fifty percent of water used outside compared to traditional landscaping.
  • By decreasing water usage, xeriscaping saves money on monthly water bills.
  • This kind of landscaping can increase property values by up to fifteen percent.
  • This kind of landscaping costs around $5 per sq ft to $20 per sq ft but is going to save more money eventually as compared to traditional lawns.

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, Xeriscaping
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Arizona Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
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Written by webtechs

Arizona Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

Are you looking to make your Arizona front yard unique and unforgettable? We’re here to offer a few landscaping ideas, destined to give your property a distinct look.

Add Landscape Rocks In Your Front Yard

Decorative rocks can come in all shapes and sizes, which can be perfect to fill any space in your yard. From apache brown and pink, all the way to madison gold, the combinations for your landscaping desires are endless. Picking out the right decorative rock is all about taste and need. Some may believe simply choosing river or rip rap rock could be the way to go, since the process of hand-picking various decorative rocks could become tedious. The colors gold, brown and silver are among the most popular choices for any Arizona landscaping needs.

River rocks are generally some of the smoothest rocks you can purchase for your yard. Either manually or naturally, these rocks have had all rough edges smoothed out over time. The rough parts have likely smoothed due to constant water rushing over them. That leads to the possibility of using river rocks in your own yard if you choose to have some sort of water on display. The main benefit to choosing river rocks over mulch is that these rocks will not wear away over time.

Rip rap rocks serve a main purpose of erosion control. While rip rap can be used for decoration, it is more commonly utilized for erosion control, especially in Arizona. Rip rap rocks are generally very large, so make sure your front yard has enough space to support these rocks. Rip rap can be constructed essentially like a wall, with one rock on top of another. It can also be laid down flat, as well. Most landscaping material companies will suggest delivery and installation for rip rap rocks.

Cinder rock is one of the most popular decorative versions of the igneous family. Cinder, especially red-tinted cinder, has been commonly used in firepits. However, red cinder can also come in handy for any landscaping projects that could use some extra flare or color. Overall, each one of these various rock types serves a unique and valuable purpose for whatever your landscaping needs may call for.

Find more landscape rock pictures by clicking here.

Landscape Boulders

There are four types of boulder packages offered at A&A Materials Inc. They include surface select, onyx, kino blue and assorted boulders. Any of the four will provide the perfect scenery for your desert-inspired landscaping detail. Kino blue boulders are some of the most unique rocks in the entire country. Their distinct look stems from the high mineral content in this rock. The radiant blue color will spruce up any front or backyard. The onyx boulders look like a piece of tiramisu cake. Translucent markings help these boulders stand out from the rest. If you’re going for the most natural look possible, especially in Arizona, then the surface select boulders will do the job. These boulders have been worn and shaped by the desert sun over time. Surface select boulders bring the most natural of environments straight to your front yard.

Find more landscape boulder pictures by clicking here.

Average Landscape Boulder Prices

  • Minimum price per ton: $100.
  • Maximum price per ton: $600.
  • Lowest possible installation fee: $40.
  • Maximum price for boulder installation: $300.

Add Sand To The Yard

Mortar sand is a very popular foundational piece for bricks and block walls. Mortar is a mixture of sand, water and cements, which is perfect for home construction. The three components are used to hold the cement mix in place, ensuring a sound structure. Typically, mortar is not as strong as concrete, but the mortar mix is much thicker than the aforementioned concrete. Much like mortar sand, washed concrete sand serves many purposes when it comes to construction. Washed concrete sand seemingly has no limitations; being used as a foundation in horse arenas and base under pavers. This mix can be used anywhere coarse-textured sand is specified and called for. Washed concrete sand is stronger than mortar sand.

Fill sand is commonly used for both residential and commercial construction projects. Fill sand is essentially an assortment of very fine particles of rocks. Depending on the source, these particles have either been crushed down by machinery or broken down naturally over time. Fill sand is especially useful in Arizona due to its resistance of moisture, which creates a natural drainage area. If you have any water or plan to add any water to your yard, then fill sand is a worthwhile investment. In the desert, fill sand is more popular than fill dirt, for obvious reasons. One of the only drawbacks to fill sand is its inability to maintain its shape or remain sturdy for long periods of time. Screen silt sand may be the perfect balance between clay and sand mixtures. Silt generally retains a large amount of water, but releases the water when plants seek moisture. This is one of the more fine sands commonly used in landscaping projects. Screen silt sand has certainly carved out of niche inside the Arizona landscaping world.

Find more sand pictures by clicking here.

Other Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

  • Water fountain.
  • Unique landscape lighting.
  • Outdoor fireplaces.

Adding any sort of water or water fountain in front of your home will certainly stand out in the neighborhood. These fountains can be costly, though. Homeowners will pay an average of $2,639 just for water fountain installation, according to Homeadvisor. Whether you want dim lighting or for your landscape to stand out at night, there are many lighting options available for Arizona homeowners. An outdoor firepit isn’t only for the backyard these days. More and more properties are opting to put a firepit in the front yard. You’ll love the unmistakable look a firepit can give your yard.

Find more landscaping ideas for your Arizona home by checking out aamaterialsinc.com.

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.

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How Much Do Landscape Boulders Cost
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

How Much Do Landscape Boulders Cost?

River rocks, rip rap and cinder rocks are great complimenting pieces for a landscape, but what if you want to go bigger and bolder? Nothing is bolder than boulders, especially in Arizona’s unique climate. How much do landscape boulders cost, though? This piece will explore boulder types and pricing options to best fit your at-home needs.

Boulder Costs

As is usually the case with any landscaping item, the costs will vary based on quantity and quality. One of the first things to account for is the size of the boulders. Do you want a few very large boulders on your property or an abundance of boulders scattered throughout? Some landscaping suppliers may offer bundle discounts, but either way the more you buy, the more you’ll pay out of pocket. Obviously, with the bigger and heavier boulders, delivery and professional installation would be necessary.

Most companies will include installation in the initial cost of the boulders, but customers should always double check to make sure that is the case. Delivery can be costly, especially when considering how far these boulders need to travel from the supplier to your home. Even with the extra costs associated with delivery, this is still the best way to go. Do not underestimate the weight of these boulders if you’re attempting to deliver and install them yourself.

Average Prices

  • Minimum price per ton: $100.
  • Maximum price per ton: $600.
  • Lowest possible installation fee: $40.
  • Maximum price for boulder installation: $300.

Landscape Boulder Types

There are four types of boulder packages offered at A&A Materials Inc. They include surface select, onyx, kino blue and assorted boulders. Any of the four will provide the perfect scenery for your desert-inspired landscaping detail. Kino blue boulders are some of the most unique rocks in the entire country. Their distinct look stems from the high mineral content in this rock. The radiant blue color will spruce up any front or backyard. The onyx boulders look like a piece of tiramisu cake. Translucent markings help these boulders stand out from the rest. If you’re going for the most natural look possible, especially in Arizona, then the surface select boulders will do the job. These boulders have been worn and shaped by the desert sun over time. Surface select boulders bring the most natural of environments straight to your backyard.

These landscape boulders can be utilized in a variety of ways. The most common use is for the boulders to surround a walkway or body of water. Acting as natural stepping stones can be popular, as well. How about some extra seating? This may be the perfect way to use your boulders around the campfire or water. Or, constructing the boulders into a simple wall can also be pleasing to the eye. Perhaps all these choices sound appealing to you as a homeowner. Whatever your plan may be, checking out these options at your local supplier is the best way to start your ambitious projects.

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

boulders, Landscape
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