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
Regular Post
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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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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Landscape Dirt Near Me
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Landscape Dirt Near Me

The importance of using good dirt for your landscaping needs cannot be overstated. Think of the dirt bed as the canvas on which you paint your finest creation with a plethora of plants and decorative rocks. The dirt is the first step in the landscaping process; this is the preparation prior to any planting. It truly is a crucial step, but one that is overlooked and undervalued far too often. Where can I find landscape dirt near me? Well, we’re glad you asked! Check out one of the best local suppliers to grab dirt today.

A&A Materials Inc.

A&A Materials Inc., located on E. McDowell Rd in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been supplying the valley with quality dirt for more than 40 years. A&A offers three types of dirt at their location. Screened fill dirt, junk fill dirt and fill dirt are available for purchase. This family owned and operated establishment is more than happy to assist you in your quest for the best dirt that suits your needs. The knowledgeable staff can help you explore some of the Phoenix Valley’s top landscaping materials, including fill dirt. A&A offers free quantity estimates, so feel free to call or stop by. For all your dirt needs, don’t hesitate to check out A&A, where the prices are dirt cheap!

Fill Dirt

If you’re still unsure of what exactly fill dirt is, this blurb should help. Fill dirt is what is found beneath the top layer of the soil. This dirt does not contain any organic matter, meaning it is made purely of sand, clay and rocks. This layer becomes more stable than topsoil. For residential and commercial purposes, fill dirt is used to fill in holes and elevate the overall area. Fill dirt is very commonly used for construction projects.

Screened Fill Dirt

Screened fill dirt goes deeper than typical fill dirt. This dirt removes rock and gravel to make life easier for large fragments to be transported. The consistency of screened fill dirt is what separates it from regular fill dirt. Screened fill dirt could be ideal for your at-home landscaping project. This dirt creates a strong and sturdy foundation for your plants. It can typically be used as surrounding for gazebo or other living spaces throughout the yard and home. Screened fill dirt is regularly cleaned of contaminants during the screening process. Additionally, when rain comes the runoff will not pose any serious threats to the dirt.

Contact Information

  • Location: 10333 E. McDowell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ.
  • Phone: (480) 990-0557.
  • Mon-Fri: 6:00AM-4:00PM.
  • Saturday: 7:00AM-12:00PM.
  • Sunday: Closed.

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

dirt, Landscape
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River Rock Cost 2020
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

River Rock Cost 2020

Of all the types of landscaping rock options offered at A&A Materials, what makes river rocks stand out above the rest? Homeowners starting landscaping projects have an assortment of choices, from boulders, all the way down to cinder rock. But, river rocks can be some of the most sough-after rocks for residential purposes. Here is an overview of average river rock cost in 2020.

River Rock Benefits

River rocks serve many purposes for your landscaping needs. The first obvious benefit is the aesthetically pleasing element they provide for your waterway or walkway. These are typically the smoothest rocks one can find on the market today. The river rocks have been smoothed out over decades by the natural rushing water in which they are generally found. River rocks used for landscaping needs are either fresh out of water or have been sitting in dried up beds. Regardless of the former resting spot, these river rocks will deliver sheer beauty to your landscaping project. If you are deciding between either adding mulch or river rocks to your project, the fact that rocks won’t wear away over time unlike mulch should make the decision easy. The shapes and sizes of these rocks are seemingly limitless. Remember, the more rare the color of the river rocks, the more costly it will be.

River Rock Costs

  • River rocks cost about $100-$280 per ton.
  • Cost per yard can vary a lot, usually going between $130-$910 per cubic yard.
  • Per square foot, the rocks can cost between $1.24-$8.64.
  • Average costs for typical river rock landscaping projects: $650.
  • The high cost could come in at more than $1,000.
  • The lowest possible cost for river rock projects could float around $460.

Costs By Type

As stated above, the rarer the color, the heftier the cost. All pricing listed below is per ton.

  • Arizona: $150-$200.
  • Salt and Pepper: $175-$280.
  • Cherokee: $150-$200.
  • Colorado: $80-$280.
  • Rainbow: $100-$200.

Install Costs

Most landscaping companies in Arizona will likely charge by the hour when installing river rocks in your desired areas. Moving river rocks, especially a large bundle, can be time consuming. Customers should expect fees between $50-$100 per hour for these services. Depending on the load size, manual labor may take up to 8 hours.

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, River Rock, rocks
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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.

Landscape, Landscape Materials
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How Much Mulch Do I Need
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

How Much Mulch Do I Need?

It’s a question every individual eyeing a landscaping project has asked at one time or another: how much mulch do I need? It is certainly a simple question, but the answer is not so easy. There are many factors one must take into account before heading to a local supplier for mulch.

Mulch Uses

Mulch is a material composed of leaves, bark and/or compost used to cover soil. The purpose of using mulch isn’t just to make your yard more aesthetically pleasing. Mulch serves many purposes, including overall improvement of the environment. In your yard alone, mulch will be responsible for conserving moisture, reducing weed growth and improving organic matter within the soil. Ideally, mulch should be laid in the spring or fall seasons.

The spring time is perfect for helping break down organic materials, especially since springtime generally brings an abundance of rain. These materials will penetrate your soil, giving your garden a fresh, brown look for the months to come. Laying mulch in the fall has an opposite but beneficial effect, as well. The mulch will help insulate your garden for the upcoming harsh winter months. Either time is recommended for laying mulch, especially for private homeowners.

Where To Mulch

Mulch can be utilized seemingly everywhere on private or public property. From veggie gardens to perennial plants, there is no limit to how much mulch you can choose to use. Mulch can also be utilized as protection for tree trucks from numerous manual machines used for landscaping. Simply put, any place that you would like to lay mulch on your property is a good spot.

Mulch Calculator

This is the tricky part for most individuals. Measuring and/or calculating your exact mulching needs can be a tad confusing. It is recommended that your mulch have a depth of two-four inches, which should prevent weed growth as well as absorb nutrients for the soil bed below. But, keeping the mulch height to no more than four inches is essential – you never want an excess of mulch in your beds. Too much mulch equals a lack of air supply for plant roots.

Finely textured mulch should stay under three inches in depth, while coarse textures can reach up to four inches in depth. The first thing you must do when figuring out how much mulch is needed is to figure out the square footage of your bed. From there, multiply the width by the length for rectangular or square beds. Multiply the radius by itself, then multiply your total by 3.14 for round beds. Remember that mulch is sold by cubic yard, which is an inch deep for a 324-square-foot area.

Luckily enough, exact calculations for your specific mulch needs is available right here. This tool can help you figure out how much mulch you need for your bed type.

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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Arizona Landscaping Prices
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Arizona Landscaping Prices

There is nothing better than a perfectly landscaped front and backyard. The lush greenery or vibrant colors of a desert setting can be enjoyed by all. Flowers, trees and cacti can provide numerous benefits; not just for homeowners, but for the environment as well. Grass alone can help cleanse the environment. Grass captures dust, absorbs water and cleanses the air, among several other duties. Overall, a beautiful landscape provides a calming influence in the air. So, why not get started on an ambitious landscaping project heading into the fall season? Here is a list of averages of some Arizona landscaping prices.

Landscape Rocks

  • Landscape stone: priced between $20-$100 per cubic yard, on average.
  • $0.75-$4 per cubic foot.
  • Arizona river rocks can be costly, running around $230 per yard.

Mulch

  • Economy mulch generally costs $2-$4 per bag.
  • Economy mulch can cost $15-$30 per cubic yard, if you prefer to measure it that way.
  • Colored or hardwood mulch can cost $30-$40 per yard.
  • That same type of mulch can run you between $3-$8 per bag.
  • Mulch delivery can cost between $40-$100.

Wood Chips

  • Wood chips are typically cheap, costing about $2 per bag.
  • Per yard, the average cost is $24 for wood chips.
  • Wood chips delivery can cost between $120-$250, depending on the amount of area covered.

Fill Sand

  • Fill sand runs at a price of $15-$50 per yard.
  • A bulk truck load delivery of sand, dirt or topsoil usually costs between $150-$600.

Boulders

  • Costs of landscaping boulders is between $100-$600 per ton.

Find more information about Arizona landscaping and landscaping materials by clicking here.

A&A Materials, Inc. specializes in decorative rock landscape materials in Scottsdale and surrounding areas, that make your property look its best year-round. Call us at 480-990-0557 with any questions or for more information.

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Landscape-Sand
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Landscape – Sand

The importance of using sand and other aggregates in your next landscaping venture cannot be overstated. Not only is sand aesthetically pleasing to the eye, the material serves a very vital role to the structure of your project. Along with clay, gravel and stone, sand can be found at most of Arizona’s landscaping suppliers. Here is a look at some of the best types of sand available in the area.

Mortar Sand

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.

Washed Concrete Sand

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

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. 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

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.

All Purpose Sand

All purpose sand is exactly what it sounds like. This is a general-purpose substance used for an array of landscaping duties. Whether it is used for a foundation, traction or for grease absorption, all purpose sand is the ideal filler for your next project. This sand is washed, dried and sanitized for personal and commercial use. This all purpose sand can also be found in gardens, sandboxes and even cat litter boxes.

Sand can be used as fill under concrete or pavers. Call A & A Materials, Inc. in Scottsdale, Arizona, at 480-990-0557 for more information on our fill sand.

Landscape, Sand
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