Tending your garden, you may have noticed the sudden appearance of slimy mass growing on the top of your mulch. It may have an unpleasant smell and comes in a variety of colours and textures. What you have discovered is Slime Mould. Also known as “Dogs Vomit Mould”, this mould is extremely common on the forest floor, and in healthy gardens rich in organics. It has been observed that this mould tends to like mulched, damp garden beds and become more prevalent during the summer months.     Slime Moulds tend to grow in and around decaying matter. This includes yard waste and decomposin ..read more

How to Lay Sod for a New Lawn By Lance Walheim, The National Gardening Association   Laying sod is a gratifying experience—you get a new, green lawn in no time! The time to lay sod is early morning before it gets too hot. The soil in the planting area should be moist, not soggy or dry. Water thoroughly one or two days before the sod is delivered so that the top several inches of soil are wetted. Then allow time for the soil to drain so that it’s not muddy and is workable.   1. Fertilize the soil. Before you begin laying the sod, apply fertilizer to the entire area after the f ..read more

How to Install Surefoot Brick Edge: Videos Plastic Paver Edge: Plastic Paver Profile Aluminum Paver Edge   The post How to Install Surefoot Brick Edge: Videos appeared first on Hard-co Landscaping ..read more

What is topdressing? Topdressing a lawn is the process of adding a thin layer of material over the lawn. Typically 1/4 inch – 1/2 inch of compost or other soil amendment is spread across the lawn with shovels, in a throwing action. The material can be worked into the thatch area by raking, washed in with rain or sprinklers, or allowed to settle on its own. Why topdress? Topdressing’s benefits are so numerous, it’s hard to understand why it is not the foundation for every lawn care program on the planet. As a soil amendment, topdressing can improve soil biology by adding organic matter and ..read more

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Pressure washer or garden hose, Goggles, Rubber gloves, Stiff brush, Broom, Paint roller or Pump Sprayer.   Step One INSPECTING. Determine which cleaning products and quantity of protective sealant is needed. This is done by thoroughly inspecting the surface to be treated and measuring the total square footage of the stone, concrete or wood.   Step Two READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS on product labels and data sheets found on the website. We recommend reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheets found on the website (under each product page) as well.   Step Three CLEAN all ..read more

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One Gator Base panel is equivalent to 6˝ of crushed stone. The inter-locking panels distribute all dynamic loads to a very wide area practically eliminating any pressure on the ground.   For more information and installation instructions, visit the Gator Base product website: The post Gator Base appeared first on Hard-co Landscaping ..read more

Step 1: Planning Start by sketching out a diagram of the area to be paved. Record all of the dimensions and note any existing structures such as your home, stairs, or other paved areas. Visit your local concrete paver manufacturer or dealer to view product samples. Show them your sketch and discuss the various shapes and pattern options available. Keep in mind that some shapes and laying patterns require less cutting. Determine the amount of pavers, edge restraints, bedding sand, base material, geotextile and other materials you’ll need for the project. Your concrete paver manufacturer or d ..read more

Suggested Questions to Ask Contractors   ICPI recommends getting written proposals from at least three contractors. Be sure the contractor visits your home before providing the proposal. Please note that the lowest bid might not always be the best option. To ensure a quality installation, be sure to ask the following questions:   How long have they been installing pavers? Have they been trained by a manufacturer or the ICPI? Are they ICPI Certified Installers What percentage of their total business consists of installing concrete pavers? Will they provide you with three references ..read more

Efflorescence is a deposit of white chalky crystals that can sometimes appear on the surface of concrete products and other porous building materials, which have soluble salts in them.   The primary cause is moisture; moisture must be present to pick up the soluble salts and transfer them to the surface of the concrete, the water evaporates, leaving behind an unsightly white chalky powder. Natural occurring salts are found in soil, water, gravel and cement are dissolved by rain and ground water.   To minimize the appearance of efflorescence, make sure the pavers are kept dry, so pro ..read more