Landscape materials guide
After coming up with a landscaping design for your yard, in which you carefully drew pictures and noted problem areas, it's finally time to go out and start buying the materials. You may find yourself uncertain as to what all you'll need. That's where we come in. Following this landscaping materials guide will ensure that no corner of your yard is overlooked.
In order to get a handle on what you need, let's break it down into two main categories: hardscape materials (which include non-living objects) and softscape materials (living specimens).
Some common hardscape materials
- Paving brick is great landscaping material used for walkways, patios, around entrance ways, and pools. Paving bricks vary in size and color, ranging from deep reds to browns, to speckled black. Bricks can be tightly fit together, as is Mexican brick, or pressed together with clay and a sand-coated wooden mold, giving them an antique look.
- Stone, similar to brick in its use, is a great material for paving walkways. One particularly popular type of stone used is flagstone, a sandstone made of quartz. Flagstone is cut or split into layers, with each piece being a unique size and shape. Common colors include red, blue, and tan.
- Gravel, or rocks, comes in a wide variety of colors, textures and sizes. They are often used to accent flower beds, trees or shrubs, and it also used along walkways. Some popular gravel choices include red gravel (which varies from 3/8 inch to 1 inch in diameter), Bantam eggs (white or cream in color), Goose egg white (rock-like in appearance), River Jacks (which resemble skipping stones), and diamond gravel (3/8-inch in size).
- Concrete is a great material used for creating pathways. Because it is extremely durable and long lasting, it is crucial that a lot of thought goes into landscaping plans before pouring a concrete walkway.
- Timber is often used for building patios, stairs, and fences. Landscaping timber, more often than not, is treated and coated with polymer so that it is able to withstand the elements and maintain a sturdy and bright appearance.
Some common softscape materials
- Mulch is an extremely important landscaping material to have, because it retains water well and discourages weed growth. There are many types of mulch, including compost (which you can make yourself from organic materials found in the home), leaves and yard clippings (these can be saved from raking and mowing), and woodchips.
- Plants are a must for landscaping. Select plants which are well-suited to environmental factors, taking into account light, moisture, and soil requirements. Also select plants that have year-round interest, such as a mixture of deciduous and evergreen plants. In the end, choosing plant type is an individual preference.
- Trees, like plants, are also a must. Since trees are one of the most fixed living items in your landscaping, allow tree types careful consideration. Choose trees that fit into your overall landscaping plans well.
- Shrubs help create boundaries around your house and lawn. Choose a mixture of deciduous, broadleaf evergreen, and coniferous shrubs to promote a year-round balance.
- Flowers add beauty to any landscaping project. Choose varieties that are native to the area, including a mixture of bulbs, annuals, perennials, and biennials. Consider flower color and plant requirements before planting.
Don't forget the tools!
Depending on your individual landscaping plans, you will need to have a number of tools, including shovels, spades, water hoses and/or sprinklers, tape measure, saws, nails, and hammers. There are a number of preconstructed landscaping accessories you may invest in as well, such as backyard patio furniture, fountains, pots and planters, and lighting.