One of the most important parts of any yard or landscape project is choosing the correct material. Choosing the incorrect material for the job can cause you to pay more than you need to, or even worse, compromise the function of the job. Dirt and compose comes in many forms, often to suit specific applications. Some of the more common ones are below; 2 way top soil – (loam + sand) Sometimes called 50/50 top soil, this is usually suitable for most lawn and garden applications. This soil is a blend of loamy soil mixed with sand and is usually the most cost-effective form of top soil. 3 way top soil – (loam + compost + sand) This topsoil is usually a premium mix of loamy soil mixed with compost and sand. This mix is usually used in circumstances where you want good moisture retention with adequate drainage. A good...

Rockscapes, also known commly as rock gardens, are becoming more and more popular in the Pacific Northwest. Popular for decades in hot and arid states like Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico where water hungry lawns are not practical, Rockscaping allows almost endless possibilities. Because of its non-organic nature, rock doesn’t decompose like beauty bark, so a properly installed rockscape feature will last for years and years, relatively trouble free. The most important initial part of any rockscape idea is the initial plan. The conceptual plan will determine the materials needed. The chosen location will determine the amount of work involved to construct it. The size of the feature will determine the amount of materials needed. Rockscapes can range from incredibly simple use of rock around trees and shrubs to more elaborate landscape rockscape features. One very popular trend in the past several years in Washington State are rain...

Gravel driveways are one of the most common choices for Western Washington rural and suburban properties, where the average driveway lengths are many times the length of a city driveway. In many cases, concrete or asphalt surfacing can be cost prohibitive for a lengthy driveway. Gravel is a good choice as it is relatively cost effective, is durable and can be manipulated when necessary. Material terminology is important so you know what to expect and what to order when you need to. Aggregate size refers to the size of the rock material, so a 5/8 washed rock order will be composed of rock material approximate 5/8” in size. Minus material refers to the fines in compactable gravel mixes. Fines are essentially rubble debris that occurs during the crushing process. Fines allow for gravel material to compact. One of the most common compactable gravel is 5/8 minus material, so it...

Agricultural properties are very common in the Pacific Northwest and they can vary from smaller acreages with smaller paddocks to medium sized pastures and also vast fields. Native field grasses in the Pacific Northwest and hardy, fast growing and adaptable. Not only do native grasses make for essential grazing of stock and horses, they also are commonly used for hay in the summer months, stocking up for use during the winter months when the native grasses are dormant. Just as important is that healthy field grasses provide a competitive groundcover against invasive species that may seek to take a foothold and crowd out vast areas of property. Western Washington is home to many native and invasive species of brush, including Scotch Broom, Himalayan Blackberry, Salmonberry, soapberry in addition to native aggressive tree species including Alder and Cottonwood. A healthy field grass mix, when correctly maintained can also help protect sloped...

Beauty bark is a natural organic product derived from wood debris and bark waste. Its use is very popular in improving the look of landscaped areas. It commonly comes in several colors and textures, offering something for every landscape plan. Beauty bark use in landscaping goes far beyond simple landscape aesthetics. Properly installed bark will not only greatly enhance the visual appearance of your landscape but it will actually improve the soil structure and assist healthy root growth of your trees and shrubs, while inhibiting weed growth. Beauty bark/chip/mulch benefits Assists in moisture retention of plants, trees and shrubs. Bark/mulch ground cover provides a heavy cover over the soil, which not only shelters the soil from drying out under the sun, but also locks in moisture which can help protect trees and shrubs during times of drought. This results in less watering in the summer. Protects from winter cold...