| Subject | Date Asked |
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| landscape | 11/10/2009 |
Q: we have a site plan with measurements and concepts that we paid an architect friend to prepare. ...
A: I like contrast. So unless your going for a very minimalist landscape then I would differentiate ...
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| brick pavers on sandy barrier island | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I live on a sandy barrier island off Florida's Gulf coast. Most people in our subdivision have ...
A: Any kind of paver will defenitely increase run off compared with compacted or crushed shell. You ...
|
| tree roots damage to foundation | 10/22/2009 |
Q: Recently my neighbor podocarpus trees roots have lifted the concrete of my swimming pool on my back ...
A: Sandy, unfortunately these are not the types of questions that one can answer in great detail ...
|
| Retaining Wall Repair | 10/14/2009 |
Q: I have a 7 foot high cinder block retaining wall that was installed in front of an older cement ...
A: Was the new wall installed with any steel reinforcing in the cores and then grouted with concrete? ...
|
| paver question | 10/8/2009 |
Q: I have a patio concrete pad that sits too low from our from door. It's about 10 inches from the pad ...
A: You dont have to anchor or fasten them. However if you really want to you can certainly use mortar ...
|
| repair of sandstone walkway | 10/6/2009 |
Q: Sean, I have a Pennsylvania bluestone walkway set in concrete. During a recent remodel several of ...
A: Anything worth doing is worth doing right... so you should first chisle off the old mortar to expose ...
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| Concrete walkway, expansion joint placement | 9/29/2009 |
Q: I want to create a simple 4"slab type concrete walkway around the perimeter of my house. I ...
A: You will need an expansion joint about every 30 feet and a 'control' joint about every 5 or 6 feet. ...
|
| Ornamental fountain | 9/22/2009 |
Q: We have a fountain in the front yard that doesn't hold water at all. The only way is to keep the ...
A: Stop filling the fountain and see if it holds any water. If it all runs out in a day or so then you ...
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| Patio with Patio Stones | 9/17/2009 |
Q: I dug out the area for a 10x10ft patio. Laid in the sand, leveled it and all and laid the patio ...
A: Barbara. Unfortunately you'll probably have to pull up most of them the same way you put them down. ...
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| leaky fountain | 9/11/2009 |
Q: I have a small fountain that has begun to leak. I think the construction is fiberglass. The water ...
A: I would use a silicon caulk if its a crack or seam. Otherwise you might find some kind of paintable ...
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| Extra red boulders / rocks | 9/8/2009 |
Q: I have recently completed pouring a 16' x 24' patio in my backyard. In the process of getting the ...
A: Drew: Rock really isn't worth that much and unless you have a semi-tractor trailer load it is ...
|
| Value of my pines | 9/2/2009 |
Q: I hope you can help me out. I recently lost two mature, 100-120 ft pine trees in a hurricane. ...
A: Mike: Tree valuation is very subjective and depends a lot on their condition at the time they were ...
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| Installing a drip irrigation system | 9/1/2009 |
Q: I have a fairly simple question. I know relatively nothing about landscaping and sprinkler systems. ...
A: Meg, I would not recommend you trying to install a drip (or any) irrigation zone yourself. Unless ...
|
| jungle in the backyard | 8/26/2009 |
Q: we recently purchased a house. The problem is that the previous owners had tons of trees in the ...
A: Well it sounds like you want "to have your cake and eat it too". No really, I think the thing for ...
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| retaining wall | 7/23/2009 |
Q: We had a pool contractor install a retaining wall for us. I found out after we paid him he did not ...
A: I'm trying to understand and not sure I do however one thing is for sure, dirt coming through the ...
|
| reseeding lawn w/bermuda sod | 7/21/2009 |
Q: uI had my fesque yard replaced with bermuda sod approx. 4 yrs ago. This year I had about 50 bags of ...
A: Bermuda seed takes a long time. Best to seed in early summer and may take 60 days or more to ...
|
| flagstone waterfall | 7/20/2009 |
Q: I have built a waterfall or watercourse from flagstone, I tried using silicone between the layers to ...
A: You need to build the entire water feature on top of an EPDM rubber liner. Its heavy duty rubber. ...
|
| Woodland garden | 7/19/2009 |
Q: I live in CT and have woods in our back yard. I will be doing a path and making a sitting area by ...
A: Nothing that you plant will control mosquitoes. However, mosquitoes like to nest in dense ground ...
|
| Privacy Wall | 7/18/2009 |
Q: I have an area on the south side of my yard, next to the fence, that I'm struggling with. I used to ...
A: The trellis sounds like the safest way to go with the least maintenance and most immediate results. ...
|
| drainage behind planter on a hill | 7/16/2009 |
Q: We have a retaining wall that runs along our side yard (approx 50 ft). At the property/fence line ...
A: You would typically use gravel and drain pipe. Not one or the other. The gravel goes behind the wall ...
|
| Landscape stone | 7/12/2009 |
Q: Hey Sean! I have finally decided on using landscape stones instead of mulch to dress up my ...
A: The cheapest way would be to get free rock and do it all yourself. You may have access to a local ...
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| Yard Drainage | 7/11/2009 |
Q: I'll try to keep it brief, since a new housing development was built behind our property and the ...
A: There are certainly alternatives but you have not given me enough information to provide an adequate ...
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| pavers-bedding sand | 7/6/2009 |
Q: I am installing a concrete brick walkway. I have done the excavating and installed 3" of compacted ...
A: Just screed the sand and then set bricks. Then apply some more sand to the top to sweep it in the ...
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| Drainage Culvert | 7/1/2009 |
Q: There is a 25-foot drainage ditch that runs through my front yard and under my driveway. I have two ...
A: There is only one way to get water out. Re-grade the ditch. But that may not be possible without ...
|
| standing water in back yard (next to paver patio) | 6/23/2009 |
Q: We have a problem with standing water in back yard, next to where our patio (made w/pavers) was ...
A: Sounds simple. You need to have your yard regraded. Call some one with a bobcat and some fill dirt. ...
|
| reclaimed/used clay brick patio - seal or rip out? | 6/17/2009 |
Q: I have a newly installed patio and walkways made of reclaimed old clay bricks, and I live in ...
A: well I'ld say what's done is done. Seal the tops and the joints as much as possible, use polymeric ...
|
| Removing grass | 6/16/2009 |
Q: I want to replace large areas of grass with 1" river rock. Do I have to remove all the grass first, ...
A: The easiest way would be with a large machine like a skid steer loader (bobcat) with a 1/2 yard ...
|
| random stone staining sealing | 6/11/2009 |
Q: Im doing some hardscape random stone with a 12 inch border and a 5 ft diameter fire pit with border. ...
A: I am sorry but im still not totally clear on your question. Is this stamped concrete with a random ...
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| random stone staining sealing | 6/10/2009 |
Q: Im doing some hardscape random stone with a 12 inch border and a 5 ft diameter fire pit with border. ...
A: I would not stain real stone. IS it real stone or plain concrete that you want to stain to look like ...
|
| Gravel Paths | 6/9/2009 |
Q: I saw a product made to seal gravel paths on a TV news report. IT's supposed to bind the stone but ...
A: These are two well known brands of the products you are describing. ...
|
| brick path | 6/5/2009 |
Q: i am replacing a grass path with brick. i understand the process - gravel, tamp, sand, brick....my ...
A: Generally plastic landscape type edging will not maintain a straight edge over time. Steel or heavy ...
|
| arbovitees | 6/1/2009 |
Q: can you please tell me when is the best time to prune my arbovitees what is the best way to do so ...
A: Generally you should not prune MOST arborvitae at all except to limit height. I would not recommend ...
|
| Steep Hill | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I live on a very steep hill with great views of the Smokey Mountains, problem is the only yard I ...
A: Depends on the amount of rain. But a good layer of mulch combined with plants that will eventually ...
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| leaking water fountain | 5/25/2009 |
Q: I've got a puzzler: we have a fountain in our front yard that runs out of water fairly quickly when ...
A: If nothing has changed and this has worked without loosing water rapidly for a full year then only ...
|
| flooded bushes | 5/19/2009 |
Q: I justspent 10 days replanting ornamental grasses and evergreen bushes like logustrom, ...
A: More than likely, they will dry out quickly after the rain and be just fine. There is nothing you ...
|
| walkway -demolishing and rebuilding | 5/18/2009 |
Q: My questions is in regards to an older home( 100 years old) that has a sidewalk exactly parallel to ...
A: You can certainly cut it with a concrete blade. You need a big saw if the slab is 6" thick or more. ...
|
| landscaping | 5/17/2009 |
Q: I'm am open to suggestions regarding my 35' wide by 25' deep backyard area that just has grass. I ...
A: Well honestly I generally try not to "design" in text form on this venue. I prefer to answer ...
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| edging for walking | 5/11/2009 |
Q: We have a 4-ft. stone walkway paralleling our front porch. Any suggestions on what to use to ...
A: A trench edger that you maintain with a weed whip or mechanical edger. Or any sort of edge ...
|
| PLANTING AFTER REMOVING TREES | 5/10/2009 |
Q: I just had several trees removed and the stumps and root ground. The person who did the stump ...
A: I guess that could be right. Depends on the tree type that was ground up. Personally I doubt if it ...
|
| landscaping | 5/9/2009 |
Q: I would like to start my own landscaping and lawm care business here in South Carolina! What is the ...
A: The best way to win bids is to be the lowest bidder without "leaving money on the table". Your ...
|
| decorative rock over 3/4 gravel | 5/8/2009 |
Q: I have an area about 15X20 that I dug out and put gravel in, about 4 inches deep. I was going to put ...
A: The short answer is yes you can. As to what kind, you can use what ever you like but if you plan to ...
|
| Concrete to pump or not | 5/2/2009 |
Q: I have a big concrete job about to happen in my backyard it is a big back yard and i CAN fit a truck ...
A: Pumping or driving is really up to you. If the truck will fit and can maneuver to off load the ...
|
| Cleaning white marble chips | 5/1/2009 |
Q: There is a section next to our shed with those white marble chip rocks. Under them is an inch or so ...
A: There is no easy way to wash the marble. It may be easier just to buy new ones if you want bright ...
|
| plants and shrubs for "swampy yard. | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I live in rural West Virginia and have about a three acre yard. There are several "springs" along ...
A: There are several ferns as well a iris and other wetland plants that will thrive in situations like ...
|
| Backyard drainage | 4/26/2009 |
Q: Sean, Thanks for taking my question. I have an area of my backyard where water pools during/after ...
A: Legally you can drain towards your neighbors and that is probably what you should do from the sounds ...
|
| Cicular Mowing Strips | 4/25/2009 |
Q: I'd like to put mowing strips around some trees. But almost all of the pavers I find are ...
A: First "pavers" are what you walk on, I believe you are meaning "edgers." I am not nor will I ever be ...
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| retaining wall | 4/24/2009 |
Q: Murphy We just bought a house and would like a nice curb appeal. Looking for a low maintenance ...
A: It is difficult to say what will and won't work not having personally visited your site. But in ...
|
| retaining wall drainage | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I am building a retaining wall that's less than 2 1/2 feet in height. Do I need to install a ...
A: Do you need to?...no probably not. But should you?...yes probably you should. If you want the wall ...
|
| Drainage problem in Bak Yard | 4/22/2009 |
Q: As the picture shows, this is the back area of my home and the area back there is very damp and wet ...
A: In the picture you sent me, the ground is clearly sloping away from your house at a very reasonable ...
|
| Ohio hillside backyard | 4/21/2009 |
Q: Our backyard consists of a high deck that sits atop a full-sun, small yet steep hillside with rocky ...
A: Keith: Start by rotary tilling in top soil at the surface where your soil is void of nutrients. Then ...
|
| landscaping a pathway | 4/20/2009 |
Q: How do I put paver blocks down without any solid foundation? The owner wants to do it very cheaply. ...
A: "Anything worth doing is worth doing it right." The answer is don't do it. But if you must then the ...
|
| Deer | 4/16/2009 |
Q: We live outside of Picayune, Mississippi. I am having problems with deer and rabbits. I have ...
A: Anne, I regret to inform you that their really are no great answers. in 20 years of business I have ...
|
| Switchback pathways | 4/12/2009 |
Q: I have a steep hill that we want to build a path to the bottom. How can I build the best way down. ...
A: Brian: This is all about your preferences, physical conditions and budget. If you are fit and you ...
|
| Kool-deck vs Pavers | 4/7/2009 |
Q: The concrete/Kool-deck around my inground (vinyl) pool has be removed and replaced. I would like to ...
A: I have not seen this done but as a designer I have my reservations as to how this would look. Pavers ...
|
| Landscaping ideas? | 4/3/2009 |
Q: I'm from Canada, zone 5. I am considering re-doing my double driveway (20' across) this year ...
A: Your first question is really one of personal taste rather than any expertise. It is really up to ...
|
| Pond on a slope..drainage. | 4/1/2009 |
Q: I put a 4 x 8ft, 350 gallon pond in about 10 yrs ago. (dug myself) It has a rock waterfall. The ...
A: You've got really only one choice...plants. Lots of plants, preferably ones that are evergreen or ...
|
| retaining wall with different depths | 3/31/2009 |
Q: I am about to start building a retaining wall around a flower bed right off of the back of my back ...
A: I understand completely, this is typical for most walls where there s any change in grade. However, ...
|
| make concrete yard childrens area | 3/27/2009 |
Q: we have a small yard with a concrete ground and 4 walls around it, is there and way of creating a ...
A: Consider adding rubber mat tiles or rubber mulch. You can buy rubber mat tiles at a playground ...
|
| privacy fence help | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I am looking for an evergreen brush or hedge that i can plant in abbeville la. I would like it to ...
A: Japanese Ligustrum (ligustrum japonicum) shrubs would be best for what you are looking for. They are ...
|
| what to plant | 3/12/2009 |
Q: I live in middle Tennessee in the woods. I am looking for some shrubs to plant around my house.Ones ...
A: Ok I can list probably 20 or more shrubs that will grow in part shade in your area but there are ...
|
| Flower bed mulch | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I would like to know what I can put on my beds that will last longer than mulch.I use about 40 cubic ...
A: Pea gravel or slate chips or lava rock(if thats your taste...its not mine) will all last forever but ...
|
| planting | 3/6/2009 |
Q: I had a new septic system/leaching field installed which cleared out and killed many large oaks and ...
A: Joy: I hate to ruin your day but you CAN NOT plant trees and shrubs over your leach field at all. ...
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| tearing down retaining wall and sloping yard | 3/2/2009 |
Q: I recently bought a house with a cinder block retaining wall. The wall was starting to fall (no bars ...
A: You need to make the slope less than 2:1 or two to one. So for example for ever foot of fall (in ...
|
| Adding steps to path | 2/28/2009 |
Q: I have a path leading from the driveway to the front deck. Currently, it is a small incline and I'd ...
A: I wouldn't use wood to start. You should use stone or concrete. 2x material is not designed for ...
|
| best fence for sound barrier | 2/26/2009 |
Q: I've lived in my home for over a year with a partial brick and wrought iron fence facing a highway. ...
A: The best fence would be solid wood with overlapping edges as tall as you are allowed. Cover with ...
|
| Landscape Lighting | 2/16/2009 |
Q: I am looking to add some landscape lighting to the front of our house and had a few questions as I ...
A: OK, this is a rather long question and to be honest your best bet is to hire a professional. You can ...
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| Under deck erosion | 2/14/2009 |
Q: I live in Florida where every thing stands of sand. My back yard has a slight slope and I have a ...
A: I do not support the use of any plastic or rubber products as mulch or barriers. They break down and ...
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| Grade for patio | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I would like to install a stone patio off of my deck, but the yard slopes away. To bring up the ...
A: Chris, First walls over 30" above finished grade (from lowest point of soil to highest point of ...
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| Landscape design | 2/8/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of obtaining my associates degree in architectural design technology with an ...
A: Terry, Unfortunately, the short answer no. Landscape Architects as a general rule do not hire ...
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| landscape design | 2/5/2009 |
Q: I am working on a landscape design program from scratch (computer generated with my own plant ...
A: In the state of Georgia and in many states there is a professional practice law. Georgia House ...
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| Decomposed Granite Pathway | 1/2/2009 |
Q: I am thinking about installing DG walkways in my backyard. Here in Austin our soil is flat and ...
A: Steps: 1. Spray out the path with marking paint. 2. Clear the path of any organic materials. 3. ...
|
| Bluestone Porch | 12/16/2008 |
Q: I am in the midst of a homebuilding project and while my plans did not specify that the front and ...
A: Tali" Bluestone is a common name used to describe a stone type available from a number of sources. ...
|
| sidewalk to basement apt. for accessibility | 12/13/2008 |
Q: Two Story house w/ basement apt. Yard is sloped with more that 14% grade to street. We need to add a ...
A: Donna: For a personal residence there is flexibility to do what ever is best for your personal ...
|
| back yard play area solution | 12/10/2008 |
Q: We have a small area about the lenght and width of a standard porch deck in our yard where the kids ...
A: Adding a court or playing area that is hard surface would not adversely affect your lawn. It is not ...
|
| starting new business | 11/14/2008 |
Q: Hey Sean. Im in Lawrenceville, GA and am starting a new landscape business in the area. Can you ...
A: Stephen: Wow, first off, can I ask a personal question...why are you starting a landscape business ...
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| planting a tree close to a low retaining wall | 11/2/2008 |
Q: We live in an older home with extensive low stone wall hardscape. Recently we lost a large elm to a ...
A: Since you did not make it clear where you live it is hard to make a species suggestion. However, I ...
|
| certified gardener/landscape technician | 11/1/2008 |
Q: What is the difference between an certified arborist and a certified gardener? Which would be the ...
A: There are lots of independent organizations out there and I suppose one might have been started for ...
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| certified gardener/landscape technician | 10/30/2008 |
Q: What is the difference between an certified arborist and a certified gardener? Which would be the ...
A: Lori: I have never heard of a certified gardener. I think anybody can be a gardener. A certified ...
|
| ouside patio (thick slate slabs) | 10/20/2008 |
Q: I am working with my cousin on a patio for his boss/owner of the company that he works for, we ...
A: Michael: First you have to do a 3-4" crushed aggregate base just like concrete pavers. Compact this ...
|
| help with walkway design | 10/18/2008 |
Q: http://www.picturehosting.com/gallery.php?u=beacu&g=entrance-to-basement I have pictures of this in ...
A: Bea: Since you are doing this yourself I suggest a split face interlocking masonry unit wall. (some ...
|
| Landscape conseltation | 10/12/2008 |
Q: Murphy, My husband and I own 7.25 acres in Live Oak, FL. We have a pond that was constructed about ...
A: A registered Landscape Architect should charge approximately $75 to $150 hour for a pre-design ...
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| The price of a deck/patio | 10/10/2008 |
Q: I plan to build a deck without rails, and the height is no higher than 1 foot. The shape is L-like, ...
A: the deck sounds like about a 2 day project for a crew of two or three. Cost about $20/sf here in the ...
|
| brick patio installation | 10/4/2008 |
Q: I want to install a brick patio. The specs are as follows: size: 12' x 30' level ground 2-sided ...
A: First, Brick is not really 4"x8". That is the "nominal size". It is usually slightly less to account ...
|
| planting trees for energy conservation | 9/25/2008 |
Q: I would like to plant some trees on the west side of my newly constructed home to help block winter ...
A: Christine, sounds like you want to have your cake and eat it too. You cant block winds in the winter ...
|
| Best questions when searching for landscape designer | 9/23/2008 |
Q: I moved from Chicago to Texas and am building in the hill country (just outside of San Antonio). I ...
A: The question/s you have posed require a lot more understanding of your program than you have ...
|
| landscaping a hiiside | 9/21/2008 |
Q: I want to know if there is a landscaping fabric that will help keep mulch on the hillside. ...
A: Glenn: Landscape fabric is generally made to go over soil and under mulch. Most fabrics will not ...
|
| patio flooring | 9/20/2008 |
Q: I have a small cement patio and would like to tile it with terracotta tiles. My problem is i have 2 ...
A: You need to have a sealed surface. Any tile that is not sealed will absorb moisture. Any grout that ...
|
| decomposed granite pathways for urban cparks | 9/17/2008 |
Q: I am a public artist creating a path for Arizona project i I need a pervious path surface for a ...
A: Pervious concrete is one thought. The issue is ADA compliance. Not many pervious surfaces are also ...
|
| Installing PVC fencing in front of hedges | 9/13/2008 |
Q: We will be installing an inground pool in the spring and are having a pvc fence installed this fall ...
A: Most hedge plants can be severely pruned and will come back if done properly and at the right time ...
|
| Concrete Patio Problem | 9/7/2008 |
Q: I have 8 large (8'x10') concrete slabs for a patio at my back door. The slab that is right at my ...
A: Assuming you have several inches minimum between the top of the existing slab and your finished ...
|
| backyard drainage | 9/5/2008 |
Q: I have a small backyard that has been rendered useless and ugly as a result of poor drainage and a ...
A: I have not myself used any molded concrete walkway forms, but the concept is solid. I don't see any ...
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| Retaining wall replacement surrounding driveway | 9/2/2008 |
Q: Sean, The railroad tie retaining wall holding up the asphalt driveway have rotted and collapsed. ...
A: Tom: yes it seems plausible and possibly quite attractive. It would be difficult to estimate the ...
|
| Sloped fence | 8/30/2008 |
Q: I am building a fence on a lot which has a slope. Now normally I would just step the fence down ...
A: You install the fence post first then the top, bottom and middle rails. Then using a level you ...
|
| How to landscape shaded sides of house | 8/29/2008 |
Q: I live in South Florida. Along both sides of my house I have access to the backyard. One side is 7 ...
A: Jan, If it makes you feel better, this is a common problem. Grass does not like too much shade or ...
|
| columnar oak | 8/28/2008 |
Q: I planted a ‘columnar’ Oak tree about 10 years ago. It was supposed to be slow growing and a ‘bushy’ ...
A: Bob, Its a COLUMNAR OAK. That should tell you something. Its not a bush. Please don't try to train a ...
|
| Landscaper's Markup | 8/27/2008 |
Q: We recently moved into a new home and am in the process of getting bids from Landscapers. We ...
A: Landscapers usually don't work on commissions. A sales person works on a commission. A landscape ...
|
| Landscaping right after building a house | 8/26/2008 |
Q: We are building a house right now and my wife and I are planning on doing our own sod the week after ...
A: It all depends on how well the soil has been compacted. If its just hand tamped then yes it might ...
|
| drain fabric | 8/25/2008 |
Q: I am wraping my drain pipe with slots in fabric and have noticed cheep slick roles at the building ...
A: Chances are the cheap stuff is weed barrier and not designed for covering your pipe. However they ...
|
| Limestone retaining wall on a sand pit | 8/13/2008 |
Q: I am attempting to build a dry laid limestone retaining wall in a new housing development that sits ...
A: Yes generally you still should use a crushed aggregate footing probably 10-12" thick/deep and ...
|
| Cheap durable retaining wall | 8/10/2008 |
Q: I have a quick question for you. I am building a new home and need to build a retaining wall (2-3 ...
A: There is no wall that will last 20 years and be cheap. You need to plan to spend about $20/sf for ...
|
| Flagstone durability | 8/8/2008 |
Q: I am considering installing flagstone in my patio. One of the contractors told me that pavers would ...
A: yes, but pavers fade and need to be sealed and re-sealed to keep their color and can also be ...
|
| rocks | 8/2/2008 |
Q: I live in the mountains of North Carolina and have a creek bordering my acreage on 3 sides. That ...
A: Your best bet is to search the yellow pages of nearby major metropolitan cities to find the names of ...
|
| artesian-fed pond | 7/31/2008 |
Q: I have just bought a property that has a small artesian-spring fed pond. It's really pretty small, ...
A: The rock would probably sink. Best thing to do is temporarily re-route the water with a pipe and ...
|
| drainage | 7/29/2008 |
Q: our backyard slopes uphill to a road. from the road down is a slope (guessing maybe a fortyfive ...
A: Add french drains and or area drains to collect the water and pipe it around or out of the areas you ...
|
| USE OF OLD RAILROAD TIES | 7/28/2008 |
Q: there, Eight years ago in ignorance I had a massive garden and landscaping project built using old ...
A: Barbara: In my opinion the dangers from creosote and rail road ties for home owners are slightly ...
|
| Growing grass over landscape fabric | 7/27/2008 |
Q: I have an area behind my garage that is about 40 x 28, currently covered with landscape fabric. If I ...
A: Sounds like it will be fine as long as you have 4-5" of cover. Note, weeds and grass may grow roots ...
|
| mulching | 7/24/2008 |
Q: I have a large area the width ofmy garage)front of house) that had been landscaped with red stone ...
A: Sure you could do that, but it may become problematic later on. You might get mold and other ...
|
| My Front Yard | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I live in Baton Rouge, La. We recently purchased a home that has a 60 ft.wide front yard, 45ft of ...
A: If you move any tree it will hurt the tree. If you are asking will it hurt the live oak, that ...
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| Walkway | 7/15/2008 |
Q: Design / Color question...We are in the process of having an interlocking brick walkway / patio done ...
A: This is not an objective question with any right or wrong answer. The question is what would you ...
|
| Desert landscape | 7/14/2008 |
Q: We had new landscaping installed around our stucco home. When thet put the D.G. in to finish it ...
A: Most codes require 6 to 9 inches of distance between the top of the finished grade and the bottom of ...
|
| Re: Meandering Tree Roots | 7/13/2008 |
Q: I was recently cleaning a planting bed behind the house. It is not well maintained presently. I ...
A: There are two things you are confusing, one a moisture barrier and two a weed barrier. A moisture ...
|
| Catch basin, French drain or both? | 7/12/2008 |
Q: Like the question posed at ...
A: If you have lots of trees with larger leaves then clogging may be an issue. If you don't have trees ...
|
| backyard privacy - creative help needed | 7/11/2008 |
Q: My husband and I recently purchase our first home and now we are in desperate need of some backyard ...
A: There is no way to attach a picture to this posting so I did not get one, however, it sounds like a ...
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| proper way to put out river rock | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I have an area in front of my house that I want to cover in river rock. The area is about 12x10 ft. ...
A: River rock is generally rounded and composed of mixed sizes of small rocks from egg size to ...
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| Sealing | 7/7/2008 |
Q: i have just had a patio laid with a natural stone. The landscaper used an acid wash to brinfg out ...
A: Sealing is ALMOST always a good idea if the stone is mortared in place. It will make the colors much ...
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| concrete, dirt & weed barrier | 7/6/2008 |
Q: We have a rock area whose weed barrier failed, so while preparing it for new we discovered there is ...
A: See my previous answers about weed barriers. I don't believe in them. They are gimmicks that always ...
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| water fall | 6/26/2008 |
Q: I am building a water fall out of flag stone to my pond and want to know if there is an additive to ...
A: No mortar is water proof or even water resistant by itself and no additive will be sufficient. You ...
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| Huge raised stair-stepped planters | 6/25/2008 |
Q: I have a 2-story home with a large deck in the back. It has a above ground pool built into the ...
A: First. be sure to apply a water proof membrane of 6 to 10 mil plastic to the back of the wall. ...
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| Backyard drainage problems. | 6/24/2008 |
Q: I live in Louisiana, where if wait you five minutes the weather is sure to change, and more than ...
A: Without seeing your yard in person it is hard for me to evaluate. But it sounds like your yard is ...
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| killing grass and mulching | 6/23/2008 |
Q: We are going to be mulching a large portion of our backyard for a playset, fire pit, etc. We need ...
A: This is a great question. The simple answer is yes you can kill the grass and leave it. However, ...
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| deck and huge tree | 6/22/2008 |
Q: Want to build a deck in front of house, but have huge old Oak tree right in the middle of the house. ...
A: You would need to carefully hand dig the support holes and find locations where you don't hit and ...
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| Paver Installation | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I have a house built in 1960 that has a concrete patio which has "settled" about 8" on the house ...
A: That idea sounds like potentially more problems in the future. The sand might and probably would ...
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| japanese maple | 6/18/2008 |
Q: Is 3 to 4 feet away from the foundation of the house too close to plant a japanese maple? Thanks.
A: Depends on the variety. There are many some only get 3 to 4 feet around others much larger. But if ...
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| Foundation Landscaping | 6/14/2008 |
Q: I have two planting beds that I have to plant from scratch and I have a few questions: - What is the ...
A: The best way to regrade is to add some good planting soil or composted peat along with some cow ...
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| drainage | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I have a small yard that is entirely paved in flagstone. The flagstone is mortared in. The ...
A: Well Leah, sounds like a pretty tuff issue. Yes you could probably do a drain, but would have the ...
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| How close can I plant an arborvitae to a septic tank? | 6/8/2008 |
Q: I'm in need of a wind (blowing snow, actually) break to help keep snow from whipping around one ...
A: There is no exact answer to that question. You can plant it as close as you need. But know that if ...
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| grass, ground cover | 6/6/2008 |
Q: Sean..I live in Western NC and I have cleared a field that is full of poison ivy and rocks. I have ...
A: The simple answer is nothing except kudzu. And my guess is that you don't want that. Any ...
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| Flagstone Patio | 6/3/2008 |
Q: My husband and I just had an irregular flagstone patio installed and neither of us and impressed ...
A: If the surfaces of the stones have imperfections from 1/8 to even 1/2" it should be safe as long as ...
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| hollie tree transplanting | 6/2/2008 |
Q: Is it too late to transplant trees now?
A: The short and most safe answer is yes it is too late. However, technically, you can transplant most ...
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| Landscaping around a pool | 6/1/2008 |
Q: I am planning to put in a bed around my pavers that go around my pool. I would like it to provide ...
A: First spruce needles won't be a problem, the tree is a dwarf. Second there are many small evergreens ...
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| drainage | 5/29/2008 |
Q: I have extended the flower beds that the home builders made in front of our house. It is not ...
A: I would connect the down spout to a 4" pipe and bury it, routing it under and outside the bed to a ...
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| Drainage: Water Beneath Basement and in Back yard | 5/27/2008 |
Q: Our house seems to be sitting on a spring. We have a sump pump in our basement that pumps out water ...
A: Wow, sorry to hear of all this. First, yes you can dry your basement but it may be very costly. You ...
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| DIY Patio | 5/25/2008 |
Q: Hey Sean, I'm in Fort Worth TX. You mention in your profile landscaping and "hardscaping". I'm ...
A: In general, hardscape is typically around 3 times the cost of materials. You can do it for just the ...
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| hairline cracks in concrete | 5/22/2008 |
Q: we installed a concrete driveway and within 3 weeks we see hairline cracks in a portion of the ...
A: Settlement and shrinkage cracks are normal in concrete within a few days of pouring a driveway and ...
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| Plant/Bush Suggestions | 5/21/2008 |
Q: I live in Charleston, SC, and am building a house. We get to pick all plants for the landscaping ...
A: There are many evergreen shrubs that will grow well in your area. Here are just a few. Below is a ...
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| front landscape | 5/18/2008 |
Q: The landscape of the front of my house looks so naked (typical of new subdivision houses). Please ...
A: Wow, this is a very long and involved question. I cant design this here but I will attempt to answer ...
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| Cyprus trees | 5/15/2008 |
Q: I live in a house where in the backyard neighbor's yard there are about 20 cyprus trees which are ...
A: You could dig a trench along the property line to a depth of 3 to 4 feet and cut any roots you find. ...
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| patio set-up | 5/12/2008 |
Q: I have sort of a follow-up question to an answer I found while searching internet: When prepping ...
A: Weather or not you are doing brick pavers or stone is not clear from your question. However, either ...
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| drainage | 5/11/2008 |
Q: Our home was built seven years ago and included a downspout that travels under our sidewalk in the ...
A: You have two options. One, you can put in a 'dry well' if your soil will absorb the water. That ...
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| evergreen base | 5/8/2008 |
Q: we have decorative red shale rock around base of our huge evergreen tree, and among our shrubs/tree ...
A: This is really a question of time an money. If you want to re-use the rock you have to take the time ...
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| grading a sloped lawn and adding a retaining wall | 5/7/2008 |
Q: i have a pool with a fence around just the pool area.i had to raise the pool because of my sloped ...
A: You can simply return the wall into the grade. Make a 90 degree turn and run the wall into the ...
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| fish tail palm | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I am planting a fish tail palm in my front yard...I would like suggestions as to what other ...
A: There are many plants that would work. You need to decide if you want color, texture changes, ...
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| a spring has sprung | 5/4/2008 |
Q: I was wondering what I could do with a spring that sprung this spring in my back yard?....I am lost ...
A: I cant offer much advice without seeing the site in person and up close but a french drain would be ...
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| Pool Landscaping | 5/1/2008 |
Q: I live in South Florida and recently installed a swimming pool. I was looking for the beachy ...
A: Any number of palms could work. As for price, although I work in Fla regularly I am not familiar ...
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| retaining wall | 4/30/2008 |
Q: We have two huge retaining walls in our back yard. They were installed with the house 20 yrs ago. ...
A: Nope sorry, you cant do that. In order to apply fake brick (we affectionately call it lick and ...
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| Cleaning flagstone | 4/29/2008 |
Q: I'm wondering what is the best way to clean flagstone. I've tried pressure washing, which doesn't ...
A: A wire brush and muriatic acid is the best way. If thats not working you may try a belt sander, but ...
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| Landscaping | 4/28/2008 |
Q: My front yard (25ft deep x 30ft wide) has a significant drop starting about 20 ft out. I live in ...
A: Remove the grass and plant native or naturalizing plants and ground covers. Research the surrounding ...
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| Corner Lot Privacy | 4/27/2008 |
Q: I live in the New Orleans area and just bought a home on a corner lot, with a side yard. I wanted to ...
A: Podocarpus, viburnum spp., hicks yew, ligustrum, etc will all grow fast and make nice hedges. If you ...
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| Multipurpose patio | 4/26/2008 |
Q: I would like to build a 18 foot by 18 foot paver patio adjacent to the rear of my home in Stone ...
A: 1. You can do with no gravel but it could become a muddy mess that moves under the weight of pool if ...
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| lawn | 4/25/2008 |
Q: I had river rock on the yard for 17 yrs. I there was a plastic barrier underneath it. It has ...
A: No you don't have to put down plastic but if you want less maintenance I would apply a 6 mil. black ...
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| walkway | 4/24/2008 |
Q: Do you generally recommend paver stones(blocks) or poured cement for walkways? We need to install a ...
A: My recommendation would depend on your geographic location, the style of your house, the materials ...
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| Trench | 4/23/2008 |
Q: My neighbor's downspout directs rainwater into our backyard. I have dug about an 8 foot trench a few ...
A: Turn your trench into a swale which is a gentle sloped ditch that is less ugly and can be grassed or ...
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| summer fun | 4/22/2008 |
Q: I have an above ground pool, but my yard is uneven/slopes just enough that my pool pores out. My ? ...
A: First you need to scribe (mark by scratching the surface) or paint out the area of your pool on the ...
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| cherry blossom tree | 4/20/2008 |
Q: I live in north central Florida (Ocala). My sister brought me a cherry blosson tree grow kit back ...
A: Sorry, most blossoming cherry trees will not perform in central Fla or even southern Georgia. It may ...
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| new sidewalk | 4/19/2008 |
Q: I sure hope you can give me some guidance. I've been in my house for about 6 months, and there was ...
A: A slope of 10" in 40 feet is right at 2%. That is what we in the Landscape Industry call FLAT. I ...
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| water seeping in downstairs | 4/16/2008 |
Q: i have some problems that when it rains extremly hard i have some water coming thru the bottom of my ...
A: You have two problems and you have already identified the first. That is all slopes around your ...
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| stone flower bed | 4/14/2008 |
Q: I would like to build a stone flower bed against a stockade fence. It will be about 2-3 ft high x ...
A: You can not put dirt against the fence without increasing the chances of rotting it. Either, use the ...
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| starting a front lawn and backyard over again | 4/12/2008 |
Q: I just purchased a home in NJ and the backyard is dirt, weeds and very few 2inch patches of ...
A: 1. Rake the yard free of any loose debris. 2. Using herbicide spray existing weeds and wait 10 days ...
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| the growth rate of trees | 4/11/2008 |
Q: i was wondering if you buy say 10 trees at $25 a piece and planted them and let them grow for 10 ...
A: Silver Maples are typically considered nuisance trees because they are very susceptible to ice and ...
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| Sloped Backyard with Dogs | 4/10/2008 |
Q: I live in Kentucky, have 3 medium sized dogs who are mainly inside dogs, and a sloped fenced in back ...
A: In my experience, dogs, especially 3, will always destroy a yard. I have responded to many similar ...
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| Drainage | 4/8/2008 |
Q: I live in southern Louisiana. I have placed french drains to drain the low areas of the rear yard. ...
A: There is no easy answer. Any edge restraint is going to be water proof or water resistant. A metal, ...
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| Drain spout on brick patio | 4/5/2008 |
Q: Hey Sean, The existing patio in our house has a large number of depressed areas and holes. So we ...
A: I like the idea. You could pull up your old patio and run a flexible drain pipe under it that turns ...
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| Ground River Rocks | 4/4/2008 |
Q: OK, we have two large dogs and live on Buckston Clay with no top soil. We have no lawn. I would like ...
A: Rock and mulch should not affect any trees unless you dog out the area before applying it. However a ...
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| mulch that won't float away | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I have two flower beds that are in high drainage areas with run-off from the roof. My husband does ...
A: "Permatill" will work well. It as a small expanded shale rock that works well with plants as a ...
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| hide my view of neighbors fence | 3/30/2008 |
Q: My neighbor put up an ugly chain link fence between our yards. It is an eyesore in our backyard. ...
A: The answers are numerous. If you don't want evergreens there are literally Hundreds of shrubs and ...
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| Covering a sloping hillside | 3/29/2008 |
Q: Our front yard has a sloping hillside that is covered with what the landscaping plans call 'sticky ...
A: First in all my years I never heard of "Sticky Bark". My guess is that this is just a way that the ...
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| Shadecloth structure........... | 3/26/2008 |
Q: Sean, first let me thank you for taking the time to read this. I tend to get long winded. I have a ...
A: Sounds like a nice feature. As for your question about shade percentage, I am not familiar with what ...
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| erosion of steep banks | 3/24/2008 |
Q: Not sure if you're the right person to ask. I have a little house perched about 12 feet away from a ...
A: First off I would consider hiring a professional registered Landscape Architect by the hour to visit ...
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| french drain | 3/20/2008 |
Q: Water no longer runs out the french drain pipe when it rains. What could cause this? How can I ...
A: Sure, its possible that dry soil is just sucking up all the water right now. Even though it has ...
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| french drain | 3/19/2008 |
Q: Water no longer runs out the french drain pipe when it rains. What could cause this? How can I ...
A: Causes could be one of the following. 1. Most likely the pipe is clogged with soil and roots. 2. The ...
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| landscape edging | 3/16/2008 |
Q: I am attempting to use 6x6 square pavers as a landscape edge around my lawn. I was advised to lay ...
A: This is probably more work but the proper way to do it. Excavate the soil to a depth of 4" by 8". ...
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| landscape design fees | 3/10/2008 |
Q: I am starting my own landscape design business and need help setting up a fee schedule. Is it ...
A: I suggest you "shop your competition". To see how they charge. Most Landscapers charge by the job in ...
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| Brick Patio repair | 2/27/2008 |
Q: I was reading through some of your answers and appreciate your help. Question 1: I have a brick ...
A: In order the answers to your questions are: The best thing to do would be to re-grout the joints ...
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| sodding | 2/24/2008 |
Q: Looking to change my centipede lawn to st. augustine. I have a relativeley small lawn so the amount ...
A: The most effective treatment is to spray the existing lawn with an EPA approved herbicide and wait ...
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| front hedge | 2/20/2008 |
Q: If I trim my hedge will it make my house look bigger?
A: The answer is relative. Is your house already huge and the hedge only covering a stem wall or a few ...
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| Flagstone patio | 2/14/2008 |
Q: The situation is this. I'm doing a flagstone patio in my backyard, about 300sf. So far I have pour ...
A: You should use type S mortar for ground contact and exterior usage. For the joints also use type S ...
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| Refacing cement steps | 2/12/2008 |
Q: We have a cement slab for our front entry. It is currently faced with blue green flagstones that I ...
A: The simple answer is yes. As long as the slab is in relatively good shape it should be fine to ...
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| backyard drainage | 2/11/2008 |
Q: I have a small backyard that has been rendered useless and ugly as a result of poor drainage and a ...
A: Its hard to answer such a broad question but here are a few tips. First you need to try to ...
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| turning old concrete slab to veggie garden | 2/8/2008 |
Q: We have an approximately 30 year old 22X16 concrete slab patio which has several cracks running from ...
A: First, I'm not personally experienced with Mudjacking but from what I understand about the process, ...
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| bradford pear trees | 2/7/2008 |
Q: My church has Bradford pear trees planted about 10 to 15 feet from the church building, 2 feet from ...
A: First, Bradford Pear Trees are no longer desirable and in most major metro areas are no longer ...
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| Landscaping next to a raised house foundation | 2/3/2008 |
Q: First thanks for taking time to look at this! Second, this fall I removed a very large overgrown ...
A: There are a number of things you can do from masonry finish (like stucco), stone, wood veneer, to ...
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| Drainage... | 1/27/2008 |
Q: My wife and I purchased our first home in September of 2007, and were excited that our property was ...
A: Best thing to do, if you don't have lots of trees is to install a system of "french drains" that ...
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| schooling | 1/23/2008 |
Q: Can you recommend classes or a school where I can get enough education in landscape design to be ...
A: I would find out what local resources you have in the way of a technical or community ...
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| Putting pavers on wood landing in front entrance | 1/16/2008 |
Q: We are looking at putting pavers on top of our exisiting wood landing area in front entrance. Is it ...
A: I typically would not attach pavers to wood under normal circumstances. Pavers will retain moisture ...
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| Dirt fill next to elastomeric stucco concrete blocks and walls | 1/13/2008 |
Q: We are planning on filling our sunken yard area in with dirt to create a Mexican courtyard. On one ...
A: I'm not to worried about critters, but everyone is different. I'm not an expert in waterproofing or ...
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| Hedge Row to Block Road Noise? | 1/8/2008 |
Q: Our small Cape sits back from the road and our bedroom community has grown in the last few years - ...
A: I think you will be fine as long as you plan the appropriate type of hedge for your area. However, I ...
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| Dirt fill next to elastomeric stucco concrete blocks and walls | 1/7/2008 |
Q: We are planning on filling our sunken yard area in with dirt to create a Mexican courtyard. On one ...
A: If the dirt or soil that you place against the wall will be within 8" or above the finished floor ...
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| retaining wall - water seepage | 1/6/2008 |
Q: Should my retaining wall made from versa-lok mosaic stones seep water?
A: Yes and no, if done correctly and perfectly it should not seep water under normal circumstances. ...
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| pavers vs. flagstone | 12/12/2007 |
Q: What are the similarities and differences in installing pavers and flagstone. What are any ...
A: First off, 'pavers' as a word can be applied to many materials that may be used as a hard surface ...
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| Drainage in flower bed | 12/2/2007 |
Q: My home is 26x45' and has a front porch of 7'. On one side of the house is a driveway and on the ...
A: Connect your down spouts to the drain under the driveway with 4" flexible drain pipe. Most home ...
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| plant spacing for hedge | 11/29/2007 |
Q: I just purchase 100 3 gallon areca palm trees to build a hedge. The plants are about 3 ft tall. How ...
A: The answer to your question is relative to the time frame by which you want your hedge to fill in, ...
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| curving driveway on steep hill | 11/28/2007 |
Q: My parents have a cement driveway that can be tricky to back out of. When it rains the grass and ...
A: I can not offer the best advice without more information like drainage patterns, grades, soil types, ...
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| i hope you can answer my question | 11/27/2007 |
Q: how much does it usually cost to smash down concrete? i want to remove the cement that was placed ...
A: In the south east US the Cost is usually about $1.50 per sq. foot for a large amount, like a ...
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| Meyer Lemon Tree | 11/26/2007 |
Q: I noticed you answered a question on a Meyer Lemon Tree. I have one that I bought in the spring of ...
A: I'm no lemon expert, but most plants are similar so: The bigger the pot typically the better a plant ...
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| Covering a retaining brick wall | 11/22/2007 |
Q: I have a really ugly retaining brick wall approx 2' high and 90' long around out patio which I would ...
A: Stucco. Pressure wash the brick and scrub all mold and mildew off. Use lots of bleach. Then buy some ...
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| Pavers over concrete patio | 11/20/2007 |
Q: You recently answered a question about cementing flagstone over an existing patio. I have a stamped ...
A: Yes you could do that... but I wouldn't. The sand will track into your house and be a mess or even ...
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| Advice re: landscape rings around established oaks? | 11/10/2007 |
Q: I live in a two-story colonial-style home with wrap around porch on 3 acres. I have 6 established ...
A: You can not do this if it involves trenching within 20 feet of the tree. If you must have something ...
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| Rented house yard needs perk up | 11/6/2007 |
Q: I am not sure what catergory to ask this question under so I am just trying the one that looks the ...
A: If its a rental I would not invest in installing new landscaping or grass. Instead the best way to ...
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| Where do I start???? | 11/5/2007 |
Q: I am a senior in high school and have been struggling with how to go about "getting started." ...
A: First off, you should always opt for the degree. You may always be able to get a good job without ...
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| trees to plant next to a paver driveway | 11/1/2007 |
Q: We live in St. Petersburg, FL and have just installed a paver driveway. We had to remove a bottle ...
A: Crapemyrtle will suit you fine, any variety you like will work. They bloom all summer and stay ...
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| third party qualifying a license | 10/25/2007 |
Q: I am about to buy a landscaping contracting business in Florida and the current owner assures me he ...
A: I am not licensed in FLa and I am not an attorney. However, I can say that based on my understanding ...
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| Shade Trees | 10/3/2007 |
Q: What kind of shade tree can you recommend that either stays green all year or one that has small ...
A: Chinese Evergreen Oak, hard to find and finicky. or a Chinese Elm variety (Allee, Bosk, etc.) for ...
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| pricing | 10/2/2007 |
Q: Sean, I am Director of a new project launching developmentally disabled people into their own ...
A: You need to contact local gardeners, landscapers, nurseries, etc and ask what the going rate is for ...
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| sealing tumbled stone patio | 9/30/2007 |
Q: Is it a good idea to seal tumbled brussel stone. We have a new patio, and I have heard that this ...
A: You only need to seal NATURAL stone that is set in mortar on concrete OR if it is fake stone (like ...
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| best pool shade trees | 9/29/2007 |
Q: We are putting in an in-ground pool in south Florida and I would love some advice for shade trees. ...
A: I am not familiar with "Shady Lady" this sounds like a local colloquialism and not a typically used ...
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| french drain | 9/25/2007 |
Q: A foundation repair guy has recommended that I install french drain on side of my house where water ...
A: sounds a little high. 2 guys could hand dig a trench like that in one day so figure $20/hr each so ...
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| Hardscape tree ring | 9/23/2007 |
Q: I want to encirce a large maple tree with either a stone masonry wall or an ep henry type product. ...
A: A 20" tree needs a 20' radius or a 40' diameter to protect its critical root zone. The structural ...
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| trellis | 9/19/2007 |
Q: I have some heavy white plastic trellis'(4'x8')that are staked up about 10" from the outside stucco ...
A: You'll have to attach the trellis with bolts and or screws and some form of metal bracket. There is ...
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| Transplanting Ivy | 9/18/2007 |
Q: I want to transplant some of my friends Ivy to my property. I have 4 questions on the subject: 1. ...
A: 1. If you live in the south Now till about November 1st is great. Or next Spring about March 20 thru ...
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| Rain catch | 9/15/2007 |
Q: Sean, First, thanks for volunteering your time here. We recently had a deck and patio installed. ...
A: Google "rain chain" there are plenty of these type devices out there that look great and work ...
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| New construction / Lighting/ Plants | 9/11/2007 |
Q: Sean, I'm moving into a new house with no landscaping on Oct 15. The area is Cleveland Oh, can I ...
A: For Ohio you can still landscape in Oct. but you need to get it in right away. I would avoid any ...
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| Ecessive weed growth | 9/10/2007 |
Q: I wish to convert a weed & brush infested area into a hard weed free surface. I wish to hack down ...
A: Unless you regularly drive on the crushed aggregate, it too will be filled with weeds one day. ...
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| pavers over concrete or not? | 9/8/2007 |
Q: I live in NJ and am thinking about having a patio installed, about 1,000 sq. ft. Some contractors ...
A: Either one is fine. Sand/aggregate is cheaper. If you need steps you may need to go with concrete to ...
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| help! awkward driveway | 9/6/2007 |
Q: My son just built a new home on a low lying lot. They had quite a bit of fill brought in for both ...
A: I would add a curb unless you require the shoulder along the drive to trun or back out. Without ...
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| Interior Plants | 9/1/2007 |
Q: We need two 8 feet tall plants for our building lobby. At present we have two 4 years old dracaenas ...
A: In your situation you may have to continually rotate out sick plants for more heathy ones if you ...
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| Bushes and flowers | 8/23/2007 |
Q: We have just bought a new home with a walkway leading to an elevated porch at the entrance. On ...
A: How far you can prune them depends on the variety. Also some plants may take a long time to recover ...
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| french drain | 8/22/2007 |
Q: we had a termite guy come out a coupole of yrs ago.... when he was installiing the undergroung ...
A: Its hard to tell what the price should be without knowing the length and depth that is needed for ...
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| retaining wall | 8/21/2007 |
Q: We put a retaining wall in and it bowed out. The dirt pushed it out. So we did it again and filled ...
A: Number one, I am sorry you have done this so many times. Second, stop... Obviously something is not ...
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| drainage problems | 8/17/2007 |
Q: they just built a home next to mine and i am now having alot of flooding in my back yard due to poor ...
A: The best thing for you to do is send a letter detailing your concerns along with photographs of the ...
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| drainage problems | 8/15/2007 |
Q: they just built a home next to mine and i am now having alot of flooding in my back yard due to poor ...
A: It will not be the county to act on your behalf in most cases unless there is a larger problem with ...
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| brick patio installation - all steps nessecary? | 8/13/2007 |
Q: I am looking to build two brick paver patios in my backyard. One will be about 6' by 8' and will be ...
A: 1.) No the gravel is for compaction and provides a suitable compacted foundation that is less likely ...
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| Drainage problem | 8/10/2007 |
Q: I live on a street facing west that slopes down to the north. My driveway is on the south side of my ...
A: If your driveway or concrete slopes towards the house then it might be a good idea. But any time you ...
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| New rain garden near maple tree | 8/8/2007 |
Q: To solve a drainage issue, and add a pleasant country cottage sort of feature to the yard, I am ...
A: If its really a red maple, I seriously doubt if this would harm the tree. Red Maples are naturally ...
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| Hillside Landscaping | 8/7/2007 |
Q: I have a hillside that is quite steep. It's about 70' long by 12' deep at the ends and 22' deep in ...
A: Ok, lets address one by one: 1. Yes, landscape fabric will help in addition to mulch. 2. If your ...
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| building a retaining wall on sandy soil | 8/4/2007 |
Q: My house is built in an old gravel pit that filled will water and they built houses around it. I ...
A: Your question can not be answered without more detail being provided. 1. What is the height of ...
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| gravel pathway | 8/2/2007 |
Q: Sean, I am planning to build a gravel pathway in our back yard and need help in planning the base. ...
A: 1. Excavate 6" of soil. 2. Set out 4" of crushed granite. 3. Compact the granite using a vibratory ...
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| Mulch | 7/25/2007 |
Q: What mulch would you recommend for a steep hillside? The soil it will cover is red clay packed down ...
A: Pine Straw. Or if it is really steep put down "jute" mesh first and then pine straw and plant a fast ...
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| Patio updating | 7/24/2007 |
Q: We have a cement/peagravel patio and would like to have a smooth stone, such as flagstone, put over ...
A: Yes, but it is likely the "cold joint" between the new and old "sub-slab" will transfer through to ...
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| Landscaping Blocks | 7/21/2007 |
Q: I have a mature maple tree which I would like to put a ring of landscaping blocks around. However, ...
A: Although it is commonly done, its better not to do this at all. The problem is the roots are ...
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| cutting back ivy | 7/19/2007 |
Q: I am wanting to cut back some ivy at the front entryway of our home. Is fall the best time to cut ...
A: You can cut it back any time. However, fall would be better since you probably won't be out much in ...
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| Adding privacy to a corner lot | 7/18/2007 |
Q: My husband I just bought a 3 story colonial home on a corner lot. There is no back yard and the ...
A: Well unfortunately I'm not very familiar with the plants in your zone. I want to add that there is ...
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| Adding privacy to a corner lot | 7/17/2007 |
Q: My husband I just bought a 3 story colonial home on a corner lot. There is no back yard and the ...
A: You have four choices and maybe less depending on any rules for your city or subdivision: 1. Plant ...
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| Can I Use River Rock In Back Yard? | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I live in Queen Creek, AZ and have a small 40' x 36' back yard with a 14' x 28' pool and a 12' x 10' ...
A: If this is for your dog to run in then you'll want a smaller rock, such as pea gravel. This is the ...
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| Planting near a retaining wall | 7/13/2007 |
Q: We have a 4-foot retaining wall made of boulders in our backyard. Since our house is new ...
A: Emerald Green Arborvitae is a small thuja and will do fine. Plant the center of this tree at least ...
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| Patio with LimeStone Rock | 7/9/2007 |
Q: We are planning a limestone rock patio for a part-shade/deep shade area (Zone 6) and would like to ...
A: Using a shovel, level the area for the patio to within 1". Then compact the area with a small ...
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| Planting near a retaining wall | 7/8/2007 |
Q: We have a 4-foot retaining wall made of boulders in our backyard. Since our house is new ...
A: If the wall is built well and according to proper engineering techniques, it should survive the ...
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| Sod on Beauty Bark | 7/7/2007 |
Q: Can I lay sod over beauty bark and expect it to grow? Ken
A: I am not sure what "Beauty Bark" is but for our purposes I will assume that is either a local ...
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| sod and brick | 7/4/2007 |
Q: Can I install sod over part of my brick patio - like a raised bed ? I do not want to take the brick ...
A: JW, in principal, yes you can do it. However, it may mean that your sod will not do as well. The ...
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| Grading Yard | 7/3/2007 |
Q: Sean, how do I go about measuring for a grade of the yard without survey tools. Isn't there a ...
A: Pat: Yes you can do this easily. All you need is a 3' or 4' level, duct tape, shovels, wheel barrel, ...
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| Leveling Pool Site | 6/25/2007 |
Q: I'd like to know how to level a dirt area to set up an above ground pool. The dirt is hard packed ...
A: Glenn: First you need to kill all the grass using a weed killer. This is so you know it won't try to ...
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| Jacksonville, FL - mold/moss | 6/24/2007 |
Q: Sean - I want that other Jax guy's "paver mold"! We live in Jax, and we WANT to grow moss between ...
A: I am sorry but I don't specify moss often enough to tell you the name of one that works best for ...
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| replacing grass | 6/21/2007 |
Q: My friend is going on vocation and wants me to replace his grass with with healthier grass in his ...
A: I can tell you the following. 1. Laying sod is very easy, that's why day laborers only get paid ...
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| Landscaping ideas for a small sloping back yard | 6/14/2007 |
Q: Our back yard is roughly 17 feet from the house exterior to the fence. The length of the property is ...
A: Assuming there are no restrictions on walls there is no reason you can not build a wall at the back ...
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| Flagstone on slope..... | 6/11/2007 |
Q: Sean: My house is on a gentle slope. My front yard runs about 200' to the edge of the lake I'm on. ...
A: The answer depends on the gradient of the slope and the level at which you place the stone. If its ...
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| natural fence | 6/7/2007 |
Q: I am trying to find a plant/shrub that will provide a natural privacy fence(6-10 ft) with out using ...
A: If I understand you want a deciduous shrub that will grow 6 to 10 feet and require little ...
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| cutting concrete | 5/30/2007 |
Q: I'm wondering how difficult it would be to cut concrete. We have a very wide, ugly sidewalk that ...
A: Cutting concrete is fairly easy. Rent a masonry saw from your local tool rental and have them show ...
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| NATURAL FENCE COVERING | 5/29/2007 |
Q: We have sudo zen garden back yard with a 5' tall wire fence. Not chain link, but square panelled and ...
A: It sounds like you already know the answer. Daphne Alabama is in the southern part of Alabama so ...
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| drainage around slab from roofwater run off | 5/23/2007 |
Q: We live in the Houston area in a fairly wooded section. Our house has no gutters due to trees and ...
A: Place the river rock at the drip line. Make it 6" deep and 6 to 12" wide centered on the drip line. ...
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| Installing a raised garden bed against an exterior wall | 5/22/2007 |
Q: I would like to install a block retaining wall system on the concrete pad that is my front yard. I ...
A: In general it is definitely a bad idea. However, if it is something that is important to you let me ...
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| Side hill landscaping | 5/20/2007 |
Q: Sean, Our backyard faces a retaining wall and goes up towards our neighbors. This leaves us about ...
A: Add sun tolerant hardy perennials. Use a loose combination of groupings. Mix the following plants, ...
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| drainage easements and patio options | 5/19/2007 |
Q: We recently bought our first house (new, in a Beazer development) and it has a nice-sized backyard, ...
A: Erica: First, if they sold you a house and did not indicate you had an easement in the yard you may ...
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| weeping birch trees | 5/16/2007 |
Q: Where in the world can I find weeping birch trees for sale? I would appreciate any help you can give ...
A: I don't know where you live but here in Atlanta, Georgia Pike's Nursery regularly carries them. And ...
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| drainage in a river rock set in concrete area | 5/9/2007 |
Q: I am trying to design a 7' x 11' area in front of a public library with varied sizes of river rock ...
A: I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for but the key is to make sure you don't have any areas ...
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| weeds in walkway | 5/8/2007 |
Q: 2 years ago I put in a brick walkway from my driveway to my back steps. It looks great, but every ...
A: Greg: Sorry to hear of your frustration. Unfortunately landscaping is a living process and it ...
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| Raised flower beds and French drains | 5/7/2007 |
Q: I have a flower bed next to my house with heavy clay soil. I would like to build a raised flower ...
A: If you plan to raise the bed to an elevation that will be higher than the finished floor in your ...
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| saltillo tile patio | 5/4/2007 |
Q: I would like to install a saltillo tile outdoor patio. I live in southern CA so temp is not a ...
A: First, here in GA the temperature is a serious problem because it does freeze here and it rains a ...
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| planting tech. | 5/1/2007 |
Q: My father had a large design installation end of last August where most of the plants, evergreens ...
A: The short answer is yes they should remove at least the top half of the burlap and any wire basket ...
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| landscaping against the brick wall of the house | 4/25/2007 |
Q: Is there any danger in the raised soil/flower bed that directly against the brick wall of the house? ...
A: Michael: If you put the dirt in and raised it it might be a potential problem but don't listen to ...
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| decorative rock in concrete | 4/21/2007 |
Q: I live in Denver, CO. We are putting in a concrete walkway around from our fenced side yard to our ...
A: Peggy: The best way that I know of is to press the rocks in immediately after pouring and screeding ...
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| Drainage | 4/20/2007 |
Q: My front yard has a reasonably gradual downward slope to my house usually only during hard rains I ...
A: Your walls and foundation are not water proof. If the water is only there when it rains it is most ...
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| natural stone steps | 4/17/2007 |
Q: Murphy - My question relates to creating a set of stone steps to climb a hill on my property that's ...
A: Karen: It sounds like a nice setting. The short answer is yes it is that simple. But its not that ...
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| Bradford pear tree | 4/16/2007 |
Q: Last night in a wind storm part of one of my bradfords came off leaving me with only half a tree ...
A: Patrick: Sorry to hear of your loss. Well you can certainly leave the other half if you want to, as ...
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| french drain | 4/12/2007 |
Q: A landscaper recommends installing a french drain for our back yard where drainage has been a ...
A: Susan: On the surface it is on the high side but everything is relative...where do you live? If it ...
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| Rain spout Drainage | 4/10/2007 |
Q: I Would like to put small river rock down where the rain spout drains. I have dug down abut 6". What ...
A: Ron: I would dig out an area about 24" deep and 24" wide by 24" long and line it with filter fabric ...
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| pavers with sod inbetween, but have two dogs and live in LasVegas, NV> | 4/7/2007 |
Q: Would putting pavers with grass inbetween them with two playful dogs (they also have a dog run that ...
A: Jamie: I don't think any one here can give you a straight answer here without knowing how much time ...
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| flagstone | 4/5/2007 |
Q: Hey mr. murphy how you doing sir? i want to install flagstone on my patio but i have a concrete slab ...
A: Erik: Follow these steps: 1.) First check or ensure that your existing slab is set low enough that ...
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| How to obtain a landscaping/ occupational license | 4/4/2007 |
Q: and thinking of opening a landscaping business. Want I wanted to know is how do I go about obtaining ...
A: There is a brand new state law requiring a contractor's license to do general contracting in the ...
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| flagstone pool decking | 4/3/2007 |
Q: Should we acid wash our classic oak flagstone patio and pool decking? Will this bring out more rich ...
A: Joyce: The answer depends on what you are attempting to remove. If it is just old dust, dirt, ...
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| Can I use plants to help drainage? | 4/2/2007 |
Q: My backyard and patio collect water when it rains heavily. I'm located in Houston so that is often. ...
A: Richard: First, I'm glad to hear of some one thinking out of the box. Unfortunately in Houston your ...
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| backyard landscapeing with mulch | 4/2/2007 |
Q:
A: Weed mats don't work. See previous answers to questions for more detail but in short after a few ...
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| monkey grass | 4/2/2007 |
Q: if i cut back my monkey grass now how long will it take for them to grow back..ty tasha
A: If you cut them today and you live some where in the south east they should be nice looking in about ...
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| landscape quotes/estimates | 4/1/2007 |
Q: Hey Sean, How are you? My boyfriend and I just recently started our own landscaping business and are ...
A: First best wishes in your new business, its a tough one...Second, check my previous answers, I ...
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| Transplanting azaleas | 4/1/2007 |
Q: What is the best time to move azaleas? I have an azalea which clashes in color with the rest of them ...
A: Typically, the best time to transplant an existing azalea is Fall or early winter as you expected. ...
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| drainage | 4/1/2007 |
Q: We have a large yard that slopes down to our driveway. We have drainage set up for roof water ...
A: Jean: Its hard to visualize this without a site visit but I'm guessing you have two things you can ...
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| River Rock under Spruce | 4/1/2007 |
Q: We live in Omaha, Nebraska and have put river rock as a decorative ground cover under a 30 ft. ...
A: I'm not positive but it sounds plausible. Rock will certainly retain heat causing the earth to be ...
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| Design Opportunity | 3/31/2007 |
Q: I am looking for advice on a proposal I have been offered. My sister and her husband own and operate ...
A: The answer is simple. If you can walk through a local nursery and name and are familiar with the ...
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| landscape rock | 3/31/2007 |
Q: Pros and cons of landscape rock (Lava vs Granite.. etc). Have a couple of big dogs that like to dig ...
A: This question has come up before and unfortunately, there is no easy answer with large or active ...
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| Inter-Locking Pavers | 3/28/2007 |
Q: Sean I plan on having a patio installed of interlocking pavers-Approximate 20 x 25-I live in the ...
A: Tom: Without knowing your exact soil conditions, proposed usage, and drainage patterns through this ...
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| back yard lanscaping pads | 3/28/2007 |
Q: i was going to make a nice 12foot x 12 foot pad out of landscaping blocks there brick exactly one ...
A: Without knowing your yard and grade/water conditions I can not say what is best but... To make sure ...
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| back yard lanscaping pads | 3/28/2007 |
Q: i was going to make a nice 12foot x 12 foot pad out of landscaping blocks there brick exactly one ...
A: Steve: First 12' x 12' equals 144 square feet, so if the pavers are 12"x12" you'll need exactly 144 ...
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| honeysuckle nightmare | 3/27/2007 |
Q: we moved into our home last summer and need a great deal of landscaping help. our home is situataed ...
A: Beth, What advice do you need on the trees? All I can say without seeing your site is that a chain ...
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| house foundation landscaping | 3/26/2007 |
Q: I currently don't really have a water issue in my basement, but I am needing to build up my yard ...
A: Doug: It generally does not matter what you use for fill soil as long as it is compacted(as long as ...
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| mold (green) between pavers on pation | 3/25/2007 |
Q: Sean, We have mold (I assume it is mold)growing between our pavers on the patio. What can I use to ...
A: If it is between your pavers and it is greenish it is probably not mold, it is more likely a moss ...
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| landscape design problems | 3/24/2007 |
Q: we have a very large L shape raised redwood deck. This wraps around the house, has a Maple tree ...
A: Michelle: Unfortunately, to answer your main question, you can not fill more than a few inches of ...
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| Paver Patio | 3/23/2007 |
Q: I live in Houston TX and would like to have a small paver patio (100 sq ft) built in my backyard. ...
A: Angelique, Unfortunately, most companies can not make any money on a job that small. You'll meed ...
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| Fencing | 3/23/2007 |
Q: Please help me! I am currently in the process of getting a privacy fence installed in my backlot. ...
A: Tina: I can't draw it for you for free but here is what I would do. First, if you are hiring the ...
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| Front Entrance Landscape | 3/21/2007 |
Q: I live in GA and I want to plant some flowers in my neighborhood front entrance because we don't ...
A: Not all perennials look bad when not in bloom. Of the ones above that I listed for example, iris, ...
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| Front Entrance Landscape | 3/21/2007 |
Q: I live in GA and I want to plant some flowers in my neighborhood front entrance because we don't ...
A: Liv, Good for you, its nice to hear you plan to beautify your neighborhood. I hope you have help. ...
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| Concrete back yard | 3/15/2007 |
Q: the back yard of my recently purchased house has a brick circular patterned patio just as you go ...
A: Amie London, wow...you are really out of my realm of plant knowledge but as for hardscape I think I ...
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| tropical landscape design | 3/15/2007 |
Q: I live in Houston and I would like to completely redesign my yard with a tropical mindset. Can you ...
A: Taylor, In addition to what I said before if you are looking for designers in your area you might ...
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| Draninage problem | 3/14/2007 |
Q: My wife and I recently purchased a home and we have found that there is one area about 10 feet from ...
A: There is only one reason that the area would remain wet and that is that it must be a low spot. ...
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| sun dial | 3/10/2007 |
Q: i've heard you have to get the 'right' sundial for your particular latitude - how do i find one for ...
A: Since horizontal sundials are often mass-produced in China, Mexico or other similar places, they ...
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| Privacy Fence | 3/7/2007 |
Q: My husband and his brother would like to attempt to put up a privacy fence (the wooden dog ears ...
A: Well this depends on a couple of things: 1. Do your husband and brother enjoy being sore and tired? ...
|
| New Backyard Flower Bed | 3/5/2007 |
Q: Sean, I live in Houston, Texas. I Recently purchased a new home with new sod. Our fence along the ...
A: Hey Dwayne, Whether or not you excavate (or remove) the sod depends on the type of sod and depth of ...
|
| Tile patio vs. stamped concrete | 3/4/2007 |
Q: Thinking of re-doing our entryway. Right now its plain concrete. Would like to attach a small patio ...
A: Considering ONLY durability I would choose stamped concrete. Tile can break loose and water can get ...
|
| Drainage issue | 3/2/2007 |
Q: I purchased an old house last year and have noticed issues with flooding into the basement. It would ...
A: As I have not seen your yard and your description is a little vague but here are my suggestions: ...
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| fence/gate | 2/23/2007 |
Q: I have a small side area I want to hide. The house is on one side and a wooden fence is on the ...
A: Cut the post to fit and attach the post to the house with lag bolts. (Make sure you leave an inch ...
|
| Lawn problems | 2/19/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you had any ideas on how to cure a lawn that has been totally destroyed by two ...
A: This one is easy you have four choices ONLY. I have personally encountered this problem and dealt ...
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| Back yard drainage | 2/13/2007 |
Q: I am need some help. We have a drainage problem in that the water runs to the house and collects at ...
A: You have three things you can do. 1. Re-grade your yard so that there is a swale directing water ...
|
| Foundation Planting | 2/12/2007 |
Q: .. I live in Lawrenceville, GA so I think you're the person to ask!!! I built my house in '03 and ...
A: Well it sounds like you should hire some one to come do a design but in the interest of time and ...
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| Flagstone | 2/11/2007 |
Q: My questions is: do you recommend that I fill the spaces between flagstone pieces with sand or ...
A: Good Question. Now let me ask you, do you want a lush garden style patio or a clean and hard ...
|
| Putting in backyard tile | 2/11/2007 |
Q: Yes, I am a new homeowner and not very experienced in landscaping, but I want to put in stone tile ...
A: I think you may mean you are putting in stone "pavers". 'Tile' typically refers to stones that must ...
|
| Landscape Design School | 2/7/2007 |
Q: I'm interested in Landscape architecture/design as a career, but have limited design background ...
A: I love your question, and it is very important to know what you are getting into. Beyond what I tell ...
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| mulching a yard | 2/3/2007 |
Q: Sean, Thank you for your time. Half of my backyard has no grass due to a shade tree. I am thinking ...
A: First let me say you are doing the right thing. Many people keep trying to get grass to grow in a ...
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| weeds | 1/29/2007 |
Q: I have a gravel drive and basketball playing surface that is made of very fine stones. Every year ...
A: There are many pre-emergent weed preventatives on the market. You should consult your local garden ...
|
| walkway | 1/24/2007 |
Q: I have a large maple tree in my yard whose roots are above grade. They and tree tree are sucking the ...
A: I think you answered your own question. If the grass won't grow it is because there is too much ...
|
| Pricing hardscaping | 1/22/2007 |
Q: Sean, I run my business out of Audubon PAHey Sean, Thanks for all of the info, you did right a ...
A: Unfortunately your pricing and ours will be very different. I am working in the South were labor ...
|
| when to plant, zone 7 (Memphis area) | 1/15/2007 |
Q: When do I plant trumpet vines, hummingbird vines, or morning glory in N. Mississippi? Thanks
A: Regarding Morning Glory: (these are annual vines in climates where it freezes, but they wll re-seed ...
|
| good cover over drainage | 1/12/2007 |
Q: I'll start with my question and if you want to read more I blather on relentlessly about my ...
A: There are lots of types of 'Landscape Fabric' some are better suited for your needs. Consult Google ...
|
| LANDSCAPING A RANCH HOUSE | 1/9/2007 |
Q: MY HOUSE IS AN OLDER RANCH STYLE AND I LIVE IN JACKSONVILLE FL THE FRONT YARD GETS ABOUT 50-60% SUN ...
A: I can not give you proper design advice without seeing the site. However, it sounds like your yard ...
|
| yard drainage | 1/6/2007 |
Q: We live in a hilly area of NW Connecticut, with a good-size mountain behind us. Our backyard ...
A: Soils are different all over the world and my familiarity is with south eastern clay of Georgia, ...
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| upland retention wall | 1/3/2007 |
Q: I HAVE PLACED AN UPLAND RETENTION WALL ON MY PROPERTY. IT IS MADE OF RAILROAD TIES WITH (CRESOL?). ...
A: If you want the wall to be standing a long time don't use railroad ties. They can last up to 20 ...
|
| leaking fountain | 1/1/2007 |
Q: We have an antique stone fountain that leaks at a rate of 3 gal a day. I have caulked around all ...
A: First you need to identify the location of the leak. You can do this by eliminating the ...
|
| landscape lighting | 12/29/2006 |
Q: How do I overcome the negative effect of a bright flood light shining from my neighbor's front ...
A: If I understand you correctly your neighbors light is of a different hue than your own lights. Is ...
|
| Landscaping | 12/28/2006 |
Q: Golden barberry bushes and annuals. Experienced change in income & could not financially maintain ...
A: Best time for transplanting almost every plant is to dig when the plants are dormant (most often the ...
|
| where to sell rocks/boulders | 12/24/2006 |
Q: First, thank you for taking the time to read this... My boyfriend has quartz crystal mine in the ...
A: Start Googling rock and earth products on the Internet or search yellow pages in major cities near ...
|
| energy conserving landscaping | 12/10/2006 |
Q: murphy all i want to know know is how to go about an energy conserving landscaping, in a hot & humid ...
A: As plants do not typically consume man-made energy (except in nurseries, etc which use heat and ...
|
| landscaping | 12/6/2006 |
Q: I am going to use some wooden boxes as planters, and they vary in size. My question is what is the ...
A: Cubic Feet is the volume of the area. Volume is equal to the Length of area times width of the area ...
|
| Mortared Chopped Block borders | 12/1/2006 |
Q: I am looking to have a mortared chopped block border with Oklahoma stone installed around my flower ...
A: I am not familiar with Oklahoma Stone. However, I will assume that this is simply a local name for a ...
|
| mortar joints in flagstone walkway | 11/28/2006 |
Q: In July of this year, we as desgner/gen hardscape contractor, had a flagstone walkway installed in ...
A: Sounds like the wrong mortar was used (maybe type M) or too much portland cement or possibly not ...
|
| fence too high for pool code? | 11/28/2006 |
Q: We are having a fence installed around our new pool. Because of the slope of the land, the fencing ...
A: First, I can not really offer any specific advice without personally seeing the site or lots of ...
|
| flagstone pavers | 11/15/2006 |
Q: I have a concrete patio about 12 Ft X 32 ft I want to know if I can cover the existing concrete pad ...
A: The simple answer is yes you can. As long as your patio is in good shape and does not have too ...
|
| sidewalk | 11/15/2006 |
Q: I currently have a concrete L-shaped sidewalk running from the driveway to the house entrance. I ...
A: I am not sure this is exactly what you mean but it seems like there are two questions. One, yes ...
|
| Vine intrusion | 11/14/2006 |
Q: Hey Sean, I checked out the preformed retainer wall cement blocks at Home Depot. Good news! Only ...
A: Regarding installation of interlocking concrete block walls, the best thing to do is check with the ...
|
| walls and drainage issues | 11/14/2006 |
Q: I put some weed retardant material down on the side of the house between the house and the sidewalk. ...
A: First, unfortunately I have to tell you that most weed mats don't work after a year or two. No ...
|
| underside of patio | 11/6/2006 |
Q: I have a front porch that is tile covered. For some reason, the front face was not finished with ...
A: Without a detailed picture I will do my best. Here goes... 1. Yes if you can fill the void it would ...
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| Vine intrusion | 11/4/2006 |
Q: Hey Sean, I'm in the process of trying to landscape my backyard. I have alot of "vision" but no ...
A: Well without knowing what type of vine it is its hard to give you an exact solution but off hand I'd ...
|
| Monkey grass | 11/1/2006 |
Q: What do i do when the monkey grass seems to have grown heavy. They all look as though someone has ...
A: It is really a personal choice. Many maitenance companies cut back Liriope (monkey grass) in the ...
|
| Landscape lighting | 10/30/2006 |
Q: I have a few questions concerning landscape lighting. 1. I have three mature live oak trees in my ...
A: 1. No. You need line voltage fixture to effectively light a large canopy tree in my opinion. Unless ...
|
| Drainage problem | 10/23/2006 |
Q: I live in houston texas on a 35000 sq ft lot, with a 2000 sq ft home built in 1942 on pier and ...
A: This sounds like a complicated and detailed issue. First, I wish you good luck on getting this fixed ...
|
| 6' tree ring breaking | 10/21/2006 |
Q: We have a concrete tree ring around a carrott tree. It is about 15" high. The ring was filled with ...
A: NO, do not put a band around it. That would do only one of two things: casue the concrete to begin ...
|
| Foundation Planting | 10/19/2006 |
Q: We removed all the old overgrown evergreen shrubs from the front of our home & replaced them with ...
A: First it is hard for me to make any determination as to why your rhodies are dying without testing ...
|
| drainage | 10/17/2006 |
Q: My house is at the lower ground of my neighbours. There is no wall between us. My drive way is ...
A: This is a complex problem and you probably can not provide enough information for me to accurately ...
|
| concrete walkway | 10/12/2006 |
Q: I have rock walkway in my backyard I would like to replace with concrete. My walkway though will ...
A: If this is one time thing you should just buy a sheet of masonite at your local home supply store ...
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| Building a deck out of concrete pavers. | 10/5/2006 |
Q: I very much appreciate your response, but if I am in a desert climate with no chance of freezing ...
A: I personally would never mortar between stones or pavers that are on a "flexible base". Even if your ...
|
| Building a deck out of concrete pavers. | 10/5/2006 |
Q: I recently purchased 500 concrete faux flagstone pavers from an individual, these are irregular ...
A: The real question is do you want this to last and look good for a long time? If the answer is yes ...
|
| Railroad ties | 9/28/2006 |
Q: Sean, Are there any health issues in burning old R.R. ties?
A: For one I thing, by asking the question you probably already know its not a good idea. RR ties are ...
|
| Interlocking Pavers | 9/27/2006 |
Q: I have two questions. We have just installed a pool. I will be doing some interlock pavers around ...
A: As I live in work in Georgia, I am not familiar with your particular frost depth. I would consult ...
|
| Cutting Flagstone | 9/21/2006 |
Q: I have just purchased a home with a pool and spa that have a flagstone perimeter. The spa deck ...
A: For starters it depends on if the spa is curved or rectangular and what type of stone it is. It is ...
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