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Topic: Hardscaping



Date Posted: Wednesday, March 05, 2014
Posted by: Judy Walker (Master Admin)
Source: http://www.standard.net/stories/2014/02/25/permeable-pavers-lands...


Permeable pavers, landscape rocks and stone staircases are popular trends in yards


As the weather warms and the snow starts to melt, thoughts begin to sprout about making the yard look spectacular. A well-groomed lawn serves as an extension of indoor living space during the warmer months, providing the backdrop for hours of laughter and conversation or pure outdoor relaxation.

Many homeowners find their tastes may change from one stage of life to the next as leisure time and interests fluctuate. Some seek low-maintenance; others are excited to devote attention to extravagant features. For families with small children, the yard can become a giant playground. For others, it is a space for entertaining. Some exercise their green thumb to create a work of art on the canvas of their landscape.

Whether minor upgrades or a complete overhaul are in the future, some tips from local companies can help.

Dave Andre, of Andrescapes in Layton, said he helps homeowners increase their usable outdoor space by changing slopes, adding retaining walls, or clearing undergrowth. Sometimes the results are dramatic, as much as tripling the amount of functional land.

Most of Andre's customers have bought existing homes or are staying in their homes and looking to update old features.

For example, railroad ties that were a popular landscaping material in the 1980s, are deteriorating and need to be replaced. Or, areas are overgrown with shrubs and vegetation. Andre's company can clear these things away and bring in something new to take their place.

"We bring in new plants placed in the right areas where they will grow well," he said. He also recommends using landscaping rocks, which are popular right now. "They enhance the look of the yard," he said.

Another hot trend: stone staircases. These can take the place of grass ramps in main traffic areas to help people move from one level of the yard to another more easily. They become a focal point when used to lead to the entrance of the house. He often installs outdoor lighting around the stairs to make them stand out.

Andre is also getting more requests for gas fire pits, which provide the perfect gathering spot for cooking, sharing stories or keeping warm after the sun goes down.

"The plus with these is, you light them with one match, they are the perfect fire, there is no smoke, and they put off plenty of heat. They add a nice elegant look," Andre said.

Customers are opting to replace mulch in flower beds with decorative gravel. Different colors create a patterned backdrop for flowers, trees and bushes, watered by a drip system.

Beautiful xeriscapes, with a nice green look and a drip system to eliminate weed growth, provide low-maintenance areas in the yard. Andre has also worked with customers to build pond-less waterfalls -- another low-maintenance way to beautify, since a pond needs to be cleaned frequently.

Kami Dellamore, of Staker Parson in Ogden, has noticed a sharp upswing in requests for xeriscaping. Staker Parson sells landscaping supplies and recommends landscapers, but doesn't provide the labor itself.

"Xeriscapes use bark, rocks and mulch to help the water drain into the soil," Dellamore said. To keep it looking green, drought-tolerant plants that require little water are placed at intervals.

"It can save your yard and keep it looking nice when there are water restrictions," Dellamore said.

Some Davis County customers were restricted to watering twice per week and sought relief with these products. "Lawns were dying. Xeriscape helped out," Dellamore said.

Before ripping out your grass, it is important to check with your city. "Some people live in an HOA neighborhood where their guidelines don't allow xeriscape," Dellamore cautioned.

"Anything that reduces the need for water and maintenance but still looks beautiful is popular," said Cory Wilks, of Wisco Inc. in Farr West.

One of the hottest trends for yards, in Wilks' view, are permeable pavers, because they allow ground water to absorb so it doesn't puddle or run off into the gutters.

The pavers are used to construct patios or walkways.



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