The previous owners of the property did not maintain or update the existing architecture in nearly 50 years. The landscape featured overgrown vegetation and several large trees, including one that leaned dangerously over the roof and the pool.

“The house and landscape hadn’t been touched since the ’70s,” says Ashley Haugsjaa, design office manager and lead landscape designer at Goldberg & Rodler. “Most of it was unusable. There was a ton of poison ivy and overgrown everything in there.”

Haugsjaa says the build team also found an overgrown dump area at the back of the property littered with tires and debris.

The previous landscape left Goldberg & Rodler with plenty of challenges, including a broken existing patio lifted from the ground by the trees in the backyard. The team salvaged the brick for use in a future project.

The property also had issues with standing water, which the company addressed with the help of traditional drains and dry wells. Goldberg & Rodler also planted several plants that absorb water, including inkberry, iris and liatris.

“The first thing was to make sure the site was graded properly,” Haugsjaa says. “With the walkout basement there, you have to be able to take (the water) away.”

The company also built berms around the periphery in the back of the property to stop water from the neighbor’s sloped yard from entering the client’s backyard.

The project took two years to complete because the house was under construction at the same time.

The project earned Goldberg & Rodler a gold award from the 2021 National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Awards of Excellence program.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

An overhead shot of the remodeled property. The home underwent renovations while Goldberg & Rodler redesigned the landscape.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

One of a few trees left from the original landscape, the Japanese maple, was a focal point of the design by Ashley Haugsjaa, design office manager and lead landscape designer for Goldberg & Rodler.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

Ensuring the client, who has mobility restrictions, could enjoy the yard and all its amenities was crucial. To take care of that requirement, Goldberg & Rodler added a ramped walkway from the house to the yard.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

An after shot of the front of the property shows the home’s new landscape with shrubs and trees planted to provide a buffer from the rest of the neighborhood cul-de-sac.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

A photo of the pool and shed before the renovation shows the previous state of the vegetation in the backyard.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

A view from a bench installed during the renovation. Goldberg & Rodler created the pergola seen in the back with locally sourced locust logs.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

An in-progress photo shows the grade change necessary to make a walk-out, allow for a 10-foot ceiling in the lower level of the home and create a stairless access way to get to the yard.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

The home had no existing drainage system before the redesign began and had several invasive plants that Goldberg & Rodler removed from the site. The existing patio was also small and broken as the trees started lifting the bricks from the ground.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

The existing pool shell and Japanese Maple were virtually the only elements able to be kept in the rear yard.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

The home’s front entry features tropical plants, flowering perennials and evergreen shrubs.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

Goldberg & Rodler configured the lower patio area to withstand 8 inches of rainfall and has permeable paving set on aggregate and gravel infiltration areas.

(Photo: Goldberg & Rodler)

A smart system controls the lights around the property in the home. The same system controls the spa, pool equipment and fireplace.

Originally Appeared Here

Sauder’s Hardscape Supply has continued to pursue and see growth post-pandemic.

 NEW HOLLAND, Pa., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Sauder’s Hardscape Supply, a notable hardscape and landscape supply store, operating in New Holland, Pennsylvania, has been named to Inc. Magazine’s 2021 Inc. 5000 List of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies in the United States. The company was ranked #3,781 on the list with a three-year revenue growth rate of 132% for the period from 2018-2021.

hardscape layout from Sauder’s Hardscape

Opened in 1999, Sauder’s Hardscape Supply has been providing first time DIYers and experienced contractors the best value, high quality retail and wholesale hardscape supplies from various manufacturers. Their sales team is knowledgeable and skilled at helping any customer find solutions.

Their retail store, located in the heart of Amish-country Pennsylvania boasts a beautiful showroom filled with decorative hardscape builds that inspire all their patrons. They also have outdoor stone fireplaces displayed that will make you want to add one to your home whether you have a patio or not. 

Sauder’s is a company focused on serving its customers to the best of its ability. Their success is not rooted in the perfect marketing strategies or getting the right sales opportunities, rather the way they have reliably served their customers for more than 20 years. Good leadership, dedicated employees, and knowledgeable sales team contribute to be sure but the foundation of their success and making the Inc. 5000 list in 2022 is the customer base they are honored to serve.

About Sauder’s Hardscape Supply

For over 20 years Sauder’s Hardscape Supply has been supplying hardscape contractors, landscape companies, and DIY homeowners with high quality, wholesale hardscape materials. Things like pavers, flagstone, outdoor fireplaces, gazebos, and more. Sauder’s takes great pride in serving customers with passion and honesty. www.saudershardscape.com

Contact:

Phil Herr
Senior Sales Associate
(717) 354-5570
[email protected] 

SOURCE Sauder’s Hardscape Supply

Originally Appeared Here

Location: Barrington Hills, Ill. 

Company: Grant & Power Landscaping

Grounds managers and owners and landscape contractors must work together to create a cohesive and functional designs.

By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor  

OTHER PARTS OF THIS ARTICLEPt. 1: This Page

The old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” can apply to many different situations. When it comes to hardscape design, there is always that voice in the back of grounds managers’ heads describing the layout even before stepping foot into the space. Managers with institutional and commercial facilities are responsible for creating an environment that creates a positive first impression for visitors and occupants. 

Before beginning a project, managers must understand the intended use of the hardscape. Examining the needs versus what the owner wants allows for compromises to be made early on that helps focus the project.  

“From the perspective of landscape architecture, we feel that it’s very important for developers and managers to plan ahead for maintenance and upkeep,” says a representative from Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), a landscape architecture firm that works with college campuses and public parks, among other ventures.  “In our experience, this starts with solid construction, which helps safeguard function and appearance over time. Many elements that are invisible on opening day – such as an adequate base for hardscape, structural soil and root control measures – can make or break a project’s longevity. During the planning stages, landscape managers can also think about how best to plan for interim conditions during construction. This can include tree protection, maintaining key circulation routes, storing soils and plants and any measures to limit negative impacts on neighbors.” 

It is also important for landscape contractors and grounds managers to work closely together on hardscape projects. This collaboration allows everyone to understand the vision of the project from the start. Working together also lets managers advise crews of potential issues that might arise. Knowing this information ahead of time allows for proper solutions to be arranged in the event something happens.  

“One does the work, and one plans the work,” says James Kim, parks superintendent with the Vernon Hills Park District in Illinois. “If you were putting together a proposal based on just material cost and straight labor, which is fine, but don’t recognize that the terrain prohibits the use of a vehicle or equipment and need to walk or wheelbarrow everything in – there is a huge cost/efficiency loss, as an example. The benefit is really to better understand and implement the efficiencies of the project to keep costs down for both parties.” 

Project guidelines 

Each project comes with its own set of protocols. While it is typical for landscape contractors to start with the owner’s projected guidelines, there will often be times that different opportunities arise to create a landscape that is welcoming and maintainable. For example, LEED and SITES certifications can be reference points in design to help managers develop more sustainable designs.  

Meanwhile, each contractor has its own guidelines for each project. MVVA says that for each of their projects, they tag their own plants and the way they are sited.  

Guidelines vary from by project, and they can change based on existing conditions. There is usually a pay rate for each task for any type of job. Kim says the cost per linear feet times labor plus adding in equipment costs and overhead should be factored in for any additional work or unusual request. Giving in to a demand that is not necessarily feasible or possibly can hurt the project.  

“As the developer and manager of a landscape project, you need to prioritize the purpose of the outdoor space to help guide both design and budget,” says Shane Connell, executive vice president with The Connell Company, a real estate, hospitality and equipment leasing firm. “And as the developer or manager, it is important that the entire campus feels like one, coherent place. The landscape and hardscape should tie all the different real estate types together and connect them both physically and aesthetically.” 

Besides being aesthetically pleasing, hardscape designs aim to be functional. Hardscapes can help support traffic circulation by providing accessible travel surfaces and creating clear wayfinding cues. These layouts provide greater flexibility, allowing spaces to be used for more than one purpose. 

“In terms of maintaining function of hardscaped areas, managers should understand the potential for damage that any proposed temporary use might present to the hardscape,” according to MVVA.  “Managers should also be alert to any temporary uses that overstay their intended time. Above all, it is important that they understand how the design is meant to be used. Flexible management is important, but understanding the intentions will allow them to make decisions that preserve the vision.” 

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Originally Appeared Here

There are many ways to drastically change the look and feel of your front and backyard without undergoing a major overhaul. A simple yet drastic upgrade is incorporating flagstone into your hardscape.

Flagstone is a flat, hard stone that usually consists of sandstone combined with binding materials such as calcite, silica, and iron ore. It is cut into flat slabs that are often used to line walkways, patios, and other features. Its shades of red, blue, and buff enhance the natural elements of the outdoors.

Fun fact: Ash Fork, Arizona, is the flagstone capital of the world!

Ordering and installing

Flagstone is an incredibly durable material that can last centuries when properly maintained. It is also something a DIY enthusiast can install themselves, though it is time-consuming. One of the few drawbacks of installing flagstone yourself is the sheer weight of the stone. Be sure to have a few helping hands and wear a back brace and closed-toe shoes during the installation.

Ordering: Order at least 25% more stone than the project requires. Here’s why:

• Even when taken from the same quarry, stones taken from a deeper level or slightly different area may result in mismatched colors. A larger quantity ensures there will be alternatives available on site without reordering.

• The stones are irregularly shaped and are pieced together into a mosaic. You need to ensure there are good stones left as the end of the installation approaches.

• When laying thin veneer flagstone over a concrete slab, the pieces are more prone to cracking or even breaking.

Installing: As the Landscaping Network explains, flagstone can be laid on a dry bed of sand and gravel or mortared to an existing concrete slab.

Dry-laying flagstone in sand: Dry-laid flagstone means the flagstone pieces are placed on a bed of sand and gravel. It is recommended that a patio or walkway base be at least 3 inches deep, then filled with a layer of compacted gravel covered with coarse sand. Place the flagstones in the desired pattern, starting at the perimeter, and work inward. Large stones should be strategically placed at doorway entrances or the bottom of steps to ensure stability in heavy-trafficked areas. Once the stones are placed, the joints can be filled with sand, planted with groundcover, or mortared.

Mortared flagstone: Mortared flagstone is pieces that have been permanently set with mortar to a prepared subbase. This can be more expensive to install.

Wet mortar is applied directly on a subbase of compacted gravel and sand, or to an existing concrete slab. The flagstones are placed in the bed of mortar and then the joints are filled with sand or additional mortar or colored grout.

• Start with a reinforced concrete base that has a proper slope for drainage.

• Pressure wash each piece of flagstone to provide a clean surface for a good bond.

• Each piece is fitted and mortared to the concrete with a mixture of cement, sand, and water.

• You can use a color additive to the mortar for setting the base and the grout joints between the stones.

Be mindful that the stones themselves can vary in thickness. Therefore, the ground will need to be leveled to different depths to ensure a smooth top layer.

A note about sealing: It may be tempting to seal the flagstone to protect it from the elements. However, this is not a good idea. As it sits in the hot sun, sealed flagstone will likely deteriorate and discolor at a faster rate due to the moisture trapped underneath the stone. Talk to your contractor or salesperson before sealing the flagstone.

Maintenance

Like everything else, flagstone requires regular care and maintenance to keep it looking like new. Both installation methods will require readjustments of the stone. Because the slabs will settle over time, they may need to be shifted back into place.

Cleaning: Sweep flagstone regularly to prevent dirt and plant debris from staining. If spot cleaning stains or mold is required, bleach or muriatic acid diluted with water can be used. Mix one part bleach or muriatic acid (not both) to 10 parts water. Wear gloves and protective eyewear. You may also use a cleaner developed specifically for flagstone. Grease and rust stains will require harsher chemicals. Many home improvement stores will carry this type of product. Read the product’s label before applying.

Landscaping Network notes that when chemicals, especially acids, are used to clean flagstone, they should be rinsed off as soon as possible to prevent damage. If you have a large expanse of flagstone that needs cleaning, hire a professional crew.

Ask your contractor or the stone salesperson how to care for your stone type and installation method before buying cleaning products or mixing a cleaning solution.

Repairing: Repairing flagstone can be just as easy as maintaining it. Because the stone is laid in pieces, stones that have cracked or broken can be replaced one at a time without having to tear up the entire patio. If a stone cracks, scratches, or stains, the affected piece can simply be replaced instead of having to redo the entire patio. Additionally, if stones are installed without mortar shift, they can be lifted, and more sand added to the space beneath. For mortared flagstone that has been damaged by freeze and thaw cycles, re-grouting may be necessary. This involves removing the failing mortar with a chisel or screwdriver and replacing it with fresh mortar.

Other considerations

Be sure to wear shoes or at least flip-flops when walking on flagstone. Flagstone reflects the sun and can get very hot. It also gets slippery if wet.

Flagstone works well in different climates and doesn’t expand and contract when the weather changes.

A flagstone patio can last many lifetimes if taken care of properly. This is especially important if your property will be handed down through the generations.

Join Rosie on the House every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on KTAR News 92.3 FM. If you’d like to send us questions or comments, email mailto:[email protected] Follow us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook. For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert since 1988, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program. Call 888-767-4348 with questions and comments.

Originally Appeared Here

Under the sweltering heat, taking shade under a huge tree by the sidewalk seems to be the perfect solution. On a rainy day without an umbrella, taking shelter under the tree seems to be the temporary way to keep dry. At a park, we breathe in the fresh air surrounded by a line of giant trees protecting us from the sun.

Without realising, the presence of trees already plays a massive role in our lives, providing us with a myriad of environmental, economic and social benefits while setting a good foundation for more sustainable cityscapes.

Advantages of tree grates

While the trees protect us, what protects the trees? More often than not, we fail to notice the equally important presence of tree grates that consistently keep the trees around us in check and help prevent damage. Let’s take a look at how tree grates can make a difference in protecting trees.

But first, let’s understand what a tree grate is and how it impacts the growing process of trees. Tree grates are usually decorative grilles placed over an excavated area designed for a tree’s roots, also known as tree pits. Water and air will be able to reach the soil through the grates’ perforation and ensure that the tree receives enough nutrients to grow. At the same time, the slits of the grates are narrow to avoid any unwanted trash from falling through and contaminating the soil.

Apart from the advantages mentioned above, tree grates also serve two other purposes: helping avoid soil compaction and ensuring that the roots of urban street trees do not block the path. Tree grates act as additional protection to prevent pedestrian traffic from tripping over the tree roots. With the grates in place, no one will get hurt, and the roots will also be protected from accidental damage. Moreover, the tree grates provide a more levelled surface over the tree roots while allowing more water to enter through the grate into the soil.

Tree grates also play a valuable role in flood management. Specially designed grates that span across longer sections along sidewalks can help with air and water flow. Rainwater runoff can be diverted to provide more nutrients for city trees. The twisting tree roots in the soil under the pavement ensure that the extra water received during heavy storms can permeate the soil to manage flooding on streets.

However, we often do not realise that the trees have to endure harsh conditions such as paved surroundings and increasing microclimatic temperatures to survive in the urban environment. This is because urban city trees evolve from natural forest settings. As such, tree grates do play an essential role in their growth and survival in the city area.

Tree grates protect these trees against harsh urban surroundings that can otherwise make their existence nearly impossible. They ensure that there is sufficient space for the tree to grow while providing space for pedestrian traffic flow over the tree planting area. Tree grates also help suppress pesky weeds from growing and taking up the nutrients made available for the urban trees.

When it comes to choosing the right tree grates to install, you have a myriad of options. Tree grates come in different sizes and patterns for a more aesthetic addition to the urban area. Take a look at Jonite’s stone tree grates that not only help protect trees, but also add variety and colours to our surroundings. The final design ultimately depends on the urban landscape design, considering factors such as the anticipated vehicle traffic, location and its integration with the ground root management. Indeed, tree grates blend artistic forms with functionality to manage stormwater and ensure safe sidewalks for people from all walks of life.

As we move towards improving sustainability in the city, it is important to appreciate and take good care of the trees around us. Trees provide fresh air for us to breathe in while overcoming many obstacles away from their natural forest habitat in order to grow and become more accustomed to the urban area. Without a doubt, through the implementation of tree grates, we can now begin the process of successfully integrating urban forests into our city environments.

This blog post was originally published by Jonite.

Originally Appeared Here