Posted by admin | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 23-04-2010
What is “essential horticulture?” Plants are essential for life. Some of the essential functions provided by plants include food and shelter, temperature control, and purification of the atmosphere by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. This function alone provides the air we breath that is necessary for life on the planet.
Although as individuals we can’t affect the global climate, we should create the healthiest possible environment for our own homes. Landscaping is a beginning step in sustainability. A good design will support your own environment and promote healthy living. Expert care of your landscape environment will promote and sustain your own healthy living.
Quality landscape design and maintenance are about more than aesthetics alone. Recognizing the long term benefits, JB Landscaping focuses on sustainability so that you receive the greatest benefit. We believe in this aspect so strongly that we collaborated with the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment in Lewes, Delaware on a demonstration project using solely native plant species.
This article outlines the steps needed in creating a hardscape brick paver patio. The basic materials needed include the selected pavers, crushed stone, paver base, long 1 inch conduit pipes, leveling board, and edge restraints. Tools needed include a compactor, cutoff saw, shovels, etc. We explain the basic steps, giving some basic knowledge that is useful if selecting a contractor to do the “heavy lifting,” so you’ll realize what questions to ask. The discussion is based on Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) standards that should be used by any dependable contractor.
In the Northeastern US, most suggest using at least a 4-6 inch base of crushed stone, and even up to 7 inches is suggested due to harsh winter weather. For brick pavers, this means that you’ll need to dig to about 9″ depth, since the pavers are 2 inches in height. Since this is a lot of digging, it may be one of the primary reasons to hire a landscape company.
Before digging, make sure that you understand where all underground utilities are identified. To find out, you can order a “utility locate,” by calling 811.
Next, measure and mark the area that you will be paving. Allow an extra 6-8 inches beyond the farthest dimensions of the patio to provide a firm base for the entire area of pavers and to allow for minor adjustments during the laying and cutting in of the pavers. Place stakes at the edges of the markings and attach a string line to the stakes at the final height.
Now, firm up the subsoils using a compactor with least compressive force of 3200 pounds and begin adding 6-7 inches of crushed stone on top. Add thickness of 2-3 inches at a time until within 3 inches of the string line.
Finally, after laying out a 1 inch conduit pipe on both sides, fill the area with paver base and by means of the pipes as a guide begin the screeding (or leveling) procedure using a long board. The conduits will later be removed and the trenches left behind filled in with sand.
At last, you can begin laying pavers in rows and patterns selected. When all have been placed, the cutting in process may be started if needed, using a cutoff saw. Paver edge restraint and soldier course should be added to prevent dispersion and a layer of joint sand employed, which is to be swept into the cracks. Polymeric sand is suggested, which will harden after it has been added. Although not mandatory, this is a good idea to minimize insects “moving” the joint sand and week growth in the cracks in the patio.
A professional landscape company can make a patio hardscape project a lot easier, although a DIY project can provide a lot of satisfaction to the average homeowner. Proper installation will incorporate ICPI national standards for a long-lasting patio.
