News

FAQ’s: How to Build A Retaining Wall

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:33:00 GMT

Build a retaining wall to prevent soil erosion and to give your yard a much needed focal point.

What is a retaining wall? Retaining walls are used to hold back soil if there is a sloped area in your yard. You can also build retaining walls to create raised flower or plant beds.

Why do I need to build a retaining wall? Retaining walls are used for many reasons. The major reason is to help prevent soil on a sloped hill from washing away. They can also be used to build up garden areas within your landscape. Or add focal points to your property.

Can I build it by myself? If you are handy and have the time, yes you can build your own retaining wall. If the wall is higher than three or four foot, you should hire a professional to do the work.

What materials do I need? You will need to decide what you would like your wall build out of. There are a variety of materials you can choose from including rocks, railroad ties, concrete, concrete blocks, pavers or bricks. You will also need gravel or crushed stone to create a foundation. Other materials needed are: a shovel, wood stake and string, level, tamper, tape measure, and work gloves. Depending on the type of material you are building the wall with you may need additional materials. Check with your landscaping supply store.

For more information about building a retaining wall contact the experts at Earth Care. Use the contact form below to email us.

Pavers - What are the best uses for your outdoor living?

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:19:00 GMT

Pavers are a great addition to your outdoor living space.

If your outdoor living space is in need of some updating, consider using pavers to build a patio, or to accentuate your garden landscaping. Here are several examples for how to use pavers to create your own backyard oasis.

• Line walkways: Create a beautiful walkway to your front door using pavers. Adding lights along the way will add a warm and welcoming ambiance. Your front entrance is the first thing your guest see, so why not make it welcoming?

• Build backyard patio: A backyard patio is a wonderful addition to your existing living space. You can create additional living space using pavers. You can create a wonderful area to entertain friends, or just relax.

• Create raised flower beds: Raising flower beds using pavers helps to enhance your landscaping. You can create focal points to your existing landscaping by creating these beds.

• Create a front landing: Use pavers to create a landing at your front door to welcome guests.

There are many opportunities to improve your existing landscape using decorative pavers. Use your imagination to create a space that will become the envy of the neighborhood.

For more information about the types of pavers available, visit Earth Care’s online catalog. Use the contact form below to email us.

Planning a Garden from Scratch

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:27:00 GMT

Planning a garden from scratch starts with a well thought-out design.

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. It’s time to get your garden in shape. Whether you are planting a vegetable garden or flower gardens your first step should be to draw out a plan.

First, decide what you will plant and do a little bit of research. You need to know whether the plants will need full sun, partial sun or shade to flourish. Once you have decided what to grow, pick the location in your yard that suits the needs of the plants.

Begin clearing away any debris such as roots and rocks and break up any dirt clumps. Turn the soil to help prepare it for planting. Till in some compost or manure to get the soil ready.

Irrigation should be added for convenience and water conservation. Use pavers to outline the garden area. Brick, flagstone or cement pavers will work well.

Now your garden is ready to be planted. Follow all the planting directions to ensure your garden will flourish.

For more information about landscaping products for planning a garden contact the experts at Earth Care. Use the contact form below to email us.

Using Brick Pavers to Build Your Patio

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:27:00 GMT

Brick pavers are ideal for building your backyard patio

Building a backyard patio is no easy task. But with a little patience, planning and hard work it can be done.

• Planning: Planning is the most important part of building your patio. Figure out your budget before you begin. Decide on the size and location of your patio. Take measurements and mark off the area.

• Materials: Decide on the materials you will need. Consult the professionals as to the best products available. Brick pavers are ideal for creating your outdoor living space.

• Preparation: Prepare the area. You will need to remove any large debris and dig down around 8 inches or so. Lay down a layer of crushed stone and tap it down and then top it with some sand. Smooth it to create a level area.

• Installation: Begin laying the bricks down on top of the sand in the pattern you decided on. Gently tap each brick into place with a rubber mallet. Once you are done placing the bricks lay another layer of sand on top and sweep the sand over the bricks. The sand will fall between the cracks and fill the spaces. When you are all done, rinse the patio with water.

To order the materials for your brick patio contact the professionals at Earth Care. Use the contact form below to email us.

Patio Ideas: Build Your Own Backyard Oasis

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:54:00 GMT

Patio ideas can spring from the most surprising sources.

If you are looking for ideas for building your own backyard oasis, take a walk. That’s right, take a walk through your neighborhood. Don’t just look at the patios of your neighbor’s, look at the architectural landscaping of local businesses.

There are many places you can draw inspiration from. The local café that has an outside patio area, even your local parks can offer creative ideas. After your walk, visit the internet and search “patios”. There will be many different styles that can also provide ideas.

Once you have your inspiration, sit down and draw out your plan. There are many color schemes and textures to choose from so you will need to visit a landscaping supply company to see your options in person. Be sure to take your plan with you so they can help you pick the right supplies for the job.

If you are not building the patio yourself and want to hire a professional to do the work for you, do your research to be sure you hire the right company. Check references and check with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure they are licensed and insured and have many happy customers.

For information about building materials to create your backyard oasis visit Earth Care. Use the contact form below to email us.

Block Retaining Wall - How to prevent soil erosion

Tue, 08 May 2012 18:09:00 GMT

Building a block retaining wall helps prevent soil erosion while bringing architectural pizazz to your property.

If you are living on property that is sloped, you are most likely dealing with soil erosion. The solution is to build a retaining wall. Depending on the height of the wall needed, it is simple enough to do yourself.
Soil erosion can cause a major problem for homeowners. If you are in an area where heavy rain is frequent, soil washing down sloped ground can leave a mess. And mowing a sloped area of lawn can sometimes be hazardous.

Retaining walls serve several purposes. Preventing soil erosion is only one of them. You can use retaining walls to create raised flower beds to highlight your landscaping or in gardens to prevent soil from washing away, or to create architectural focal points on your property.

To build a retaining wall you will need to decide on what type of material you will use. There are several options available such as, brick, concrete block, railroad ties, or stone. Think about the architectural design of your existing structures on the property and try to stay within that design.

Consult a professional before you begin the project yourself. You may find that the job is too big for you.

For more information about building a block retaining wall contact the experts at Earth Care. Use the contact form below to email us.

Landscape Supply - How to improve the appearance of your property

Mon, 07 May 2012 14:46:00 GMT

Landscape supply can boost the value and appeal of your property.

Whether you are creating a secret garden, a vegetable garden, or flower and plant beds, landscaping your property is the perfect way to improve the appearance and add value.

You can create raised flower beds using pavers and pave walkways with brick, cement or stone. A brick or stone patio adds a wonderful place to gather with friends and family. If it’s in your budget, adding a water feature brings not only beauty to your outdoor space, but creates a peaceful setting for relaxation.

Adding lighting to walkways and to light up focal points in your landscaping brings a calm and tranquil ambiance that will lend beauty to any landscape.

To create your landscape, first start with a plan. Do some research, Try visiting parks, neighbors’ yards and other outdoor spaces that feel good to you and taking note of what you like. Draw your plan out on paper and decide which materials you will be using. There are many textures and colors to choose from when picking supplies.

Work with an expert landscape supply company when it comes time to order materials. Their expertise can guide you through the process. Once you are finished your property will be the envy of the neighborhood and a place to relax and unwind after a long day.

For more information about improving the appearance of your property contact Earth Care.

Now Launching our New Website

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:14:00 GMT

We are pleased to launch our new and improved website that now includes the capability of ordering all of your landscape products online and either have them delivered to our specified delivery radius or pick them up at our retail yard conveniently located at 1248 Freedom Boulevard in Florence, South Carolina.