How Much Does Landscaping Cost?
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+Designing and maintaining a beautiful landscape is about more than just mowing and watering the yard. According to Linda Greenberg, landscape designer and owner of Linda Greenberg Landscape & Design, LLC, landscaping includes "basically anything to do with the outdoor spaces. A garden is an extension of the home's architecture, lay of the land, setting, lifestyle and budget." Angi and HomeAdvisor report that the typical cost for landscaping a yard ranges from approximately $1,277 to $5,856, with a national average of about $3,415.
Costs vary depending on several factors, including the type and scope of the project, yard size, and going rate of labor. The type of equipment required to complete the project can also affect the overall costs. This guide will help homeowners learn more about how much landscaping costs and how they can optimize their investment in their property.
Factors in Calculating Landscaping CostWhile the national average cost of landscaping is about $3,415, the cost in an individual community can vary depending on numerous factors. For example, landscapers may charge anywhere from $1,000 to $40,000, or even more, for their services. Multiple factors affect the cost, such as the size of the yard, significant additions like retaining walls, and material quality.
Project TypeThe type of landscaping project is also a substantial factor in the price scenario. Landscaping projects that involve construction, such as installing retaining walls to prevent erosion, may require the services of a landscape architect or engineer, which will add to the costs. These professionals may charge $50 to $100 per hour for their services.
Service TypeAt the lower end of the price range are basic landscaping services, such as dethatching a lawn, planting seasonal flowers, or performing essential landscape maintenance tasks, including mowing and other lawn services that occur throughout the growing season. Homeowners can expect to pay $50 to $250 for the best lawn care services to take care of these tasks. Stump grinding or stump removal costs as much as $700.
When the services and projects become more complex, the cost rises. The addition of landscape curbing averages between $780 and $2,150, while even larger projects, such as xeriscaping, might run as much as $3,000 to $24,000. Any preparation that is necessary may incur additional costs; for example, the cost to level a yard is about $2,122.
Service Average Cost (Labor and Materials) Aeration $220 to $870 Fertilization $150 to $500 Mulching $150 to $400 Stump grinding $275 to $600 Stump removal $200 to $700 Tree trimming $175 to $750 Weed control $65 to $150 Yard cleanup $200 to $500 Project Size and ScopeOne of the most significant factors in cost fluctuation relates to the size and scope of the landscaping project. Basic landscaping services, such as planting a flower bed, can cost as little as $2,000. More in-depth services, such as installing a fence, can run as much as $4,500.
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+ Property SizeAlong with the type and scope of a landscaping project, the size of the property is also a factor in pricing. For standard services such as turf installation, homeowners can expect to pay around $2,000 to $4,000 per acre. Landscapers may give a cost-per-foot or cost-per-acre discount for large properties that small properties may not get. This is because once the landscaping company comes out and sets up shop, it's less expensive to remain and service a more extensive area than pack up and go to another project.
For small projects, landscaping companies may charge by the square foot, leaving homeowners wondering "How much is a yard in square feet?" While lots often vary in size, even within the same development, a standard quarter-acre yard is 10,890 square feet.
Terrain and AccessibilityIf portions of the property are difficult to access, landscaping costs are likely to go up. Factors like steep slopes or narrow access between a neighboring home can add hundreds of dollars or more to the final tally.
A typical patio ranges in cost from $1,950 to $5,600, including excavating the site, constructing the forms to hold the concrete, and then pouring the concrete in the forms. If a concrete batch truck can't back up to dump the concrete directly in the forms, a pump truck may be needed to transfer the concrete, adding to the patio cost. When specialty equipment is necessary, prices typically go up.
Likewise, soil type can be an issue. Excavating the ground for a pool or retaining wall is more complex and slow going if the terrain is rocky, which translates into added costs. The best landscaping companies will want to come out and look at the property before making an estimate.
Time of YearWarm, dry weather is optimal for most landscaping projects, and many homeowners are champing at the bit in spring and summer to get their projects completed. However, scheduling landscaping projects during a company's slow season may offer some savings. Typically, landscaping charges are relatively consistent year-round. Still, if a landscaping company faces a quiet time during the winter months, it may be willing to negotiate its fees to keep its workers busy.
LaborHow much do landscapers cost? The landscaping cost per hour for labor is between $50 and $100. "Labor and operational costs have increased significantly over the last few years," says Greenberg. "Those costs should be respected and considered throughout before signing on the dotted line." The more workers a project requires, the higher the costs will be. However, labor costs vary from region to region, so the going rate of labor in any given community will also be a factor. Hiring a general laborer rather than a large landscaping company may help keep costs down, but homeowners will want to keep in mind that the speed with which a crew or laborer can finish the project will also impact the final labor charges.
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+ SuppliesThe type and quality of materials will impact the project's cost because some materials are much more costly than others. Choosing exclusively high-end materials is sure to keep prices higher than the average landscaping cost. A patio ranges in price from around $2,000 to $5,800, and concrete is typically one of the more affordable construction materials. Building a deck with lumber can cost as much as $11,900, depending on size, because lumber can be expensive. Even the cost of landscaping rocks can range from $40 to $100 per cubic yard depending on the type that is chosen.
Material Average Cost (Materials Only) Border plants $2 to $50 per plant Fencing $11 to $90 per linear foot Grass seed $3 to $10 per pound Mulch $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot Patio materials $1 to $35 per square foot Pavers $1 to $25 per square foot Pool installation materials $20,000 to $65,000 Retaining wall blocks $3 to $40 per square foot Rocks or gravel $40 to $100 per cubic yard Sod $0.35 to $0.85 per square foot Topsoil $12 to $55 per cubic yard Turf $2 to $6 per square foot Additional Costs and ConsiderationsLandscaping encompasses a broad scope of projects, some of which may be necessary to ensure the safety of the property, like establishing a yard grade that controls water drainage or installation of retaining walls that stop soil erosion. These are factors for homeowners to consider when designing the whole landscaping project.
There may be additional costs for gardening or adding decorative features, such as water fountains or raised garden beds, or aerating the lawn and basic maintenance chores. Larger projects such as removing unwanted trees or installing a new sod lawn will typically come at a higher cost.
PermitsWhile smaller landscaping projects such as mulching or planting flower beds won't require a permit, homeowners are advised to check with local authorities before scheduling larger projects to find out if a permit is needed. Installing a fence, putting in an in-ground pool, and building a pergola all generally require permits. Permits can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,750, depending on the project.
ReslopingWater and foundations don't mix. When water pools around the edge of a foundation, it increases the risk of foundation problems, including leaks and movement. Getting the correct slope on a yard is essential to prevent foundation problems, and it may also be a zoning requirement in a community to ensure runoff doesn't cut a path through a neighbor's lawn or overwhelm storm drains.
Depending on the extent of sloping required, homeowners can expect to pay from $1,000 to $3,225. The average national cost is about $2,100. This project will likely need to be completed before other landscaping projects can be undertaken, such as installing a sprinkler system or laying sod.
Enhancements and ImprovementsA well-designed landscape can make a home more valuable. While it can increase the odds of potential homebuyers making an appointment to view the home, it can also increase a homeowner's outdoor enjoyment.
Professionally installed landscape lighting ranges from about $3,500 to $4,500. Lighting can extend evening entertaining and add an element of safety for visitors who arrive after dark. Homeowners may also choose to add a pond to the yard to enhance the aesthetics and provide tranquility. The average cost to build a pond is around $9,000. Installing an outdoor kitchen will also add entertainment value, but it's a big-ticket item, averaging about $13,000. Adding a swimming pool tops many homeowners' wish lists and can cost as much as $50,000.
Enhancement Average Cost (Labor and Materials) French drain $4,500 Outdoor kitchen $13,000 Outdoor lighting $3,500 to $4,500 Pond $9,000 Pool $50,000Make your garden a space you love
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+ LocationMost homeowners' front yard landscaping ideas typically include relatively low-cost features like expansive lawns, trees, and perennial beds. Installing sprinklers is one of the more common front yard projects and costs $1,675 to $3,550. Putting in a few of the best trees for a front yard will cost $150 to $300 per tree, while putting in the best black mulch might cost $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot. Installing walkways starts at about $300. Having a new patio installed ranges from $2,000 to $5,800, while a gazebo could cost $2,750 to $9,600, depending on the size, type, and quality.
Backyard landscaping costs tend to be higher since the backyard is often where the residents will spend their outdoor time. Large-scale backyard landscaping projects, such as total renovations that include removing old landscaping, installing a new lawn, and planting new trees, can be a pricey prospect, averaging $15,000 to $50,000. At the low end, a modest upgrade on a small backyard that includes a new lawn and plantings could run about $5,000. Still, the sky's the limit at the upper range, with high-end renovations including a pool, outdoor kitchen, new lawn, sprinkler system, and a new entertaining area running $100,000 or more.
Additional ServicesSome landscaping construction projects, such as pools, pool houses, and fencing, require additional professional services. These can include an approved landscaping design from an architect or engineer. Architect fees can add $70 to $150 per hour to the project.
A landscape designer, who can help strategize the project, typically charges around $50 to $150 per hour for landscape design services. According to Greenberg, a landscape architect "can help you navigate all ideas and educate so that when the project is complete, it will fulfill your garden dream. A one-hour on-site consultation is chock-full of ideas and ways to enhance the garden, [and] connect the interior to the exterior spaces without appearing to be added on or built at a different time."
Other fees may include obtaining the necessary permits to install fences or structures, adding around $500 to $2,750 or so to the price tag.
Types of Landscaping ServicesLandscaping isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every yard or even every geographic region. In the different areas and climates, some types of landscaping may be more suitable than others. Landscaping projects and services fall into four primary categories: maintenance, softscaping, hardscaping, and xeriscaping. The cost for each varies, though the average cost range for each type of service is listed below.
Type of Landscaping Cost (Labor and Materials) Hardscaping $10,000 to $30,000 Maintenance $100 to $4,000 Softscaping $800 to $10,000 Xeriscaping $16,000 to $18,000 HardscapingAt the top rung of the cost ladder, "hardscaping" means the addition of decorative and structural elements that are not horticultural. According to Greenberg, this can encompass "parking areas, meandering pathways, outdoor kitchens, dining patios, conversation patios, outdoor office, fire pits/fireplaces, water fountains, swimming pools/spas, cabanas, ponds (koi and reflecting) courtyards, retaining walls, gates/fencing, bridges, play areas, doggie/pet areas, herb/vegetable gardens, cutting/perennial/annual planting beds, [and] tool sheds." On the whole, hardscaping projects cost somewhere in the realm of $10,000 to $30,000. Approximate costs are $300 to $1,400 for a fire pit, $2,000 to $10,000 for new fencing, and $2,500 to $4,500 for arbor construction. A gazebo costs $7,500 to $10,000.
Other hardscaping costs might include having a retaining wall built to control erosion at the expense of $3,500 to $10,000 or adding a porch on the house, ranging from $12,000 to $30,000, depending on size and material type. Smaller hardscaping projects include adding a water fountain at the cost of $1,250 to $3,750 or having a playground built, which can range from $500 to $5,000.
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+ MaintenanceLandscape maintenance services include anything that must be done regularly to keep the lawn, shrubs, flowers, and other yard areas in good shape. These services are among the least expensive, running an average of $100 to $4,000 annually. Failure to maintain a lawn and garden can hurt a home's value, so it's important for homeowners to keep up with their yard maintenance.
Maintenance charges include costs for performing services such as fertilizing the lawn at a cost of $150 to $500; aerating the soil, which runs $220 to $870; and other periodic tasks such as raking and lawn cleanup at a cost of about $200 to $500. Maintenance fees are among the least expensive costs associated with landscaping, but it's worth considering opting for low-maintenance landscaping to keep these costs down in the future.
SoftscapingThe term "softscaping" refers to planting and installing live horticultural elements in the yard. Most softscaping projects cost between $800 and $10,000. Some of these services may overlap with maintenance services, including overseeding a lawn at a cost range of $550 to $1,500. Others focus on planting new items. Planting shrubs costs from $25 to $50 per shrub, planting trees costs $150 to $300 per tree, and installing sod costs about $5,800 to $7,200. Planting an entire flower bed might run $1,000 to $3,000.
Pruning and removing is another element of softscaping. Tree trimming costs $175 to $750, and the cost to remove a tree that is dead, diseased, or no longer wanted can range from $400 to $900. Shrub or bush removal costs $903 on average.
XeriscapingXeriscaping is the process of designing and planting a yard around the concept of using plants that are indigenous to the region to save on watering, fertilizing, and maintenance costs. Xeriscaping costs an average of $16,000 to $18,000 in total. The initial installation of native plant species can run $2,000 to $5,000, while adding mulch around existing landscaping plants to reduce moisture evaporation from the soil typically ranges from $150 to $400.
Xeriscaping doesn't involve cultivating a lush lawn, so other items are often used, such as artificial grass at a cost of $3,000 to $7,500, or decorative stone in the landscape, which can run $250 to $2,500, depending on the scope of the project.
Benefits of Hiring for LandscapingA well-planned landscaping design can be costly to implement, but it can also be considered an investment in the property's value. Not only can new landscaping increase the owner's enjoyment of the property and remove any outdated landscaping features, but it can also help conserve water and energy.
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+ Decreased Energy BillsWell-placed deciduous trees can shade a home in summer and, in doing so, reduce AC costs to cool the house. In the winter, the trees lose their leaves, so the sun, which is lower in the southern sky during the winter in the northern hemisphere, can shine through the branches and help heat the home. The result is lower energy bills year-round, making it well worth the cost to have a tree planted.
Customization OptionsThe best landscaping is customizable to work with individual properties, taking their unique characteristics and homeowners' landscaping ideas into account. A homeowner who doesn't want a natural grass lawn can opt for artificial turf. Landscaping services should be geared toward individual yards, and no two yards are the same.
Professional KnowledgeChoosing suitable grass, shrubs, and trees and keeping them healthy requires horticultural knowledge, so hiring a landscape professional is usually money well spent. Landscape designers can assist with difficulties like landscaping around trees. They can also help homeowners decide where a pond should go and pull a permit for a project. Landscape design costs $50 to $150 per hour.
Before homeowners start any project that requires construction, such as building a fence or patio, it's essential for them to know the location of the property's legal boundaries. A land surveyor can pinpoint property lines and create a legal survey for $400 to $750.
Air Quality and Environmental BenefitsAdding live plants and trees to the landscape is an eco-friendly way of improving air quality for all. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, one tree can absorb an average of 48 pounds of carbon dioxide every year.
Using xeriscaping, which involves planting native plants that thrive in the area, reduces the need for watering and promotes pollinator insects. In communities that wasee watering bans regularly, xeriscaping is an environmentally friendly option that will also save money.
Return on InvestmentAn improvement in curb appeal alone may encourage a potential buyer to make an offer. Still, most of the time, homeowners like to know whether they'll get a return on their investment (ROI), meaning the landscaping improvements will bring a higher price for their home when they go to sell.
ROI will vary, depending on the type of project, the quality of the materials, and the project's suitability for the property. Professional landscaping can increase a home's value by around 7 percent.
Landscaping: DIY vs. Hiring a ProfessionalIt's not uncommon for homeowners to find inspiring DIY landscaping ideas online and want to tackle their landscaping projects themselves. Some aspects of the landscaping process are well suited to DIYers, including mowing, weed whacking, and overseeding. However, more complex projects such as resloping a yard or attempting to install in-ground drainage could backfire, leaving the homeowner with a mess or even harm to the home's value. According to Greenberg, "Most DIYers have a good idea of what they want, but they are not always educated in the process and the time it takes and how laborious it can actually be. I feel that some of the DIYs are out of touch with what the project will ultimately cost."
While homeowners may consider hiring a landscape designer to be a luxury, planning and designing the project may not always be as simple as they would seem. "When I meet with a client, it is important for me to educate the client to the best of my knowledge and guide them through their decisions and selections," Greenberg adds. "This can literally save hundreds or thousands of dollars in mistakes. Also, two heads are better than one, so there may be ideas that they haven't considered that can significantly enhance the proposed garden and possibly reduce costs."
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+Below are the estimated national averages for common landscaping projects that homeowners will generally want to leave to the pros.
Professional Landscaping Projects Cost (Labor and Materials) Deck installation $5,000 to $15,000 Fence installation $2,000 to $10,000 Fire pit installation $300 to $1,400 Pergola installation $1,900 to $6,500 Playground installation $500 to $5,000 Retaining wall installation $3,500 to $10,000 Sod installation $5,800 to $7,200 Sprinkler system installation $4,000 to $7,000 Water fountain installation $1,250 to $3,750 Walkway installation $500 to $900While selecting plants and trees can be a rewarding DIY landscaping project, removing a large tree is dangerous. Many communities require a permit to ensure the work is done by a pro who knows how to remove the tree without causing harm or damage. Tree removal ranges from $400 to $900, but it's a cost well worth it to have the job done appropriately.
How to Save Money on Landscaping CostWith such a wide cost range between the least expensive landscaping services, homeowners will appreciate some tips for keeping costs down and getting the best deal. When planning a landscaping project, homeowners can consider the following methods for keeping costs under control.
Hiring a professional landscaper is the simplest way to boost curb appeal and get a yard in top shape, but homeowners won't want to go into it blind. At an average national cost of $3,415 for landscaping services, homeowners should be ready to ask some questions before signing on the dotted line.
While choosing landscaping services will depend on personal style, budget, and potential regulations, knowing how much it will cost on average will reduce the risk of getting a large surprise bill at the end of the project. For those just beginning to think about landscaping, a few questions are to be expected. The following are some commonly asked questions and their answers.
Q. How much does it cost to have a landscape designed?The cost depends on the complexity of the design. Homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000 and $7,200 for an in-depth design.
Q. How much does landscaping cost monthly?Monthly landscaping services typically include lawn maintenance, perhaps some pruning, and other regular chores and cost an average of $100 to $300.
Q. Is landscaping really necessary?This is primarily a personal decision, but if curb appeal and home value are top considerations, having a well-planned and tended landscape is a must.
Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr
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+10 Gravel Landscaping Ideas That Have Me Convinced This Is The Lawn Alternative To Elevate Modern Backyards
Gravel hasn't always been a texture I've considered particularly modern for use in a yard, but recently, I've been noticing gravel landscaping ideas that feel interesting and beautiful. Landscape designers are using gravel in a way that helps zone backyards, add a new texture, highlight planting, and complement the more earthy, organic materials that have become a design trend indoors and out.
And that's all before we talk about practicality. Not only is gravel far easier to upkeep than lawn, it's also a more water-wise landscaping idea than concrete or stone. It's a permeable surface, which means rainwater can infiltrate it, rather than sitting on the surface before heading to drains.
All-in-all, this makes for a ground cover that not only has modern aesthetic appeal, but is a sensible option, too. I found 10 of the best gravel designs around to showcase just how versatile this landscaping texture is, from elegant formal gardens to modern minimalist designs.
1. Strike the right balancea garden with thuja trees planted
All good backyard designs are about balance, using different textures to introduce layers to your outdoor space, and gravel is no different. 'The goal is to ensure a greater percentage of planting to gravel,' advises landscape designer Christian Douglas. 'Too much gravel and things start to look a little flat. On balance, we need more plants, not more hardscape.'
This backyard, designed by Falling Waters Landscaping, combines a gravel patio and outdoor seating area around a fire pit with mulched flower beds, planted with grasses and hardy evergreen trees.
2. Keep it minimalista front yard with all gravel
Gravel's "super-power" when it comes to a ground cover for your backyard is that it allows for planting through it without the need for dedicated beds that break up the otherwise uniform space. That allows for great creative freedom with placement, and even the opportunity for more minimalist backyards.
In this front yard, it allowed for a more structured design using cacti as the centerpiece. 'This client really liked the mid-century modern style, so I took inspiration from Palm Springs landscapes,' explains landscape designer Ben Fredrickson, owner of Fredrickson Landscape. 'Golden barrels lining the front approach was a no-brainer. But these clients are what I call "plant nerds" so I tracked down a few special pieces at my local nursery.'
'The plant palette was limited but they wanted conversation pieces and I found rare encephalartos and some mature yuccas,' Ben adds. 'Keeping with the modern style, all the plants were arranged in a uniform layout with the taller specimens in the back and smaller in the front. This kept things minimal and clean.'
3. Combine gravel with other landscaping mediumsa gravel front yard with lawn
Gravel is a landscaping texture that plays well with others - in fact, it actually benefits from it. Its other great power is that its transitions don't feel as harsh as some materials, meaning it's an easy way to combine ideas and meld other textures like lawn and concrete, especially when creating garden paths.
'What I enjoy most is that you can blend spaces together without feeling like there are segmented parts that start to feel like "islands",' explains landscape designer Devon Brown of Charter Oak Landscape Development, Inc.
'In many projects I will specify the same type of gravel to flow between planting areas, pathways and driveways and delineate the spaces with planting clusters or poured-in-place (PIP) concrete pavers,' Devon adds.
4. Use gravel to highlight pavingan outdoor pergola with pendant lights
Gravel most shines as a landscaping texture used in your yard 'transitional' spaces. These are those spaces that lead from one area to another, the verges and pathways that connect, but can be difficult to design without a clear function in mind.
Gravel is an easy but genius choice for these spaces. 'You can have the gravel flow between planting areas and pathways which create a natural flow,' says designer Devon Brown. By using gravel between evenly spaced pavers, you can really highlight the route through a backyard or front yard, which is one of the most important ideas of landscape design for creating good flow and layouts for a larger area.
5. Choose a contrasting colora modern home with a patio and gravel landscaping
Color is one of the key considerations when choosing gravel, setting the tone for the type of space you want to create. Solid color styles tend to be more formal, while variegated shades are a little more organic-looking.
You should also consider whether you want to contrast with the landscaping that surrounds the gravel, too. For this yard, a tan-color gravel creates balance with colder-hued concrete used for the patio and paving.
'I love the look of this natural tan gravel floating between the concrete pavers and plant material,' explains Devon Brown. 'It brings out the colors of the beautiful cobblestone selected for this client on their patio and door thresholds.'
Cream gravel
Price: $28.35Coverage: 0.4 cubic feet
6. Or make it harmoniousa side yard with gravel and paving
The brilliant thing about a variegated gravel color is that it makes it easy to pick out a style that can color match with other hardscaping, helping the overall scheme feel cohesive, as in this modern side yard idea.
'We used a walkway of pavers surrounded by rice stone,' explains Joseph Richardson, founder of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture, 'which in turn is bordered by traditional boxwood, boulders, ornamental grasses and perennial flowers.'
The effect? The pavers still retain their contrast in texture and their practical value, but disappear more in their color, simplifying the view down the side yard, which is already filled with interesting details.
Earthy mix gravel
Price: $35.01Coverage: 0.4 cubic feet
7. Create a simple layouta gravel backyard with outdoor kitchen
Gravel's versatility means it can be a great leveler for spaces that need to serve multiple functions. You might not, for example, want a seating area or outdoor kitchen on a patch of lawn, while vast swathes of concrete paving or decking can feel less organic than you want a backyard to be.
This design by Charter Oak Landscape Inc is a perfect example of how a larger area of gravel can do it all. 'This space was designed to be flexible,' says landscape designer Devon Brown. 'We didn't want super structured seating, dining, or pathways here. The gravel allowed for this area to feel passive, yet perfectly intentional.'
Gravel is a great choice for a material around a firepit. It allows you to level the ground for it, and seating, while also protecting the ground if embers make their way out of your pit.
8. Or use gravel in a more complex layouta large curved deck in a narrow garden
If you're introducing levels into a backyard scheme, or looking to demarcate different areas, gravel is a great landscaping texture to have at your disposal, and can be combined with lawn, decking and patio in different combinations.
For this small San Francisco garden created by Seed Studio Landscape Design, it's the soft, organic middle to a decking "sandwich". 'In general I try to soften taller backyard decks with multiple levels to gradually transition between the upper and lower spaces,' says designer Steve Ritchey, 'and gravel is good for this.'
9. Add interesting hardscapinga gravel garden with cacti and a pathway
You can complement gravel with other interesting "hardscaping" that plays up different aspects of this material, and for this design by Fredrickson Landscape, the idea was to enhance the desert-style planting of this interesting front yard landscaping.
'These client's were on a budget but had a collection of amazing cacti that I was able to work with,' says designer Ben Fredrickson. 'We chose a budget-friendly Arizona flagstone pathway and seating area and then arranged their cacti collection in a way that they could show off to their friends and guests.'
'We added in some boulders for interest - I do this on almost every project - and added some interesting succulents to fill in the rest,' Ben says. 'There's something interesting to look at from every angle.'
10. Create a focal pointa gravel focal point in a backyard outside a window
That freedom of planting that comes with gravel that we've already touched on makes it the perfect medium for creating areas that serve as focal points, whether that be in indoor courtyard gardens or outside windows.
For the design of this modern home, that meant creating a water feature to highlight through the windows. 'The limestone fountain is the real focal point here. We wanted to perfectly, place the plants imperfectly,' explains Devon Brown. 'Gravel as the top dressing complimented the limestone color and texture so well and played off the colors of the foliage beautifully.'
'Another great bonus with gravel, there is less splash up of dirt and debris from gravel to dirty this perfectly beautiful house and windows,' Devon adds.
What types of plants suit a gravel yard?Gravel landscaping is versatile, and the plants that best suit it may well depend on the style of gravel you use, and the locale of the garden you're planting.
'Really you can take a gravel garden in many different directions based on the plants you choose,' says Ben Fredrickson. 'For a more modern vibe, I lean in on cacti and succulents like fence post or golden barrel cactus and whale's tongue agaves. It creates lots of structure.'
'For the more coastal vibe, I add in grasses like lomandra or carex and maybe a bit of color from plants like leucospermums or grevillea,' Ben adds.
How do you stop gravel from moving?One of the drawbacks of gravel is that it can be displaced, embedded into the ground and even washed away, however, a good landscape designer will always ensure that there are countermeasures in place.
'In areas with high foot traffic or driveways, I specify a base layer of decomposed granite (d.G.) or gravel stabilizing grids to keep the gravel in place and eliminate the product from being compacted into the soil,' landscape designer Devon Brown tells me.
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Pioneer Landscape Centers Launches ECommerce Capabilities For Bulk Landscape And Hardscape Materials
Pioneer Landscape Centers, a regional supplier of landscape and hardscape materials in the western U.S., has launched a new eCommerce site and a handy mobile app that enables customers to see what products are available at each site and to order materials in bulk.
"When consumers buy bulk bark or rock at a big box store, they get a pallet of bagged material," said Craig Mauk, Pioneer's chief operating officer. "We're giving people the ability to buy rock and mulch by the ton or yard and to spare themselves the hassle of opening bag after bag of product. Plus, the savings over local garden stores are substantial when buying in bulk."
The new eCommerce site and app can be easily found at www.Pioneerco.Com and supports both iOS and Android platforms. Both the eCommerce site and the app allow customers to see exactly what material is available at nearby Pioneer retail centers and to order products for either delivery or pick-up.
The new eCommerce site and app have been enhanced to give customers easily accessed and valuable information. For homeowners and others who aren't landscape professionals, the site has educational features. Each product is shown in at least three different product photos plus a lifestyle shot that shows what the product looks like in an outdoor setting. The products also have detailed descriptions, ideas on how to use them and pricing, so people with little landscaping background can learn which materials fit various applications.
Finally, "do-it-yourselfers" will benefit from the order history they'll build online. When it's time to freshen up mulch or fill in holes with some landscaping rock, the eCommerce site and app will show customers what they bought before so they know what to reorder.
For contractors, the eCommerce site and app allow them to check product availability, order materials and save time with speedy pick-up or scheduled delivery. On the business end, the new eCommerce capabilities also let contractors see past invoices and current statements, as well as the ability to request credit increases. Registered Pioneer contractors will also see special pricing for their accounts.
"Online ordering spares our customers from having to come into the store to see if we have what they need. They can tell from the website," Mauk said. "This new eCommerce capability will be a huge time saver for contractors and consumers alike."
"Pioneer's focus on innovation has culminated in this new customer-centric offering and exemplifies Pioneer's commitment to providing a top-notch customer experience," Mauk concluded.
About Pioneer
Established in 1968, Pioneer is a leading distributor of landscaping and hardscaping materials in the western United States. With production facilities in Colorado and Arizona, Pioneer operates 34 retail distribution centers and a fleet of over 250 trucks, making Pioneer uniquely positioned to serve commercial, wholesale and residential customers.
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