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Jumbo NurseryStone Planning

Proper planning of your landscape project is key to a successful install and minimizes errors. Nothing is more frustrating than finding you are short block, the wall is not level, or you had to cut eight blocks because the radius of a tree ring was too small.

Take a few moments to read through this brief planning manual to assist you in preparing for a project you can be proud to show the neighbors.

What are you trying to accomplish?

Is this a border for the lawn or are you building raised beds? Will this project be heavily used or will it be tucked away in a more private space? Will the children use it as a balancing beam?

Homeowner Section

Sketch out your ideas.

Planning is an important step in the process. So you are no Picasso; who is? Take some graph paper and roughly sketch out your ideas. Take measurements, are there curves?  Whoops, forgot about the heirloom rose that is right there, need to move the wall forward two feet. Add some plants to the sketch, get a real feel for what you are looking to accomplish. It is much easier to erase paper than to take out a wall because it does not quite fit. Your local library, maybe even your dealer, will have landscape books you can peruse to get some ideas. If you are not comfortable sketching out your ideas, have a professional landscaper come in and assist with ideas and drawing up the plans. 

Budgeting.

Budget not only your money, but also your time. Landscaping is expensive and there are many materials and supplies you will need in order to install even the simplest of projects. With today’s wide variety of materials available, you can choose products, colors and textures that will fit within your budget, as well as installation techniques that will fit within your installation time frame parameters. Take into consideration the scope of the project, if it is a large task, break it up into chunks, so if the family vacation or the weather interferes you can still feel like you have accomplished something and you can tackle the other portions when time allows. Try not to over do it. It is easy to get caught up in the moment. Landscaping is hard work but the results are your payoff.

Tools and Materials.

Make sure you have the proper tools and materials ready and available. Some of the basic items are: crushed rock and washed sand, rental equipment, drain pipes, landscape  fabrics, the hardscape materials and concrete adhesives – which name only a few.  Having these items readily available will cut back on frustrations; when it comes time to hand tamp the base, you will already have the necessary tool. Add these costs into your budget; call the local rental agency and research prices. The right tools will lead to a successful install, which will lead to a lifetime of enjoyment.

Take your time.

Do not hurry your project and do not cut corners; it will catch up with you in the long run. Making 100% sure your base is level will give you a professional finish on the job. Your neighbors will envy their view.