Landscaping, Design & Build
16Nov

The Importance of Sunlight & Nature in Landscaping

Landscaping is a process that works with, alongside and against nature depending on what you’re trying to achieve. We all know that nature in the long-run will typically prevail and we acknowledge this in lifespan expectations in the technology and chemicals used in the tools and products aimed at landscaping professionals. One part of nature often overlooked is the Sun; a commonality with interior designers who are indeed the landscapers of the inside of a property. The impact of the Sun and the way its light interacts with design aspects and natural vegetation has the potential to both enhance and detract from the overall aesthetic of a garden design in a considerable way. This makes it an important consideration for landscapers.

How Does the Position of The Sun Affect The Garden

Every single colour and material finish chosen in a garden space will change in appearance depending on the angle and intensity of the sun throughout the year. Whilst this seems quite obvious, the variation that this can lead to is greater than one would first imagine. Consideration for how light and dark shades interact with your colour choices demands some thought for all seasons, low and high sun and also in the context of changing vegetation during these times.

The Usability of Garden Space

When considering the space in a garden that sees the majority of the footfall, especially when that involves entertaining space, the way light interacts with the surroundings is very important.  It’s essential to create a space that’s exposed to the sun but is able to be shaded when necessary. Taking steps to understand the compass direction in which the garden faces is a starting point as that will determine factors such as whether such a space should be attached directly to the house or set away somewhat to capture the most light. Of course, there are more considerations than sunlight, but with the great British weather means taking full advantage of the Summer months when they come.

Plants & Behaviour in Sunlight

For anybody familiar with general gardening know-how, sunlight and plants have an unbreakable relationship which is unlikely to be influenced heavily by the decisions we make in designs. Whilst we choose where a plant is placed, our next point of influence is the amount of shade and direct sunlight the plant receives. It’s where this insight into horticulture is used within landscaping design ideas the interaction between nature and landscaping products works best.
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16Nov

3 Landscaping Considerations that Make You a Good Neighbour

Your garden is your own space and you should always feel like you’re able to make your own decisions and ensure everything in it is to your liking. With that said, the spaces we occupy as households rarely exist in isolation and for the vast majority of us, taking some simple steps towards being good neighbours can enhance your own experience, without infringing on your neighbours’ property and lifestyle.

Fencing & Borders

The border between you and your neighbour is nothing but a red line on a map until something physical is put in place to mark it in reality. Fencing has changed a lot over the past decade and designs have certainly taken into account more modern architectural trends that tend towards neat lines and coordination with other landscaping elements such as decking.  A great example of this is the MaxFence range, which alongside being aesthetically neat and well-designed, is generally capable of withstanding gale force nine winds, which serves to protect both yours and your neighbour’s property in the event of turbulent weather. Choosing a high-quality fencing solution is most certainly a considerate thing to do as it lessens the potential for disruption and damage for both your household and those neighbouring you too. The plants you choose along your border should be considered too, as the fence, hedgerow or other border aspects will only extend a certain height upwards and a limited depth downwards. This means there’s still scope for incursion onto neighbours’ property even with a physical barrier in place. 

Height of Plants - All Year Round

Tying in closely with the fencing and border point; plants and trees etc must be considered in their state during all four seasons and also their adherence to border lines over the course of the next few decades. There are clear rules in place for how neighbours can correct an incursion from next door’s tree branches, but the onus remains on the owner of the tree to ensure there isn’t an incursion to begin with. This should also be considered a seasonal issue as plants on and near the border area may have a varying impact on sunlight reaching a neighbour’s property during Winter vs Summer given the differring position of the sun and how the tree’s vegetation varies throughout the year.

Position of Your Functional Space

Creating an attractive, comfortable outdoor space in your garden opens up a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and family to your home or enjoy a warm Summer evening relaxing. In the planning phase of such a project, it’s important to consider the proximity of any gathering to your neighbour’s home. Installing a decked area where you’re likely to host gatherings has the potential to lead to noise complaints; whereas the same decking space on the opposite side of the garden away from the boundary may likely be unnoticeable to your neighbour. Whilst you indeed have the right to choose where your decking rests in your garden, part of your decision-making should include your neighbour’s comfort too. After all, they have the freedom to bring noise and disturbance close to their side of your shared boundary too.
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28Oct

6 Questions About Artificial Grass You Should Be Asking

Artificial grass is notable for needing little maintenance and looking great all year round. As you consider installing artificial grass in your garden, it’s worth becoming familiar with the differences between it and a natural lawn.  We find that people often ask the following questions before bringing in a landscaper to install artificial grass. 

1. Can artificial grass wear out?

Much like any synthetic material, given enough time, artificial grass can wear out. Manufacturers have given this a great deal of thought as consumers expect their artificial grass to last a long time before needing replacement and products available on the market today typically have warranties long enough to satisfy most homeowners. The MaxGrass Bodiam 40mm Luxury Artificial Grass product, for example, comes with an 8-year warranty. Whilst this doesn’t guarantee there won’t be signs of wear appearing before this time under normal use, this timescale shows that the material technology used in the product is designed to stand up to many years of use. The flexibility that one has with artificial grass is that it can, if necessary, be replaced in sections. This is particularly important if certain areas of a garden space see greater footfall than others, which is likely to be the case in most usage scenarios.

2. Can artificial grass be laid on a slope?

Yes, artificial grass can be laid on a slope. In fact, this is a great example of a scenario where artificial grass outperforms natural lawns for several reasons. Firstly, artificial grass is somewhat easier to put in place on a sloped surface. Secondly, the impact on the environment is lessened by using artificial grass on a slope as the water runoff and drainage can be controlled to a greater extent. You can read more about this in our recent article that talks about the environmental benefits of artificial grass.

3. Is artificial grass good for dogs?

Yes, artificial grass is good for dogs and other pets and animals. The main considerations that dog owners have often stem from the ability of the grass to stand up to dog urine and waste and whether artificial grass becomes hot during the Summer months. Artificial grass is perfectly capable of withstanding the chemical effects of contact with animal urine. However, additional cleaning sprays are available that are designed to break down chemicals that remain in the layers of the artificial grass, and these are simply applied with a hose at regular intervals. Dog waste will remain on the surface until disposal as with natural turf. Such chemicals are ideal for ensuring odours don’t develop from animal waste products that remain within the fibres of the layers beneath the visible grass blades. Artificial grass is no more likely to be hot to the touch of dogs’ paws than natural grass and modern plastic materials used in production dissipate heat effectively.

4. Is artificial grass permeable?

Yes, artificial grass is water-permeable. Drainage is a key consideration for manufacturers and over the years technology has given rise to materials that more effectively allow water to permeate the layers of synthetic grass. This makes artificial grass perfectly suitable for use in the UK where rainfall is frequent. In fact, some sources suggest that artificial grass is more effective at drainage than natural turf.  Amongst other applications, artificial grass is typically used as a straightforward alternative to natural turf and when doing so a well-draining base should be used. This is key to avoiding flooding and other ‘below the surface’ issues. As with many things, protecting against flooding and puddling relies on good installation practices and ensuring good advice is taken. 

5. Is artificial grass slippery when wet?

Artificial grass can become slippery when wet but is less likely to hold onto water than natural turf. Unlike natural turf which can become waterlogged and retain water, the drainage properties of artificial grass mean rainwater typically permeates the layers and drains away effectively and according to the plans made during installation. This makes artificial grass less likely to remain wet and slippery. Many people enjoy the fact that after brief spells of rain, artificial grass dries very quickly and won’t become muddy like wet grass, even when there’s footfall immediately after a downpour of rain. This makes artificial grass more usable than natural turf during periods of intermittent rain, something we’re all too familiar with here in Britain.

6. Will artificial grass stop weeds?

Artificial grass is more resistant to weeds than natural turf. However, in some cases, weeds won’t always be stopped by artificial grass, and this is normal. In many cases where airborne seeds are blown around by the wind and moved by wildlife, weeds can arise. Also, users of artificial grass sometimes notice weeds growing out from the sides of an installation, where the artificial grass meets another material. The gap between the artificial lawn and the neighbouring material is enough for weeds to come through. However, a small amount of maintenance is sufficient to keep weeds at bay. A simple brushing of the artificial grass can disrupt weeds and also enhances the aesthetic of the grass. For weeds that grow out of the edges, weedkillers can be used as normal and the weeds can be pulled in the usual way. In comparison to the maintenance needed to keep weeds at bay with a natural lawn, owners of artificial grass lawns need to do very little in comparison. The positive environmental impact of not needing to use weedkiller chemicals across a large surface area is one of many reasons why more people turn to artificial lawns for their gardens.
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28Oct

How Can Landscaping Improve Property Value?

Buying a home, we only need to look at the most popular home marketing websites such as Rightmove or Zoopla to see that the focus of the purchase is routinely placed on the attributes of the home. This includes the floorplan, dimensions, condition etc even though there are so many factors other than the building itself that attracts buyers. It’s not uncommon to hear that a home’s most notable feature is something other than the ‘house’. Features such as proximity to public transport, school catchment areas, local facilities and indeed, the size and layout of the garden space all have a significant amount of influence over how popular a property becomes when placed on the market. When it comes to selling a home, drawing attention to features, including those above becomes important, as this can significantly enhance offers made on the property. However, as some of us have experienced, it’s about striking a balance between investing in the property to make it stand out, and ensuring that the monetary and time investment is rewarded by being able to put the property on the market at a higher price. Many people ask, does landscaping improve the value of a property? According to research published by Post Office Money in 2019 [source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/property/a27374960/garden-landscaping-increase-property-value/] landscaping can improve the value of your home significantly. Furthermore, the research determined that it can increase the value of your property by 77 per cent.  The research goes on to claim that compared to other types of home alteration, landscaping even outranks adding a conservatory, or renovating and installing a new kitchen by some margin. Why is landscaping able to increase the value of a property so much?

Landscaping Improves Aesthetics & Kerb Appeal

The demand of potential buyers directly influences the value of a home. It follows that when you improve the aesthetic of a property, a greater number of potential homebuyers are going to find the property more attractive and desirable as a home. Interest rates and mortgages to one side, the sale of a home is influenced tremendously by emotion on the buyer’s side and for this reason, improving the aesthetic is a simple way to let more people see themselves living there. Landscaping directly influences the kerb appeal of a home and a well-landscaped frontage is likely to convey a sense of prestige to the outside world, something that many buyers place much value on.

Landscaping Demonstrates an Attitude to Care

Home buyers naturally care about the history of the home as this paints a picture of what the future may look like. When potential buyers feel like a property is well-maintained, this view lends itself to instilling the belief that the likelihood of major, and therefore expensive problems arising after moving in is low. A well-landscaped garden demonstrates that the current owners take pride in the property and invested in the space as a home, and not just an asset.  Good, well-thought-out landscaping can create the ‘wow factor’ for a property and walking into a space that you can see yourself living in speaks directly to the emotions of the buyer. When a potential buyer stands on the decking, looking out across what feels like deliberate planning, appropriately maintained plants and clean lines separating pathways and artificial grass, it’s very easy for them to feel at home.

Potentially Improved Security

Home security is always a consideration for every potential buyer. Whilst the purpose of landscaping is to improve the garden aesthetic and practicality of use, it also lends itself to being a major aspect of ensuring the home isn’t seen as an easy target. Good landscaping naturally removes many of the outside aspects of a home that somebody trying to gain unlawful access to the property would find desirable. An obvious example lies in good quality fencing that creates a solid border around the garden space serving as a stronger deterrent than old, weathered and broken fences that can easily be breached. Another common example comes from good domestic garden landscaping always considering lighting, something that undoubtedly increases the likelihood of an unwelcome visitor being seen by neighbours or the occupiers. Well-looked-after spaces are generally perceived to be more secure by those looking for an easy target and landscaped gardens certainly present themselves as such. This will be a consideration for buyers and therefore carries significant value in the property market.
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05Oct

Why Exactly is Artificial Grass Better for the Environment?

Artificial grass requires no watering and maintenance isn’t season-dependent. Reducing water usage is a major aspect of improving environmental sustainability and it’s difficult to make a strong argument for continuing to use excess water to keep a garden lawn green during Summer, when there exists a viable alternative that makes no such demand on the water supply.

As climate change becomes an ever-increasing issue, the reliability of the water supply may become disrupted, leading to a greater need to conserve water where we can. For this reason, many landscapers keep to their environmentally-friendly commitment by recommending artificial grass.

 

Reason 2: Less Chemical Use & Single-Use Plastics

 

The use of various chemicals for maintaining grass to a high standard has always posed a risk to the At first glance, it’s counterintuitive to think that replacing natural turf with artificial grass would be the more environmentally friendly option for landscapers to choose. There are strong arguments that make this point, however, and it’s common for people to ask why exactly is artificial grass better for the environment?

 

It’s important to stress that this argument isn’t necessarily relevant to the grass we see covering our vast countryside. Rather, this extends only as far as a private garden environment, where aesthetics, controlling growth and coexisting with other garden features is considered most important.

 

Reason 1: Less Water Use

 

It’s often said that artificial grass is less ‘natural’ than turf. Throughout the seasons of the year, and especially during weather extremes, nature itself allows natural grass to change colour, sometimes inconsistently throughout a garden space. However, in the name of maintaining a particular aesthetic, we introduce water and often various chemicals, rather than allowing the grass to change naturally. It’s this point that suggests the ‘natural’ argument of artificial grass isn’t a strong one, as with natural grass, we’re intervening in nature regardless.

environment and the natural habitats of animals. It’s worth noting though that weed killers and fertilisers have certainly come a long way in the last few decades as environmental impact has become a more prominent topic. 

 

Artificial grass however goes one step further by implementing chemical-free material technologies that effectively keep most weeds at bay. This gives us the opportunity to use weed killers in a more specific manner that can be controlled and therefore are arguably less damaging for nearby habitats.

 

An issue that skirts alongside chemical use is that of single-use plastics, another serious concern for the environment.

 

Chemicals for use in a landscaped environment are often harmful to life when mishandled, which quite justifiably shifts the priority of the packaging towards safety, and away from being environmentally friendly. This creates an issue in that it’s difficult to make improvements to the packaging without introducing unsafe handling situations or creating packaging that may not be safe for long-term storage or handling in real-life conditions.

 

Reason 3: Lower Energy Use in Maintenance

 

Artificial grass will never need to be cut and so machinery such as lawnmowers aren’t needed and won’t be drawing electrical power. This is a major source of savings when considering carbon footprint but also in the context of the price of energy increase that we’re experiencing in 2022.

 

On an individual garden level, the saving is small. However, the more garden spaces that make use of artificial grass, the greater the saving becomes. 

 

Reason 4: Limited Erosion & Runoff

 

Sloped areas are notoriously difficult to landscape and maintain. In particular, sloped areas covered with natural grass call upon fertilizers and other chemicals in their maintenance and alongside rain and irrigation, the associated runoff poses a serious threat to natural habitats.

 

Preservation of wildlife is an important part of environmental responsibility and as we change the spaces we live in, we have to consider the impact this has on the animals we share the environment with.

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19Aug

5 Seasonal Landscaping Points To Never Forget

One of the most satisfying moments in landscaping is the point at which you stand back, and take your first look at a completed landscaping project. The way your garden edging choices create neat lines between the planted areas and artificial turf and the decking option being just right for creating a wonderful outdoor space for entertaining, without interrupting the aesthetic your chosen plants and rockery bring.

Before we approach this point, however, as landscapers, we must look at how the entire garden area will do everything that’s expected of it all year round and consider several seasonal landscaping points that can never be forgotten. The great British weather is infamous for good reason and there’s no ignoring it, especially considering how nature always has the final say on how anything in landscaping will turn out.

Regardless of the specifics in your plans for your next landscaping project, these five seasonal landscaping considerations should never be overlooked.

1. Choice of Landscaping Product & Materials - Great for Now, But Also Great in Six Months?

This is a common natural starting point for many landscaping projects. Choosing everything from artificial turf, decking materials, gravel colour can feel quite satisfying. If Summer is just around the corner, it’s natural to think about how the garden space will look with a backdrop of cloudless skies and a gentle breeze. However, as Autumn arrives, the role of your chosen landscaping products change significantly. How easy will maintenance and cleaning be for example, to avoid blockages or creating dangerous surfaces.

Security must be considered in the same way. Plants during the Summer that obscure views from the outside world may not do so in other seasons and instead open up an undesirable line of sight. This is where it’s important to consider the interaction of objects that may change throughout the year and other more permanent fixtures such as garden fencing.

2. How We Use Our Gardens Throughout the Year

In the UK, our lifestyles change considerably throughout the seasons and this should be reflected in your landscaping project planning. A great example of where this is considered is in garden decking options, which can become an impressive garden feature and create a space that is usable throughout the year.

Modern design takes into account the need for adequate drainage as can be seen in the MaxDeck Classic Charcoal Composite Decking Board, which is reversible, giving you the option of a narrow or wider groove making the practical choice one that doesn’t take away from the aesthetics. During wet weather, the usual slip hazard considerations will need to be taken into account, but this can be factored into your design and planning.

In contrast, traditional lawns are an example of a design element that doesn’t afford a great deal of flexibility and seasonality, which may be why artificial turf is seeing an uptick in popularity. Products such as MaxGrass Premium demonstrate how far technology has come in providing landscapers with a functional artificial lawn product that retains the aesthetics of a garden lawn, but makes all-year usage a possibility.

3. Nature’s Variation & Lifestyle Decisions

Nature is the strongest force in play when we consider any landscaping project over the long term. Modern landscaping products are typically advanced in their understanding of how the product will interact with water, animals and plant life, unwanted or otherwise. But, the way in which the product is used by us is equally important.

Weed control is a topic that dominates the conversation in controlling nature and products such as Groundtex Woven Fabric is one of many impressive geo-fabrics that create a physical barrier to control weed growth. Whilst the product is likely to do its job, it still comes down to us as landscapers to ensure correct installation doesn’t lead to weak points, particularly where the barrier ends and needs to be secured.

4. Living Things That Don’t Pay the Mortgage

We share our garden spaces with living plants and creatures, some of which will contribute to the aesthetic and others who will take away. Our job as landscapers is to choose:

  • Which living things we’re going to bring into the design
  • Which living things we’re going to try to keep out of the design?
  • Which living things are likely to turn up, that we can’t keep out

Once we get this balance right and know what we can and cannot control, we now have a framework in which to plan our landscaping project.

Whilst the goal in landscaping projects typically places aesthetics and functionality at the centre, we can sometimes factor in how our spaces cater for the needs of the environment. Eco-friendly landscaping products are becoming more popular, and more on this topic can be read in one of previous blog posts: https://www.landscapes-direct.com/2022/04/25/environmentally-friendly-landscaping-doing-your-bit-for-the-planet/ .

Eco-friendly landscaping products are one part of the puzzle. Another part is how we use design elements and techniques that are better for the environment
As much as we develop technology and products become smarter, the way we embrace nature can make or break a landscaping project in the long term and striking that balance is where your judgement is important.

5. The Future

Bringing everything else together is the simple point that the area being landscaped will exist long into the future. But this is entirely relevant right now. It’s wise to consider:

  • What may we want the space to do/look like five years from now?
  • What direction will manufacturers take in future product design?
  • Could there be changes to legislation that mean certain substances are no longer available, requiring a change in our approach to weed control for example?
  • How will nature try to interact with our landscaping design? And can we influence this enough to ensure the product lifespan justifies its cost?

Landscaping can be incredibly rewarding, but thinking ahead ensures the garden space remains impressive for years to come, and not just in the coming Summer.

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Environmentally friendly landscaping - doing your bit for the planet
25Apr

Environmentally friendly landscaping – doing your bit for the planet

It’s never been more important than ever to do our bit for our planet. The average surface temperature has risen around 1.18 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, due to an increase in carbon dioxide related to human activities. Now 800 million people, 11% of the world's population, are vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and a rising sea level. At the UN Climate Change Conference UK 2021 one of the key goals was to protect natural habitats, something that can be achieved by using environmentally friendly landscaping practices. There are plenty of environmentally friendly landscaping ideas to make sure you do your bit. Not only will it help our planet, but it could save time and money too.

Environmentally friendly landscape products

Using products that are kinder to the environment is an easy way of being environmentally friendly. The products we stock include black Grassrings and Gravelrings, that are made from 100% recycled plastic. We also stock Alu Excel edging which is made from recycled aluminium. These products are not only made from recycled material but they are made in the UK which reduces your carbon footprint because there’s no international transport needed.
  • Use artificial grass Laying artificial grass is a great way to create a sustainable garden that also saves a lot of time and energy in maintaining it. While not an environmentally friendly product because of the material it is made with, it can be more environmentally friendly than grass. You don’t have to use equipment that pollutes our planet, such as a petrol lawn mower to mow it, you don’t need to use chemicals on it, and you don’t need to waste water. It’s an easy way to create green landscaping that looks great and saves you time and money.
  • Get rid of your lawn A lawn can be harmful to the environment. Lawns consume nearly 3 trillion gallons of water a year, 200 million gallons of gas (on mowing), and 70 million pounds of pesticides. They also inhibit pollinators which are vital to biodiversity. Replacing lawns with decking could help turn gardens into a more environmentally friendly and sustainable environment. Decking not only is a great way to help the planet but it looks great and is both durable and low maintenance. We stock Millboard decking which has no wood content. This helps protect our forests from deforestation which in turn decreases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide warms up our planet and causes increased natural disasters such as flooding, leading to mass homelessness. It is mineral-based and combines the natural beauty of real wood with the durability of polyurethane. With Millboard there is no rotting, warping or deterioration like there is with natural wood.
  • Plant wildflowers Wildflowers are flowers that normally grow in the wild. Of course, seeds such as the pro flora wildflower seed mix we stock, can be used to scatter in your garden. Planting wildflowers makes a difference to our planet because they’re great for wildlife. They provide pollinators such as bees with food, shelter and a place to produce young. They’re also a good source of food in the winter for birds and small mammals who will be attracted to them. Creating an environmentally friendly landscape design will not only help the environment but will make any garden a hive of activity for wildlife and it will feel like a piece of idyllic countryside.
  • Use environmentally friendly gardening tools Gardening equipment can cause a lot of carbon dioxide emissions. You can prevent or reduce your fuel emissions and save time and money on environmentally friendly versions. When buying new tools, check to see if they are environmentally friendly. Do they contain any logos to show their sustainability? Are they biodegradable? Do they have reduced or recyclable packaging? Do they contain any chemicals? Purchase metal versions of your tools, such as trowels, instead of plastic. Not only is metal better for the environment but it lasts longer and is durable. Plastic is incredibly harmful to our environment. Planet-warming fuels such as gas, oil, and coal are often used in the production of plastic. Plastic harms wildlife and spreads toxins, with over 12 million tonnes of it entering our seas a year. Choosing non-plastic tools can help reduce this amount, along with choosing tools with reduced or sustainable packaging. In some cases, tools instead of chemicals, can be used. A hand cultivator can dig up weeds while aerating the soil which creates a healthier environment for plants and wildlife. Instead of using chemicals to get rid of weeds, a hand cultivator means only purchasing one item instead of lots of plastic bottles of chemicals, and will last longer, making it more economical too.
  • Save water Make sure you are being efficient with water. Collect rainwater and use irrigation systems in gardens to conserve water consumption. We stock porous, rubber pipes that are made from recycled car tyres, which is a great way to reuse a material that is a big polluter. The pipes allow for a wide pressure range for the water to seep out of the walls of the pipe and through the garden for surface and subsurface irrigation. Consider environmentally friendly equipment and products when purchasing supplies. This can make a big difference to carbon emissions, just by this one change. Look at what products and equipment you use now and check if these are the best options, both for the environment, and for saving you time and money.
Landscapes Direct is an established supplier of high-quality landscaping and gardening products to the landscape gardening trade. We pride ourselves on the high levels of support we provide for our clients. Find out more about how we can help you on 0800 731 6534 or sales@ld-uk.com.
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Landscaping products that help in wet weather
22Feb

Landscaping products that help in wet weather

Here comes the wet weather again. For busy landscaping and gardening contractors, it can put a dampener on your work and cause delays. But it doesn’t have to. There is still lots you can do when the weather is bleak and to protect all the hard work you completed during the summer months. Here’s a run-down of professional landscaping products that Landscapes Direct stocks and will help keep your work on track when the rain is falling.

Wet weather tarpaulins

Tarpaulins are a versatile landscape fabric and can be used for any number of landscaping and gardening projects. There are different sizes of tarpaulin to suit any project and they can be reused again and again.
  • Protect work, tools and equipment Tarpaulins are great for protecting your landscaping work and tools. They’re quick to throw over your expensive and essential tools when the rain starts, to help prevent them from rusting. And when the weather begins to clear, you can simply get back to what you were doing. Tarpaulin sheets are waterproof, with water running straight off them, making them ideal for use as a canopy to protect your work.

Paving jointing compounds

There are many jobs you simply can’t do in wet weather, but using certain paving products, such as our paving jointing compound, isn’t one of them. All-weather paving jointing compound is perfect for the wet weather, as the ground needs to be wet before applying this ready-made mix, unlike sand or cement. ProJoint paving jointing compound is suitable for paving slabs, natural stone and concrete paving, slabs or setts. Pre-mixed and ready to use, it’s quick and easy for landscaping pros or garden enthusiasts alike to apply. Applying a paving jointing compound is a great way to protect your paving from weeds and frost. It’s a durable way to protect paving and, with its uniform finish, it looks great too. Paving jointing compound is available in four colours - neutral, mid grey, basalt and black.

Grassrings - the perfect solution for luxury private or commercial properties

With Grassrings, you can have all the benefits of a landscaped garden with the ability to withhold overflow parking. Grassrings is a permanent grass parking system that is quick and easy to install. It has a unique open grid structure design for premium properties and is super strong, while maintaining a permeable surface, so the water drains through it, preventing any flooding. This means that the build up of mud and large puddles, which are so common in wet weather, can be eliminated. Its flexible grid system makes it easy to use and clip together, so customers aren’t disturbed by ongoing works for long. The system is strong and creates stabilisation for vehicles without having to worry about damaging grass areas. Grassrings can be laid on any suitable stone sub-base. Simply clip it together, backfill with soil and seed it for a long-term grass reinforcement system. It increases vehicle capacity for properties, making room for more customers and is a great way to be environmentally friendly for public sector properties. Balance practicality with aesthetics in your grass parking system. Find out more about Grassrings.

Wet weather landscaping supplies

You don’t have to depend on dry weather to complete your landscaping projects. Planning projects is easier when you save jobs like these for the wet weather, ensuring you get paid quicker and don’t have to move jobs around. Don’t let the wet weather interrupt your day. Plan your wet weather landscaping and rainy-day gardening projects in advance, so you’re not losing out. To browse our Grassrings, tarpaulins, paving products and more, visit our online store, contact the friendly team at Landscapes Direct on 0808 599 1358 or email sales@ld-uk.com for more information.
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Why Artificial Grass is ideal for winter
25Jan

Why Artificial Grass is ideal for winter

Children coming in from the garden, their wet, muddy footprints messing up the carpet. Dogs running in, slipping and sliding, and shaking the mud from the lawn all over the furniture and kitchen cabinets. Grassed lawns can be a nightmare in the winter. But there’s a simple solution - artificial grass. And there are many more benefits of artificial grass besides. Here’s our list of the benefits of artificial grass:
  • Artificial grass saves time and money It doesn’t need mowing or fertilising. Simply brush it every now and then and it’s all good. There’s no need to buy gardening equipment, such as lawnmowersor rakes, or spend hours making it look tip top. With artificial grass you can lie back on your sun lounger and take it easy. For older people or those with a busy lifestyle, artificial grass is a great way of achieving a beautiful lawn without having to spend time on it or pay for a contractor to come in to deal with it. And there’s no coming back to a jungle after a holiday.
  • Artificial grass always looks good Artificial grass is ideal all year round, even in winter. It always looks lush and green with no brown bits, patchiness or weeds. Available in different blade lengths, colours and textures, an artificial lawn can be laid to suit individual preferences and with the latest advances, looks natural and feels just as lovely beneath your feet.
  • Artificial grass is environmentally friendly A study has shown that mowing your lawn causes four times the amount of pollution as driving your car for an hour, making artificial grass an eco-friendly solution to grass. And after years of use, it can be recycled. Artificial grass also provides effective drainage, helping to prevent flooding, which has become a more common occurrence due to climate change.
  • Artificial grass is great for pets and their owners Artificial grass is suitable for dogs, cats and other pets for many reasons. It prevents insects that normally thrive in grass, making it less likely your beloved pet will pick up any nasty infestations or infections, some of which can be life-threatening. Artificial lawns do not require the application of chemicals, many of which are harmful to pets. Artificial grass remains clean even during winter, requiring only a hosing down to get rid of any waste or mess. And it is allergy-free in the spring and summer - a bonus for pets and their owners. Plus, pets can’t wreck artificial grass like they can lawns. No longer would a pet owner step outside to find their pet pooch is up to their eyeballs in muck and their lawn devastated from where they have been digging a hole.
Browse our range of artificial grass for every budget for a low maintenance lawn that always looks good. Landscapes Direct is an established supplier of high-quality landscaping and gardening products to the landscape gardening trade. We pride ourselves on the high levels of support we provide for our clients. Find out more about how we can help you on 0800 731 6534 or sales@ld-uk.com.
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Autumn landscape planning
24Aug

Autumn landscape planning

As the summer season draws to a close, landscapers' minds turn to autumn planning. It's the season for trees – both planting new and clearing up leaf fall from the established. And cooler days, particularly the drier ones, can be ideal for hard landscaping projects too. To help you shift gear from summer to autumn, here we look at all the tools and materials you need for those essential autumn landscaping jobs.

Planting new trees

With summer often too hot to plant trees and frozen grounds in winter posing a different challenge, autumn's mild weather is the ideal season for tree planting. Planting saplings in the earlier part of the season allows their root systems to settle before the coldest weather arrives. At the beginning of every new season, a kit check will help make sure you've got everything you need for the challenges ahead. For tree-planting projects, make sure you've got:
  1. a supply of heavy-duty tree ties in 45cm and 60cm sizes that are quick to secure and come with a spacer
  2. spiral tree guards to protect vulnerable saplings. If you're working on a public or commercial landscaping project consider a 250 spiral tree guard multipack
  3. a multipack of good quality bamboo canes

Leaf clearance

Clearing up the fallen leaves from deciduous trees is perhaps the most extensive maintenance job of the season, so it pays to have decent tools to make it as efficient as possible. Whether you prefer a Bulldog Premier Plastic Leaf Rake or one of our Bulldog Springbok Rakes, both make light work of leaf clearance.

Composite decking

Composite decking, formed from wood-polymer composite, is gaining in popularity, thanks to its low-maintenance appeal. The demand is unsurprising given the decking’s convincing grooved pattern that mimics natural wood. It's also a practical choice for commercial projects. The stunning Millboard decking collection is one of our favourites as it offers the best wood replica and is available in a large range of colours and finishes. All colourways have matching trims to finish board ends and step treads neatly. Landscapes Direct is an established supplier of high-quality landscaping and gardening products to the landscape gardening trade. We pride ourselves on the high levels of support we provide for our clients. Find out more about how we can help you with your professional landscaping project on 0800 731 6534 or sales@ld-uk.com.
By Landscaping, Design & Build
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