How to Build a Paver Patio

Written on April 29, 2011 at 10:32 am, by admin

One of the best additions to a backyard is a nice paver patio. With a little time and minimal expense you can complete this work of landscape art on your own.

The first step is to build a solid base for your patio. Level the area, then compact the dirt with a plate compactor. This is essential an essential step – if the dirt is not compacted, your patio may settle. Once the base layer of dirt is compacted, put down some landscape fabric to discourage weeds and grass from growing up through your patio. Next, cover with a layer of gravel. Put sand on top of this. Each layer should be compacted to ensure a solid paver patio.

Once you have a solid base for your paver patio, you’re ready to start on the patio itself. First, lay down an even 2″ layer of sand over the compacted sand and gravel. This will provide an even surface to set your pavers on. The best way to accomplish this is to screed the sand with a straight 2×4 or other straight-edge. Be sure your patio base is flat, as your pavers will follow the contour of this layer.

Now it’s time to begin laying pavers. Begin at a corner and work your way across, using your first corner as your reference point. Be sure to check your work periodically – any jogs or curves in your pavers will only become worse as you get further into the project. After setting a paver, tap it firmly with a rubber mallet to set it into place.

Once your pavers have been set, install a plastic retaining edge around the perimeter. This prevents the pavers from being disturbed. You may wish to compact the pavers, but some paver manufacturers do not recommend this, as it may crack them. Be sure to read any instructions or warning that came with your pavers.

To finish your paver patio, sprinkle sand over the pavers and brush it into the cracks with a broom. This helps to prevent weeds and other plants from taking root and growing up through your patio. Misting the sand with water will help to settle it in the cracks. Repeat to fill any gaps which reappear.

Your patio is almost finished! Now that the pavers are in place, backfill the perimeter of the patio with soil, gravel, bark chips or similar material. Be sure to use enriched soil if you are planning to plant grass along the edge of your patio.

Your paver patio is finished! You’re now ready to enjoy the gorgeous summer days on your brand new patio. As time goes on, you may need to add more sand between the pavers to keep the joints filled. If you’ve planted grass around your patio, it may be subject to frequent use, so don’t forget to overseed it in the spring or fall. A little maintenance is all that’s necessary to keep your paver patio looking nice. Stand back and appreciate your work – you just built a paver patio!

The Benefits of Over-Seeding Your Lawn

Written on April 28, 2011 at 4:29 pm, by admin

Is your lawn looking thin? It’s probably time to overseed your grass. Overseeding your lawn during the spring or fall replenishes old lawn and brings back the green, lush grass. With summer coming, now is the time to get your yard ready for the barbaques, volleyball or other summer activities by overseeding your lawn.


Overseeding your lawn can also compensate for heavy foot traffic. If you have kids who play in your yard, wear patterns can emerge, leaving some areas thin or bare. When you overseed your yard, these thin spots and bare dirt will be covered up. Healthy green grass makes for a great yard.


One benefit of overseeding your lawn is the durability that you gain from a yard full of healthy grass. With the demands of summer activities, the yard takes a real beating. Start right now to be sure that your lawn is overseeded. This will save you lots of trouble and hassle later in the summer.


For someone who is selling a home, overseeding your lawn is a great way to add value to the property. A thin, tired lawn can detract from the property, making it look old and unkempt. On the other hand, fresh, green grass can make a world of difference in street appeal. If you are selling your home, you should definitely consider overseeding your yard.


There are many benefits to overseeding your lawn. It’s good for durability, property value and overall enjoyment of your yard. With all these things going for you, be sure to overseed your lawn this spring! You’ll be glad you did.


When to Apply Fertilizer

Written on March 9, 2011 at 5:30 pm, by admin

When to Apply Fertilizer


January/February            Turf Gro 20-3-7 Cool Season (slow release)

Scotts GREEN MAX Southern Lawn Fertilizer



April/May                            Turf Gro 23-2-10 Spring

Scotts GREEN MAX Southern Lawn Fertilizer



June/July/Aug                   Turf Gro 24-2-9 Summer

Scotts Super Turf Builder with Summer Guard



Sept/Oct                              Turf Gro 21-2-15 Winterizer

Scotts Lawn Pro Super Turf Builder with Winter guard



Nov/Dec                              Turf Gro 20-3-7 Cool Season

Scotts GREEN MAX Southern Lawn Fertilizer



Your soil will affect how often and in what quantity you will need to fertilize.   There are several choices of fertilizer on the market and as a result sometimes it’s just easier to do nothing rather than try to figure it out.  Or maybe you took a stab at it and now your grass is 8” tall and growing faster every day. In Decoding Fertilizer we help to explain why this happened in more detail.  But don’t give up.

In Vancouver Washington we have several soil types that landscapes are built on: Loam, Clay, Sand, and any mixture of these.  Clay tends to pass water much slower and means that chemicals/fertilizers tend to stay on the surface a little long than sandy soils.  So if you have a clay soil under your landscape you will likely only have to fertilize 4 times a year.  However, if you have a high sand soil, plan on fertilizing 5 and up to 6 times a year.


As a general rule:

Fertilize 5 times a year

Use a slow release fertilizer.  10-12 week duration.

Use a broad cast spreader. DO NOT use a drop spreader.

If in doubt give us a call: Boulder Falls Inc.  360-991-1347