What Is Polymeric Sand And Why Is It So Important?

Many of us never question what goes into projects around our home. Perhaps you have questioned the process in an attempt to cut corners. Today we're going to highlight the use of polymeric sand and explain why it's so important.

What is Polymeric Sand?

It is a material used to fill the joints between pavers. Polymeric sand is very fine, typically blended with additives that, when combined with water, form a binding agent. This is the material that helps lock the pavers together and keep them in place.

Sure, regular old sand could be used in place, however, to ensure years of low maintenance enjoyment out of your hardscape polymeric sand is the way to go. Its benefits include:

Preventing washouts. All you need is a heavy rain to get rid of the regular sand between the paver joints. In fact, that is a common problem with regular sand. With polymeric sand this isn't an issue.

Helping to deter weeds. Weeds are pesky little things that seem to grow pretty much anywhere. With polymeric sand there's no 100% guarantee that one won't pop up between your pavers, but polymeric sand will make it considerably more difficult. Regular sand offers no resistance for weeds. At least with polymeric sand you can at least give them a run for their money.

Extending the longevity of your hardscape. The agents that bind the pavers together provide strength and durability. Additionally, polymeric sand reduces the amount of water that can wash between the pavers into the base materials.

Enjoy your hardscaping for years to come. If you live in Northwest Indiana or the Chicago Southland, contact Forest Landscaping at 708-516-4619 or online at www.forestlandscapinginc.com for all of your hardscaping needs.

Brick Patio Installation In Northwest Indiana And The Chicago Southland

There’s no place like a low-maintenance brick patio to make you feel at ease. Every space is different, and you can look forward to a creative, functional design for yours when you reach out to us. Every detail necessary will be taken into account to give you a place to kick back and relax as comfortably as possible. Our equipment is all top of the line, helping us to deliver our service without disturbing you and your neighbors. Click here to view our gallery.

Welcome to Forest Landscaping!

When the highest quality and attention to detail are what you are looking for in your outdoor space, count on Forest Landscaping, Inc. to provide it for you. Whether it’s creating an oasis in your backyard, putting the finishing touch on your new home, a place to practice your short game, replacing that old patio, or just updating the yard a bit, we will design and install what it is you’re looking for - even if you don’t know what that is! A beautiful, functional space is what everyone wants, and we’ve been delivering that to homeowners in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago Southland for over 15 years. With owner involvement in every aspect of the process, you can count on customer service that is second to none!

Make Early Spring Landscaping Plans

Even though there is a blizzard moving through parts of the country, it's never too early to make spring landscaping plans. Whether you decide to start preparing your soil now so that it's ready in the spring, or you may decide to plant bulbs in the anticipation of spring flowers, there is no time like the present.

If you are getting too antsy for the spring solstice to arrive, make your patio a spring getaway!

Do you want to incorporate patio furniture? If you do, make sure you plan a space for it so you don't feel crowded. You can also plan your landscaping to fit in with the style of patio furniture you choose.

This is easy to do... just match colors of pots with the furniture or the cushions. You can also match or contrast flower colors with the furniture.

With a large patio, you can not only use pots for your landscaping plants, but you can build large rectangular planters that can break up the patio into areas.

If you have benches, you may want to choose some that also contain a built-in planter... it adds a little color and textural interest to your seating area. Trellises can also be anchored into pots to add some vertical color and greenery.

Patio landscaping ideas for a smaller areas may include container groupings or plants installed into small planting beds at patio level. In small areas, you may want to consider permanent seating to make the most of the space you have. A small water feature may also fit in nicely.

When spring time actually does arrive, you will be ahead of the curve. If you're in Northwest Indiana or the Chicago Southland, contact Forest Landscaping at 708-516-4619 or online at www.forestlandscapinginc.com for all of your spring gardening needs.

Tips On Giving Plants As Gifts

The holidays are a great time for people who love plants and gardening to share their passion by giving the gift of plants. Below are some tips and ideas for successful plant giving.

When giving flora as a gift be sure to match the plant to the person, in terms of care. If the recipient's home is generally kept cool, cyclamen and azaleas are both a suitable match. These plants tolerate indirect bright light. A Christmas cactus is a beautiful choice and will bloom each year around the holidays, this plant needs a bright window to thrive. Amaryllis are a great option, as they also flower throughout the winter months.

Does the gift recipient have kids or pets? The flowers on a Jerusalem cherry plant are gorgeous, but the fruit it bares are harmful if consumed. Poinsettias have been a holiday favorite for years, these plants are also toxic if consumed.

If they have a really green thumb, gardenias are a beautiful option. Lovers of gardening would appreciate clivias if they enjoy keeping their plants for years. This next plant won't flower but it does act as a natural air filter, Christmas ferns are a beautiful option for an attractive house plant year round. How about a plant your gift getter can eat? Herbs are an excellent gift. Mint, thyme, rosemary, and oregano are excellent choices. Plus they can be maintained indoors and then transferred to the garden later on.

Happy holidays from Forest Landscaping! If you're in Northwest Indiana or the Chicago Southland, contact Forest Landscaping at 708-516-4619 or online at www.forestlandscapinginc.com for all of your landscaping needs.

Does My Property Need A Retaining Wall?

When considering upgrades to your home's exterior, why not think about having a retaining wall built? Retaining walls come in a variety of styles and materials, such as concrete, wood, brick, and stone.

Some of the benefits of installing a retaining wall include:

• Providing support in order to prevent earth from being forced downhill with erosion
• Improving functionality by leveling off an area
• Reducing the speed of water runoff, this protects your lawn and garden
• Creating curb appeal
• Preventing damage to property and surrounding striations (because of flooding and erosion)

Your property is in need of a retaining wall if:

• Your home's foundation is threatened by a sliding hill
• Your yard is sloped and is at risk for downhill erosion
• Your property is difficult to landscape because it is sloped
• Your yard needs a focal point
• You want to add style to your yard
• You would like to create additional gardening space with an uneven yard or patio

You can choose something simple for retaining a small flower bed or something on a grander scale such as a walkway that curves along the perimeter of the property with a retaining wall guiding it. The possibilities are limitless. If you're in Northwest Indiana or the Chicago Southland, contact Forest Landscaping at 708-516-4619 or online at www.forestlandscapinginc.com for more information.

What Are The Benefits Hardscaping My Property?

Is your beautifully landscaped yard missing something? Whatever the style of your home, there is a natural stone or paver that will compliment your property. One of the advantages to having hardscaping professionally installed is that it adds interest and increases the aesthetics of your home without the amount of care a lawn and greenery require. Hardscapes include walkways, walls, fences, gazebos, fountains, or any non-living element.

Some advantages of hardscaping include:

• Hardscapes reduce the likelihood of property erosion.
• They are low maintenance and perfect for people with a busy schedule who don't have the time to maintain a yard. 
• Hardscapes serve as the framework for softscape elements.
• Hardscaping improves accessibility to other outdoor areas.
• Perfect for those who do not have a "green thumb." 
• Hardscaping designs can be timeless. 
• Adds functionality, such as an outdoor kitchen, relaxing patio, play area, zen garden, etc.
• Increases property value.
• Professionally installed hardscaping is visually appealing.

The benefits of hardscaping are endless. For more information on professionally installed hardscaping in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago Southland, contact Forest Landscaping at 708-516-4619 or online at www.forestlandscapinginc.com.

The Advantages Of A Professionally Installed Brick Patio

While there are many choices of materials that can be used for a patio, none of them have the timeless appeal of professionally installed brick pavers. Pavers come in a plethora of colors to compliment a variety of architectural styles. Although red is a common color, one can find pavers in grey, brown, pink, and multicolor. Brick pavers also come in a multitude of shapes for a custom design. With brick pavers you can achieve a truly distinct look that will add to the beauty of your home.

Accenting your home with a professionally installed brick patio will ensure enjoyment for years to come. One benefit of brick is that it's durable. It stands up to Midwestern weather conditions, heavy patio furniture, and foot traffic. Additionally, the color in brick pavers do not fade with time if sealed properly. In the event a brick paver does get damaged, it's easy to fix individual bricks by simply replacing them with a new one.

Using brick pavers for a patio is cost efficient. Brick is less costly than stone, yet produces a similar natural feel for your hardscaping. Brick pavers will also save you money in the long run compared to having a basic concrete patio installed. While concrete is less expensive initially, it inevitably cracks, resulting in unsightly and costly repairs throughout the years.

For more information about brick patio designs in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago Southland, contact Forest Landscaping at 708-516-4619 or online at www.forestlandscapinginc.com.

Looking For A Landscaper In Northwest Indiana And The Chicago Southland?

When the highest quality and attention to detail are what you are looking for in your outdoor space, count on Forest Landscaping, Inc. to provide it for you. Whether it’s creating an oasis in your backyard, putting the finishing touch on your new home, a place to practice your short game, replacing that old patio, or just updating the yard a bit, we will design and install what it is you’re looking for - even if you don’t know what that is! A beautiful, functional space is what everyone wants, and we’ve been delivering that to homeowners in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago Southland for over 15 years. With owner involvement in every aspect of the process, you can count on customer service that is second to none!

If you're in Northwest Indiana or the Chicago Southland, contact Forest Landscaping at 708-516-4619 or online at www.forestlandscapinginc.com for more information.

What Are The Benefits Of Professional Landscaping?

Upgrading the look of your home through professional landscaping has many benefits such as adding color and beauty, expanding your living space, aiding in relaxation, attracting wildlife, and offering an area for entertainment. Well designed landscaping can even result in an increase in property value.

Forest Landscaping can transform a previously unusable outdoor area into a functional living space. Imagine cooking a meal for family and friends in your outdoor kitchen, then serving it on the patio. Your outdoor living space can be an extension of your family room, where you go to relax and unwind. The options are endless.

Landscaping your property can save and make you money. The US Dept. of Energy found that strategically placed trees can reduce a household's energy consumption by as much as 25%. Additionally, the American Public Power Association found that landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by as much as much as 50%.

By enhancing your home's aesthetic value you will also increase the curb appeal, enticing potential buyers. One edition of The Wall Street Journal's Smart Money magazine stated, "If you spend 5 percent of the value of your home on landscaping, and do it wisely, you can get 150 percent or more of your money back."

Adding color through flora can transform your yard into a work of art. Seasonal pops of color throughout your property can accentuate aspects of your home and make previously unsightly or boring areas a gorgeous focal point. Maintaining a well manicured landscape will also make your home stand out among your neighbors.

Landscaping can transform your yard into your very own oasis. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to revamp your existing landscaping, contact Forest Landscaping at 708-516-4619 if you live in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago Southland.