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!

Enhance Your Yard By Installing A Pergola

It may be hard to think ahead to spring and summer through all of the freezing temperatures, snow, and rain... Or maybe that's exactly what is getting you through these last several weeks of winter.

Now is the perfect time to think about enhancing your yard by installing a pergola. Pergolas create an additional living space by providing a bright and airy room to relax in. Pergolas can be free standing or attached to another structure, and are an excellent way to enjoy nature around you.

Adding a pergola can create a beautiful focal point within your property. They can easily be adorned with lattice and climbing vines for shade, wind chimes and flowering hanging plants, or all weather fabrics to enhance the ambiance.

Maximize your outdoor space even further by furnishing it with an outdoor dining set or lounge furniture. Perhaps you'd prefer a water feature or a simple bench for outdoor reading. The possibilities are endless.

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 spring gardening needs.

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.

How To Have An Outdoor Kitchen At Your Home

If you're big on outdoor entertaining then you'll love having your very own outdoor kitchen. Some of the benefits of installing an outdoor kitchen include:

Getting outdoors more often. After working indoors all day, cooking dinner in your back yard oasis can be a treat your family will enjoy. Add some ambient lighting and music for a relaxing evening at home.

Entertaining more easily. Having company over for dinner? Think of your outdoor kitchen as a social gathering area! People love hanging around the grill. The best part about cooking outside is that you won't be stuck indoors and away from your guests.

Increasing the value of your home by adding additional livable and functional space. Whether you have a large back yard or a small one, it's not the size of the space that matters as much as the setup. Outdoor kitchens can also warm potential buyers' hearts when it comes to envisioning themselves putting the amenities to good use.

Taking your cooking to the next level. Grill up some delicious food at home rather than ordering out during a get together. Grilling is also more healthy, less greasy, and more delicious than any other cooking option.

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 outdoor kitchen 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.