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Energy Efficient Landscaping 101

Energy Efficient Landscaping 101

Have you ever sat under a tree in the summer in order to escape the heat or stood behind a wall in the winter to avoid the chilling wind? While it maybe second nature for us to take advantage of landscape or hardscape to help control our body temperature, did you know you can do the same for your home? Your landscape can take advantage of these same benefits, making your home more energy efficient. Today we’re going to talk about some energy efficient landscaping facts and tips!

Energy Efficient Landscaping Facts

  • The U.S. Department of Energy’s efficiency studies show that shading under trees close to ground level can reduce surrounding air temperatures by 25 degrees compared to air temperatures above nearby blacktop paving.
  • A shade tree can save up to 25% of your home’s energy for cooling.
  • Landscaping that creates windbreaks can cut winter healing by up to 30%.
  • Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of only three trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually.

Energy Efficient Landscaping Tips

  • Dense windbreaks such as evergreens can block wind speed by 85%. Plant them so that they block northeast winter winds.
  • Use hardscape and other plantings near your home to create dead air space, which can act as an insulator for your home.
  • Maximize summer shade with large trees, especially  in a way that provides shade to roofs, walls, and windows.
  • Add lattice with climbing vines to areas in direct summer sunlight.  These vines can help shade your home and allow cooling breezes.
  • Use hardscape such as patio made of stone or concrete – it will soak up summer heat and reflect it during the winter.

How energy efficient is your home? Have you ever thought about the benefits of landscaping for energy efficiency? Is your home naturally shaded by large trees or did you have to plant your oaks and evergreens?

If you would like the professionals at Brackman’s Stepping Stone Rock and Garden Center, LLC to help with any of your landscaping or gardening needs, give us a call today at 601-264-2886 or email us at thesteppingstone@live.com.

Posted in: Gardening Tips, Hardscape in Hattiesburg MS, Hardscape Installation Hattiesburg MS, How To: Hardscape, How To: Landscape, Irrigation in Hattiesburg MS, Landscape Design in Hattiesburg, Landscape Design Tips, Landscaping Tips

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5 Steps to Build a Simple Stone Walkway

Would you like to improve the look of your yard while adding a practical walkway? Using stone and other hardscape is a great, inexpensive way to add a little “something extra” to your garden or yard. Today we are going to talk about 5 steps to build a simple stone walkway.

1 ) Design the walkway – The first step is mapping out the walkway with spray paint or strings. This step should also include clearing the walkway itself-which can mean pulling up sod, weed eating, or removing pine straw.

stone walkway - The Stepping Stone Hattiesburg, MS2 ) Lay Stones – Assuming that you have already ordered your stones from Brackman’s Stepping Stone Rock and Garden Center, LLC, the next step will be laying the stones along the walkway that you have cleared. This works best if you first apply 4 inches of limestone as a base with a little sand on top to help with leveling (see Step 3). The limestone base is essential to help keep the flagstone/pavers from shifting or cracking. Your Stones should be laid about 6-8 inches apart.

3 ) Level the Stones – I realize that not everyone will be this particular, but leveling your stones can be important if they are placed closely to your house. Leaving a slight slope away from your house will allow water to flow away-out from the house.

4 ) *Optional: Install a Weed Barrier & Gravel – Installing a weed barrier will help keep weeds from over-taking your new stone walkway and will significantly reduce the maintenance involved after building your walkway. If you decide to install gravel, I would recommend using a color that is complementary, yet contrasting. This will provide a nice clean look, while avoiding you and your guests from straining to see the walkway in dim light.

5 ) Add Edging – Whether you decide to install gavel, mulch, or pine straw, installing edging will help to keep it in place. For the edging itself, you can use stone pavers, black metal/plastic stripping, or any type of edging that you desire. To avoid tripping over the edging, you can place the edging itself in a small trench, leaving it about 1 inch over your gravel or other filler.

Do you prefer gravel, straw, or mulch? What type of edging do you like? Tell us about your experience building a own stone walkway by leaving a comment below.

If you would like the professionals at Brackman’s Stepping Stone Rock and Garden Center, LLC to help with your hardscape installation, give us a call today at 601- or email us at thesteppingstone@live.com.

Posted in: Hardscape Installation Hattiesburg MS, How To: Hardscape, How To: Landscape, Landscape Design Hattiesburg MS, Stone Walkway

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