Pea Gravel vs. Mulch

Pea Gravel vs. Mulch Transforming your landscape into the one of your dreams takes careful consideration and excellent execution. Over time we’ve seen a lot of homeowners debate whether pea gravel or mulch is best for their landscape.

Since we can tell you’re passionate about your gardens, flowerbeds and landscape we want to make sure you learn which material best fits your needs.

Some of the more common questions we get in Bergen County about pea gravel and mulch are:

Is there some merit to using a traditional mulch over an alternative material like pea gravel?
What are the advantages to using one of these product types over the other?

We’ve compared the pros and cons of each material and made a recommendation on which material you should choose depending on your project.

The Pros and Cons of Mulch

One of the things that many homeowners don’t realize is that the term mulch is technically defined as any organic material that can be used as ground cover. Some examples of this is that gardeners have relied on organic materials like wood chips, pine needles, straw, leaves, grass clippings, and others in order to promote the healthy growth of their plant life. Of these materials, wood chips tend to be the most commonly used.

The prevalence of this organic substance in and around vegetated areas has actually caused people to use the words ‘wood chips’ interchangeably with ‘mulch’. So what is it that makes wood chip and other organic mulch so popular?

Mulch is able to serve several purposes, both functionally and aesthetically. First, the material works to retain moisture levels in the soil, which is beneficial to root systems and plantings. At the same time, an adequate layer of mulch can help to discourage the growth of unwanted weeds around flowers, vegetables and other plant life.

Additionally, an organic mulch like wood chips will decompose over time. The process of decomposition replenishes the surrounding soil with nutrients, and fertilizes vegetation.

The one con of mulch that we will point out is that as it decomposes it will need to be replaced if you want to keep the area looking fresh. This is general maintenance that will be required either yearly or bi-yearly.

The Pros and Cons of Pea Gravel

In recent years, it has become increasingly common for pea gravel to be utilized as an inorganic mulching compound. As with organic mulches like wood chips, pea gravel works to block out sun rays in order to prevent the evaporation of moisture that is essential to the soil and planted vegetation.

Pea gravel is also known for its ability to promote healthy drainage, slowly percolating water back into the soil and ground supply. This is especially advantageous in areas where water otherwise has a tendency to collect and stand, or around plants that generally prefer drier conditions.

Additionally, pea gravel doesn’t decompose or decay, meaning that it won’t need to be replaced on an ongoing basis.

One of the largest cons of pea gravel is that it is more expensive than mulch, a bit more difficult to install and you will need to install edging to keep the gravel out of other areas.

Pea Gravel vs Mulch: Which is Better for You?

In the debate of pea gravel vs mulch, there actually isn’t a clear-cut winner. Both materials have their merits and can work well in promoting soil and plant health. Ultimately, what it comes down to is your specific requirements and your personal preferences.

First, understand the needs of your plants. As organic mulch can absorb and hold a lot of moisture while preventing the evaporation of the soil’s moisture, it’s smart to use wood chips and similar materials around plantings that require plenty of water in order to thrive.

Pea gravel will prevent erosion, but won’t retain moisture well, instead focusing on ample drainage. This makes the material best suited to vegetation like succulents, cacti and other dry plants.

You’ll also need to think about aesthetics. Do you prefer the look of an organic mulch or are the variety of colors and soft texture of pea gravel more appealing to you?

Some careful consideration makes the decision of choosing between pea gravel and mulch much easier and more practical.

Speak with Your Local Supplier

If you’re still on the fence about which material you should choose we recommend speaking with a local supplier. They will be able to show you their products on-site, discuss the benefits each will provide to your property and answer any questions you may have.

Braen Supply specialists have been assisting homeowners and contractors with landscape materials for more than a decade. We’re happy to assist you with any questions you may have throughout your project.

We offer both pea gravel and mulch for sale at wholesale prices across all of NJ, NY, PA & CT. We have both pickup and bulk delivery options available across all of these areas including Bergen, Passaic and Essex County.

Calcium Chloride Ice Melt: Online Buying Guide

calcium-chloride-ice-melt As any New Jersey homeowner knows, wintertime means ice – and a lot of it. In order to prevent safety issues associated with driving or slip-and-fall accidents, most people make use of salt, or some other form of ice melt on their driveways, walkways or front steps.

Of all of the products on the market today, though, few are receiving as much notice as calcium chloride ice melt. What is it that makes this de-icer so popular, and is it right for your home? This simple guide will tell you everything that you need to know about buying and using calcium chloride for melting ice.

Should I Buy Calcium Chloride Ice Melt?

Although most people are familiar with traditional rock salt, there’s been some growing buzz about the use of calcium chloride as an ice melt. This is largely due to the fact that calcium chloride works faster than rock salt, melts ice at colder temperatures and often poses fewer problems in terms of damage to concrete and other surfaces.

In order for a de-icer to work, it must first dissolve into a brine. Differing from rock salt, calcium chloride is able to both absorb moisture from its surroundings, and release heat in the process. This enables it to form a strong brine quicker.

Another advantage is that while rock salt is able to lower the freezing temperature of water down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, calcium chloride ice melt lowers the freezing point to -25 degrees. This makes a huge difference – especially here in New Jersey, where winter temperatures can be extreme.

The freezing point also makes an impact in terms of concrete degradation. Most ice melts don’t actually harm paved surfaces. Instead, numerous freeze/thaw cycles take their toll. The lower the freezing point of a surface is, then, the less likely it is to go through these cycles.

How Much Ice Melt Do I Need?

In order to protect the vegetation surrounding your home, de-icers should be used sparingly; a little bit will go a long way. Generally speaking, you should only need between two and four ounces of calcium chloride per every square yard of your front driveway, walkway and other surfaces. This will be enough to undercut bonded ice and snow.

More Information About Calcium Chloride Ice Melt

When selecting an ice melt product, most homeowners have a few concerns. First, these products tend to dry as a white, powdery residue that can be tracked indoors and make a mess. Even though calcium chloride leaves only a clear brine solution, you may wish to avoid this. In order to do so, it’s best to minimize the amount of ice melt that you actually use, and be sure to use walk-off mats in the higher traffic entryways of your house.

Homeowners with pets may also have some reservations about the ice melt that they purchase. It has been found that ice melters have the potential to make pets very sick (and can even be fatal) when ingested, and may cause dry paws and skin irritation upon physical contact.

As a general precaution, pet owners should be advised to avoid utilizing heavy amounts of ice melt in areas that are frequented by pets, and pets should not be left unsupervised in these areas. There are pet-friendly ice melts available for those homeowners who have outdoor pets.

For more information about calcium chloride ice melt, be sure to get in touch with a trusted professional.

Stormwater Management: A NJ Homeowner’s Guide

stormwater-management-guide-nj — Photo is Courtesy of NDS

Stormwater is a major source of pollution in New Jersey and other northeastern states. In fact, the issue is so pressing that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has developed an extensive set of stormwater management rules to regulate municipal runoff.

But what are you doing about stormwater on your own residential property – are you contributing to the problem, or are you a part of the solution? It’s important for all New Jersey homeowners to take steps to implement their own stormwater management systems in order to protect the beauty and safety of our environment.

Where is My Stormwater Coming From?

During periods of heavy rainfall, or during the springtime thaw, local streets may become inundated with massive amounts of water. Although you may think that the runoff from your property is insignificant, when that amount is added to the stormwater from thousands of other properties, it can quickly become a major problem. Excess water may find its way off of your property from:

Rooftops – Rainwater and melting snow/ice may quickly run off of your rooftop and through downspouts onto your yard or driveway, where it begins to accumulate and pool.
Lawns – Without proper drainage systems in place, the ground can quickly become saturated, allowing excess water to collect and spill off onto the streets and/or other neighboring properties.
Hard surfaces – Sloped driveways or walkways without drainage will immediately force runoff water out into the streets and/or neighboring properties, as well.

What Problems are Associated with Stormwater?

So what’s the big deal with stormwater, anyway? Three major problems are associated with excess runoff:

Pollution – As stormwater travels across rooftops, driveways and lawns, it picks up numerous contaminants. These pollutants may include oil, grease, fertilizers, pesticides, pet wastes, soil, trash, etc. Eventually, this dirty water finds its way to local streams, lakes, rivers and oceans, causing harm to fish and other wildlife.
Flooding – When the municipal stormwater management system is overloaded with excess runoff, flash flooding may occur. This causes harm to streams and wetlands, causes erosion and can damage homes and businesses.
Water shortages – Without proper drainage, water cannot filtrate through the ground, preventing rainfall from replenishing groundwater and streams that are used for drinking water.

How Can I Improve Stormwater Management on My Own Property?

The more that individual homeowners can do to implement residential stormwater management systems, the better off we all will be. Here are two drainage solutions to consider for your property:

Downspout & Lawn Flooding – If runoff water from your roof, or a saturated lawn are major contributors to stormwater on your property, it’s a good idea to talk to a trusted landscaping contractor about the installation of a complete drainage system. Generally, the best way to manage water from the downspout is by installing a catch basin and grate at the base of spouts, or low points on your property. Debris is filtered out, water passes through a pipe system,] and the majority is captured in a dry well type system that allows water to slowly percolate back into the ground, eliminating saturation. A minimal amount of excess water can then be drained into the municipal storm drains.
Hard Surfaces – To prevent runoff from a flooded driveway or walkway, ask a reputable professional for information on how a channel drain can be installed into the concrete. From here, water is directed to a dry well type system, just as with a catch basin and grate stormwater management solution.

By finding the right stormwater management system(s) for your property, you can do your part to protect the environment and our natural resources.

Stormwater Management: Do’s and Don’ts

stormwater-management-guide Stormwater management is a big concern today. Standing water can impact your landscape and home in a negative way. There is a need to carry any lingering water away your property and into storm drains and sewers.

Allowing the maximum amount of water to seep into the ground is good for drainage design. In cases of heavy deluges, strong storms or prolonged wet spells, water may tend to accumulate around your landscape. Large amounts of water may not be able to naturally percolate into the ground. You will have to make sure it drains away from your yard.

Stormwater Management – Fix Your Yard

There may be a need to look at the existing drainage patterns in your yard. If the water does not drain properly you will have to take steps to correct this. Standing water will eventually impact your landscape and could possibly cause issues in your home, such as mold.

There are many things you can do to remedy this situation. There are also things you should avoid doing. Some do’s and don’ts are listed below.

What Not to Do

Take whatever measures you can to protect your home. Below are some things you don’t want to do when it comes to keeping your home safe from water runoff:

Don’t put sheds, fences, landscaping or other buildings in easements, ditches or around storm drains. Don’t impede the flow.
Don’t regrade your yard to interfere with current drainage patterns unless it’s to make runoff issues better.
Don’t put any type of obstacle at the ends of a pipe that will trap debris.
Don’t put any impervious covers or surfaces in your yard without taking into account how it will affect runoff.

Things You Should Do

There are some concrete things you should do when it comes stormwater management. Here are some steps you can take that are good for water runoff management:

Educate yourself and research as to what is good for managing stormwater.
Talk with professionals to make sure your property is compliant with all local codes and best practices to ensure proper water management.
Keep storm drains free of debris or any types of blockages.
Use landscaping techniques that allow more water to seep into the ground and less to runoff.
Drains are a big part of any stormwater management system. You have to move the water from your yard to the larger system. Consider some of the following:
- French drains – These are either a trench or ditch filled with rock or gravel or a perforated pipe the directs surface water and groundwater away from an area.
- Channel drains – This type of drain is simply a design that allows water to flow along the length of a ditch, swale, pipe or other structure into a sewer or storm drain. The water will flow quickly in this type of runoff design.
- Drain grates – These are used as a covering for holes that allow water to flow into pipes that carry water off. The main function of the grate is to keep larger pieces of debris from entering the drainage system.
- Catch basins – The catch basin allows water to flow through, but larger debris to settle at the bottom of the basin where it does not impede the flow.

When it comes to stormwater management and drainage solutions there are many do’s and don’ts. You want to do the things that are positive for water runoff.

Don’t make the situation worse by any means. Do your part and ensure your yard and home are protected from standing water.

Choosing the Right Landscape Drainage Solutions in NJ

choosing-drainage-solutions-nj Like all homeowners, you want your property to look great at all times. As such, you do whatever you can to tend to your yard, but how much thought have you given to your landscape drainage?

Although most of us are concerned with ensuring that our lawns and plants have enough water to thrive, a landscape with too much water can actually create even bigger issues.

In this post, we will highlight some of the most common problems associated with excess water, and how a proper landscape drainage solution can help.

Problem #1: Downspout Flooding

New Jersey residents are no strangers to extreme weather conditions. Heavy rains and melting snow can result in a flood of water being released from your home’s downspout. When this water has no place to go, it will pool around your home’s foundation, causing exterior damage, and leading to the possibility of interior flooding. Water can also accumulate on your lawn, causing serious damage. In this case, a catch basin that is flush with the ground is an ideal drainage solution. This basin will capture water and debris before directing the water away from your landscape via a drain pipe.

Problem #2: Puddles on Lawn

Have you noticed pools of water developing in your lawn when it rains? This often happens in low-lying areas of the landscape because the ground has become saturated by water and has nowhere to go. Unfortunately, this can ruin your lawn. Once again, the strategic placement of catch basins can eliminate these issues. The good news is that because these grates are flush to the ground and are available in different colors, you don’t have to worry about them detracting from the beauty of your property.

Problem #3: Puddles on Hard Surfaces

When water collects on the hard surfaces around your home, like your driveway or your front walkway, it can create big trouble for your house and property. As the water continues to build up in the lower areas of a hard surface, it will begin to flood, causing damage to your home’s structure and creating safety issues. During periods of fall and winter where freeze and thaw cycles are common, this can also lead to a buildup of ice. Having a long channel drain installed directly into your concrete will evacuate water before it can cause any damage to your property or landscape.

Problem #4: Drowning Plants

Is your sprinkler system, or heavy rainfall causing your plants to drown? When roots are inundated with too much water, it can cause significant damage to plants and can create health issues. To prevent excess water from making it to the root system, consider a landscape drainage solution like atrium grates. These grates are raised above the ground in order to continue performing well, even in cases where plant leaves, etc. may tend to block or cover a drain system that is flush with the earth.

Problem #5: Runoff Contribution

When runoff water from your roof, your hard surfaces or your lawn is directed down the street, it can eventually end up in local streams, lakes and rivers. Because this runoff can quickly become contaminated, this is a health risk. To avoid contributing to the problem, consider a landscape drainage solution that will retain and slowly filter water within your property without causing damage.

Regardless of the problems that you have been faced with, it is in your best interest to discuss your drainage solution options with a trusted professional. By speaking with a reliable landscaping contractor, you can get a better idea as to which landscape drainage systems are best for your property.

Kearney Stone: The Best Online Guide

kearney-stone-guide In order to construct an attractive and long-lasting landscape, you need the highest quality materials at the best prices. For many contractors and homeowners, this means purchasing Kearney stone.

Unfortunately, those who don’t do their research could end up getting scammed when they set out to buy Kearney stone. By taking a few moments to educate yourself on the characteristics of genuine Kearney stone, what it can best be utilized for and tips for purchasing it, you can rest assured that you’ll get the most value from your project.

Kearney Stone Characteristics

Its versatility, attractiveness and durability are just a few of the many qualities that compel people to buy Kearney stone for landscaping projects. With a high percentage of quartz grains, Kearney stone appears to be a quartzitic sandstone. Kearney stone, however, is coarser grained than quartzite.

Occasional grains of impurities, such as iron or clay, can be present in Kearney stone, but the lower the percentage of impurities present in the stone, the more resistant the stone will be against weathering and the elements.

Fortunately, Kearney stone is believed to have originated as a beach deposit, which means that the grains are well sorted, both minimizing impurities and maximizing strength. A high silica count also contributes to the integrity of Kearney stone, as it increases the rock’s homogeneity and makes it more difficult to cut or split.

True Kearney stone will have a light, bluish-gray tone, and the high-silica content ensures that any risk of color changes as a result of weathering is kept at a minimum.

How to Spot Fake Kearney Stone

Although it’s unfortunate, there are scammers who are looking to take advantage of contractors and homeowners by selling fake or low-quality Kearney stone. Typically, these scammers will post online ads that offer landscaping materials at incredibly low prices. In general, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

In order to avoid wasting your money, it’s best to buy Kearney stone only from reputable suppliers who are fully licensed. When purchasing stone in bulk, you should always insist on receiving a written quote – especially for orders that exceed $200. An established, trustworthy vendor will be more than happy to provide evidence of their license(s) and permit(s), and to draw up a proposal for you.

Kearney Stone Uses

Because of its rustic appearance and resistance to weathering, Kearney stone is best used for outdoor applications including:

Stone steps – Kearney stone steps are often used to bring a sense of naturalness to a landscape. These steps work beautifully in gardens, as a path to a terrace, in city parks or as the front steps to a home or business
Treads – The size, aesthetic and ease of cutting make Kearney stone a great choice for stair treads – even if you decide to construct the actual stairs of another material
Hearths – Kearney stone can create stately and rugged-looking hearths for indoor and outdoor fireplaces or ovens

Tips for Buying Kearney Stone

As a rule, it is best to buy Kearney stone directly from a supplier. As discussed earlier, it is far too easy to be taken advantage of by online scammers, and purchasing stone from a retailer may also prove unwise. Big box landscaping retailers and home improvement stores may be able to sell you genuine Kearney stone, however, their prices will be higher than those of a direct manufacturer and supplier. For best results, look for a respectable, local supplier who is able to offer Kearney stone for pickup or bulk delivery at fair and competitive wholesale rates.

Should I Use Pea Gravel for Playgrounds?

pea-gravel-playgrounds Should you use pea gravel for playgrounds? Yes, as a matter of fact, you should. Pea gravel is an ideal foundation material for your children’s playground, whether it is at your home, school or community playground.

Among many other benefits, it’s easy to maintain, is unable to be used as kitty litter by neighborhood cats and drains well after a storm which keeps your playground functional year round.

What is Pea Gravel?

Pea gravel is a mixture of small, rounded, smooth stones that typically range in size from 1/8-inch to about 1/4-inches in diameter. It gets its name because, on average, the stones are roughly the size of a green pea.

Pea gravel is a popular choice for landscape architects and DIY landscapers for pathways, garden bed drainage and driveways. It can also be used as an aggregate for concrete applications. Its efficient drainage and rounded texture make it an ideal surface for playgrounds.

Because it is made from a variety of different rocks, it is available in a wide range of colors, which makes it an attractive as well as functional option for outdoor use.

The Benefits of Using Pea Gravel for Playgrounds

There are several benefits of using pea gravel for playground applications.

Absorbs a fall. Soil, and even sand, becomes compacted over time. This makes for a hard landing surface as children run around and play on equipment of varying heights. Pea gravel’s atypical structures keep it from becoming compacted, providing a more cushioned landing for falls and tumbles.

Superior drainage. Pea gravel is often incorporated into garden beds to encourage water percolation and prevent root rot. It’s ability to facilitate drainage is a bonus for playgrounds. Your playground remains functional year-round, so your children can go outside and play and you don’t have to worry about the mud.

No cat waste. Everyone loves to play in the sand, and unfortunately the same is true for wildlife as well. Both public and private playground sand is susceptible to becoming a waste receptacle for neighborhood pets and wildlife. Cats are the most notorious for using sand boxes and playground sand as their litter box. In addition to being unappealing, animal waste is a health hazard.

Splinter free. Many homeowners and city planners debate between pea gravel and wood chips when deciding on their playground’s foundation. While wood chips are attractive, they can also cause splinters. This can be dangerous for small, soft hands, feet, and knees, and can also be a hazard if children put the pieces in their mouths and chew.

Fewer replacements needed. Because sand tends to become compacted over time, and wood disintegrates, both of these materials need to be replaced on a regular basis. In high traffic parks and playgrounds, they may require replacement on an annual basis. Pea gravel for playgrounds will need to be touched up from time to time, but it won’t need to be replaced as frequently as other playground options.

Cost effective. Pea gravel is one of the most cost effective products on the market. The more you order, the more cost effective it will be. Most Braen Supply customers choose to order pea gravel for playgrounds by the ton, which gives them a remarkably low price.

Buy Pea Gravel for Playgrounds

Have questions about whether or not pea gravel for playgrounds is the right option for your needs? Give us a call or fill out our contact form. We will be happy to answer all of your questions about pea gravel and other playground surface options. Braen Supply is dedicated to ensuring our customers get the materials they need at a competitive price.