NJ Design Trend: Kearney Stone Steps

Kearney Stone Steps in NJ

Kearney Stone Steps: A Timeless Choice for Sloped Landscapes

If your property includes a hill or changes in elevation, adding natural stone steps is one of the best ways to improve both function and curb appeal. Whether you’re creating a welcoming front entrance, connecting different areas of your backyard, or building a pathway through a garden, the right stone steps make your landscape safer, more usable, and more attractive.

When it comes to natural stone, Kearney Stone has been a favorite among homeowners and contractors for years. Its rustic character, exceptional durability, and timeless appearance make it a standout choice for outdoor stairways that are built to last.

Why Choose Kearney Stone Steps?

One of the reasons Kearney Stone remains so popular is its ability to blend naturally into almost any landscape. The stone features rich, earthy colors and natural textures that complement everything from traditional homes to modern outdoor living spaces.

Beyond its appearance, Kearney Stone is incredibly durable. Its dense composition helps it withstand heavy foot traffic, changing seasons, and harsh freeze-thaw cycles common throughout New Jersey and the Northeast. Instead of losing its appeal over time, Kearney Stone develops character as it naturally weathers, giving your landscape an authentic, established look.

Another advantage is its versatility. Depending on your project’s design, Kearney Stone can be installed with a more uniform appearance or with irregular cuts that create a rustic, natural pathway. Either approach results in a beautiful feature that feels like it has always belonged in the landscape.

Where Kearney Stone Steps Work Best

Kearney Stone can be incorporated into a wide variety of residential and commercial landscape projects.

Front Entry Steps

Stone steps create a welcoming entrance while making it easier and safer to navigate sloped front yards. They add instant curb appeal and provide a natural transition from the driveway or sidewalk to the front door.

Garden Pathways

If your landscape includes terraced gardens, flower beds, or wooded areas, Kearney Stone steps create attractive pathways that feel right at home among the surrounding plants and natural features. They’re a practical solution that enhances the overall design rather than competing with it.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Stone steps are often used to connect patios, pool decks, outdoor kitchens, and seating areas located at different elevations. Using Kearney Stone helps create a cohesive look throughout the entire outdoor space while maintaining safe, comfortable access between levels.

Stair Treads

For projects that don’t require full stone block steps, Kearney Stone can also be used as stair treads. Available in select sizes, these treads offer the same natural beauty while simplifying installation for certain stair designs.

Why Quality Matters

Not all natural stone is the same. While you may come across products that look similar, lower-quality alternatives often lack the color consistency, durability, and craftsmanship that have made genuine Kearney Stone a trusted choice among landscape professionals.

Choosing authentic Kearney Stone means investing in a material that’s known for its strength, natural beauty, and long-term performance. When properly installed, these steps will continue to serve your landscape for decades with very little maintenance.

Where to Buy Kearney Stone Steps in New Jersey

If you’re planning a project with Kearney Stone, working with an authorized dealer ensures you’re getting authentic material and knowledgeable guidance.

Braen Supply is a premier authorized Kearney Stone dealer serving homeowners, contractors, and landscape professionals throughout New Jersey, New York, and the Northeast. In addition to steps, Kearney Stone is available in a wide selection of natural stone products, including:

Patterned flagstone
Irregular flagstone (when available)
Thin veneer
Full veneer
Wall stone
Benches
Pier caps
Select stair treads (limited availability)

Using matching materials throughout your project creates a cohesive landscape that looks professionally designed and stands the test of time.

Whether you’re tackling a new landscape installation or updating an existing property, Kearney Stone steps offer the perfect balance of natural beauty, durability, and versatility. With authentic materials and expert guidance, you can create outdoor spaces that will look just as impressive years from now as they do on the day they’re installed.

Quality design deserves quality materials. Partner with Braen Supply to source reliable stone, veneer, and pavers tailored to your project requirements.

About the Author

Written in the voice of Braen Supply’s in-house expert persona, Reed Coulter. Coulter embodies the collective knowledge of our team and shares practical, straightforward tips to help landscape professionals make the most of their landscaping and masonry projects – drawing on decades of experience serving New Jersey and the tri-state area.

Mulch Near Me: Should I Get A Bulk Delivery Or Bags?

Every spring, homeowners start searching for “mulch near me” as they get ready to clean up flower beds, freshen up landscaping, and improve curb appeal. One of the first questions that comes up is whether it makes more sense to buy mulch in bags or order it in bulk.

The answer really depends on the size of your project, your budget, and how you plan to use the material. Both options can work well, but there are some important differences that homeowners should understand before making a purchase.

As someone who has worked around landscaping and hardscaping projects for years, I can tell you that choosing the right mulch delivery method can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary hassle.

The Convenience of Bagged Mulch

Bagged mulch is popular because it’s simple and easy to grab. You can load a few bags into the trunk of your car or pickup truck and get right to work without much planning.

For smaller projects, bags can make a lot of sense.

If you’re:

Touching up a few flower beds
Mulching around a mailbox
Refreshing mulch around trees
Doing minor seasonal maintenance

…then bagged mulch is usually enough.

Another advantage is cleanliness and storage. Since the mulch stays sealed in bags, you can store extra material neatly in a garage or shed without creating a pile in your driveway.

Bagged mulch can also feel less intimidating for homeowners tackling landscaping projects themselves for the first time.

That said, the convenience starts to disappear once the project gets larger.

When Bulk Mulch Starts Making More Sense

If you’re mulching an entire property, large garden beds, or multiple areas around your home, bulk mulch is usually the smarter option.

Bulk delivery eliminates the need to:

Load dozens of heavy bags at the store
Unload them one by one at home
Cut open and dispose of piles of plastic bags
Make multiple trips for more material

Instead, the mulch arrives in one delivery and is ready to spread.

For larger landscaping jobs, this becomes a major time saver.

Bulk mulch is also often more cost-effective when you compare pricing by the cubic yard versus buying individual bags. A lot of homeowners are surprised by how quickly bag costs add up once you start covering larger areas.

Understanding How Much Mulch You Actually Need

One reason people default to bags is because they aren’t sure how much mulch they need.

Here’s the simple reality:

One cubic yard of mulch covers a surprisingly large area
Most landscaping projects use more mulch than homeowners expect
Thin mulch layers break down faster and don’t provide the same benefits

In most cases, you want about 2–3 inches of mulch coverage for proper moisture retention, weed suppression, and appearance.

If you’re covering multiple beds around your property, bulk delivery can quickly become the more practical route.

The Quality Difference Matters Too

Not all mulch is created equal.

Whether you choose bags or bulk, the quality of the material matters more than people realize. Low-quality mulch can:

Fade quickly
Wash out during storms
Contain excess debris
Break down too fast
Develop mold or unpleasant odors

That’s why it’s important to buy from a trusted landscape material supplier instead of focusing only on convenience or the cheapest price.

A good mulch product should look natural, spread evenly, and hold its color and texture throughout the season.

Cedar Mulch: Why Many Homeowners Prefer It

One option that continues to stand out is cedar mulch.

Cedar naturally resists insects, decomposes more slowly than many other mulch types, and holds moisture well during hot summer weather. It also tends to keep its appearance longer, which means less frequent replacement.

A lot of homeowners also appreciate the clean, natural aroma cedar mulch provides right after installation.

For larger projects especially, bulk cedar mulch delivery can be an efficient way to upgrade the overall look of a property while reducing long-term maintenance.

Which Option Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, the decision comes down to project size and practicality.

Bagged mulch is usually best for:

Small touch-up projects
Limited spaces
Quick weekend refreshes
Homeowners who only need a small amount

Bulk mulch delivery is usually better for:

Full-property mulching
Large landscape beds
Multiple planting areas
Cost savings on bigger projects
Faster installation

If you find yourself loading dozens of bags onto a cart, it’s probably a sign that bulk delivery would make life easier.

Final Thoughts

Searching for “mulch near me” is easy. Choosing the right mulch solution takes a little more thought.

For smaller projects, bags can absolutely get the job done. But for larger landscaping upgrades, bulk mulch delivery is often more efficient, more economical, and far less work overall.

The key is planning ahead, measuring your space properly, and investing in quality material that will actually perform well throughout the season.

A fresh layer of mulch does more than improve curb appeal — it helps protect your landscaping investment and keeps your property looking clean, healthy, and well-maintained all year long.

Ready to Refresh Your Landscape This Season?

Whether you need a few bags for a quick weekend project or a full bulk delivery for larger landscape beds, choosing quality mulch can make a major difference in both appearance and long-term performance.

At Braen Supply, homeowners and contractors alike can find a wide selection of premium mulch options, including cedar mulch, available for pickup or delivery throughout northern New Jersey and New York. Their team can also help you calculate how much material you need so you can order with confidence and avoid unnecessary waste.

If you’re planning your spring landscaping projects, now is a great time to get started and give your property a fresh, clean look for the season ahead.

About the Author

Top Outdoor Living Upgrades to Start This Spring

Every spring, I start hearing the same thing from homeowners. They want to spend more time outside, but their space is not quite there yet. The good news is you do not need a full backyard overhaul to make a big impact. A few smart upgrades can completely change how you use your space.

Here are the ones I recommend most often.

Build or Upgrade Your Patio

If you do nothing else, start here.

A well-built patio becomes the foundation for everything else. It is where people gather, eat, and relax.

I usually suggest:

Durable pavers that can handle NJ and PA weather
Larger format stones for a more modern look
Neutral tones that work with your home exterior

Once the patio is in place, everything else gets easier to plan.

Add a Fire Pit or Fireplace Feature

Fire features extend how long you can use your outdoor space. I have seen patios go from occasional use to everyday hangouts just by adding one.

This is where thin veneer really shines.

Options like:

Garrett Hill for a classic, natural look
Gulph Mills for a more refined, linear style
Peacefield or Hudson for softer, blended tones

These materials give you that high-end finish without the bulk of full stone.

Upgrade With an Outdoor Kitchen or Bar Area

Outdoor kitchens have become one of the most requested upgrades lately.

You do not need a full setup either. Even a small grill island or bar area can make a big difference.

I often recommend using thin veneer like:

New Paltz for a clean, structured look
Gulph Mills for a more contemporary feel

These materials hold up well and tie everything together visually.

Use Natural Stone for Seating and Retaining Walls

If your yard has any slope or unused space, this is where you can add both function and design.

Natural stone options like Kearney Stone work well for:

Seating walls around patios
Garden borders
Retaining walls that double as design features

I like this approach because it makes the space more usable without feeling crowded.

Add Lighting to Bring It All Together

Lighting is one of the most overlooked upgrades.

A few well-placed lights can:

Highlight stonework and textures
Improve safety around walkways
Make the space usable at night

It is a relatively simple upgrade that adds a lot of value.

FAQs From Homeowners

What outdoor upgrade adds the most value?
Patios and outdoor living spaces usually give you the biggest return.

Is spring the best time to start?
Yes. Starting in spring gives you the full season to enjoy it.

Do I need to complete everything at once?
Not at all. I usually recommend building in phases.

Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space?

The best outdoor spaces are built over time, not all at once.

Start with a solid foundation, add a few key features, and build from there. Whether it is a patio, fire feature, or veneer upgrade, choosing the right materials makes all the difference.

If you are planning a project this spring, now is the time to get started and get your materials lined up before demand picks up.

Quality design deserves quality materials. Partner with Braen Supply to source reliable stone, veneer, and pavers tailored to your project requirements.

About the Author

Spring Landscaping Checklist for NJ & PA Homeowners

Once the ground starts to thaw, I always tell homeowners the same thing. Spring is your window to get ahead before projects pile up.

I’ve seen a lot of jobs get delayed because the prep work wasn’t done early. A simple checklist can save you time, money, and a few headaches later on. Here’s how I recommend getting your property ready for the season.

Start With a Full Yard Cleanup

Before you think about new materials or upgrades, clear everything out.

Winter leaves behind debris, salt residue, and damaged areas that can affect your next steps.

Focus on:

Removing branches, leaves, and buildup
Cleaning out garden beds
Power washing patios and walkways
Checking for damaged pavers or stone

This gives you a clean slate and helps you spot issues early.

Inspect Hardscaping for Winter Damage

Freeze and thaw cycles in NJ and PA are no joke. I’ve seen perfectly good patios shift just enough to cause problems by spring.

Take a close look at:

Cracked or uneven pavers
Loose steps or edging
Drainage issues around patios or driveways

If you catch these early, repairs are usually simple.

Refresh Mulch, Stone, and Ground Cover

This is one of the easiest ways to instantly improve how your property looks.

Fresh materials not only look better but also help with moisture control and weed prevention.

I usually recommend:

Replacing old mulch with fresh hardwood or dyed mulch
Adding decorative gravel for clean borders
Topping off stone in high-traffic areas

It is a small upgrade that makes a big difference in curb appeal.

Plan Any New Stone or Veneer Projects

Spring is the best time to get ahead on bigger upgrades like outdoor living spaces, walls, or facades.

If you are thinking about adding natural stone, now is when I suggest locking in materials.

For example:

Kearney Stone is a great option if you want a natural, timeless look for walls or accents
Thin veneer products like Garrett Hill, Gulph Mills, or Peacefield are ideal for vertical features like outdoor fireplaces or kitchen islands

From what I’ve seen, thin veneer is especially popular because it gives you that full stone look without the weight or complexity.

Schedule Material Delivery Early

Once the season gets busy, delivery schedules fill up fast.

If you already know your project timeline, I always recommend booking materials early. It keeps everything moving and avoids delays.

Make sure:

There is space for delivery trucks
You have a flat area for unloading
Your contractor timing lines up

A little planning here goes a long way.

FAQs From Homeowners

When should I start spring landscaping in NJ and PA?
As soon as the ground is workable and temperatures stay above freezing.

What should I prioritize first?
Cleanup and inspection. Everything else builds from there.

Is spring a good time for stone projects?
Yes. It is actually one of the best times to start before peak summer demand.

Ready to Get Your Yard in Shape?

Spring projects always go smoother when you start with a plan.

If you are refreshing materials or planning something new, take a look at options like Kearney Stone and thin veneer styles to get the look right from the start.

Get your materials lined up early and you will be in a much better spot when the busy season hits.

Quality design deserves quality materials. Partner with Braen Supply to source reliable stone, veneer, and pavers tailored to your project requirements.

About the Author

How To Prep Your Flower Beds to Spread Cedar Mulch

If you’re looking to clean up your property and give it a noticeable boost in curb appeal, installing a new flower bed with cedar mulch—or reworking an old one—is a solid move. It’s one of those projects that doesn’t just look good when it’s done, but actually adds real value to your home or business.

That said, like most things in landscaping, the outcome comes down to how well you prepare. Rush the prep, and you’ll end up redoing work or spending more than you planned. Do it right the first time, and everything that comes after gets easier. Here’s how I’d walk through it.

Step #1: Nail Down Your Layout

Before you touch the ground, figure out what you’re building. You don’t need a perfect drawing—just sketch out where the bed goes, how big it is, and what you want planted. Having a clear plan upfront keeps you from making changes halfway through, which is where most projects start going sideways.

Step #2: Commit to a Fresh Start

This is more of a mindset thing, but it matters. If you’re reworking an existing area, be ready to tear it back if needed. Trying to “work around” old material or tired plantings usually leads to a patchwork result. Sometimes the cleanest outcome comes from starting over.

Step #3: Yank Out the Weeds (All of Them)

Don’t just grab what’s visible—get the roots too. Pull what you can by hand, and use a trowel for anything stubborn. If roots stay in the ground, they’ll come right back. Also clear leaves and debris while you’re at it—they only help weeds return faster.

Step #4: Remove Existing Plants

At this point, decide what stays and what goes.

If you’re starting fresh, remove everything.
If there are plants worth keeping, dig them up and set them aside to replant later.

Once the area’s cleared, a light application of weed control can help knock out anything you missed.

Step #5: Prepare the Soil

Now you’re working with a blank canvas. Remove rocks, leftover roots, and any debris in the soil. If the ground’s rough or packed with stone, a rototiller can save you a lot of time. Then rake everything out so the surface is even and ready for the next step.

Step #6: Add a Layer of Compost

This is one step you don’t skip. Good soil makes everything easier long-term.

Spread about 2–3 inches of compost (or similar material like leaf mold or manure) over the area, then mix it into the existing soil. It improves drainage, feeds your plants, and helps everything establish faster.

Step #7: Clean Up the Site

Before you move on, take a few minutes to clean up. Get rid of leftover soil piles, stray compost, and any debris from the prep work. A clean site makes installation smoother and helps you see the final layout clearly.

Purchasing Cedar Mulch for your Flower Bed in NJ

A flower bed might seem simple, but the prep work is where the project is won or lost. Take your time here, and everything else—from planting to mulching—falls into place the way it should.

Done right, it’s the kind of upgrade that looks good immediately and holds up over time without constant rework.

Quality design deserves quality materials. Partner with Braen Supply to source reliable stone, veneer, and pavers tailored to your project requirements.

About the Author

Cedar Mulch vs. Decorative Gravel: What Is Best For My Flower Beds?

If you’re trying to clean up your property and make it look more put together, a flower bed is one of the easiest ways to do it. It adds color, breaks up the space, and gives everything a more finished look—whether you’re working on a home or a commercial property.

When it comes to filling those beds, most people end up choosing between cedar mulch and decorative gravel. They both get the job done, but they behave differently over time. So instead of guessing, here’s how I’d break it down so you can pick what actually makes sense for your space.

Cedar Mulch: Where It Works Best

Cedar mulch is the more traditional route, and there’s a reason it’s so common.

Clean, natural look – It blends in easily with most landscapes without overpowering your plants.
Smells good – You’ll notice it right away. It gives the area a fresh, finished feel.
Helps regulate soil temperature – Keeps roots from getting cooked in the summer.
Locks in moisture – Cuts down on how often you need to water.
Improves your soil over time – As it breaks down, it feeds the ground underneath.

The tradeoff? It breaks down. That means you’ll be refreshing it every so often. Not a big deal, but it’s something to plan for.

Decorative Gravel: A More Permanent Option

If you’re looking for something lower maintenance long-term, decorative gravel is worth considering.

More design flexibility – Different sizes, colors, and textures give you a lot to work with.
Better drainage – Water moves through it easily, which helps prevent soggy beds.
Temperature stability – Helps keep soil from overheating or drying out too fast.
Doesn’t break down – Once it’s in, it stays put.
Less attractive to pests – No organic material means less interest from insects or rodents.

The flip side is it’s less forgiving. Once it’s installed, changes take more effort, and it won’t improve your soil the way mulch does.

Choosing the Right Look

If you go the mulch route, you’re mostly deciding on color:

Red cedar mulch – Brighter, stands out more against your plantings
Brown cedar mulch – More natural, blends into the landscape
Black cedar mulch – Strong contrast, makes flowers pop

With gravel, you’ve got more variety:

Pea gravel – Small, rounded, easy to work with
Mexican beach pebbles – Smooth, darker tones, more polished look
Yellow (Jersey Shore) gravel – Warmer, regional look that’s common in NJ
White marble chips – Bright, reflective, more decorative
River rock – Larger, mixed colors, somewhere in between

So…Which One Should You Use?

Honestly, this usually comes down to how you want the space to function.

If you want something that improves your soil and feels more natural, go with mulch.
If you want something that’s low maintenance and long-lasting, gravel makes more sense.

There’s no wrong answer here—just different outcomes. I’ve seen both done well, and I’ve seen both done poorly. The difference is usually in the prep work and how well it fits the rest of the property.

Don’t overthink it, but don’t wing it either. Think about how much maintenance you’re willing to take on, how you want the space to look a year from now, and how permanent you want the install to be.

Make that decision first—everything else gets a lot easier from there.

Quality design deserves quality materials. Partner with Braen Supply to source reliable stone, veneer, and pavers tailored to your project requirements.

About the Author

Creative Ways to Use Bluestone Vertically in Landscape Design

Bluestone is a prized material in landscape design, known for its durability, regional character, and timeless appeal. While traditionally used for paving and patios, designers are increasingly turning to bluestone in vertical applications to add continuity, contrast, and sculptural presence to the landscape. From stair risers to wall caps and water features, vertical bluestone offers structural integrity and design cohesion across outdoor spaces.

Steps and Stairways: Vertical Transitions with Presence

Using bluestone for vertical risers in stair systems enhances both function and form. The strength and dense composition of bluestone make it ideal for bearing the load of steps, while its consistent color palette and natural cleft texture create visual rhythm. Designers can blend bluestone risers with horizontal treads for a monolithic appearance, or contrast them subtly with surrounding materials. Including side returns or veneers on risers helps maintain a polished, integrated look.

Wall Caps and Coping: Framing the Landscape

Wall caps are one of the most effective vertical uses of bluestone. Capping seat walls, raised beds, or retaining walls with bluestone provides a refined finish and protects underlying masonry. A slight overhand creates a shadow line and directs water away from the wall face. Designers can choose from finishes like thermal, natural cleft, or rock-faced to suit the project’s aesthetic. For example, coordinating bluestone caps with horizontal paving unifies the site visually.

Water Features and Upright Elements

Bluestone excels in water features due to its low porosity and weather resistance. Whether used as a smooth spillway in a modern fountain or stacked for a naturalistic cascade, it pairs beautifully with water. Upright bluestone monoliths or markers add sculptural impact and echo other vertical applications across the site. These elements introduce height, texture, and focal points while grounding the design in a cohesive material palette.

Veneer Applications: Cohesion Through Texture

Thin bluestone veneer is ideal for fireplace, outdoor kitchens, and feature walls. Available in ashlar, ledgestone, and mosaic patterns, it offers stylistic flexibility. When used alongside horizontal bluestone paving, veneer ties vertical structures into the overall material rhythm. Matching finishes and tones reinforces design unity, while textural contrasts can highlight functional zones or architectural transitions.

Continuity and Craftsmanship

Using bluestone vertically ensures continuity throughout the landscape. By repeating color, texture, and finish across vertical and horizontal planes, designers create cohesive environments that feel intentional and enduring. Bluestone’s durability and regional authenticity make it a sustainable choice for both structure and style.

In a well-crafted landscape, vertical bluestone is more than a detail- it’s a connective thread. Whether capping a wall, rising in a step, or standing as a monolith, it reinforces the artistry of natural materials and the designer’s vision.

Quality design deserves quality materials. Partner with Braen Supply to source reliable stone, veneer, and pavers tailored to your project requirements.

About the Author

Written in the voice of Braen Supply’s in-house expert persona, Gabriel Shaw. Shaw embodies the collective knowledge of our team and shares practical, straightforward tips to help landscape professionals make the most of their landscaping and masonry projects – drawing on decades of experiences serving New Jersey and the tri-state area.

Where Can I Find Mulch Near Me?

Any homeowner or business owner who has ever tackled a landscaping or gardening project has most likely been introduced to mulch as an optional material to use. In fact, mulch has become an essential component for many residential and commercial applications. There are several types of mulch available, but cedar mulch is typically the most popular, which is why it will be our primary focus for this discussion. The one question is… where can I find mulch near me? Our primary goal today is to answer that question, but we’ll also be looking at the uses of mulch, its benefits, and the types of cedar mulch available. What can we say? We like to be thorough whenever we’re covering an essential subject.

Uses of Quality Mulch

Mulch is a popular material for many types of projects that help enhance the appearance and functionality of your residential or commercial property. Here are a few of the most common uses:

Landscape — Mulch has probably been a popular material for landscaping projects ever since landscaping was a thing. That’s how effective it is in improving the appearance of your landscape, in addition to other benefits. The affordable price doesn’t hurt, either, because that means all types of projects and budgets can take advantage.
Gardening — If you’re searching for a material that will improve the health of your plants, look no further than mulch. This fantastic material is able to regulate soil temperatures and moisture levels, and will also prevent weeds from stealing nutrients from garden plants. Thanks to mulch, your garden will look and function magnificently.
Walkways — Mulch is a popular material for walkways and paths in both residential and commercial applications because it’s soft and comfortable to walk on. Plus, the visual appeal of mulch means that the walkway or path will be pleasing to the eye for homeowners, business owners, and any visitors that come around.
Playgrounds — At first glance, the use of mulch in playground areas is a given because it looks inviting and pleasant. But, there is another, much more important reason – it improves safety for your children. This is because mulch provides shock absorption while kids are running, jumping, and playing, decreasing the possibility of injury.

Where to Find Mulch Near Me

Mulch may not be difficult to find most of the time, but where you purchase it can be an important factor to successfully making it a part of your landscape. In fact, you may be tempted to purchase mulch online to save a few bucks, but this is a mistake. When you purchase mulch online or through a non-specialty store such as Walmart or Target, you’ll be missing out on the professional element. A supplier that has years of experience, such as Braen Supply, can provide you with valuable insight into how to get the most out of mulch and other landscaping materials. Plus, their experts can answer questions you may have from the beginning of a project to its end, and even after everything has been finished. This makes ordering from a reputable dealer absolutely indispensable and will help ensure that your project goes off without a hitch and has the best results possible. You simply can’t get that type of assistance when you order online or through a non-specialty retailer.

Benefits of Mulch in Landscaping

If you’ve decided to use mulch in your landscaping project, then you’ve definitely made a great choice. Here is a quick run-down of the benefits that you can expect:

Appearance — Mulch comes in light hues, providing a neutral color palette that you can easily incorporate into any landscape design.
Pleasant Smell — The pleasant, soothing odor of mulch will delight visitors to your home or business, thereby helping them feel welcomed.
Improved Temp Control — The light hues of mulch also help control the temperature of soil around plants by absorbing just enough sunlight.
Better Moisture Control — Mulch does a great job at negating evaporation of moisture by the sun, which will help promote healthier growth.
Pest Control — Pests often don’t like the aroma of mulch, which means that many rodents and insects will give your landscape a wide berth.
Valuable Nutrients — When mulch decomposes naturally, the soil is enriched with nutrients that are released during the process.

Types of Mulch Available

As explained above, cedar mulch is the most popular type of mulch available for both residential and commercial projects. Here are the three types for you to choose from:

Brown (Natural) Cedar Mulch — This is a popular choice for many homeowners and business owners because it’s the closest to an earth tone. This will allow any landscaping, gardening, or other project to look as natural as possible.
Black Cedar Mulch — This choice provides a striking difference between the mulch itself and the green vegetation, bright flowers, and other surrounding features. Plus, a black background or accent makes everything look better.
Red Cedar Mulch — If you’re looking for a type of mulch that will stand out on your property, then this is definitely the one for you. This is, by far, the flashiest color of cedar mulch available, which means it will easily stand out.

Purchasing Mulch Near Me in NJ

Prior to beginning a landscaping project involving mulch or any other such material, you’ll need to locate a reputable supplier. For just under two decades, Braen Supply has been an industry leader in providing assistance with a multitude of landscaping tasks and materials, including mulch, stone, decorative gravel, and much more. Our staff has certainly been around the block more than once and can answer any questions you may have before, during, or after a project. All of our materials are competitively priced and can either be picked up locally at our NJ location or delivered in bulk to areas throughout parts of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

The Top 10 Creative Ways To Use Decorative Aggregates In Your Yard

If you’ve decided to embark on the adventure of creating a landscape project for your home, we salute your efforts. When searching for a way to make your landscaping project truly stand out, there’s a good chance that you’ll eventually consider the use of decorative aggregates. Given the wide variety of choices available and how they spruce up absolutely any project, it’s obvious why you’d want to use them.

There are almost an endless number of ways that you can utilize decorative aggregates to improve the overall appearance of both your front and backyard. It would be impossible to cover all of them, so what we’ve done is put together a list of some of the more creative uses that homeowners have come up with over the years. Choose one, two, or even a few of them to really help your landscaping project stand out.

Use as a Walkway

Although the first thing that your friends and family will see when they approach your home is the front of the house itself, having an attractive walkway as they make their way to your front door is a fantastic way to set the mood of their visit. Decorative aggregates can be placed closely together into the ground as a way to create a gorgeous, colorful walkway, either as a full path or as a series of stepping stones. You can also shape them into animals and whatnot, or whatever else you desire.

Enhance a Pool Deck

Since swimming pools are such a popular place for people to hang out when they come to visit, the deck area is definitely a place where you want to focus a good deal of your creative energy. You really can’t go wrong with any type of decorative aggregates surrounding your deck, but if you’re going for a tropical look, which many homeowners like to do, there are several different colorful types for you to choose from.

Base of a Mailbox

Many homeowners seem to ignore their mailbox when it comes to attempting to spruce up the appearance of their front yard, but this is a mistake. After all, your mailbox is typically situated at the very front of your yard, which is exactly why so many people decorate the mailbox itself. Adding decorative aggregates to the base of the mailbox will improve its appearance with very little effort.

Line a Walkway

Rather than using decorative aggregates to actually create the walkway leading up to your front door or through your yard, you can also use them to line your existing or future walkway. Doing so will improve the path’s appearance with minimal effort or cost involved. This is a quick and easy use of decorative aggregates that can make a big impact for both household members and visitors to your home.

Flower Bed Edging

Flower beds have become a very popular feature in a variety of landscaping layouts due to the colorful beauty that they can add to both your front yard and backyard. You can increase the attractiveness of flower beds by either filling the entire area with decorative aggregates or use them around the edges to accentuate the plants and flowers. No matter which way you decide to go, the end result will be absolutely fantastic.

Base of Trees

While the presence of trees will definitely improve the look of your home, not to mention the environmental impact, the truth is that most aren’t exactly exciting or especially colorful in appearance unless they’re bearing fruit or flowers. This makes them the perfect area for adding a collection of decorative aggregates. Simply create a circular pattern, or any shape you would like, around the base of the tree and place your selected aggregates there.

Spotlight a Fire Pit

Many modern homeowners have been redoing their backyard by putting in a fire pit for themselves and others to enjoy. This is an especially popular area during the winter months, but it’s a great place to hang out all year round. Laying down some decorative aggregates is a great way to spruce up its appearance and make the time spent with family and friends around it even better.

Decorate a Slope

When your front yard has a slope due to an uneven ground, it can actually look pretty cool even if there’s nothing more than grass growing there. However, if you’re looking for a way to make it stand out, then adding decorative aggregates is a perfect choice. In fact, because of the angle, the aggregates will be quite visible, which will help beautify the entire yard and add curb appeal.

Meditation Garden

In today’s often stressful society, it’s important that you relax and regroup from time to time. A meditation garden with decorative aggregate can provide a calming effect for household members and visitors. You’ll be able to choose soothing, pleasant colors that will help bring harmony to your household. And even if you’re not really into meditation or other holistic methods, this type of design is a wonderful idea just for the beautification aspect.

Highlight a Water Structure

Water structures are a very popular landscaping option because they truly add something special and unique to any type of layout. You can highlight these structures by placing decorative aggregates around their base or in the area nearby. Another option is to you choose some aggregates that match the color of the water structure itself to enhance its overall size and appearance.

Buying Decorative Aggregates in New Jersey

Whether you use decorative aggregates in a traditional landscaping design or something a bit more creative, you’re going to need a reliable supplier like Braen Supply. Our team of experts have been providing materials for almost 20 years, and we also perform landscape design where we will analyze your project’s needs and hook you up with a reputable contractor. Our materials are competitively priced, and you can either drop by our facility to pick them up or have them bulk delivered to most areas throughout NJ and parts of NY, CT, and PA.

The 5 Easy Steps To Making Over Your Yard With Garden Stones

There are a ton of different strategies that a homeowner can use in order to enhance the appearance of their home. Although you can always invest in the installation of stone siding, a complete revamp of your swimming pool deck, or a wide variety of other complicated projects, adding garden stones to either an existing or newly designed landscaping project is a simple way to change the overall appearance of your home’s exterior.

In fact, the installation of garden stones, which can be implemented in a variety of locations and projects, is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to give new life to your home’s yard. Let’s take a look at a few advantages of making over your yard with garden stones and then follow that up with five easy steps that will be involved.

Advantages of Garden Stones

Before we dive into the steps required to make over your yard with garden stones, we’re first going to briefly cover some of the advantages of using garden stones and your landscaping project:

Gorgeous Appearance

First and foremost, garden stones provide an attractive appearance for your landscape, whether you choose muted colors such as black and white or prefer brightly colored stones. And, of course, there are plenty of different types to choose from such as river rock, Mexican Beach Pebbles and pea gravel.

Low-Maintenance

One of the greatest things about the use of garden stones in your yard is that they are extremely low maintenance. Sure, you may occasionally find a rock that has been kicked out of its designated area or picked up and tossed out by a child, but that doesn’t compare to the constant maintenance needed for grass and other vegetation.

Saves Money

Watering your lawn may be a tradition for millions of homeowners, but it definitely takes time and effort to do it properly. Plus, to keep it green all year round, it will often take a great deal of water. With garden stones, you’ll cut down or completely eliminate your need to water the lawn, which means that you’ll save money each month on your utility bills.

Won’t Decompose

Another great thing about garden stones is that, unlike materials such as mulch and wood chips, the stones won’t break down and decompose over time. This means that you won’t have to replace the materials as they become unusable, which will save you both time and money.

Won’t Attract Pests

Pests such as insects and rodents can become a real nuisance in your yard. Materials such as mulch and wood chips attract these critters when they decompose, which obviously won’t be a problem with garden stones.

Five Steps to Using Garden Stones

Now that you understand the advantages of using garden stones in your yard, let’s take a look at the seven steps you’ll need to follow for this landscaping project:

Kill Grass and Weeds

The first thing you’re going to want to do is get rid of all of the grass and weeds in the area where the garden stones will be used for your new landscape. You’ll want to pull or dig up as much as you possibly can and then apply herbicide to the ground in order to stunt further growth.

Dig into the Soil and Smooth It Out

Now that you’ve taken care of the grass and weeds, you’ll need to dig four inches down into the soil. This is done because you don’t want your rocks to sit on any type of high ground and then wash away in a storm. If the ground is uneven, simply dig deeper in certain areas to level it out. Once this is done, smooth out the soil with a steel rake and then use a hand tamper to compact it.

Lay Down Crushed Stone Pack

Next, you’ll want to pick up some crushed stone pack, which is a mixture of stone dust and small crushed stones. Lay approximately 2 1/2 inches of the stone pack over the compacted soil, and then use the steel rake to make it even. After that is done, spray the pack with water to dampen it, compact it to two inches thick, and use your hand tamper to make a hard, even surface.

Lay Down Landscape Fabric

In order to keep any straggler weeds from growing, you need to lay down landscape fabric. If your yard has a curve, simply cut the fabric along the inside and outside edges, overlap it at the cuts of the inside curve and then let it fan out to the outside curve. Lastly, tightly secure the fabric with landscaping spikes.

Lay Edging Around the Yard

The next step is to lay edging around your yard, which is done by following the landscape fabric edges. This will provide additional protection by enforcing the area where you’ll be laying the garden stones.

Pour In the Desired Rocks

At long last, you’ve reached the point where you will actually lay down your garden stones. For this step, you’ll want to completely cover the landscape fabric, but leave approximately one-half inch of edging at the top so that the rocks don’t spill over. And, once again, grab your trusty rake and even out the surface of the stones.

Outline with Larger Stones

In order to further protect the integrity of your brand new garden stone landscape, lay down some large decorative stones and push them slightly into the smaller stone. Then, rake over the area once more and you’re all finished. Congratulations on your beautiful new landscape!

Purchasing Garden Stones in New Jersey

At some point while making your plans to reinvigorate your yard with garden stones, you’re going to need a supplier that you can count on. Braen Supply has become a premier provider of landscaping materials and landscape design, and can help you make your next project a success. Our materials are competitively priced and can either be picked up at our local New Jersey facility or delivered in bulk to most areas throughout NJ and parts of NY, CT, and PA.