Topsoil Prices in NY for 2015

Residential and commercial property owners can use topsoil to generate professional-quality results from their landscaping projects.

Topsoil contains a carefully balanced mixture of vital nutrients which enrich growth and help create full, healthy lawns and beautiful gardens.

More specifically, commercially prepared topsoil is made up of six primary types of ingredients:

Minerals – The three major minerals found in topsoil are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These elements are derivatives of bedrock, the parent material from which natural topsoil comes.
Water – Minerals decompose in water, making them easily accessible to plant roots. It also supports bacterial activity in topsoil, helping microbes thrive and distribute nutrients across the lawn or garden.
Oxygen – The oxygen found in topsoil plays two important roles. Like water, it encourages the activity of the aerobic bacteria which convert organic material into soil nutrients. Second, the air pores in topsoil are capable of storing significant amounts of water, providing supplemental hydration which helps keep grass and plants healthy.
Microorganisms – By and large, the microorganisms in topsoil help make its nitrogen components more easily consumable by plants. Topsoil contains a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and insects which support nitrogen distribution and recycle organic byproducts.
Silt – This component locks in water while inhibiting water logging and preventing the saturation of plant roots. It is usually combined with other water-retaining components, including clay, loam and sand.

In short, topsoil does for your lawn and garden what eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fresh foods does for your body. Without it, you risk depriving your landscape of essential nutrients, a mistake that’s likely to lead to dissatisfying results. It’s especially important in the New York area, given the region’s major seasonal weather fluctuations and the unpredictable nature of its climate.

Of course, price is an important consideration when shopping for topsoil in New York, and topsoil prices are influenced by a wide range of factors. It’s important to weigh these factors into your research to get the best possible value for your investment.

Factors Influencing Topsoil Prices in New York

Three key factors play a major role in setting topsoil prices:

Quality – Not all commercially prepared topsoil is made equal, and quality makes a huge difference when it comes to results. Generally speaking, inexpensive topsoil is available at reduced prices because they are not as densely saturated with the minerals and nutrients which promote healthy, full lawns and gardens. Premium topsoil commands higher prices, but offer important benefits to landscapers; they have superior nutrient densities, and you’ll notice a major difference in the quality of your lawn and the health of your plants.
Amount – Like most product, topsoil prices come down as you buy more. Buying in bulk is a great way to save money, especially if you’re committed to getting good results year in and year out.
Distribution – In most cases, you’ll pay less for your topsoil if you pick it up yourself from the retailer. However, this may not always be possible, especially if you buy in bulk and don’t have a suitable vehicle for transporting it back to your work site. Some retailers won’t charge extra for delivery, but factor these costs into their topsoil prices when setting them.

Another factor that contributes to topsoil prices is your choice of vendor. Wholesalers are generally cheaper than retailers, but as with any purchase, price shouldn’t necessarily be your bottom line.

Retailers usually offer better support and advice than wholesalers, but if you’ve done your own research and know exactly what you want, you may find better prices by going wholesale.

How to Choose Your Topsoil

You should also choose topsoil that supports the type(s) of plants you’re planning to grow. From a general standpoint, there are three basic formulations available:

Turf topsoil – Designed for growing grass, turf topsoil should be screened to remove all particles larger than 10 millimeters in diameter and contain higher levels of sand and loam.
Bed and border topsoil – If you’re growing flowers, look for topsoil fortified with composted elements and soil enrichment compounds. Flower bed and garden border topsoil also offers a higher concentration of organic matter.
Garden topsoil – Intended for vegetable gardens, this type of topsoil should also be richer in nutrients and organic compounds than general-purpose products for lawns. Remember, you’re going to eat what you grow in this soil, so be sure to choose a product of the highest possible quality.

To determine quantity, consider that you should cover the growing area with 4 to 12 inches of enriched topsoil, depending on the quality of the existing soil. If the current soil layer is badly depleted of nutrients, use more; if it’s already close to offering excellent growing conditions, use less.

Topsoil also has other important applications beyond gardening. It can also be used in surface grading to ensure proper drainage around houses and buildings. A downward slope should be created around the perimeter of all buildings, providing a six-inch decline over a 10-foot area.

Trust Braen Supply for All Your Topsoil Needs

Choosing the right supplier is absolutely critical if you’re serious about getting the best possible results for your efforts, and Braen Supply is New York’s leading landscape supply retailer.

Offering a wide range of quality topsoil products at highly competitive prices, Braen Supply is an active member of many different landscaping organizations and professional affiliations. Demanding professionals trust Braen Supply, and so should you.

In addition to a wide range of premium products, Braen Supply is happy to offer expert guidance to all of its customers.

With extensive resources and unparalleled customer support, Braen Supply is your best choice in New York. To learn more about our NY topsoil prices, or if you need any further advice, please contact us.

Landscape Supplies in NJ: The Online Guide

Landscape Supplies in NJ As a homeowner, you know how much thought and consideration needs to be given to properly maintaining your property. Because your landscape is the first thing that people notice about your home, it’s especially important that it gives off a good impression and is well manicured at all times.

In order for you to achieve these goals, it’s imperative that you’re well-educated on good landscaping design and care and that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment.

Although there are a growing number of places to go to find landscape supplies in NJ, there are a very limited number of all-inclusive suppliers that are able to provide you with everything you need – from tools to expert advice and everything in-between.

To ensure that you and your property are well taken care of, here’s a look at what supplies you’ll need and what you should expect from an excellent supply company.

Important Landscaping Supplies

Crushed Stone Aggregate -For homeowners who are intending to install a new driveway, walkway or patio, a crushed stone aggregate is essential as a base material. Many property owners also choose to use crushed rock and gravel as a loose-fill option for surfaces like these. In the case of crushed stone surfaces, it’s wise to always keep some extra material on hand. In order to avoid empty patches or potholes, you’ll need to occasionally introduce new aggregate to the surface.
Decorative Stone -There are many different types of decorative stone that can be used throughout the landscape. These give a splash of color and personality to your property. You might utilize brick chips or lava rocks in and around planters or trees to accentuate your vegetation, or river rocks of various sizes to construct a gorgeous dry river bed.
Pavers – Pavers are among the most popular landscape supplies in NJ. These beautiful paving stones can be used to build distinctive front drives, paths and walkways, patios, and more.
Outdoor Living Supplies – In order for you to truly enjoy your landscape and hardscape, you’ll be in need of certain supplies that will enhance your outdoor living experience. Many homeowners are very interested in purchasing outdoor grills, fireplaces, and refrigerators so that meals can be shared with loved ones without having to abandon the fresh air during the warmer months. To beautify your property, you’ll also want to find decorative planting pots for your prized flowers. And to prevent unsightly air conditioners and generators from detracting from the look of your landscape, utility covers are a must.
Hardware & Other Landscaping Supplies – To complete your project and care for your landscape, you’ll also require other materials. It’s important to have tools on hand like shovels, hammers, plastic piping, landscape fabric, etc. For proper maintenance and care, you’ll want to look for supplies intended for cleaning and sealing pavers and stone, fertilizers, and a reliable rock salt to protect hardscapes during the winter.

Supplier Qualifications

Landscaping Supplies in NJ Choosing a company that’s able to provide you with quality landscape supplies in NJ is easier than you might think.

Simply put, you should be looking for experience, inventory and price.

It’s important to work with a seasoned supply business that employs a team of staff who are familiar with the industry and are knowledgeable about the projects that you may need help with.

You’ll also want to find out what type of landscaping supply inventory the company maintains.

There are few things more frustrating than being required to visit numerous supply stores just to obtain all the materials that you need. A good supplier will have a wide range of materials so that you can get it all in one place.

Finally, you want a supplier that offers fair and competitive wholesale pricing so that you can maintain your landscape on a budget you can afford.

Where to Buy Landscape Supplies in NJ

There’s no better place to pick up all of your landscape supplies in NJ than at Braen Supply. After more than a decade in business, we’ve got all of the knowledge and expertise required to help you make decisions about which supplies, tools, and equipment will best serve your needs.

We offer our customers a massive inventory of bulk crushed stone aggregate materials, decorative stone, masonry supplies, outdoor living equipment, hardware, gardening and planting supplies, maintenance products, and much more.

Whether you’re looking for materials to enable you to make over your property or for supplies that will help you to maintain an existing landscape, we have everything that you need for your project from start to finish. Our materials are available for pickup or bulk delivery throughout NJ, NY, PA, and CT.

Are My Mexican Beach Pebbles Really Black?

Mexican Beach Pebbles for Sale in NJ Home and property owners tend to be attracted to Mexican beach pebbles as a result of their naturally smooth texture and rounded shape, as well as the striking colors.

Dark grays and dark blues are among the more commonly selected shades that you’ll see. The interesting thing about Mexican beach pebbles is that when they become wet, they actually appear darker in color.

This leads people to wonder whether or not Mexican beach pebbles are truly black. Having worked in the landscape supply industry for more than a decade we’ve met many customers looking for black Mexican beach pebbles.

We’ll tell you the truth about black Mexican beach pebbles and how you can create a landscape with them that you’ll love.

What Makes Mexican Beach Pebbles Black?

Black Mexican beach pebbles offer a very sophisticated look, but are they actually “black”? What most people initially perceive to be black is actually a darker variation of another color. It’s true that these beach pebbles can naturally be found in a shade of charcoal, but this is not “true” black.

When the stones become wet, they will appear to be darker, offering more of a deep black hue. This is actually a trick of the light.

Water affects the way in which light reflects off of the surface of materials like Mexican beach pebbles. This fools the eye into recognizing a darker color. But what if you want your stones to be black all the time instead of just when they’re wet?

The answer is simpler than you might think: sealed. When a stone is sealed, it can trick the eye into seeing a jet black color no matter what. The reflection of light upon the glossy, sealed surface of a stone completely alters its appearance, and makes the viewer believe that they are seeing black Mexican beach pebbles.

Besides Black Mexican Beach Pebbles, What Options Do I Have?

Even though black Mexican beach pebbles have gained the most notice, they’re certainly not your only option. This is great news for homeowners who like the shape, size, and smoothness of these stones, but don’t feel that the brilliantly black hues will blend in with the rest of their landscape and/or hardscape.

Darker colors in shades of blue and gray are certainly available, but for those who prefer warmer tones, you’re in luck. There are other stones that are available similar to Mexican beach pebbles in colors including, tan, brown, red, and even green.

Depending on the existing stone materials found throughout your landscape and the style of your home, you might prefer one color over another. You can also choose to purchase a mix of stones to create an interesting palette of varied hues.

How Can I Use Mexican Beach Pebbles?

Mexican beach pebbles are extremely versatile and can be used for a number of different projects and applications, including:

Gardening Accents – Mexican beach pebbles of all colors are a great way to enhance the appearance of your planters, flower beds, and gardens.
Mulch Replacement – These stones are an excellent alternative to traditional organic mulching materials. The beach pebbles work to regulate soil temperatures and moisture levels, and don’t need to be replaced on a regular basis.
Paths & Walkways – Although the size of these stones may not make them practical for high-traffic paths or walkways, they are beautiful as garden trails, and can also be used as an edging material around paths constructed of other materials.
Water Features – Mexican beach pebbles are particularly striking when used in and around water features like fountains, waterfalls, and dry river beds.

Where Can I Buy Black Mexican Beach Pebbles?

Because black Mexican beach pebbles are so popular, it’s not difficult to find vendors who sell them. While you may have numerous options, it’s important that you take the time to find a reliable supplier that you can trust.

For more than a decade, Braen Supply has become a leader in the sale of high quality decorative stones. Our staff are all familiar with Mexican beach pebbles and have the dedication and passion required to connect you with the right size and color stone for your specific landscaping project.

We offer the lowest prices possible so that you can beautify your property on a budget you can afford. Our black Mexican beach pebbles are available for pickup from our two NJ locations. For larger orders, talk to one of our professionals about our bulk delivery services throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.

Mexican beach pebbles are on of the most expensive decorative stones available.

Where Can I Buy Mexican Beach Pebbles?

Buy Mexican Beach Pebbles As you drive through many neighborhoods, you might come across a number of “cookie cutter” homes, all with identical landscapes.

If you’re ready to break free of that mold and introduce something truly unique to your property, you should give some thought to Mexican beach pebbles.

These stunning stones provide an exotic look in a way that is still quite simplistic so that they don’t stick out in your landscape like a sore thumb.

Instead, the soothing coloration and smooth, rounded texture of these decorative rocks will attract the eye to your property, enhancing and accentuating all of its other lovely features. As if that weren’t reason enough to buy Mexican beach pebbles, the stones are also very versatile and functional.

To get the most out of these amazing pebbles, you’ll need to make plans on how you can best utilize them throughout your landscape, and where you can buy them at the lowest prices.

Getting the Most From Mexican Beach Pebbles

Before you buy Mexican beach pebbles, you’ll need to have a better idea of how you will implement them throughout your property. Because there are a range of sizes and colors available, as well as a variety of uses for these decorative rocks, it’s smart to seek out the advice and input of an expert stone supply company like Braen Supply.

Our team has been working with these incredible pebbles for years, and is more than happy to answer any questions that you might have and help you plan out the various ways in which the stones can enhance your current home landscape.

All you need to do is tell us about the present layout of your property and let us know what your vision is. From there, we can provide you with a number of ideas about where and how you can incorporate the Mexican beach pebbles. Some of our top suggestions for utilizing the stones include:

Planters & Gardens – When used in planters, around vegetation, or as tree circles, Mexican beach peoples bring attention to your plant life while also offering the benefit of acting as an alternative to organic mulch. These stones are also popular for “zen” rock gardens.
Water Features – As beach pebbles, it’s only natural that these stones would look spectacular when incorporated into water features like fountains, dry riverbeds, or waterfalls.
Paths – Although generally too large to walk upon directly, Mexican beach pebbles make an excellent filler option surrounding paving stone steppers in paths and walkways. They can also act as an attractive edging material.
Lawn Replacement – You might opt to replace all or part of your grassy lawn for these soft, smooth pebbles. Not only to they evoke a sense of calm beauty, but they also enable you to save time and money on lawn maintenance.

These are only some of the options on how to use Mexican beach pebbles on your property. Once you know how you’d like to lay out the decorative rocks throughout your landscape and are ready to purchase, our team will continue to work with you in order to calculate how much material you’ll require, which tools and equipment you might need, and delivery options, where necessary.

Where to Buy Mexican Beach Pebbles

Knowing how you’d like to utilize Mexican beach pebbles is only half the battle. After speaking with a professional at Braen Supply, we’d hope to gain your trust and confidence in our abilities as a decorative stone supplier, but in case you need further convincing, we also offer the following advantages:

Large Inventory – Braen Supply is proud to offer an extensive inventory of Mexican beach pebbles in a variety of sizes ranging from 1/2″ – 5″. This ensures that you’ll find exactly what you need to complete your specific project.
Industry Experience & Connections – After more than a decade in business, we’re not only knowledgeable about the decorative stones that we sell, but we’ve also developed relationships with contractors. Should you require professional assistance for your project, we can connect you with the best.
Wholesale Pricing – Never buy overpriced Mexican beach pebbles. Braen Supply always offers the most fair and competitive wholesale pricing to customers like you. For planning a project with Mexican beach pebbles, keep in mind that although they are very unique and attractive stones, they are imported from South America and as a result tend to be significantly more expensive than many other locally quarried decorative gravel.
Delivery Services – If you’re tackling a particularly large project and require a bulk order of beach pebbles, you might need to enlist the help of our professional stone delivery service. Braen Supply extensive fleet of dump trucks and flat beds will ensure the timely delivery of your Mexican beach pebbles.

Don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself why so many people come to us when they’re ready to buy Mexican beach pebbles.

How Can I Use Bluestone in My Landscaping?

Bluestone has long been a key component in landscaping in various uses for over a century. The natural coloration and texture of the durable stone, its attractive and visually interesting properties, and its availability make bluestone a great option for improving your landscape.

Bluestone is extremely versatile and can be used to create or enhance any landscaping theme, by offering a touch of elegance or romance to your home. As bluestone can be utilized for a variety of decorative and practical functions, we wanted to address 3 of the most popular uses of bluestone in landscaping.

Bluestone Paths & Walkways

The use of bluestone for paths and walkways creates a unique and stunning effect for a landscape. The look can be customized, based upon your specific desires and needs.

Whether you’d like a path leading to your front door or a winding path through your gardens to a bluestone retaining wall, you’ll find a variety of beautiful bluestone materials to make your landscape perfect.

Bluestone Patios

Bluestone is the perfect material for creating a gorgeous and natural looking place for friends and family to gather. As in the case of paths and walkways, a bluestone patio can be customized to your exact specifications.

You’ll have the ability to choose from a variety of different shapes and sizes of bluestone pavers for the surface of your patio. Not only is bluestone very beautiful in appearance, but it is known for being extremely durable.

Another key advantage of bluestone – especially natural cleft bluestone – is that it is naturally slip-resistent. This improves safety during rainy periods, or for use around swimming areas.

Bluestone Steps

Installing steps in either the front or back of your property is another great way to make a difference in your landscape.

In sloped front yards, a beautifully constructed bluestone staircase can replace old and broken down railroad tie steps or a steep elevation grade. Not only does this offer a sophisticated and upscale look to the home, but it also makes it easier for guests to approach your front door.

Bluestone can be used in both the construction of the stairs themselves, as the treads, or as both. Bluestone treads look stunning and work well with a number of other materials for building steps, such as bricks or other thin stone veneers.

Your Bluestone Landscaping Project

In order for your bluestone landscaping project to go off without a hitch, it’s important that you work with a stone supplier who can offer you great advice and provide you with superior bluestone products.

Braen Supply has been working with NJ homeowners on their bluestone landscaping projects for more than a decade. We are passionate about connecting our customers with the best bluestone available at wholesale prices.

We have a wide range of bluestone materials available for your landscaping needs. You can visit our Wanaque, NJ location to see many of our offerings in person. We also offer bulk delivery of bluestone to all of NJ, NY, PA and CT depending on the volume.

Our team of experts would love to speak with you about your upcoming bluestone project.

Pea Gravel vs. River Rocks

Pea Gravel vs. River Rocks If you’re considering making changes to your landscape with decorative rocks you’ve likely considered using pea gravel or river rocks.

Both pea gravel and river rocks are extremely popular materials for serving decorative and functional purposes throughout home and commercial properties.

We’ve found that many people are confused about the difference between the two of them. The debate of pea gravel vs. river rocks has been going on for quite some time and we want you to know that each offers unique benefits and features to your landscape.

This guide will break down what each material has to offer and what you should consider before making a final decision.

Comparing Pea Gravel and River Rocks

Pea Gravel: Uses, Benefits and Things to Consider

The Most Popular Uses of Pea Gravel

One of the more common uses for pea gravel is in the installation of front walkways and garden paths. You might also choose to use pea gravel as a surfacing material for a stunning and unique loose stone driveway or patio.

Many people choose to use the stones in and around children’s play areas, as they are shock absorbent and recreationally safe. Pea gravel can even be used in lieu of sand in sandboxes, or as an alternative to traditional organic mulch.

Benefits of Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is such a popular choice in landscaping largely due to the fact that the stone is quite uniform in size, smooth in texture and features a variety of beautiful colors. In fact, many people don’t realize that pea gravel is actually river rock. It is just a smaller, smoother version of river rock.

Pea gravel is widely available throughout the northeast, which makes it one of the most affordable of all decorative stones. In addition to looking great and being budget-friendly, pea gravel is highly versatile and functional.

In terms of pea gravel vs. river rocks, pea gravel is simply better known for its smaller size and ability to be compacted.

Pea gravel is also capable of deterring the growth of weeds in and around garden beds and planters, is heavy enough that it won’t blow away in high winds or when subject to a leaf blower, requires very little maintenance and is soft and comfortable enough to walk on.

Things to Consider Before Buying Pea Gravel

As pea gravel is relatively lightweight, the stones have a tendency to be scattered when subject to heavy foot traffic. As a result, paths, walkways, patios, and other surfaces should be raked regularly to maintain an even surface. An edging material can help to keep stones in place.

River Rocks: Uses, Benefits and Things to Consider

The Most Popular Uses of River Rocks

River rocks are extremely popular due to the beauty it can bring to a landscape. It can create a very naturalistic look to areas around swimming pools and water features, making them popular as an edging material or as a replacement for sand on beaches.

Small sized river rocks (larger than pea gravel) are another top pick for the creation of paths and walkways, whereas larger river rocks can be purposed as an edging material, or to prevent soil erosion on sloped lawns.

One of the most common uses for river rocks is in the installation of dry river beds. Many people create dry river beds to improve a landscapes appearance and to divert water away from the property.

Benefits of River Rocks

One of the key advantages to river rocks is that they are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3/8″ all the way up to 5″+. This allows you to play around with the various stones to meet a variety of needs throughout the landscape.

When building a front walkway, for example, you can maintain a sense of uniformity by utilizing 3/8″ or 3/4″ stones (pea gravel) as the surfacing material, with larger 3″ or 5″ rocks as the edging material. Because they tend to be heavier than other stones like pea gravel, it’s often more difficult to displace the river rocks, even when they are subject to high levels of traffic.

Things to Consider Before Buying River Rocks

The main thing to keep in mind when landscaping with river rock is that it can be more expensive than pea gravel. In cases where your landscaping project entails a very large coverage area, river rocks may not be the most practical solution.

Buying Pea Gravel and River Rocks

After taking a closer look at the benefits and considerations involved with pea gravel vs. river rocks, you should have a better idea with regard to which material is best for your specific project.

While both offer numerous advantages to areas throughout the landscape, it’s a combination of the nature and requirements of your undertaking and your personal preferences that will make the final determination.

In fact, both of these materials are classified as river rocks, which means you’re staying within the family regardless of which stone you choose.

When looking to purchase materials for your project we recommend speaking with your local decorative stone supplier. They’ll be able to discuss the details of your project with you, make recommendations and provide you with a competitive price on everything you need.

Pea Gravel Walkways: Depths, Installation & Maintenance

Pea gravel walkways: depths, installation and maintenance Throughout the years, pea gravel has earned its place as one of the most sought-after landscaping materials on the market.

On top of being very accessible and affordable, these multi-colored stones are extremely versatile and can serve a number of decorative and practical functions throughout your property.

Because of their beauty, size and texture, it has become very popular to use pea gravel in the installation of paths and walkways.

The goal of this guide is to provide you with all of the knowledge and insight required to construct and maintain stunning and long-lasting pea gravel walkways throughout your landscape.

Pea Gravel Walkways

Pea gravel walkways create a defined path for people to walk on. This discourages them from taking “shortcuts” by traveling across your carefully manicured lawn or flower beds.

Your front lawn isn’t the only area where a pea gravel walkway can make a difference. You might construct a path leading from your patio to your swimming pool, or a path to wind around your flower and vegetable gardens. This creates a peaceful and tranquil esthetic.

Regardless of where you plan on constructing your walkway, pea gravel is an ideal choice. The small, pea-sized stones are small, smooth and round which makes them comfortable to walk upon. The varied coloration of the rocks also makes it easy for you to tie together the various aspects of your landscape to make it as cohesive and esthetically pleasing as possible.

Installation & Maintenance Tips for Pea Gravel Walkways

Take Careful Measurements

The key to properly determining how much material you’ll need for your walkway is in precisely outlining and measuring the desired coverage area. For straight paths, you should multiply the length by the width by the depth of the walkway.

For winding walkways, you may need to consult with an expert for accuracy. When calculating your final numbers we recommend padding your total by 10%. This will ensure that you will not end up short on material. You will save yourself time and headaches during your project and if you have any material left over you can easily spread it out over your walkway.

Depth Guidelines

As a general rule of thumb, pea gravel walkways should have a minimum depth of at least 2″ for comfort and sufficient coverage. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to plan on an additional 1″ layer of a base material beneath the pea gravel.

Pea Gravel Walkway Installation Steps

After excavating the area where the walkway is to be installed, you’ll need to make sure that the base of the path is level, free of roots and weeds and is completely compacted. To prevent the growth of future weeds, a layer of landscaping fabric should be applied to the bottom and sides of the walkway.

Next, the base material should be applied. Typically, sand or crushed gravel with fines will do nicely. This layer will help to stabilize the pea gravel, enabling to to support the weight of foot traffic.

Finally, you’re ready to spread the 2″ layer of pea gravel on top. In order to keep stones in place, it’s smart to edge the walkway with bricks, heavy river rocks or other decorative materials. To add even more texture and interest to your path, you may decide to space paving stones throughout the walkway to serve as stepping stones.

Pea Gravel Walkway Maintenance

Pea gravel walkways are relatively low maintenance. To preserve the path’s beauty, simply rake over the stones regularly to keep the surface even and level. A leaf blower can be used to remove debris, as the stones are heavy enough that they won’t blow away. You may also want to rerake and level the stones that are on the walkway every 2-3 years.

Do you have more questions about pea gravel walkways? Speak with a local pea gravel supplier like Braen Supply.

We’ve been assisting homeowners and contractors with projects for more than 100 years. We’d be happy to discuss your project and make recommendations based on your needs.

This photo is an original and is used via creative commons from Richard J. Hughes.

Boulders for Sale in NJ

Boulders for Sale in NJ Known for making a dramatic impact on the appearance of their environment, boulders are available in many distinctive color and style variations. Many NJ homeowners decide to use boulders at their homes for a wide variety of reasons.

They are often used by homeowners to mark property lines, offer a seating area amongst their flower garden, build a retaining wall, divert traffic or to give a dramatic contrast to their landscaped areas.

These are only some of the most popular uses of boulders as they can be purposed for almost anything.

Being in the landscape supply business for more than a decade we’ve found that there are a lot of people who look for boulders for sale in NJ. However many times they are unsure of what kind of boulder they want and how they’d like to use it.

Our team of landscape experts decided to breakdown some of the most popular uses and where you can find boulders for sale in NJ.

General Landscaping

As you see them in nature, boulders come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These large boulders are often used to simply accent an existing landscape. It is popular to place boulders throughout your landscape to give contrast to the delicacy of a flower garden or other landscaped area.

Even smaller boulders or cobble stones can be used to form the border of a walking path or any other type of landscaped area.

Smaller boulders are also often used to create an edge that will contain decorative mulch or stone. When you place large stones along a landscaping border they can give the area a far more desirable appearance than that of a traditional border material.

Marking Property Lines

Boulders can offer a secure border to define the boundaries of your property. Larger plots of land can make it difficult to know exactly where your property ends and neighboring properties begin.

Garden Seating

Boulders can be machine leveled, flattened and smoothed to create a beautiful, one of a kind seating area for visitors to your garden or other landscaped area. Often homeowners will place these stone benches in the vicinity of an active water feature.

This placement offers a serene, relaxing environment for visitors to your garden or flower bed to enjoy the scenery. There are a wide variety of boulders available that can be artistically altered into a garden bench.

Building a Retaining Wall

When properly erected, a retaining wall can be a distinctive addition to a landscaped area. While adding beauty, retaining walls also lend an element of functionality to the area where they are placed. A properly constructed retaining wall can be used to hold back the earth from encroaching on an area where it is unwanted.

These artistic walls can be constructed in a number of fashions. One of these styles is the dry laid retaining wall. This type of wall is built by stacking a series of somewhat interlocking boulders, forming a freestanding structure.

When constructing a dry laid stone retaining wall, as the name suggests, the boulders are placed without the use of mortar. These stones are held in place by the gravity provided by their sheer weight.

When a wall is built in this style, the most important factor is the way in which the stones are placed. These walls are built with just the stone and a crushed aggregate behind it for drainage. No mortar or cement is used in the construction of a dry laid wall.

If you are considering building a large stone or boulder retaining wall at your NJ home or business, we recommend speaking with a local contractor or landscape supplier.

Traffic Diversion

Boulders can offer a unique and beautiful perspective as a traffic diversion piece. Many people simply place these boulders in areas where they prefer not to have automobiles parked, like in front of their home.

Boulders can also be used to form a path which directs traffic to the desired parking location. When strategically placed, these large boulders can also offer protection.

When placed in high traffic areas, a boulder’s sheer size and weight can be used as a barrier to protect your property from wayward vehicles.

Boulders for Sale in NJ

As one of the largest suppliers of boulders in NJ, the team at Braen Supply would be happy to assist you with all of your boulder needs. We’ve worked with countless NJ homeowners on their boulder projects and have seen incredible results.

We offer boulders of all shapes and sizes and would love to assist you with your upcoming project.

Why Bluestone Treads Are Perfect for Your Landscape

Bluestone Treads NJ Natural stone stairways can add a touch of romance, elegance and sophistication to any landscape. While your steps can add these elements they need an additional piece to complete the property.

In order for the steps to truly compliment the property and add value to the home, it’s important that the treads are able to tie the theme of the landscape together while also remaining safe and functional.

Bluestone treads are an extremely popular and smart option as there are various sizes available and it is a durable material.

Whether you’re looking to construct front steps leading up to your home, or would like to build a grand staircase leading from your patio to a flower garden, you’ll find the right bluestone treads to match.

Benefits of Bluestone Treads

Some of the key advantages to utilizing bluestone as the material for your stair treads is that it is extremely tough and durable.

These characteristics make it possible for the treads to withstand heavy foot traffic, and to resist the negative effects of the elements.

The texture of the stone also provides it with a natural traction that helps to promote safety in wet conditions. As a result, the stone treads make the stairs functional during periods of rain, or in areas around swimming pools.

Of course, the attractive coloration of bluestone is another major draw. Depending on the quarry, bluestone may be more of a dark or light blue-gray tone.

These variations make it easier to find a color scheme that will fit with your existing landscape.

As bluestone is available in various sizes, you can customize a staircase to your exact specifications. Bluestone is also an excellent option for stair treads because it can so easily be worked into most landscaping themes and styles.

Bluestone Tread Sizes

Depending on the size of your property, or the intended function for your steps, you’ll need to be able to work with the properly sized bluestone treads.

Fortunately, these stones are cut to meet various sizing needs. Some of the more popular bluestone treads are available in lengths ranging from 4ft-8ft long, 12″ and 14″ wide and 2″ thick.

The Cost of Bluestone Treads

The cost to install bluestone treads will vary based upon several different factors. First, you’ll need to determine how large your project will be. Longer, wider treads will require more of an investment than purchasing the same number of shorter, narrower treads.

The amount of steps involved will also impact price. It’s also important to purchase directly from a stone supplier, as larger retailers who do not produce their own product will need to charge more.

Despite the fact that bluestone tends to be more expensive than concrete cast treads, many homeowners believe that the beauty and versatility of the material makes it worth the cost.

Where to Buy Bluestone Treads

Homeowners throughout NJ have come to recognize Braen Supply as a leading supplier of superior bluestone treads. We’ve been in the industry for more than a decade, giving us the knowledge and experience to provide the finest materials to our customers.

We have a wide range of industry experts on staff that can provide you with a variety of advice on your upcoming projects. We offer our bluestone treads for pickup or bulk delivery across NJ, NY, PA and CT.

If you’d prefer to see some of our bluestone treads in person, we encourage you to visit our Wanaque location. Here we offer the largest showroom in NJ, which will allow you to see all of the different options we offer.

Qualities to Look for in Your Topsoil Supplier

Topsoil Supplier NJ When searching for topsoil for your landscape you’ll likely realize that nearly every landscape supplier and big-box retailer in your area offers it for sale.

Although your first instinct may be to visit your local store, that may not be the best decision for your landscape.

There are a variety of qualities that you should be looking for from your topsoil supplier that not every provider meets. In fact, many of these topsoil suppliers fall short in key areas.

Braen Supply has been working with homeowners and contractors on their topsoil projects for more than a decade, making us experts in the field. Based on our experiences we wanted to answer some key questions you may have and show you what qualities you should be looking for from a topsoil supplier.

Common Topsoil Questions

When searching for topsoil there is a good chance you will have a few common questions. Some of the most common we’ve seen are:

Is all topsoil the same? If not, what qualifies as good topsoil?

How do I determine how much topsoil I need?

How do I find the right topsoil supplier?

All Topsoil Isn’t Created Equal

The fact of the matter is that all topsoil is not created equal. Too many people will use old dirt and soil that they have available and market it as topsoil.

While they technically aren’t incorrect, their topsoil likely contains rocks, roots and other materials mixed in. This is known as unscreened topsoil and it can be dangerous to both you and your landscape.

Finding High Quality Topsoil

When looking for good topsoil you should keep an eye out for topsoil that is a dark brown/black in color. This likely indicates that it contains a high level of organic matter (2-10% is the sweet spot for topsoil in NJ) and is of high quality.

The topsoil should feel good in your hand and should be verified as being screened. Screened topsoil will be free from any debris, ensuring the best environment for vegetation growth.

Determining How Much Topsoil You Need

For obvious reasons the total amount of topsoil you need for your project will depend on the size of your landscape. If it is a rectangular area we recommend multiplying the length by the width by the depth. We recommend using a depth of at least 2-3 inches of topsoil.

If you have a much larger area or an area with varying dimensions we recommend working with a local topsoil supplier to get more exact estimates.

You’d rather have slightly more topsoil than is necessary, as you never want to come up short. Coming up short on your topsoil totals will cause you to spread more thinly in some areas, which can hamper vegetation growth.

Finding the Right Topsoil Supplier

There are several different qualities that you should look for from your topsoil supplier. We recommend looking for a supplier with:

1. A Reputation for Excellence.

There will always be landscape suppliers in your areas with a reputation for providing great materials at the best prices. Make sure to speak with other homeowners in your area to gather their thoughts on different suppliers. Great topsoil suppliers will have many happy customers that will be willing to talk about their experience.

2. Screened Topsoil with High Levels of Organic Matter.

As we spoke about above, you want a supplier that has topsoil with an organic matter content of approximately 2-10%. Typically these topsoil suppliers will screen all of their topsoil to ensure it is free of debris, however we recommend verifying this with them. These two factors will ensure that you get topsoil that will help your vegetation thrive.

3. Passionate Team Members.

You want to work with a topsoil supplier who has staff that is passionate about what they do. They should treat you and your landscape as if it was their own. Their level of helpfulness in answering your questions and assisting you with problems will indicate how much they value you and your project.

The Best Topsoil Supplier in NJ

If you are looking for topsoil in the NJ area we’d love to speak with you about your upcoming project.

We’ve worked with thousands of homeowners and contractors over the past decade and we’ve developed some secret tips we’d love to share with you.

As the largest supplier of topsoil in NJ we can provide you with all of the topsoil you need at some of the best prices in the Tri-State Area.