My Old Workshop | Category Archives: Landscaping | Page 3Landscaping Archives - Page 3 of 4

Home improvement and renovation tips

How to regrade around trees

Trees, especially mature ones, can add thousands to your property value, not to mention energy-saving shade, attractiveness and the lulling whisper of wind in the leaves. When you consider it can take a lifetime to grow one, it's worth your while to protect them, even as you improve your property. If your work involves affecting ...

Picket fence designs: A new look at an old favorite

A board fence doesn't have to be a "bored" fence. Make yours a little different, and add a new dimension to your yard.Naturally, form should follow function. So for security, privacy or protection from the elements (or to avoid a nasty view), build a tall fence. But spruce it up with wooden trim (look at ...

Driveway paving tips

While expense and ease of installation play no small part in choosing driveway paving, the more prominent your driveway, the more its new look will be noticed.Many of the patio options we discussed will also work on your driveway, with similar installation. The key thing for most driveways is proper preparation with a good deep ...

Patio paving options

Summertime offers simple pleasures; your highest ambition might be a hot, sunny day, a good book and a tall cool drink on the deck or patio. It feels even better after you've put some work into creating that patio. Some options:Interlock brick: These pavers are often made of concrete, but you can choose clay brick ...

Tips to install outdoor lighting

Whether you're lighting for safety, security or mood, these tips will help you get it right.Don't overdo it. If your backyard looks like it's ready for a twilight double header, you won't enjoy it and neither will your neighbors. (Before you install, run your lighting plans by your neighbors; they'll appreciate it.)Vary the brightness levels, ...

How to install deck boards straight and true

If you're building a deck, you might think it's easy to line up those deckboards nice and evenly. Until you get started, that is. First off, even good dry lumber isn't always straight. And since the width can vary slightly, your boards can veer off course as you go along.Here's some help. Start by snapping ...

Great gate design ideas

If your fence is starting to bore you, break it up. No, no, put the sledge away. Break up the design; do something a little special with the gate and renew your entire fence.It can be as simple as spacing boards on an otherwise solid fence.Or you can change materials. A wrought iron gate in ...

Good posts make good fences

A straight, sturdy fence starts with cedar, redwood, cypress or pressure treated posts, cut close to the center of the tree. Check out the ends for an even pattern of concentric rings.You can simply backfill your posts with gravel and earth or use metal spikes, but concrete makes a stronger, more permanent fence.You also need: ...

How to fix a rotted post

Replacing a rotted deck post can be a big job, as it's often tied in to the deck at a number of locations, forcing you to dismantle half the deck to get at the post. So try and replace the rotted section only.Of course, you can't just cut it out and toenail in a section ...

Outdoor/exterior wood cleaning tips

Is that beautiful wood siding or deck looking a little tired and blah? It doesn't have to.Let's look at what causes discolored wood, and give you some ideas on what you can do.First guess? Yep, dirt. Try scrubbing with a stiff brush and a detergent solution. If it comes off, that's all you need to ...