Creating a beautiful and inviting landscape means using the right materials, including foliage, mulch, and topsoil. Sand and gravel are also popular in lawns and gardens, as they make outdoor areas more functional. Sand, in particular, has many practical and interesting applications. Here are several ways to use it in your landscaping.

How to Incorporate Sand Into Your Property

1. Mulch

Sand has a light color that reflects solar rays. When you use it as mulch, it prevents your plants from absorbing too much heat that could dehydrate and damage the leaves. Since it also absorbs moisture, sand can increase drainage and prevent overwatering when you place it over topsoil.

However, you should still use a a weed barrier on top of the soil, as sand can promote weeds if it is in direct contact with the ground. This means that you should clean any leaf and weed debris from the sand regularly to ensure your garden stays clean.

2. Japanese Gardens

Zen gardens are small, square beds of sand that use large rocks to accent the feature. The sand is a symbol for the ocean, while the rocks represent the Earth and mountains of Japan. Raking the sand shows making waves in the ocean, and is a meditative and relaxing process. If you want to create this garden centerpiece, use fine-grain sand to provide minimal resistance while raking. Then, landscape the surrounding area with cherry blossoms to further the Japanese theme.

3. Pavement Fillers

If you use concrete pavers to create a patio or walkway, you will also need a filler material to prevent the stones from moving under the weight of people or water. Sand is an excellent choice for paved surfaces, since you can firmly compact it into the earth.

This keeps pavers level and fills gaps between them to create a smooth walking surface. If you choose sand to perform this job, it should be rough, grit sand that can compact well. Fine grains will shift more easily, requiring you to maintain the filler more often.

4. Recreation Areas

If you have an active family that loves to be outside, consider using sand for outdoor activities. Silica-free sand will cushion falls and help to prevent serious injuries, making it an ideal base material for playground sets. Depending on the age of your children, it can also function as a volleyball court for older kids or a sandbox for toddlers. To improve drainage and ensure that your area remains stable, place gravel beneath the sand to filter out water.

When you want to incorporate sand and gravel into your landscape design, contact C & W Trucking. This trucking company provides sand and gravel delivery services to residential and commercial clients throughout Bayfield, WI. Call (715) 779­-5628 to place an order for aggregates or topsoil. Visit the website to learn more about how they can assist you with your project.