Yard project resources
Choose materials, look up planting information and prepare measurements before you calculate.
Materials
- How to measure a yard for a landscape projectRecord the dimensions, exclusions and material depth you need before estimating a yard project.
- Gravel and landscape rock: sizes, shapes and namesCompare common stone descriptions and learn which product details to confirm before ordering.
- Choosing mulch for beds, paths and treesCompare mulch materials by the job they need to do, then check application depth and placement.
- Topsoil, garden soil, compost or potting mix?Read soil-product labels by intended use rather than treating every bag of soil as interchangeable.
- Bulk vs. bagged landscape materials: an ordering checklistPrepare comparable supplier quotes and a delivery plan before buying soil, gravel or mulch.
Hardscape
- Common paver patterns and layout termsRecognize running bond, basketweave and herringbone before choosing a pattern and ordering pavers.
- Paver base layers and a pre-installation checklistUnderstand the parts of an aggregate-base paver assembly and the project details to verify before installation.
- Polymeric sand vs. regular jointing sandCompare jointing materials by pavement compatibility and product instructions, not just the bag name.
Lawn & planting
- Vegetable plant spacing and sowing depth chartLook up planting dimensions, then use the conditions and seed packet to choose the right spacing.
- How to read a grass seed labelCompare the seed in the bag, its purity and germination information before choosing a lawn product.
- Sod vs. seed: choosing a lawn establishment methodCompare initial cover, grass choices and establishment work before ordering sod or seed.
Irrigation & maintenance
- How to run a sprinkler catch-cup testMeasure water delivered by an operating zone and keep a record of where the lawn receives less water.
- Drip irrigation planning: parts and preparationIdentify the parts, product specifications and field measurements to collect before assembling a drip system.
- Lawn spreader settings vs. calibrationUse the actual product label and spreader model, then verify delivery instead of copying a generic setting.