Month: October 2015

Caring For Your Ashburn VA Brick Paver Driveway In Winter

November brings cool weather and the fierce cold of winter is quickly approaching. An Ashburn VA winter also brings something else –  snow! How can you properly care for your Ashburn VA brick pavers during the winter months?

Caution should be used when applying any de-icing chemicals and excessive use should be avoided. Here is a list of some common de-icers:

  • Sodium Chloride – Can actually be safely used throughout your property – including on your pavers. Although rock salt is generally effective, be wary of temperatures below 15-20 degrees. Rock Salt can become ineffective at these temperatures and seep into the pores of the pavers. If the temperature drops low enough and the ‘brine’ that has seeped into the pavers refreezes, spalling and cracking could result. Always be very aware of the low temperatures before using.
  • Calcium Chloride – Many prefer using calcium chloride ice melting products due to it’s ability to resist ‘tracking’ into the home. This is good for several reasons: the ice melt will remain on your pavers not come indoors with foot traffic and when the chemical does not stick to your feet, it is less likely to be forced into the gaps between pavers. This can lead to some discoloration and be difficult to remove. Calcium chloride is an effective de-icer on pavers in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing the risk of spalling and cracking.
  • Calcium Magnesium Acetate – Another great solution for pavers is a calcium chloride rock salt that has been coated with calcium magnesium acetate.It works well in low temperatures, and is safer for children, pets and the environment.

Have additional concerns about your brick pavers? Contact Premier Paving today – before the snow starts…

Make the Most of Small Yards in Falls Church VA with Great Landscape Design

The talented folks are Premier Paving & Planting know how to make the most of small yards in Falls Church VA by using great landscape design. The key is to develop a beautiful landscape design that maximizes the functionality of small yards.

With small yards, it’s important to define different rooms or areas, using hardscapes like fences, gates, arbors, lattice screens, trellises, and pergolas. Big pots or planters of the same size, color, and finish can help define an area within a small yard, too.

While you may you may have not have the horizontal space you crave, you can make the most of the vertical space you have. For instance, terraces draw the eye upward, expand usable space for planting, and give dimension to a smaller yard. As a bonus, retaining walls used in terraces can act as seating within the small yard.

Layering your yard with plants of differing heights of plants can add dimension, and make a small yard feel bigger.  Make sure to add plants with appealing scents, gorgeous blooms of vibrant colors, and water features (such as a small fountain). Maximizing the use of your senses will make a small yard feel like a destination.

For more information about beautiful and functional landscape design for smaller yards in Falls Church VA, please contact the experts at Premier Paving and Planting. Premier Paving & Planting is a hardscape and landscape service company providing attractive, affordable, functional, and environmentally beneficial landscape design and creation.