How-tos – Page 2 – Sticks & Stones

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How to install landscape lighting

Alliance bullet fixture

Outdoor accent lighting is one of the simplest ways to boost a landscape project from good to GREAT. Whether you are working with an all-new design or enhancing an established landscape, adding low-voltage lighting has a lot going for it.

We carry quality fixtures in a range of finishes to complement any style. Don't overlook using lighting in hardscape projects, too. How about path lighting integrated right into a paver walk? From deck lights to well lights, path lights to wall washes - there is a lighting solution for pretty much any situation. 

outdoor accent lighting

I've made a short video to show you just how easy it is to work with today's modern lighting products. Take a few minutes to watch - I think you'll be inspired to give outdoor lighting a place in your future designs.

David Reutter

Why you should tarp that load!

Tarped semi trailer

We hear it every day - "I don't need to tarp my load - I'm only going a short distance!". Well, there are good reasons why you should tarp every load, no matter how brief your travel time is.

Firstly, it's the law in Michigan that all loads must be secured so that debris can not fly off into the path of following vehicles​ or onto the roadway.

Another reason is that travel speeds expose your purchases to drying winds that WILL affect the foliage, maybe not while you are doing the planting, but the next day or week. Your customer is going to be on the phone to you wondering why his expensive landscaping is turning brown ​and you might be facing at the least, a counseling session - or a possible profit-killing replacement.

Don't be that guy! We are here with the know-how and the materials you need to secure and tarp your loads ​so that you can be on your way safely.

Steve Krogulecki

Preventing weeds in landscape beds

Treflan

Spring is here, now is the time for weed prevention, and Christensen’s has a few ways to prevent weeds and up-sell products to your customers for increased profit. Today I want to talk about Treflan and landscape fabric.

Treflan

Treflan is a pre-emergent herbicide for annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. Treflan can be used in new landscape beds, around trees, groundcover, and in established landscape beds. Now is the time to apply - before you see weeds emerging. Treflan creates a chemical barrier to germinating weeds. If there are root fragments in the bed, Treflan can’t stop them from coming up, so bed prep is important for good results. Be sure to follow the directions on the bag for coverage and how to apply. Also note the part of the directions about how the product must be watered in. This is an easy step that is key to your success when using this product.

Another way is using landscape fabric. It stops approx. 95% of weed growth by creating a physical barrier to the weeds germinating. Fabric is useful under decorative stone in landscape beds. It also works very well as a filter fabric around drain tile and behind retaining walls. Christensen’s carries a wide range of fabric in sizes from 3’x 50’ to 10’ x 250’.

Please remember that both of these products only prevent weeds coming up from seed. Anything existing in landscape beds will not be stopped by Treflan or landscape fabric. Your only move is physically removing them or using a product like Killz All. But that’s another topic!

Applying Treflan is a good plan when installing mulch. It’s a value-added service resulting in great-looking beds and happy customers. And make sure that you check out Jermi’s mulch video from last week to get the best practices for installing mulch and making you more money.

David Krajniak