Landscaping/Gardening Thread.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by jroc

What's the best option for removal of a bunch of dirt? The wife and I just excavated a section for some paving stones and filled up about 18 of those paper gardening bags of dirt, well over 100 pounds each. At first, I niavely thought they would pick them up with the green bin, but quickly realized there would be no chance of that (checked the city website and said you should be able to pick them up with one hand).

So what are anyone's thoughts? I think Lowe's sells a portable dumpster that can be picked up by waste management.

I run mine through a sieve to get rid of the pebbles and then use it as top dressing on the lawn

[jroc]

Originally Posted by puckedoff

You can also take 'clean fill' to the dump for free, although if you use a trailer they will charge you apparently. So with 18 bags that is likely 2-3 loads in a pickup, but thats an option.

I am considering digging up a spot for a paving stone patio, what square footage yielded 18 bags? I am trying to wrap my head around how much volume the excavation will yield once the dirt expands, all I know is it will be "a lot".

It was about 150 sqft.

Ended up posting an ad on Kijiji for free top soil, and my goodness, it was like moths to a flame. Had about 6 responses in the first 2 minutes, and about 25 in total. It was all picked up and gone within a few hours.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

It's always surprising what Kijiji vagrants will take away if you list it as free.

For real. I had a couple Brandon cedars from Costco that didn't make it, but were a few seasons old so were around 5-6". I put them up on Kijiji and had not one but TWO people ask for them because the branches apparently will make great kindling. The guy even offered to dig them up, lol. I ended up doing it myself to preserve the hole for future planting, but I was just stunned.

[Shin Pad]

So I got the structure up. I still have to put in the pavers (making my own - waiting for the premixed concrete bags to arrive). Then I can build the actual bar.


And yes, the willow trees behind the "Saloon" are dead and will be replaced in autumn.

[Deviaant]

Anybody have any suggestions for a landscaper who won't break the bank? I want a few things done in my back yard that I lack the tools and time to do myself.

I need a 20' ish fence installed, a concrete stub wall removed, 20' ish of handrail installed, I also need another 500-600 sqft of sod installed.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[mrkajz44]

This year I've seen a big increase in ant activity in my yard. Usually I just put down some ant killer here and there as I work in the yard and that was plenty to keep them at bay. However, this year it seems like the killer is doing nothing and I'm seeing hills pop up on my lawn all of a sudden. Are others having the same issues? Maybe conditions are really good for them this year?

Any suggestions on how to get these guys? We have a 1.5 year old now so I'm less inclined to just put out a bunch of ant poison for fear of him getting into it.

[Torture]

Originally Posted by mrkajz44

This year I've seen a big increase in ant activity in my yard. Usually I just put down some ant killer here and there as I work in the yard and that was plenty to keep them at bay. However, this year it seems like the killer is doing nothing and I'm seeing hills pop up on my lawn all of a sudden. Are others having the same issues? Maybe conditions are really good for them this year?

Any suggestions on how to get these guys? We have a 1.5 year old now so I'm less inclined to just put out a bunch of ant poison for fear of him getting into it.

Diatomaceous earth. Apparently corn flakes work as well.

[Calgary14]

Anyone know where I could buy some large/tall trees at least 15-20 feet tall? I’ve looked around and only see the shorter sizes that are much more common at Home Depot and most garden stores in town

[robbie111]

Countryside in Dewinton has trees the size you are looking for.

[Shin Pad]

So this is the finished Saloon. We broke it in last night

[Wormius]

This year we have got big ant hills, swarms of mosquitoes, and masses of white fluff blowing over a neighbor is tree... and of course the clay from the fence posts.

[Ducay]

At least you're getting all the Calgary plagues out of the way in one year

[Wormius]

There should really be a ban on those fluff trees. It has been a week of this stuff already, and my yard looks like we have been attacked by cotton balls.

[Fuzz]

I had to "borrow" some clay from my neighbour today. The world truly is at an end.

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by Wormius

There should really be a ban on those fluff trees. It has been a week of this stuff already, and my yard looks like we have been attacked by cotton balls.

Where are you located? A week and a half ago was fluff Armageddon on the west side, and it is all but over now.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Ducay

Where are you located? A week and a half ago was fluff Armageddon on the west side, and it is all but over now.

NW. I can see the neighbours' trees and yards from where they are originating from. The trees are almost depleted, but the ones in their yard are getting swept up and redistributed over the fence by the wind.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

I had to "borrow" some clay from my neighbour today. The world truly is at an end.

Is there a legitimate reason for wanting clay?

[Fuzz]

I'm putting in a 1000l rain tote, and needed to fill the area a bit. Clay compresses and won't break down like top soil. I could have gone and gotten some road crush, but she had clay to get rid of and I only needed 2 wheelbarrows. I guess I could have taken gravel from the alley, too...

[CroFlames]

Besides cost, its there any reason not to put artificial turf on your front lawn, especially if a driveway takes up 75% of the front yard?

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Besides cost, its there any reason not to put artificial turf on your front lawn, especially if a driveway takes up 75% of the front yard?

It looks absolutely insane off-season.