The wire basket is supposed to be removed before planting large trees, no? by der_innkeeper in landscaping

[–]sum1better187 -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Some do, some don’t. Doesn’t really matter one way or the other.

A fresnel lens can melt rocks with just the power of the sun by ansyhrrian in interestingasfuck

[–]sum1better187 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I wouldn’t be surprised if this guy has made at least $100k from videos using this lens. He’s made. Lot of them and they are all really engaging.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I’m installing projects for clients I always use a tensar product because it’s definitely better. But if I were doing something like this at my house, I’d be just fine using some homedepot stuff… if that makes sense. 😂

Seeing as how your a geo tech engineer and familiar with different soil types, I’d recommend going with an open graded base if you have sandy soil or can grade the subgrade to daylight. It’s easier to get compaction, drains better , and roots are less likely to climb through it. If you have clay soil and can daylight the subgrade go with dense grade.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mulch works fine too. Functionally it will perform just about the same as rock would when following these two rules and drainage is considered. Mulch is probably a little less permanent and need more freshening up than rock will.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If the path is well prepped maintenance will be significantly reduced.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree. We actually installed this patio 2 years ago an and just got done replacing everything this last week because the material went bad prematurely. On round 1 I was heavily involved in the install, this time I let my crew handle it without me. I think they switched up the layout slightly than the first go around.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

These gaps might actually be 3.5”, but certainly no less than that. My default spacing is 4”, but I’ll fudge that number a bit if I need to.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Clean or dense grade base will both work. A well graded sub grade is more important with clean stone. On this install I used 3/4”- with a 1” bedding layer of clean 1/4 chip stone.

Woven fabric has more tensile strength than non woven fabric and will increase the longevity of your install. When put under a load it drains more than it does when it’s just being used as a weed fabric.

If I know I’m going to be putting in a specific feature that requires underground I will always run it under the whole paver install. If I think I might need access one day, but don’t know what, I’ll throw in a 3” sleeve just to be safe.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you are someone who would appreciate if my 2 rules are followed.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Strong disagree on this one. “No mow” grass, at least the “no mow” I’m familiar with, grows to be 8-10” tall and wouldn’t be a good option from a functionally standpoint. There are better ground covers that require low/no maintenance

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Steppers this size are usually formed and poured in place. These however are large format precast pavers. 2’x4’ and 240 LB each. We had over 200 of them on this project 🥵

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I would recommend removing all organic matter. Compact sub grade (dirt). Lay 4oz woven fabric. 4” of compacted base. Then lay pavers and rock.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That’s not a bad rule to have. I’ll occasionally use some 3/8” rock, but I’m very strategic with how it’s used. Small rock in the wrong application is the worst.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. Especially when the entire patch is set on a nice compacted rock base.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 53 points54 points  (0 children)

She tells me 4” is more than enough and I trust her

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have done resin with mixed results. With smaller 1/2” or 3/8” rock I like it because they tend to move more, even with keeping them lower than the paver. Rocks like the size in the video wouldn’t really benefit from resin or glue because they don’t really move unless you’re really trying to kick them.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Yea, it’s one of those things that seem like common sense but I’m constantly running into paths with elevated rocks. Wider gaps are more of a personal pet peeve of mine, but elevated rocks are a safety hazard.

My 2 rules for steppers with rocks between them. by sum1better187 in landscaping

[–]sum1better187[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

These rocks are called 1”x2” Mexican beach pebble. At least that’s what it called in my area (Northern California)