Paver Driveways Add Curb Appeal

A driveway is the first thing you and your visitors see from the street, so it’s an opportunity to make a lasting first impression. An attractive driveway can add value to your home much the same way a bathroom or kitchen makeover does.

To complement new and existing homes, companies have come up with a host of new driveway paving materials. It's no longer just a limited choice between concrete and asphalt. Interlocking pavers are growing in popularity for all sorts of driveway paving applications.

Anyone faced with the prospect of choosing what type of driveway they would like to install for their property must consider a number of issues prior to undertaking the driveway construction project.

• Climatic issues
• Driveway materials selection
• Driveway drainage
• Aesthetics
• Maintenance
• Cost of driveway

Some of the benefits of using pavers for your driveway project include:

• Pavers are very easy to install
• Pavers will not crack like a concrete slab would, for the joints allow the pavers some movement
• The design possibilities are endless, with many choices in color, sizes, shapes, patterns and designs
• Pavers are three times as strong as poured concrete
• They can withstand the effects of harsh weather conditions

When planning the installation of your driveway, it is also important to consider installing driveway edging. By installing driveway edging, you are strengthening and supporting your driveway for life.

Some benefits of using driveway edgeing with your paver driveway project:

• Driveway edging decreases the chance of cracking surfaces
• Adds a decorative element to your driveway
• Provides support to the driveway pavers, keeping them in place and fixed.
• Can protect your garden and landscaping from vehicle and foot damage
• Decreases the maintenance requirements over the long term

Driveway edging provides a functional and aesthetic purpose to your driveway installation. A contrasting color or pattern can add to the overall design and visual appeal of your driveway project.

Source: paversearch.com

Protect your Fence and Yard from Summer Storm Damage

June 1 is the start of the hurricane season which typically peaks in September. In the same way we prepare our house for summer storms, we should also prepare our yards so that damage to both plants and surrounding areas is minimal. Here are some tips to remember.

1. Check the trees. Tall and lush trees could protect your home from high winds, but their dry and scraggly branches could break off and cause damage to your house, fence and yard. Prune any overreaching, unhealthy or dead branches that threaten to become harmful projectiles during a strong storm or hurricane. Weak or rotting trees are prone to cracking, breaking and falling in the high winds that accompany these serious storms. Not only can trees be destructive, they can be deadly. If you are unsure of the stability and health of your trees, call a tree professional. They are also the best choice when it comes to tree cutting or major trimming.

3. Check trellises. If your garden has long stakes and trellises to support plants and vegetables, make sure they are all firmly posted in the ground or attached to a permanent structure. A few unstable legs or weak attachments will bring the whole trellis, along with the plants, crashing down under strong winds.

4. Gather gardening tools and equipment. It may be fine to leave the tools and equipment outside any other time of the year, but during hurricane season, it's best to store them in a safe place like the garage or tool shed.

5. Remove lightweight garden décor. Mirror balls, garden mobiles, wind chimes and wind socks need to be taken in or suffer the risk of being damaged, if not picked up, by strong winds. Hanging plants should also be relocated to an area where they will be safe from devastating storms.

6. Clean up the yard. Gather and secure loose items like empty containers and flowerpots. Roll up the garden hoses and bring in the watering cans. It will be easier to clean up storm litter and debris from a tidy yard.

Even when you've taken every precaution, Mother Nature can still have the upper hand. Should you experience damage to your outdoor fences, gates, decks, pergolas or gazebos, call Long® Fence. With over 60 years of service to Washington DC and the surrounding area, we have extensive knowledge of the types of damage trees can inflict on these structures. We offer free estimates on all repair work.

The great thing about pavers is that they are easy to repair! They can be pried out with the use of two screwdrivers, and replaced with new ones. It’s that easy! This makes pavers a very cost efficient product, for there are no real high costs involved in repairing.

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