Proliferation

Jan 17
0
decorative landscaping rock in utah winter

How Decorative Rock, Sand, and Bulk Road Salt Help Prepare Your Outdoor Space

By | bulk road salt, decorative landscaping rock, landscaping sand, salt lake landscape center | No Comments

Laura Rose is a writer for Akomplice, a Marketing Company and Marketing Technology Agency located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Winter in Utah presents unique challenges for outdoor spaces. Whether you’re maintaining a yard, managing a commercial property, or taking on a DIY project, materials like decorative landscaping rock, landscaping sand, and bulk road salt are essential for preparation. At Kilgore Landscape Center, we offer high-quality products and expert advice to help you face the colder months with confidence.

Decorative Landscaping Rock: Beauty Meets Function

Landscaping rock is more than an aesthetic choice—it’s durable and perfect for winter weather. It adds year-round appeal to landscapes while holding up against snow and ice. Here’s how it works:

  • Popular Options: 
    • Mexican Beach Cobble: Black and blue volcanic rock, great for water features, dry riverbeds, and accents.
    • Lava Rock: Bold black rock with a volcanic texture, ideal for ground cover and erosion control.
    • Sunset Cobble: Natural tones of brown and orange, perfect for pathways and decorative areas.
  • Uses: Replace organic mulch with decorative landscaping rock for a maintenance-free option that insulates and protects roots during winter. It’s also perfect for creating snow-resistant pathways and enhancing features like fire pits and fountains. 

Landscaping Sand: Versatile and Practical

Landscaping sand is very helpful for improving drainage, creating traction, and supporting hardscaping projects during winter according to a publication by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.

  • Drainage and Erosion Control: Landscaping sand prevents pooling and runoff caused by Utah’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Use it to stabilize slopes and reduce erosion. Learn more about Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles through the Utah State University Climate Center.
  • Traction: Sprinkle landscaping sand on icy surfaces like driveways or walkways for better grip without harming the environment.
  • Hardscaping Projects: Sand provides a solid base for winter construction projects like retaining walls or decorative landscaping rock features.

Our team can help you calculate the amount of landscaping sand you need and arrange for delivery to your site.

Bulk Road Salt: Essential for Safety

Bulk road salt is a winter must-have for preventing ice hazards and keeping outdoor spaces safe.

  • Applications: Use bulk road salt on walkways, driveways, and high-traffic areas to prevent ice from forming and make snow removal easier. For more information, check out the Utah Geological Survey’s page on freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Pairing Materials: Combine bulk road salt with landscaping sand for improved traction in hilly areas. This combination is ideal for residential and commercial properties.
  • Alternatives: If you’re concerned about the environmental impact, we offer alternative ice melt products that are plant- and concrete-safe.

Tips for Winterizing Your Property

  1. Plan Ahead: Stock up on materials like bulk road salt before the first snowfall.
  2. Layer Materials: Use decorative landscaping rock for pathways, landscaping sand for drainage, and bulk road salt for ice control.
  3. Prioritize Safety: Focus on high-traffic areas to reduce slip hazards.
  4. Ask the Experts: The Kilgore team is ready to offer advice tailored to your property’s needs.

Why Choose Kilgore Landscape Center?

With over 40 years of experience serving Utah, Kilgore Landscape Center at Asphalt Materials Inc. is the trusted source for winter-ready materials. We provide:

  • A Wide Selection: From decorative landscaping rock to bulk road salt, we have everything you need.
  • Expert Guidance: Our team helps you select the right materials for your project.
  • Convenient Delivery: Let us handle the heavy lifting with delivery services.

Get Winter-Ready Today
 Visit Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center at 7961 S 1300 W, West Jordan, UT, or call (801) 561-4231 to prepare your outdoor space for Utah’s toughest season. With our help, you’ll create a safe, functional, and attractive environment that stands up to the elements.

Dec 17
0
decorative landscaping rock firepit

DIY: How to Build an Outdoor Firepit Using Landscaping Products

By | decorative landscaping rock, landscaping sand, road salt | No Comments

An outdoor firepit is the perfect addition to any backyard, especially during the cold Winter months in Utah. It creates a cozy space where family and friends can gather to share stories, toast marshmallows for s’mores, and enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fire. With the right tools and materials from Kilgore Landscape Center, you can build your own firepit that is both functional and visually appealing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to DIYing a backyard firepit using decorative landscaping rock, landscaping sand, and other basic materials.

Step 1: Choose a Level Spot

To begin, select a flat, open area that is safe and far from flammable materials. The University of Utah suggests that the firepit is “​​away from dry brush of hanging branches.” A safe, level spot makes sure that your firepit remains stable and distributes heat evenly. Use a rake and shovel to clear the area of debris and create a flat surface.

Recommended Product:

  • 1″ Minus Unwashed Rock: Kilgore’s gravel mix can be used to even out the ground and provide a stable base.
  • Bedding Sand: Their landscaping sand can be used for leveling beneath pavers. They provide an online blend sand calculator to help you determine the quantity you need.

Step 2: Lay the Base Layer

Once the area is level, it’s time to set the foundation. Use pavers or even flat stones like flagstone to create the base layer of your firepit. Arrange the pavers in your desired shape, typically a circle or square. Make sure that they are snugly fit together using polymeric landscaping sand to secure the joints and prevent weed growth.

Recommended Product:

Tip:  Enhance this base layer by using decorative landscaping rock around it. This not only looks great but also helps define the firepit’s borders.

Step 3: Add Firepit Blocks

Stack firepit blocks in a circle around your base layer. Kilgore Landscape Center offers pre-cut firepit blocks designed to fit together seamlessly. Start with the first row, ensuring it is level before stacking additional layers.

Recommended Product:

Step 4: Secure the Blocks with Polymeric Sand

To keep the firepit stable and prevent the blocks from shifting, apply polymeric sand between the layers. This special sand hardens when exposed to water, creating a strong bond. The University of Florida notes that “polymeric sand does a good job of keeping pavers in place and stopping weeds.” Brush the sand into the joints between blocks, then mist lightly with water to activate.

Recommended Product:

  • Polymeric Sand Granite 50 lb Bags: Kilgore’s granite polymeric sand pairs well with their granite firepit blocks and can be used for paver joints up to 2″ thick.

Step 5: Add Firepit Glass

For the finishing touch, line the interior of your firepit with firepit glass. Available in various colors, this glass enhances the aesthetic appeal of your firepit while evenly distributing heat. Firepit glass is safer and cleaner than traditional wood-burning options.

Recommended Product:

  • Firepit Glass: Choose from a variety of styles, sizes and colors to match your outdoor décor.

Enhancing the Firepit Area

A firepit is more than a standalone feature—it’s a centerpiece for outdoor relaxation. Enhance the surrounding space with decorative landscaping rock, which can be used to create a border or walkway around the firepit. Adding a layer of landscaping sand beneath the decorative rocks helps stabilize them and prevents weed growth.

Recommended Products:

  • Mexican Beach Cobble: One of the most popular of Kilgore’s rocks. They also offer a wide selection of rocks, from pebbles to cobblestones, to suit any design.
  • Bedding Sand: Ideal for creating a stable and smooth surface under decorative features.

Why Use Kilgore Landscape Center’s Materials?

Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, provides high-quality materials for DIY projects. Here’s why their products stand out:

  • Wide Range of Options: From landscaping rock to polymeric sand, Kilgore has everything you need in one place.
  • Durable Materials: Products like firepit blocks and pavers are built to withstand Utah’s climate.
  • Local Expertise: Kilgore’s team offers advice on choosing the right materials for your specific project.

Tips for a Successful DIY Firepit

  • Measure Twice: Before purchasing materials, measure your firepit area to calculate the quantity needed.
  • Safety First: Always use fire-resistant materials like Kilgore’s firepit blocks and glass.
  • Regular Maintenance: Sweep away debris and reapply polymeric sand as needed to maintain stability.

Adding Practicality with Road Salt

For winter months, keep the area around your firepit accessible by using road salt to manage snow and ice. Be sure to choose products that are safe for nearby landscaping.

Recommended Product:

Pickup or Deliver Your Products

Building your own firepit is an achievable project that adds charm and functionality to your outdoor space. Using high-quality materials from Kilgore Landscape Center ensures that your firepit will be safe, durable, and visually appealing. With products like decorative landscaping rock, landscaping sand, and firepit glass, Kilgore has everything you need to bring your vision to life.

Visit Kilgore Landscape Center in Salt Lake City or browse their product catalog online to get started on your DIY firepit today. Pickup or deliver your landscaping materials right to your door!