Landscaping resources
Browse through some of our recommended and useful landscaping recourses to help you realise your very own landscaping project!
This page contains affiliate links
Setting out
Setting out is a very important part of any landscaping project and should always come first. Setting out involves operations such as marking out features and setting level guides. If you are working from a garden design drawing you will need to accurately identify data points on site. Below we have added some recommended items which are very useful for setting out.
Excavations
Excavating is a staple element of most landscaping projects. In order to construct durable landscape features they should be securely locked into the ground. For surfacing this will involve removing the top layer of soft topsoil. Retaining walls and masonry work will require the excavation of concrete foundations and timber work will require posts set deeply in concrete.
Breaking out
Commonly during any landscaping project you will surely require to break out amounts of old concrete and masonry. Even in less obvious circumstances old concrete and brickwork can lie just beneath the surface causing a headache. Consequently we have added links to some trustworthy breakers below.
Spoil removal
During most landscaping projects spoil or other materials will need to be moved around site. A typical scenario is you will need a robust method to fill skips and remove waste. Below we have features some handy products which can help you move about heavy loads.
Timber work
Timber is a strong and flexible building material which has many uses within landscaping. Common examples of timber construction include sleeper work, decking, fencing and pergolas. Timber construction can vary from large retaining structures to fine detailed carpentry installations. Below we have added some classic staple tools for landscaping timber work.
Masonry and paving
There are very few landscaping projects which do not have some paving or masonry work. These hard landscaping materials are durable and if installed correctly can last as long as a building. Generally including stone, cladding, concrete, bricks and pavers this work requires skill and the correct equipment.
Chippers
Chippers and mulchers can be a very efficient way to turn organic waste into wood chippings and compostable material. These are ideal for larger landscapes but can also be useful in smaller gardens. Below we have listed some recommended options.
Soil preparation
Soil preparation is an extremely important part of a new landscaped garden. In many ways soil is a living, breathing, organism and requires optimum levels of moisture and oxygen. Typically in gardens soil becomes capped and compacted, this leads to excessive water runoff and poor structure. Cultivators and tillers can help break up your soil and work it to a crumbly, texture perfect for healthy plants.
Lawn care
Lawn care is a subject within itself within landscaping and green keeping. If you are planning a new lawn, have just installed a new lawn or just want to revamp an existing one. These products below will help you to reach and keep an immaculate and healthy lawn all year round.
Irrigation
Irrigation is a worthwhile investment if you want to keep your soft landscaping hydrated during dry spells. Raised beds in particular once dry can be very difficult to rehydrate without water simply running over the surface. Therefore it is good to ensure a slow and steady feed or water during those summer months. Below are some irrigation products which can help your plants to avoid drying out.
Drainage
Drainage is a very important aspect of any landscape construction work. Even if your project is not drainage oriented one, small changes to the surface can have a big impact on local hydrology. Therefore you should always think about where surface water will run to especially if you are replacing soft landscaping with hard surfacing. Below we have added some typical landscape drainage projects you may want to consider utilising.
Pressure washers
Pressure washers may not spring to mind when you think of landscaping equipment. However these useful tools are fantastic at keeping your landscaping clean and looking its best. They are particularly good and cleaning natural stone and concrete and a generally useful commodity. We have linked to some popular pressure washers below.
Blowers & Vacuums
Garden blowers and vacuums are an extremely efficient way of keeping your site free from debris. These come in a wide variety of sizes and styles from petrol to electric and varying power ranges.
Protective clothing
Landscaping requires robust activities such as heavy lifting and using powerful tools. Therefore it is important that you wear clothing that is durable and protective. Health and safety is always paramount so we have included some below.
Landscape design books
When creating your own garden it is always to thoroughly explore your options first. This typically involves creating a plan of your garden and working up a design. A great way to get inspiration is to browse precedent images. Ultimately god garden design books will introduce you into the design process which will help you reach the best outcome.
Landscaping books
It is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with traditional, landscaping techniques before you start a new project. Basic principles such as sub-base thicknesses and material specifications are essential to create robust installations. Therefore we have included some informative books on this subject below.