The LandscapingCalc Field Notes
Landscaping blog
Estimating math, material-yield data, and lessons from real jobs — published twice a week by our crew.
- mulchperennialsgardening
The Right Mulch Depth for Perennial Beds: A Pro's Field Guide
After 15 years of estimating, the one thing I see homeowners struggle with most is mulch depth. Too much, and you suffocate your plants. Too little, and you're just wasting time and money. For perennial beds, there's a definite sweet spot I've found that balances weed control and plant health.
Arend Wier · Jul 10, 2026
- drivewaygravelbase course
Gravel Driveway Base Thickness: A Pro's Field-Tested Guide
I once had to re-dig an entire driveway because the original contractor only laid 4 inches of base. It turned into a rutted mess. The truth is, the proper gravel driveway base thickness is the single most important factor for a driveway that lasts decades, not just a single season. Here’s what we’ve learned in the field.
Arend Wier · Jul 10, 2026
- sodgrass seedlawn installation
Sod vs Seed Cost Comparison: Which is Cheaper for Your Lawn?
Everyone asks me: 'Is sodding my lawn really worth the extra cost over seeding?' As an estimator, I've run the numbers on hundreds of lawns. The answer isn't just about the price of the materials; it’s about your time, your climate, and your tolerance for risk. I'll walk you through the real costs a homeowner faces—from delivery fees to that first month's water bill—so you can make the right call for your yard and your budget.
Arend Wier · Jul 10, 2026
- pavershardscapepatio installation
Perfect Paver Patio Base Preparation: A Pro's Field Guide
I've seen too many paver patios fail in just a few years, and it's almost always a bad base. As a landscape estimator, I can tell you the secret to a lifetime patio isn't the pavers—it's the meticulous prep work underneath. Here’s how we do it in the field.
Arend Wier · Jul 10, 2026
- pool chemistrychlorinepool maintenance
Pool Chlorine Demand Calculation: A Field-Tested Guide
I once had a client in Scottsdale who was convinced his pool was a chlorine black hole. He was dumping in a gallon of liquid chlorine a day and still fighting a hazy green tint. The problem wasn't a leak or faulty equipment; it was a fundamental misunderstanding of his pool's actual chlorine demand, a figure that was changing every single day. Once we measured it and adjusted, the pool was crystal clear on a fraction of the chlorine.
Arend Wier · Jul 10, 2026