Frequently Asked Questions

Masonry sand can be used to level and topdress your grass or lawn.  However, Topdressing Sand is specifically designed for this purpose.  The difference is that topdressing contains more medium sized particles ideal for relieving compaction of clay soils, reducing thatch, and leveling without the sand shifting.  It is also easy to apply and to incorporate into the rootzone.  Overall, your turf will benefit more from topdressing sand than masonry sand for about the same cost.

Masonry sand can be used for volleyball courts.  Many masonry sands contain fine particles that tend to stick to players and also compacts too hard for optimal play over time.

Yes, masonry sand is a washed sand.  Washed sand refers to a process that sand is agitated in water to help “wash” or remove the fine clay and silt particles from the sand.  Sand that has not been washed will not bind well to the cement in mortar mixes, and creates weak joints.

River Sand can be used for constructing beaches.  However, it typically contains coarser particles than the soft sand you think of on the beach which is good when waves may erode the beach.  We have many other products that look and feel more like the sand you think about as beach sand, similar to that on the shores of Florida.  Real beach sand is a very fine silica, or quartz, sand.  Beach sand can be from any source such as nearby volcanic rock, shells, or limestone. 

River Sand can be used for constructing beaches.  However, it typically contains coarser particles than the soft sand you think of on the beach which is good when waves may erode the beach.  We have many other products that look and feel more like the sand you think about as beach sand, similar to that on the shores of Florida.  Real beach sand is a very fine silica, or quartz, sand.  Beach sand can be from any source such as nearby volcanic rock, shells, or limestone. 

Yes, topsoil is a great media for gardening.  The sandy loam or loamy texture promotes deep root penetration.  The high organic matter retains moisture and nutrients are available within the soil for the plants to uptake.  So, raised beds and other vegetable gardens are best started with a good topsoil. 

Yes, in most cases core aerating along with top dressing is very beneficial.  The cores are a better option than just spike aerating as it allows the topdressing material to penetrate into the rootzone.  Core aerating also removes thatch layers and compacted soil plugs.  The cores can be left and allowed to break back up as you drag the topdressing into place and level the surface. 

If you need more mulch than you can fit in a car or the back of a pickup, you can probably save money buying bulk mulch.  You can purchase red, black, brown, and natural mulch by the cubic yard and have it delivered to your project or home. 

In general, if you have lost a 1/3 or 33% of your pond’s volume from sediment filling it in then you should consider dredging.  Many other ponds need dredging that have significant areas that have filled with sediment near the incoming stream or other tributary.  There are many cost related factors that determine whether dredging is feasible.  One factor is if the sediment can be excavated by reaching from the shoreline (within 50’ from one side).  Once the sediment goes beyond this distance, more measures and cost are involved.  Another factor is the amount of sediment in place.  For very small amounts, it may not be worth the cost to bring in equipment to work on the pond.  In our decades of experience though, most clients call when they know it is time to dredge or well beyond the time they could have dredged.  If your pond is filling up, then dredging may be a great solution to clean out your pond.

No, old mulch makes great soil conditioner and adds organic matter to the soil.  It often breaks up and roots tend to grow through it.  Removing the old mulch will take more time and expense than necessary.  Simply place your new mulch on top of the existing mulch to renew the look.