The Best Materials for Building a Durable Mountain Road
Building or improving a gravel road in a mountainous region presents unique challenges: steep grades, heavy runoff, freeze-thaw cycles, and the need…
Author: Darby Pit
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When and How to Add Topsoil for a Healthy Summer Lawn or Meadow
A rich layer of topsoil is the foundation of any healthy lawn or meadow. In many mountain and rural areas, the native…
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Prepping Horse Arenas and Farm Roads with Structural Fill and Sand
On a farm or ranch, two areas that see heavy use and abuse are the riding arena and the farm roads/paths. Both…
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Installing a Sand Play Area for Kids in Mountain Environments
A sandbox or sand play area can provide endless fun for children, but setting one up in a mountain environment requires some…
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The Pros and Cons of Sand vs. Gravel for Outdoor Patios
Designing an outdoor patio involves deciding what materials to use underfoot. Two popular choices for a casual patio surface are sand and…
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Building the Perfect Fire Pit Area with Sand, Gravel, and Rock
There’s nothing quite like gathering around a crackling fire under the stars. If you’re dreaming of adding a fire pit to your…
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How to Create a Rustic Outdoor Seating Area with Local Materials
When it comes to outdoor seating areas, there’s a special charm in using local, natural materials to achieve a rustic aesthetic. Instead…
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Fixing Spring Runoff Damage with Rock and Structural Fill and Rip Rap
When the snowpack melts and spring rains arrive, the resulting runoff can wreak havoc on rural properties. You might find new gullies…
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How Washed 2″ to 3/4″ Clean (Sewer Spec) Offers a Higher Performing, More Environmentally Safe Septic System than Plastic Risers
Modern septic system designs often give owners a choice between a traditional gravel drainfield and newer plastic chamber systems (often called risers…
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How Commercial Properties Can Prepare for Summer with Soil and Rock Improvements
As spring unfolds, commercial property managers are gearing up for the busy summer season – which means making sure the grounds are…
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Essential Gravel Maintenance for Business Parking Lots This Spring
If your business has a gravel parking lot or driveway, spring is the critical time to give it some TLC. After a…
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Top Soil Erosion Problems (and How to Solve Them with Spring Projects)
Soil is literally the foundation of your garden or pasture, and the topsoil layer – rich in nutrients and organic matter –…
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How to Design a Natural Drainage System Using Rock and Sand
Dealing with excess water on your property? Whether it’s heavy rain, snowmelt, or a high water table, a natural drainage system can…
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How to Repair and Refresh Your Gravel Driveway This Spring
After a long, snowy winter, your gravel driveway might look a little worse for wear. Cold temperatures, snowplow activity, and freeze-thaw cycles…
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Grading Your Property: Why Spring is the Best Time to Start
If your property has drainage issues, uneven terrain, or plans for new landscaping, grading (shaping the ground’s surface) is likely on your…
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Using Structural Fill to Prepare Building Pads for Summer Projects
If you’re planning a summer construction project – perhaps a new garage, a shed, a home addition, or even a patio –…
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How to Build Raised Garden Beds Using Local Top Soil
Raised garden beds are a boon for gardeners, especially in mountainous or high-elevation areas where native soil might be rocky or poor….
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Spring Soil Prep: The Secret to Thriving Mountain Gardens
Mountain gardens can be challenging – the soil is often rocky or depleted, the growing season short, and the weather unpredictable. Yet…
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Crush or Gravel? Choosing the Right Rock for Rural Driveways
In everyday conversation, we often use “gravel” as a catch-all term, but not all gravel is the same. When it comes to…
