Concrete may seem an unlikely choice when designing your landscape design, but its versatility can add style and flair to both backyards and entryways.
Curbing
Curbing creates borders for flower and tree beds to prevent grass from overgrowing them, discourage weeds from sprouting up between them, conserve moisture, and add an aesthetic element to any landscape design. Your landscape contractor can suggest curbing styles that suit any plan – from traditional English rose gardens to desert xeriscape.
Once installed, concrete landscaping edging requires little upkeep beyond periodic hosing down. Unlike products like wood, metal, and plastic that can shift and crack over time, concrete landscape edging remains securely planted in the ground while being more resistant to impact damage than its counterparts. A professional can install control joints – shallow relief cuts designed to weaken concrete at specific locations – in order to help mitigate risk of cracking. Concrete slabs Melbourne edging comes in various shapes, sizes and textures and can even be painted or stained to suit the home or garden’s aesthetics.
Planters
Planters provide an ideal way to display flowers and plants that require more space than can be provided by pots alone. With their variety of shapes and sizes available – as well as being made out of either GFRC or concrete depending on what your project requires – planters offer an elegant solution.
Concrete planters offer more durability and insulation compared to plastic or wooden options, keeping soil warm during winter months.
Before beginning construction on a planter out of concrete blocks, take photos of its design layout. When filling your bottom row of planter blocks with soil early – which could result in an unbalanced planter – be sure to wait until all rows have been laid before doing so – this may prevent an imbalanced look from emerging later on.
Water Features
Water features are a beautiful addition to any landscape, offering movement and serenity while simultaneously masking noise pollution and cooling the air. Water features come in all sorts of styles and materials that will fit any style or size outdoor space; from ponds and waterfalls to streams and Koi ponds.
Bubbling rocks and fountains offer an easy way to add the soothing sound of flowing water without spending an excessive amount or investing too much time or energy in installation. Many kits contain all of the components required, which recirculate water from an underground reservoir.
Water features attract wildlife to residential and commercial properties, creating a natural setting and supporting healthy ecosystems. Water features may also be used to irrigate plants and trees without straining municipal supplies as a water source.
Driveways
No matter the style of driveway you select – standard concrete pour or decorative stone setts – an attractive new driveway will increase curb appeal and add value to your property.
Concrete driveways are more eco-friendly than other paving materials such as tarmac or asphalt, which require high temperatures for production and can emit toxic fumes into the atmosphere.
Conversely, concrete driveways can be produced at much lower temperatures and therefore cause less air pollution. Furthermore, their light color keeps cool under the scorching summer sun – making them much safer for children to play on than paving stones which must be regularly weeded to remain looking their best for up to 20 years without needing extensive maintenance.
Culverts
Concrete has long been considered an unattractive construction material; today however, its popularity in modern landscapes is steadily growing thanks to its versatility, durability and aesthetic appeal. Used for walkways, driveways and even sleek counter tops in outdoor kitchens; its applications continue to expand!
Culverts are an effective solution for relieving drainage on hillsides. Additionally, they can be placed under roads to allow water passage without creating an embankment. Culverts typically made of reinforced concrete come in various sizes and styles to suit different environments.
Precast box culverts provide an economical structural solution in challenging site conditions, as well as extended longevity through various linings and coatings available to extend their lifespan and prevent against corrosion and chemical degradation. They’re also resistant to abrasion, corrosion and chemical degradation – ideal features of precast culverts!