Editorial team
The LandscapeLookup editorial team writes guides to help US homeowners plan yard projects and hire the right pro. Each guide is based on university extension services, government sources such as EPA WaterSense and USDA, manufacturer instructions and published cost guides, and links to them so you can check the details.
Lay pavers on at least 4 inches of compacted crushed-stone base (more on clay or in freezing climates), then 1 inch of screeded concrete sand. Set the pavers, add edge restraints, compact and sweep in joint sand, with a slope of 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot.
September 24, 2026
Most wood decks need a fresh coat every 2 to 3 years, from about 1 year for a clear sealer to 4 to 6 years for a semitransparent stain. Stain on a dry, mild day between 50°F and 90°F, out of direct midday sun, with no rain in the forecast.
September 23, 2026
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, so regular weed killers miss it. Pull or spray young plants in late spring to early summer before new tubers form, use a sedge herbicide like halosulfuron, fix wet spots, and expect 2 to 3 years of follow-up.
September 22, 2026
Landscape fabric is worth it under rock and gravel, where it keeps stones from sinking into the soil. In permanent beds under bark or wood chips, many extension experts say skip it: weeds root on top, plant roots grow into it and it's hard to remove.
September 21, 2026
A new asphalt driveway usually costs $7 to $15 per square foot installed, or about $3,100 to $7,400 for a typical job. Gravel costs less, concrete a bit more, and pavers the most.
September 20, 2026
A hose-fed portable outdoor shower costs about $50 to $300, while a plumbed shower with hot water, an enclosure and drainage can run into the thousands. The cheapest spot is usually an exterior wall behind a kitchen or bathroom.
September 19, 2026
Grub worms are beetle larvae that eat grass roots, leaving brown patches that peel up like carpet in late summer. Treat only if you find about 5 to 10 or more per square foot: preventive products go down in late spring to midsummer, curative ones in late summer before grubs reach full size.
September 18, 2026
A smart sprinkler controller adjusts watering to the weather or soil moisture. It usually pays off if your lawn gets more water than it needs, especially with a utility rebate, but saves little if you already water carefully.
September 17, 2026
'Green Giant' arborvitae and Leyland cypress can add about 3 feet a year when young, but the best privacy tree depends on your climate, space and deer. Here are fast picks by region, spacing and what a hedge costs.
September 16, 2026
A stamped concrete patio usually costs about $8 to $25 per square foot installed, so a 20 x 20 ft patio often runs $4,000 to $8,000. It looks like stone or brick for less than pavers, but it can crack and needs resealing every 2 to 3 years.
September 15, 2026
Screening in an existing covered porch usually costs about $2,000 to $4,000. Building a new screened porch with a roof runs about $25 to $120 per sq ft, and custom builds can cost far more.
September 14, 2026
Many brown spots come from drought, dog urine, grubs or fertilizer spills, not fungus. Rule those out with a screwdriver and a tug, then match the spot, season and grass type to red thread, dollar spot, brown patch or large patch.
September 13, 2026
