Just when we think we’re going to jump start spring, Mother Nature hits us with snow, or freezing rain/sleet, and/or freezing temperatures. I can’t tell you how anxious we are to get started. Although, last year was such a blessing to have such an early start I think I got my hopes up a little because of the basically mild winter we had. Anyway, I guess it’s pretty common to start in April.

The weather is causing some delays in bringing material into our yard here in Roselle, IL. The dirt fields aren’t open yet, so topsoil and garden mix aren’t available. We’re still hoping for the beginning of April. We are going to begin bringing in our mulches the week of March 25th. Pea Gravel is available now; other gravels such as Grade 8, Washed Rounds, Limestone Screenings, and Torpedo sand will probably be available starting next week also. It all depends on the temperatures and the thawing of the piles. Decorative Stone, including American Heritage and Decomposed Red Granite will more than likely be available toward the middle to end of April, as these materials come from the north and they’re having a longer winter than we are. Join our mailing list through our web-site at www.agvangundy.com and we’ll be able to keep you informed as to product availability and pricing.

Firewood is a material we carry year round and now is a great time to stock up on your firewood for your outdoor firepit or even for next season, especially because it is on sale until 3/30/13. Call us at (630) 295-8190 or e-mail us through our web-site at www.agvangundy.com for pricing and delivery availability in the Chicago-land area.

Here’s hoping for a Spring season sooner, than later.

Its “official” Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow. We’re in for an early spring!!!! Well, that happened on Saturday which happens to coincide with the heaviest snow fall of the season here in the Chicago area. A little ironic – no?

Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone. Not sure how many of you know it, but I’m a huge Bears fan; so without the Bears in it to cheer for and no Packers to cheer against, I was able to enjoy the game just for the game. I thought the game was way more enjoyable than a lot of the commercials. Although, I had a few favorites: God Made a Farmer (Dodge Trucks), Clydesdale “Landslide” (Budweiser), and the Jeep commercial honoring our Vets.

After snow plowing on Saturday, I was able to enjoy the rest of the week-end mostly relaxing in the family room accompanied by a roaring fire that was started using firewood from A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc. I know we have plenty of firewood available for pick up here at our yard in Roselle, IL or for delivery in the Chicagoland area. You can e-mail us through our website at www.agvangundy.com or call us at (630) 295-8190 for pricing and hours.

Remember, Valentine’s Day is February 14th!!!!!

The weather seems to be a major topic of conversation here in the Chicago area. Not much snow, which I know probably upsets just as many people as it makes happy, and the really cold, which I don’t know if that thrills anyone. Where do you stand? Personally, I thought I liked the snow and cold. I’ve even thought about moving to Minnesota in the future. Guess what? As I get older – the more I realize I don’t really like the snow and cold, except for the fact that my income is based on snow (for plowing) and cold (for firewood) during these months, I could live somewhere mild all year long. I’ll have to rethink my retirement plans.

In the mean time, I think I’ll start planning for this upcoming landscaping season. At home, I’ll take a walk around my yard and try to get some ideas and start my “to do” list. I’ll think about the color palette of the plants that I currently have and decide which direction I want to go this year. At the A.G. Landscape Material yard, I’ll start getting in my pricing, look for new products to offer, clean up the office and hopefully some more firewood.

I encourage you to start planning for the spring – it’ll be here before you know it. If you want to discuss your plans or order firewood for the remainder of the winter, don’t hesitate to call us as (630) 295-8190 or e-mail us through our website at www.agvangundy.com. If you’re not getting our regular e-mails, go to our web site and sign up. I think you’ll enjoy the tips, offers and discounts we offer.

A great basic rule of thumb for most materials is that 1 cubic yard of material will normally cover approximately 100 – 125 sq. ft. at about a 2” depth. Note: 2 inches is 2 inches. Look at a ruler and see what 2 inches actually is. We have had a few people call to say that the material didn’t cover the area they needed, that we must have shorted them. I have personally gone to some of those homes and looked at how they installed it. Sure enough, their 2” was in actuality 4”; in 1 case it was close to 5” deep, so no, you won’t get the whole area covered.

For those of you who don’t mind doing the math, here are some basic formulas: (Remember you will need to covert to feet, i.e. 3 inches is .25, 6 inches is .5…). It’s always a good idea to round up a little, that way you’ll be sure to have enough material. It’s better to go a little thicker with most materials, than too thin.

Square or Rectangular Area – Length X Width X Depth ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards Needed
Example: Planting Bed is 25 ft. Long and 4 ft. Wide and you want to put in mulch at 3” deep. 25 X 4 = 100. 100 X .25 = 25. 25÷27 = .93 cubic yards.
You would need 1 cubic yard to cover the area.

Circle Area – π X r2 (Pi X Radius Squared) – Pi = 3.14. Radius = ½ the diameter.
Example: You’ve removed a 24’ pool and it was dug down 6”. You now need to install topsoil and sod. The radius = 12 (1/2 of 24). 12 X 12 = 144 (r2). 144 X 3.14 (π ) = 452.16. 452.16 X .5 (depth) = 226.08. 226.08 ÷ 27 = 8.37 cubic yards. You should probably order 8.5 – 9 cubic yards as you will have a little more compaction with the topsoil being spread at 6”

The easiest way to figure for a curved area is to just square it off and do the calculations based on a square or rectangle.

Of course, if math isn’t your thing or you have an area not covered by above formulas, the staff at A.G. Landscape Materials is here to help. You can e-mail us, through our web site @ www.agvangundy.com, the dimensions or give us a call at (630) 295-8190 with the dimensions… and we’ll be happy to help you. Not sure of which material to use? We’ll be happy the help you with that also.

The main thing is don’t be afraid of the numbers. I know it can be a little daunting, especially with the geometrical symbols and what not, but it’s really a lot of common sense and following a few simple steps. It is always a good thing to double check your numbers and we’ll be happy to do that with you.

January/February is a great time to start planning for your spring landscape projects. Especially this year in the Chicago area, there’s no snow on the ground and you can take a good look around your bare, dormant yard.

We’re here to help, just give us a call, e-mail, or visit and we’ll do our best to help you.

Let’s start with types of firewood – Of course, you can burn practically any type of tree wood that is available. However, there are some “woods” that I don’t recommend for indoor fireplaces. These woods include Spruces, Pines, Firs, any type of “soft” evergreen which may actually cause damage or facilitate the deposit of creosote in your chimney. Here at A.G. Landscape Materials, Inc. we sell Oak firewood and Mixed Firewood. Our Oak includes Red and White Oak. Oak is a harder, denser wood than the majority of the mixed wood that we sell. The Oak will normally burn at a higher therm rate which will result in a hotter fire. The coals which form from the Oak will also add to the heat and the Oak will also burn longer than the Mixed. Some people find that the Oak may be a little hard to start because of the denseness, but once it catches, it burns. We also sell a Mixed Firewood. Our Mixed firewood consists of predominately Maples, Locust, Ash and Oak, although other varieties are also found within the various face cords that we stack here. Some of those woods include Hickory, Walnut, Alder, Cherry and some Birch – remember not all face cords will include all these different types of wood. The Mixed firewood tends to burn a little faster than the straight Oak and common theory is that because it burns at an overall lower therm rate, the fire tends to be not as hot; however, from my personal experience, I have found that the Mixed firewood provides plenty of warmth, especially in the room the fireplace is located. The flames from the mixed wood are usually a little more “showy”, a little more flame, less coals, a little more color within the flames. Some people think an overall prettier fire.

Seasoned Firewood is wood that has been cut and split and has sat for a period of time so that the moisture draws out of the wood. Usually, firewood should sit a minimum of 9 – 13 months in order to be seasoned. Of course, the longer it sits the more ‘seasoned” it becomes. The firewood that we sell here has been sitting at least 10 months – in most cases a minimum of 12 months. In order to ensure the readiness of the firewood, I will do a test burn from the different stacks. This way I personally know that the firewood I sell is ready to burn.

Next, I’d like to address the quantities in which firewood is sold. Firewood is normally sold in Full Cords, Face Cords, ½ Face Cords, Ricks, and Bundles. The most common quantity we sell here at A.G. Landscape Materials is a Face Cord. A face cord is an increment of stacked firewood. The stacked firewood should measure 4’ X 8’ X 1 log. The number of pieces of firewood varies, depending on the size of the pieces. Another factor in determining the number of pieces within the face cord is how it is stacked. We cross-stack the firewood at the ends, this makes for a more stable stack of wood. Some companies will cross-stack the entire face cord, this does result in a little more air getting through, but it also results in less firewood and since my customers don’t pay by the piece, I want to provide as much firewood within the face cord or ½ face cord that I can. Full Cords are 3 face cords. When it is stacked it is normally 4’ X 8’ X 3 pieces deep. Half Face Cords are just that; stacked wood that is 2’ X 8’ or 4’ X 4’. We sell in 30 piece and 60 piece ricks also. Obviously ricks are more than a bundle (which contains 5 – 10 pieces) but less than ½ Face Cord.

Where To Store Firewood – Personally, I like to store my firewood outdoors at my home. Keeping it outside enhances the seasoning process as the wind/air will maintain he dryness of the wood. I do throw a tarp over the top of the wood, just to keep the snow and rain off. Some of my customers like to keep their wood in the garage as that’s the most convenient place, especially when there’s a rack in which to stack the firewood. This isn’t a bad idea, however, be warned that as warmer weather approaches the wood may attract insects. Storing in the basement is my least favorite option, although a viable one. Most basements are rather high in humidity and therefore can actually put more moisture into the wood. However, barring any other alternatives, it’s not horrible.

Firewood is available year round here at A.G. Landscape Materials. As expected, the fall/winter months are our busiest, but with the popularity of outdoor firepits and outdoor fireplaces we sell a lot of firewood in the spring/summer months as well. More and more people are cooking with firewood, too. For cooking/smoking purposes, I would recommend using the Oak firewood. Some people prefer to remove most of the bark when cooking with it; leaving the bark on gives your food a very intense smoky flavor.

Keep in mind that my yard is open to the public, so that you are more than welcome to come to our location at 24 W 733 Lake Street, in Roselle, IL to see the firewood yourself. Once you’re here, purchase 30 or 60 pieces. Maybe purchase 30 of Mixed and 30 of Oak, that way when you get home you can play with the different types of wood and see which one you like better. Or, if you like what you see you, can set up a delivery. We do also offer stacking services, with a few restrictions.

The main point when ordering firewood is to be sure that you are getting it from a reputable seller.

Please check out our website at www.agvangundy.com for more information or call us at (630) 295-8190 for our hours.

Speaking of the holidays… how’s the shopping going? Here’s a thought for a hard to buy for person – How about firewood? Whether they have an indoor fireplace or outdoor fire pit the wood sold here at A.G. Landscape Materials, in Roselle, Illinois is already seasoned and ready to burn.

You can have us deliver a ½ Face Cord or more of firewood to practically anywhere in the Chicagoland area (we’ll even place a bow on it) or you can pick up as little as 30 pieces ($25.00 for mixed) here at our yard at 24 W 733 Lake Street in Roselle, Illinois.

For the gardener on your list, we have gift certificates available. You can purchase any denomination that fits into your budget. Your recipient will be able to use it toward purchase of such things as topsoil, garden mix, compost, mulch… Any gardener would appreciate that.

If you’re looking for a substantial gift, how about purchasing a fire pit kit? We can deliver the materials (either now or in the spring) for the do-it-yourselfer on your list. Constructing a fire pit is an easy project that can normally be completed within a week-end. Check out our blog that was originally posted in October, 2011 for installation instructions, of course you can always call us at (630) 295-8190 or go to our website at www.agvangundy.com for more information.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

You can pick up your firewood here at our yard on Lake Street in Roselle or we can deliver to your Chicagoland area home.

You can call us at (630) 295-8190 or go to our website at www.agvangundy.com for more information or to place an order.

Give our firewood a try, you won’t be disappointed.

1. Perform any repairs, if needed.
Take a look at your pavers. Have any of them sunk or become loose? If so, remove the paver and install torpedo sand or limestone screenings in the void. Replace the paver and tap it with a rubber mallet until it is level with other stones surrounding it.

2. Clean the pavers
If there are stains (i.e. oil, grease…) you may want to use a product specifically made to remove the stains. You can then clean the pavers using a pressure washer or some dish soap, a strong stream of water from your hose and a stiff bristle broom. Remember to protect the house and plantings with tarps, etc and to rinse thoroughly.

3. Install the Jointing Sand
Whether you choose Polymeric sand or regular jointing sand, be sure to sweep it into the perfectly dry paver joints. Sweep the sand over the paver area several times, being sure that the jointing sand or polymeric sand is placed evenly in the joints throughout the entire paver surface. You can carefully use a leaf blower to ensure that there are no grains of sand left on the surface of the pavers. Then, mist the newly installed sand with water using a light mist and being careful not to wash out the sand

4. Apply Sealer.
Once the pavers are completely dry, you can apply the sealer. If you have sealed your area previously, it is best to use the same type of sealer (solvent based vs. water based). You may have to tape or protect trim areas or tarp off areas and plants. There are two methods of application:

A. Roll It On
Pour the sealer into a metal paint roller pan. Using a medium to long-napped paint roller, roll the sealer onto the pavers. Be sure to roll it evenly onto the pavers. Once you are done, discard the paint roller and the paint pan.

B. Spray It On
Pour the sealer into a spray applicator and spray onto the paver area. Be sure to spray evenly onto the pavers. Try to avoid creating puddles. Try not to spray if it is windy and always protect surfaces that are not intended to be sealed (house, plants..). Discard the sprayer upon completion.

The sealer will take approximately 24 hours to dry (depending on weather/humidity). The solvent-based sealers will usually give your pavers a “wet-look” and they will appear darker than before the application of the sealer. If you want to maintain the current color and just give the pavers a seal, I would recommend water based sealer, such as joint stabilizer sealer.

Here at A.G. Landscape Materials, we carry Unilock brand and Unilock recommended cleaners, sand, and sealers. You can contact us via phone (630) 295-8190 or e-mail us at www.agvangundy@hotmail.com or through our web-site at www.agvangundy.com

A Bark Mulch that is predominately made from the bark of the tree which was removed at a saw mill is usually the best choice. This type of mulch is especially helpful for your plants in that as it breaks down, it becomes a compost like material that supplies the soil and the plants with nutrients while having a superior water uptake and retention of moisture compared to other “green” or ground wood mulches. The “finer” grind of the Bark Mulch helps as well. Although, the cost is slightly more than the “green” waste and wood mulches, as a recent publication of “Soil and Mulch Producer News” states, that bark mulch does not take nitrogen from the soils and plants to aid in the decomposition rate and gives back to the soil nutrients inherent in the bark. Bark Mulch, therefore, in my opinion is the best choice of mulch for people concerned about the health and quality of their plants and should be the choice of even the most novice of gardeners. Bark Mulch will aid the gardener the most.

There is a case though for “green waste” or tree mulch. In areas where aesthetics outweighs the horticultural benefits of Bark Mulch, the “Dyed” wood mulch can be very useful. The best dyed mulches with the most vibrant colors come from construction waste or pallet waste. During the shredding process, nails, foils, metals and plastics are removed. The product is then shredded and dyed. The most popular colors are Brick Red and Chocolate Brown but the dyes are also available in many other shades including black and gold/yellow. These mulches do hold in some moisture and help resist weeds but offer little help to the plants nutritionally-wise. Some Horticulturalists even believe that these mulches take nitrogen from the soil during its decomposition process.

Then, there is the Hardwood or Double Ground Wood Mulches. These are more economical, but may offer little or no nutritional value to the soil and plants. Often they look similar to Bark Mulch but consist of the whole tree. These mulches are also made of waste wood from trees that may or may not have been diseased. Some suppliers mix in other waste like leaves and grass clippings. Here at A.G. VanGundy Landscape Materials, we inspect our Double Ground Hardwood Mulches continually to insure that they are as pure as possible. This mulch is fine to use when cost is the most important aspect of the purchase or when some weed resistance/moisture control is needed and not nutritional benefits. This is a great product to use in a “natural or wild area” or for walking paths through wild areas.

Finally, the best time of year to mulch is any time you need it. Optimally, the spring is the very best time as this will allow the maximum time for the benefits of the mulch for your plants. A lot of people will also put down a layer of mulch in the fall to protect the plants from the harsh winter weather and to keep the root zone temperature more even. However, as stated earlier, if you haven’t yet mulched your planting beds its not too late and should really be done now to protect your plants from this record-setting summer we’ve been experiencing.

Hopefully this sheds some light on the types of mulches best to use at your site. I believe that some mulch of any of the above is better than no mulch at all during these hot and dry months.

Another way to expand is by taking a look at inventory and product availability (both existing and new). I have found that it is so easy to stay with what I know, what I’m comfortable with – but it’s not going to grow my company. I needed to look “outside” of my comfort zone and put myself out there and meet with suppliers offering different products. I’m excited to be offering new products this year in addition to the products I’ve had in the past.

I was thrilled to find a supplier of used Railroad Ties. Some of my very first landscaping jobs included Railroad Tie Retaining Walls. Going back and looking at some of those older projects, can you imagine my pride when several of them were still standing? What a great product!

There is a new “once a year” fertilizer. It’s a fertilizer and pre-emergent that you put down once in the spring and it will last approx. 7 months. I’m looking forward to learning more about this product and being able to offer it to my customers.

I needed to learn that every empty space, even in the office, is an opportunity to display income producing products. So, I’ve put up shelves and stocked them with “shelf items”. These are little items that my customers need, maybe without even knowing they needed them until they saw them. Although these items aren’t my most profitable products, it’s a convenience for my customers to have them here so they don’t have to make another stop.

Expanding a business, especially in this economy, is a difficult task. Many of my marketing ideas aren’t new, but they are tested and true. I’m constantly looking for new ideas and for good business information. Feel free to check out my website at www.agvangundy.com and share some of your ideas and/or questions. It’s easy – just click to our contact page and we’ll be happy to answer you.