Articles
Our approach to landscape design, hardscape construction and getting the most out of your project.
Design considerations
A Patio You'll Actually Use
Everyone uses outdoor spaces differently. You can design your landscape to suit how you will actually use your yard.
Mistakes Homeowners Make in Landscape Planning
Without a good plan to guide the work on your yard the results are likely to be haphazard and more expensive in the end.
Decks vs Patios – How to Choose
The pros and cons to two great features for your backyard.
3D Drawings
Before turning over any soil in your landscaping project, you need a drawing! We use 3D rendering for this.
Construction and engineering
The Stone Base is the Most Important Aspect of Patio Durability
Our approach to depth, materials and construction techniques
Interlocking Bricks Adapt to Ground Movement
Let's face it, Winnipeg soil shifts around with the changing of seasons. Fortunately, we can do better than cracked-up slabs of concrete.
Why Does Winnipeg's Ground Shift so Much?
This article answers that question
Polymeric Sand: A Secret Ingredient for Nearly Maintenance-Free Brickwork
Weeds growing between paver joints or stones can be a major draw-back to stone surfaces – not with poly-sand!
Geotextiles in Landscaping
Geotextiles made their debut in the early 20th century, primarily crafted from natural fibers like jute. Their initial use was in civil engineering, especially for soil erosion control in coastal and riverbank areas. This was the first major application of using fabric for soil stability.
Why Winnipeg's Soil is the Way It Is
Winnipeg sits on land that was once the bottom of the vast glacial Lake Agassiz. This has left a lasting legacy on the region's soil composition, significantly influencing modern construction, from roadways to patios.
The Timeless Legacy of Roman Roads: A Comparison to Modern Concrete Paver Bricks
The Roman Empire, renowned for its engineering marvels, left behind a legacy that continues to amaze us today – its intricate network of roads. In this article, we compare Roman construction methods to modern methods like concrete paver bricks.
How Much Weight Can Concrete Pavers Support?
Concrete pavers are a robust and versatile solution for paving driveways and patios. A key aspect of their functionality is their ability to support significant weight.
Invented in the Netherlands, Refined in Germany: Origins of Interlocking Paver Systems
Following WWII, the need for rapid and economical reconstruction of roads and pavements led to the search for a durable, yet easy-to-install paving method.
The Importance of Drainage
Proper yard grading is about protecting your home and investment. Regular checks and maintenance can prevent these issues, ensuring a healthy, well-drained, and valuable property.
What Landscaping Fabric Does Under Your Patio — and Why It Matters
It's important to keep soil from mixing in with the base stone on a patio. For this, we use geotextile, a.k.a. landscaping fabric.
Building a Patio on Disturbed Soil
Ideally you want your patio to be built on soil that hasn't been disturbed, but there are solutions to every problem.
Build It Yourself: A Guide to Paver Patio Construction
A guide to brick patio building for the DIY weekend warrior.
Materials
Choosing the Right Stone for Your Landscape
Limestone, slate, concrete pavers. This article is about choosing the right stone for your patio, walkway or retaining wall.
What Are Concrete Pavers?
What are concrete pavers, how do they compare to other bricks and what are they used for?
Concrete Pavers vs Concrete Slabs for Winnipeg Landscaping Projects
Slab material is less per square foot, but paver installation cost is less, and paver durability is higher. We have this discussion with close to half of our customers. This article explains it all!
The Pros and Cons of Concrete Paver Patios
Why we love concrete paver bricks and some downsides.
We Only Use Barkman Concrete Pavers
We've been working with the same great supplier of concrete pavers since we opened our doors in 1998.
Walkway Materials
This article is a run-down of your options: concrete pavers, slate, limestone and more. We can build with anything. All choices have their pros and cons.
What Stains Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are mostly a worry-free material, but some things can stain them.
History of Paving Stones
From Roman Roads to cobblestones to modern concrete pavers
History of Concrete
Concrete has a long and storied history. Let's take a look at how concrete, especially in the form of pavers, has evolved over the years.
Where to Get Limestone in Manitoba
Limestone, a natural marvel in Winnipeg landscaping, holds a special place due to its rich geological history and unique composition. Formed from ancient marine sediments, this stone is not just a material but a slice of the Earth's past, offering both beauty and durability.
The Marine Origins of Manitoba's Limestone
Manitoba stands with a geological paradox that often goes unnoticed. Despite being a landlocked province, known for its vast fields and open skies, Manitoba houses an intriguing piece of marine history: limestone.
It Pays to Buy Pavers Made in Canada
Be cautious of the 'great deals' to be found at big box stores south of the border.
What's Stronger: Bricks or Concrete Pavers?
If the primary concern is strength, especially for areas with heavy usage or load-bearing requirements like driveways, concrete pavers are the stronger choice
Project planning and execution
How to Choose a Winnipeg Landscaping Contractor
A guide to choosing a landscaper for your project... and what you can expect from Earthworks.
Landscaping Project Survival Check List
Seven tips to make sure any landscaping project ends with smiles all around.
Take Daily Photos Capturing Your Yard's Transformation
Embarking on a landscaping project is a significant moment for any homeowner. It marks a transformation of your personal space, a change that often holds both functional and sentimental value.
How Long Does It Take a Landscaping Company to Install a Patio?
Installing a patio is a task that varies widely based on several factors. In Winnipeg, where I have been working as a landscaper, the process can differ greatly from one project to another. Here are a few examples of different patio projects and their timelines to give a clearer idea of what to expect.
Booking a Landscaper: How Far in Advance Should You Plan?
When it comes to booking a professional landscaper, timing is everything. The demand for landscaping services fluctuates with the seasons, and in a city like Winnipeg, where the weather can be unpredictable, planning ahead is crucial.
Maintenance and repair
Maintaining the Stonework on Your Patio
Keeping your concrete pavers or natural stonework looking its best.
Stonework Restoration and Patio Repair
If your driveway or patio is made from concrete pavers, you are in luck – they are one of the easiest construction materials to fix.
Weeds Don't Grow Up from the Bottom, They Settle In from the Top
It's a common misconception that weeds grow up through joints. In reality, they settle in from the top.
Strategies for Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Low-maintenance landscaping is about making smart choices in the planning stage and implementing strategies that reduce the need for ongoing care.
Common Patio Installation Mistakes
We get at least a couple of jobs each year from people who hire a cheaper contractor and are wondering if we can correct the mistakes. Here are the most common errors we fix.
Dealing with Weeds in an Older Patio or Walkway
How we clean up an older patio or walkway that is still solid and level, but has developed a lot of weeds in the joints.
How to Clean Your Patio
If the colours of your patio are looking a bit dull, or if you have an accumulation of dirt or stains, here's what to do.
Costs
How Much Does a Patio Cost in Winnipeg?
It can be hard to get ballpark price estimates out of landscaping contractors. But here is your guide!
How Much Does a Brick Walkway Cost in Winnipeg?
Our price guide for concrete paver walkways.
Residential Patio Repair Costs in Winnipeg
The clay sub-soil found in the Winnipeg area can be challenging. The good news is that concrete paver patios are easily repaired.
Get a Landscaping Estimate without a Phone Call or Meeting
Get a reasonably accurate preliminary estimate with very little effort. Nothing to schedule. No pressure from a salesperson. All by email.
Cost-Effective Project Plans
By understanding these cost dynamics and making informed choices, you can ensure your landscaping project is both stunning and budget-friendly.
Labour vs. Material Costs
Labour is often the most significant cost in landscaping projects. This includes the hours spent planning, preparing the site, and executing the design.
Walkway Repair Costs in Winnipeg
How much does it cost to repair a brick walkway in Winnipeg?
Concrete Paver Driveway Repair Costs in Winnipeg
How much does it cost to repair a concrete paver driveway in Winnipeg?
Home Value
Landscaping as an Investment
How much should you spend on your yard? The stats may say you should spend quite a lot on landscaping for home value purposes, but the real answer depends on your situation.
Selling Your House? Choose the Projects with the Best Return
Whether you are selling your house this year or twenty years down the road, the right landscaping projects can be a part of the plan to increase the value of your home.
Maximizing Your Property's Value with Trees
Studies suggest that properties with well-maintained trees can see an increase in value by as much as 15-20%.