Glass Sand - The New Mulch

Now that summer is here. Many people are working on their yards and gardens. So, today let's take a look at a useful, under the radar mulching material. Glass Sand. This material has many uses and is very environmental friendly.


What is Glass Sand?
Glass Sand is what many recycling centers do with the recycled glass they receive. They take the glass and put it through a grinder and grind it down to the consistance of sand.

Why is this useful?
One of the GREAT features of Glass Sand is that NOTHING grows through it. This is because of the fact that glass is almost pure silica (the glassy substance in sand). Glass sand allows water to flow through it, which means that plant roots still get water.


Mulch Uses:
1) Use around scrubs & trees to retard weed growth, while retaining ground moisture.
2) Can be used under other landscaping materials, like gravel or stone, to eliminate weed
growth. This way you can eliminate the use of harmful chemicals, which is better for the
environment.

This owner had me use it as weed retarder under their decorative gravel. Now, the only place where weeds are a problem is along the edges, between the landscape fabric and the concrete edges.

3) Gives another Decorative alternative that can be added to the Mulches in general.

This yard is using Glass Sand as an alternative to other mulches. It gives his yard a unique look.






Is this expensive?
No, most Recycling Centers give it away. All you need is a truck.


Is it safe?
Yes, the grinding process, generally, leaves smooth edges with beach sand-type texture. In fact, one of my helpers used Glass Sand to fill his son's sand box.

Using Rain Barrels

I was at one of my clients' homes a few days ago. She loves spring & summer in Flagstaff, because she loves working in her gardens. She is looking to save on her water bill. Who isn't?? She is looking into purchasing Rain Barrels to collect the rain water off her roof.

Rain Barrels are GREAT for this. They enable you to collect rain water and then use it later to water your gardens & lawn. Many models allow you to attach hoses, so you don't have to carry the water.

When purchasing Rain Barrels, you want to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, you want barrels that have mosquito screens. Without a screen you will be providing a perfect breeding ground for them. Second, you want to purchase barrels that are at least 50 gallons or larger. The reason for this is that the amount of water produced during a rain storm can be substantial. For instance, a rain fall of 0.01 - 0.25 inches (a typical rain storm) will give you 312 - 779 gallons of water for a roof area of 5000 sq.ft.

So back to the conversation with my client, I told her that she needs to invest Rain Barrels that will net her at least 200 gallons in water capacity. This can be done by purchasing larger barrels (100 gallons) or piggy-backing smaller barrels.

So if you looking into buying Rain Barrels, be willing to spend the time to shop around and do some price comparisons. Also, don't be afraid to shop on the internet.

Remember, Rain Barrels will pay for themselves within one watering season!

Right Fix Handiworks is Moving to the Internet

Hi Everyone,



I have been planning & working towards developing an online presence for about a year. This Blog is the first step towards that goal.



This Blog will give you a sense of what I'm doing by:

1) I'll keep you up to date on my two major projects, which is Restoring to 100 year old houses here in Flagstaff, AZ. The owner is looking to have this done in an environmentally-friendly manner, while perserving & restoring the buildings.

2) I'll give you insider tips on how to Re-use & Recycle while completing Home Improvement Projects.