Get matched with top mulch and topsoil pros in Paulden, AZ

As a base, you should use a fertilizer with a 5-5-5 NPK ratio (5% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 5% potassium). You may need a different ratio depending on what your soil is lacking, but a soil test can help determine the perfect amount.

You can use regular sand as the base for your pavers and in between pavers to seal the joints. Many pros reach for polymeric sand, also known as all-purpose sand, because it has been sifted and washed to remove impurities. But you can easily level ground and fill gaps between pavers for a clean look using regular sand, sometimes at a lower cost.

Keeping your gravel driveway beautiful—or any gravel structure for that matter—does call for regular maintenance. You may occasionally need to add more gravel to low areas if you notice any pooling after rainfall. Gravel might also become excessively dusty over time. You can compact it with a mechanical compactor, which you can rent for around $80 to $85 per day.

To minimize maintenance requirements for your gravel, it’s important to ensure your land is properly graded before installing the gravel. It’s also helpful to lay landscaping fabric beforehand to keep it in place.

It depends on the model of your pool. You’ll always have to level the topsoil, but most vinyl-lined pools require an additional 1- to 2-inch layer of sand to protect the liner. This way, when a foot kicks down to the bottom of your pool, it’s not scraping the liner against the hard ground. If your pool isn’t vinyl-lined, you can skip this step or add a layer of another base material, like decomposed granite. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions before you begin.