People have been practicing landscaping for centuries, usually for practical and aesthetic reasons. There is no doubt that people in Calgary often do landscaping as a way of renovating and beautifying a property’s ground outside the home itself.
Before you start with your Calgary landscape project and after doing some research on how to maintain a beautiful landscape, you might want to know which would be best to use: sand or soil?
People are often confused with sand and soil.
Sand consists of rocks and mineral grains, while the soil is a porous, biologically active medium found in the upper layer of the earth’s crust.
So, which one is better?
Let us find out!
Sand VS. Soil - Which One Should You Use?
Now you have an idea about sand and soil. Are you already thinking about which one would work best for your next landscape project?
Let us dig deeper.
Sand
We often see sand on beaches and deserts. Sand consists of loose grains, fine rocks, and mineral particles. There are different types of sand as it differs in texture and colour, depending on the location. One more thing to know about sand is that it does not hold water and not porous because of its loose particles.
You can use sand on these landscape projects.
1. Concrete
Together with gravel, sand acts as a great filler and adds more volume to the concrete. More volume would mean less air and will result in a more robust product. In other words, sand makes stronger concrete.
2. Between Pavers
Since sand is a great filler, it is best to use between pavers. Using sand prevents breaking and shifting, which makes the pavers sturdy.
3. Children’s playground
Safety is the primary reason why sand is an ideal option. Not only for playgrounds but outdoor sports as well because its granularity makes the surface soft.
Soil
Soil is a great natural resource, and we also refer to it as earth. It is a natural body that consists of solid, liquid, and gas. Soil is also practical life support for plants and is essential to the earth. While sand does not hold water and is not porous, soil can hold water and even allow it to sit on top.
1. Compost
This is a decayed organic material used to improve soil quality. This is not an alternative for soil but rather an addition to enhance the quality of the soil. Compost is rich in nutrients, which results in healthy plants because of its organic process.
2. Black Dirt
Black dirt is often interchanged with topsoil due to its similarity. Like topsoil, black dirt has organic contents as well that came from decomposed plants or animals. But, what sets them apart is that black dirt is not suitable for most garden plants. It is usually used to fill low areas, creating walkways, and preparing for sod.
3. Garden Soil
Each plant has different qualities and ways on how to plant and grow them. It is best to know what kinds of plants you plan to grow in your garden. Garden soils are used for certain types of plants like flowers, herbs, and vegetables. You can easily purchase this type of soil in case you need it.
Have you decided yet?
Although at times, sand and soil are confused as the same, they have different qualities that would be most useful depending on what you are planning to execute in your project.
Soil would be best if you plan on growing plants as it is more organic than sand.
Sand on the ground would be the best option for safety purposes.
Figure out what your priority is in this landscape project that you are planning.
Are you building a garden or a play area for kids?
Once you know what your preferences are, it would then boil down to what the most realistic way to execute them is. Landscaping may sound easy, but it is not. A landscaping expert could give solutions you would never think of and would help you avoid mistakes that might cost a lot in the future.
Discuss your goals, assess your property’s strengths and weaknesses, and learn about landscaping with someone who knows what to do and how to do it. Feel free to reach out to Tazscapes Landscaping at (587) 578-0747.