So What Is Flex MSE?

Flex MSE is a Cost Effective, Sustainable and Permanent –  Engineered Solution.

The Flex MSE  Vegetated Wall System uses the same globally accepted principles of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) that builders rely on for making massive  retaining walls.

Geobag walls have been built as high as 75ft, with great success. Our Second Generation interlocking Plate is a 100% recycled, recyclable component which adds increased geogrid compatibility and friction strength over its precursors.

Flex MSE is a unique soft building material that exhibits hard material qualities.  It weathers events that would ruin other systems, and only gets stronger and greener as time goes on.

Cost Effective:

• Flex MSE is 60% of concrete’s cost installed.
• Flex MSE is a simple two component system that often installs in half the time of concrete block walls.
• No specialized equipment, labour, cranes, forms, footings, or rebar.

Sustainable:

• Flex MSE walls require minimal initial leveling or subgrade embedment.
• The flexible, easily adjusted units conform perfectly to trees and unexpected bedrock
• Flex MSE is a recycled, non-toxic product that conforms to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) qualifications.
• Flex MSE vegetated walls are graffiti proof.
• Flex MSE installations use 97%  less Green House Gases (GHGs) over comparably sized concrete blocks.

Permanent:

• Flex MSE lasts almost twice as long as concrete (120 year ASTM System Life rating).
• A light weight soft armour product that integrates easily with other proprietary systems and has  great performance in limited access, tough or unstable terrain.
• Settlement and water ruin concrete walls.  Flex MSE has a very high settlement tolerance and excess water drains through the system.  The drainage aspect eliminates the need for chimney drains and pipe behind the wall, while feeding the vegetation.

Bottom line? Flex MSE  is a Green solution that installs faster, lasts longer, looks completely natural, and costs less. For a truly Green solution without the Green ‘premium’, choose Flex MSE  for retaining walls, slope stabilization, erosion control, site reclamation, and ‘Anywhere Land Meets Water.’

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The life expectancy of concrete is many many years if maintained properly.   But when it does eventually deteriorate, and you decide its time to do something about it.  Think wisely about getting the cover up type fix.  Many homeowners are lured into these other materials that will cover ugly concrete, and as a bonus are quite cheaper.  Don’t be fooled, it will cost you more in the future.  Now you’re in a situation that your having to remove the cover up material as well as the concrete underneath, in turn costing a lot more.  

Many times, concrete needs to be replaced due to cracking.  In most cases, the cracking is due to the earth/ground shifting under it.  This is due to low or high moisture levels, unexpected heavy traffic etc.   While it sounds great covering those cracks or ugly concrete with a much more cost effective product like asphalt or rubber paving etc, remember that the underlying problem is still there.

Remember, your finished product is only as good as the preparation underneath it!   There is a reason why Concrete are 99% of residential driveways in Canada.  It is Tried, Tested, and True.    #yqr #reginaconcretecontractor

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It’s safe to say that this Saskatchewan summer took its toll on lawns in Regina. Drought-like conditions left many lawns yellow and cracked, despite our best efforts. With winter on its way, it’s time to set up our lawn for success next spring.

Here are a few things you can do to get your grass winter ready.

• Cut to the right height – leave your lawn a little higher for the winter to ensure longer, healthier roots. But be sure not to keep your grass too long before the snow falls – long grass can be a breeding ground for grass diseases and snow mold. A good rule of thumb is one setting higher on your mower.
• Aerate – while a lot of people aerate their lawns in the spring, it’s good to do it in the fall as well, especially if your lawn has been damaged over the summer. An aerated lawn creates more contact between soil and both fertilizer and grass seed.
• Fertilize – apply two rounds of fertilize – you’ll find autumn-specific fertilizer at the store. Pay special attention to damaged areas.
• Seed (and overseed) – seed damaged areas and water to ensure germination before snowfall. It’s getting late in the season, but we still have a few warm days. The window to seed is quickly closing, so take advantage of it while you can.
• Deal with weeds – the more weeds you can take care of now, the less you’ll have to deal with in the spring. Whether it’s using a herbicide or pulling as many as you can, you’ll be happy you did come April.
• Rake or mulch – it’s important to remove the leaves on your lawn so your grass can get the sunlight and air it needs. Another alternative is to use a mulching mower and mulch the leaves so they can further decompose and feed your lawn.

Fall may seem like the time when lawn care comes to an end, but as you can see, there are still a few “to-do’s” on the old chore list to keep your grass happy and healthy.

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It’s important to remember one thing about lawns – if they have been tended to properly, they are quite resilient. Even if they start to yellow and dry up a bit in drought-like conditions, they will usually bounce back when the weather changes and more moisture is present. If you see a little yellow on your lawn, don’t panic. A little yellow is ok in times like this. Yellowing is the grass’ natural defence system and, although it doesn’t look nice, it’s actually saving your lawn for wetter days.

Water regularly, but smartly

If you’re going to water you grass, develop a regular schedule and stick to it. Creating a regular moisture cycle will benefit the lawn, while an erratic watering schedule can throw your lawn out of whack. Don’t water every day or use a ton of water, but keep it regular. And don’t forget to water in the evening or early morning. If you have a sprinkler system with a timer, run it at night. You’ll lose A LOT of water to evaporation if you water in the heat of the day. Don’t over water either – the root system of a lawn will shrink in dry times, so over watering to the point that it drops beyond the root system is a waste of water.

Mow less and longer

Keeping your grass a little longer in dry times will help keep the soil cooler so it doesn’t dry out as quickly. A longer lawn can also develop a longer, stronger root system that will allow it to draw moisture from deeper in the soil.

Fertilize less

Fertilized lawns typically use more water, so fertilize less. Fertilizing in the fall is the top priority, so if you’re going to fertilize, do it then.

Keep your equipment tickety boo

Make sure your mower is in top condition, including keeping the blades nice and sharp. As blades get dull they tend to tear the grass more than cut it, which can damage the root system or pull grass out all together.

Following a few simple steps will keep your lawn healthy and ready to go green once the rain returns.

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Practice regular onceovers

Inspect your sprinkler system regularly, both when it’s running and not. When you first turn on your system, inspect each sprinkler head to ensure it’s operating properly and each head rises smoothly from the ground. Walk around your yard as the sprinklers run, checking that each is spraying water uniformly and in the intended direction. When you turn the system off, check the sprinklers again to ensure each is retracting fully and properly. Raised sprinkler heads aren’t only a sign of your system not operating properly, they are also a tripping hazard. If you notice any issues, give them the attention they need. It could be as simple as removing debris from the surrounding area or a larger repair, but keeping on top of things will ensure that the fixes are small and inexpensive. And you might want to think about wearing your trunks when you make your rounds, because you’re probably going to get wet.

Look and listen to your lawn

Your lawn will also give you clues if your sprinkler isn’t working at its peak. Check your lawn regularly for any dry or brown spots, or noticeable pooling of water after you water the lawn. Those are both telltale signs that your sprinkler system needs adjustment or repair.

Have you been thinking of installing a sprinkler system for your yard? Or does your current system need repair? Contact us and let us work with you to enjoy your very own waterworks!

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Water, water, water (and water again)

Keeping your new lawn well-watered is imperative in the first month so the sod takes root and flourishes. Water it immediately after installation to the point of being spongy and then regularly in the following weeks. The amount of times you should water your new sod is up for debate and will depend on factors like temperature, weather and amount of sun your grass gets. It’s a good rule of thumb to water it twice a day for week one, once a day for week two, every other day for weeks three and four, then resume a regular watering schedule. Watering a little less every week will help your sod develop deep, healthy roots. Just be sure not to overwater as it can result in shallow roots or stop air from reaching the roots.

Please stay off the grass

Try to keep your family and pets off the new sod for at least two weeks after installation and only go on it to do the care and maintenance needed. Give your new sod a chance to get used to its new home and develop a strong root bed without any interruptions.

Mow mowing, mow problems

Don’t over mow your new lawn. Wait at least a week after your sod has been laid before mowing for the first time and don’t cut your grass shorter than 3 inches. Keeping your grass a little longer gives your lawn a lush look, helps retain water and helps your grass choke out invasive weeds like dandelions, clover and crabgrass. Be sure to watch your mower wheels the first time you cut to make sure they don’t get caught in the seams between sod panels.

When to fertilize

You shouldn’t fertilize your new lawn for at least six weeks after installation. Wait until week six or seven to spread fertilizer, if needed. Then resume a regular lawn fertilizer schedule. You shouldn’t need to fertilize your lawn until fall, when you would usually fertilize.

The team at Textured Terrain can help you make the most of your yard. Contact us today.

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Call us today for a free estimate: at 306-533-8251. At Textured Terrain, we do concrete and we do it right! texturedterrain.dev

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Here are 7 reasons to consider a professional installed in-ground sprinkler system.

1. With and in-ground sprinkler system you can get an even distribution of water on your lawn and garden. No more water pooling in some areas of your lawn while leaving your grass dry in other places.
2. A professionally installed system will help reduce over-watering helping keep your water bill in check.
3. You can schedule when your lawn needs to be watered and for how long. An automated system lets you customize the settings based on your lawn watering cycles.
4. It’s effortless! It allows you to automatically water your lawn the entire season.
5. Our systems are easily installed and easy to program.
6. They can cover any size lawn or garden.
7. Some systems include self-draining systems to avoid freeze damage in colder months.

If you are interested in installing a professional in ground sprinkler system, call Textured Terrain today at 306-533-8251 so you can enjoy your lawn all summer long! We are your concrete and landscaping specialists!

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