There is more to know when choosing a pavement material than just what meets the eye. While stamped concrete may initially achieve a look that is somewhat similar to pavers, poor durability and difficulty in making repairs have a dramatic impact not only on the appearance, but also on the actual cost in the long term.

As a conscientious homeowner, you want your driveway, patio, walkways, or pool deck to stand up to the weather, require little maintenance, and look like new for a long time to come.  You also want them to be cost-effective.  That's why the popularity of pavers (also referred to as "paving stones" and "brick pavers") is sky-rocketing.  The unrivaled beauty, easy upkeep, and long-term cost efficiency of properly executed paving stone installations are becoming more and more apparent to homeowners, especially in Colorado where weather and temperature change are a major factor. Here are advantages of brick pavers:

• Pavers do not require time to cure.  Unlike concrete, which can take 3 to 5 days before being ready for traffic, paver structures can be used immediately after installation.
• The high number of joints in the surface facilitates the drainage of water from rain and snow.  This enhances skid resistance and decreases nighttime glare.
• If deformation should occur due to shifting of the base, the structure can easily be repaired by removing individual pavers, re-leveling, and then reinstalling the same pavers.

If you are interested in beautifying your home with paving stones, keep in mind that not all pavers are laid equally. Improper installations can lead to problems of their own.  That's why it's important to know that for over 20 years Columbine Design has been a leader in Metro-Denver's hardscaping industry.

Columbine Design is built on the referrals of customers who say without hesitation that we're the best!  We use our own, dedicated crew that's been trained by us to deliver the highest quality possible - no subcontracting!

Contact us today to schedule your at-home design consultation.

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Most gardeners are bracing for another summer of drought. But we may also have a winter of drought. Dry winds and meager snowfall are sure to damage trees and shrubs. "We are still recommending hand watering for shrubs and trees," says Terry Carter, horticulturalist at Columbine Design. Some tips will help trees to survive a tough winter and prepare for a difficult spring and summer, too. The website www.watersaver.org, sponsored by the Denver Water Board and CSU Extension gives information on winter care for shrubs and trees.

Carter also recommends tree wraps for non-native young deciduous trees along the Front Range. Sunscald will damage a young tree up to three years of age. Usually found on the south or southeast side of a tree, the exposed trunk will appear bleached in spots. "Sunscald is not a problem in other parts of the country, but a tree wrap is beneficial here. Our day temperatures can be in the 60s and the tree will try to come out of dormancy. Then at night when temperatures drop below freezing, the tree will try to go back into dormancy." Wraps can be applied in winter months and removed in March.