Frequently Asked Questions

For the information you need please choose from the list below.

Decorative Gravels
Decorative Mulches
Humus & Soil Conditioners
Landscape Soil Mixes
General Information
Truck Capacity
Area / Volume / General Calculations
Product Tonnes / Metre
Handy Hints 

Decorative Gravels

Common Questions

1. Are all gravels suitable for driveways or pathways?
   The only decorative gravel not suitable for use on driveways and pathways is Scoria, which is a volcanic rock and too brittle for such use.
   
2. What gravels are suitable for use as an inorganic mulch?
   Any gravel can be used as an inorganic mulch. Customers are advised to use weed mat under inorganic mulches…if the mulch needs to be removed for any reason for e.g. to add organic matter to the soil, or install irrigation etc, it can be kept clean of any garden soil etc.
   
3. What gravel is best suited to natural water features?
   The most commonly used natural pebble is Random Nepean Pebble.
   
4. Do gravels have a set lifespan?
   No
   
5. What is decomposed granite used for, and how should it be applied?
   Deco Granite is a graded minus 20mm decorative gravel, which can be stabilised and compacted as a hard wearing, decorative driveway or pathway. Deco granite comes in 3 colours, brown, pink and gold, and should be stabilised with cement at 5%, or 1 bag of off-white cement per tonne of Deco Granite for pedestrian use, or 10%, or 2 bags of cement per tonne for driveways. Alternatively Deco Granite can be stabilised with builders lime at 5%, instead of cement.
   
6. I have an existing concrete driveway/path, can I lay decomposed granite over the top?
   No. Concrete provides a sub-base without flexibility. This may result in the decomposed granite cracking due to expansion and contraction with changes in moisture content and temperature.
   
7. How is Deco Granite laid?
   Once an appropriate base is established, apply stabilised granite to the required depth (minimum 100mm) then compact with a vibrating 'whacker' plate. If the granite is too dry, puffs of dust will blow out from beneath the whacker. If this happens, lightly water before compacting again. Compact the granite to required levels adding more to lower areas. Established a level surface with a recommended cross fall of at least 5%. (Don't allow water to pond on surface). Follow compaction process while lightly watering with spray nozzle until water slowly soaks into the granite. Surface broom off any excess water and cement fines. Use water spray to clean off granite surface. Leave surface for 24-48 hours to dry.
   
   NB: Take care not to over-water the granite before laying otherwise cement will rise to the surface causing a hard cement surface layer.

Decorative Mulches

Common Questions

1. What is the best mulch for my garden?
   The choice of which mulch to use relates to personal preference. Fine mulches tend to suit more formal gardens, and colourful mulches are preferable in gardens with many foliage plants and fewer flowering plants, as the mulch offers a strong contrast to the foliage.
   
2. How deep should I mulch?
   Mulch should be applied to a depth of 100mm. This will provide an effective weed­ suppressing layer and maximize moisture retention. Should customers wish to apply less than 100mm we recommend using weedmat prior to mulching. Weedmat is porous so that air and water can move into and out of the soil while still managing to hinder weed growth.
   
3. How long will mulch last?
   Mulches vary in lifespan from approximately 12 months in the case of leaf mulch, to approximately 3years in the case of woodchip. These figures assume that 100mm depth of mulch is applied.
   
4. What mulch suits native gardens?
   We recommend our Forest Fines and Forest Blend or Leaf Mulch for use in native gardens, their natural colour suiting native plants.
   
5. As mulch breaks down does it take nutrients from the soil?
   As mulch decomposes some nutrients will be lost from the soil and consumed by the soil micro flora. To compensate for this we recommend the application of fertiliser prior to mulching or alternatively the use of an degraded composted mulch such as our Re-mulch, Greenlife `Mulch & Compost' or composted pine bark.
   
6. Is any mulch termite repellent?
   Cypress Pine Woodchip is thought to be termite repellent; however no guarantees can be given that termites will not be found in any mulch. We advise customers to be careful when mulching close to external walls of houses and buildings and to regularly check the perimeter for termites.
   
7. What should I put under play equipment?
   Playground mulch (Softfall) is a mulch which is certified to an Australian Standard and which we recommended for use beneath playground equipment.
   
8. What is coloured mulch made from?
   ANL's Kaleidoscape range of mulches is manufactured from a blend of recycled wood chips, and is colour enhanced with a non-toxic colourant. Once dry the colourant is colour fast, and will hold its colour for a minimum of 12-18 months. We recommend that after a period of 3-6 months, the mulch be raked over to bring deeper layers of mulch to the surface. This will help lengthen the brightness and lifespan of the product.
   
9. Is the colourant toxic?
   No, the colourant is non-toxic to people, animals and plants.
   
10. Can I unload coloured chip onto my driveway?
    It is important that no mulch should be unloaded directly onto driveways or other surfaces without a tarp or protective mat. All mulches are organic in nature, and will potentially leach tannins or other organic substances that may stain concrete.
    
11. I need some mulch for my exotic garden, what should I use?
    The choice of mulch for exotic gardens depends on the colours and textures that suit the house and garden. While personal preference plays an important role we advise our customers that mulches vary in terms of how long they last. This is often an important factor in the purchase.

Humus & Soil Conditioners

Common Questions

1.  How do I condition clay soils?
   Organic Clay Breaker is a product specifically designed to condition heavy clay soils. This product is a combination of composts and mineral components, which assist in breaking down the clay and improving the drainage of the soil.
   
2. How do I condition sandy soils?
   Sandy soil drains too freely and requires the addition of well-composted organic matter to help hold moisture in the soil. The type of conditioner used will depend upon the type of plants being planted afterwards. Native plants will prefer Greenlife `Mulch & Compost' , and for exotic plants we recommend using Botany Humus .
   
3. What is Greenlife `Mulch & Compost' made from?
   This soil conditioner is 100% recycled, composted green waste, and is one of our certified Australian Standard products. The material is composted and tested over 16 weeks, and then screened to produce a minus 15mm product which we market as Greenlife `Mulch & Compost' . It is a soil conditioner low in phosphorus, and is perfect to use in native gardens.
   
4.  What is Botany Humus and where is it used?
   Botany Humus is a blend of rich composted organic materials, designed for soil conditioning in gardens with exotic or non-native plants. It is either applied and mixed into the soil prior to planting, or it can be placed on the surface as a fine composted mulch. If surface applied be careful not to apply the product close to the stem of the plant, as this may lead to burning. We advise customers to water plants well after planting into freshly conditioned soils.
   
5.  What is Nitro humus and where is it used?
   Nitro Humus is a soil conditioner manufactured from composted biosolids (sewerage sludge). Nitro Humus is an extremely rich compost, and is well suited to condition soils where plants requiring high nutrient soils, such as citrus or roses, are being planted.
   
   Nitro Humus is also used in broad acre and intensive agriculture or orchards.

Landscape Soil Mixes

Common Questions

1. I need some garden mix to plant my native plants, what should I use? Why?
   Many native plants, particularly those in the Proteaceae family such as Grevilleas, have adapted to nutrient poor Australian soils which are low in Phosphorus, and have the ability to supply themselves with their own Phosphorus. Planting these plants in garden mix, which supplies additional phosphorus, can be toxic. Native `Low P' Mix is a purpose designed garden mix, low in phosphorus, for all native plants.
   
2. I want to plant natives in a new garden, but the soil is very sandy, what should I add to it? Why?
   Greenlife `Mulch & Compost' should be added to condition the soil. The product should be incorporated into the existing soil to a depth of 10cm. The final blend should be no greater than 50% compost.
   After planting, mulch should be applied to increase moisture holding. We suggest that you use our Forest Fines as its grading and colour are well suited to native gardens.
   
3. I need some garden mix for my new exotic garden, what should I use? Why?
   Premium garden mix is recommended for new garden beds. If the existing soil is very sandy or poor, we recommend that you use an organic garden mix as it will provide additional organic matter.
   
4. The soil in my exotic garden needs some compost what would you recommend? Why?
   The best soil conditioner for exotic gardens is Botany Humus. This is much richer than Greenlife `Mulch & Compost', and provides additional nutrients for the plants. 
   

5. I need some mulch for my exotic garden, what should I use?
   The choice of mulch for exotic gardens depends on the colours and textures that suit the house and garden. Personal preference plays an important role, however customers should be advised that mulches vary in terms of how long they last. This is often an important factor in the purchase.  

6. I'm planting camellias & azaleas, what garden mix should I use? Why?
   Premium garden mix is recommended for planting camellias and azaleas. In particular, they require rich soils with good drainage which is provided by the premium.

7. I need to fill some planter boxes, what should I use? Why?
   ANL manufactures planter box mix which is an open and free draining mix specifically for use in this situation. Alternatively some customers may prefer to use general purpose potting mix, which is also well suited to planter boxes. This mix has greater drainage and would be preferable to use in situations where plants require extremely well drained soils.

8. I want to top dress my lawn, what should I use, and how deep should it be applied?
   ANL manufactures an Organic top dressing should be used at a depth of 5mm. After top dressing, water in deeply.

General Information

Opening Hours

Sydney Terrey Hills……………7-5 Mon-Fri, 7-4 Sat Manager: Stuart Robson 9450 1444   North Ryde……………6-6 Mon-Fri, 7-5 Sat, 8-5 Sun Manager: Matt Spark 9887 2788   Sherringhams…………..8-5 Mon-Fri, 8.30-5 Sat-Sun Manager: Patrick White 9888 3133   Badgerys Creek……….6-6 Mon-Fri, 6-3 Sat Manager: Jeff Lennox 4774 8484   Eastern Creek………….6-5 Mon-Fri, 7-5 Sat-Sun Manager: Tom Cooper 9677 1374   Kimbriki……………….7-5 Mon —Sat, 7-4 Sun Manager: Chris Eliasson 0409 247 207   Greenlife Packaging……6-4.30 Mon-Fri Manager: Jim Camillen 9620 2269

Central Coast Wyong…………………7-5 Mon-Fri, 8.30-4.30 Sat-Sun Manager: Alan Tindal 4353 8088   Cooranbong……………7-5 Mon-Fri Manager: Matt Dugas 4977 2344 Regional NSW Orange…………………7-5 Mon-Fri, 7-4 Sat, 8-4 Sun Manager: Rob Dean 6361 2224   Browns Creek………….Mon-Fri, Sat, Sun Manager: Barry Hodges 6366 5205   Tumut…………………7-5 Mon-Fri, 8-4.30 Sat-Sun Manager: Jason White 6947 4704

Truck Capacity

How much do your trucks carry?

• 4t Truck — Approximately in the order of 3m³ of garden mix
  4m³ of mulch. (7-8m if the truck has high sides)
  4t of gravel
  
• 6t Truck — Approximately in the order of 5m³ of garden mix
  8m³ of mulch
  6t of gravel
  
• 13t Truck — Approximately in the order of 10-12m³ of garden mix
  18-20m³ of mulch
  13t of gravel

(These trucks are commonly known as 6-wheeler or bogie trucks.)

• 16.5t Truck — Approximately in the order of 16m³ of garden mix
  30m³ of mulch
  17t of gravel
  
• Pallet Truck — 14 pallets. Hiab truck — 12 pallets
  
• Truck & Dog — Approximately in the order of 32t or 40m³
  
• Truck & Super Dog — Approximately in the order of 33t or 60m³
  
• Semi Tipper low sided – Approximately in the order of 26t or 35m³
  
• Semi Tipper medium sided – Approximately in the order of 26t or 45m³
  
• Semi Tipper high sided – Approximately in the order of 26t or 60m³
  
• Walking Floor (Pan) – Approximately in the order of 26t or 80m³
  
• B - Double – Approximately in the order of 42t or 110m³
  

Area / Volume / General Calculations

1. There are 1000 litres in a cubic metre.
2. 1 cubic metre of product covers, 10 square metres at a depth of 100mm.
3. A roll of turf covers 1 square metre. (0.5m wide x 2m long)
4. 40x25 or 33x30 litre bags of product make 1 cubic metre.
5. 1 cubic metre of garden mix weighs approximately 1.2 tonne.
6. 1 cubic metre of mulch weighs approximately 300kg.
7. Volume is calculated as Length x Depth x Width.

Product Tonnes / Metre

Handy Hints

  
Area / Volume / General Calculation

• There are 1000 litres in one cubic metre
• 1 cubic metre of product covers 10 square metres to a depth of 100mm
• 40x25 litre or 33x33 litre bags of product make 1 cubic metre
• 1 cubic metre of garden mix weighs approximately 1.2 tonne
• 1 cubic metre of mulch weighs approximately 300kg
• Volume is calculated by Length x Depth x Width
• 4t Truck - “Mulch Mobile” 1-7m³ mulch
• 4t Truck - Needs average 2.6m width, 2.8m height, approx. and carries  3m³ garden mix, 4m³ mulch, 4 tonne Gravel
• 6t Truck - Needs average 3m width, 2.8m height, approx. 5-6m³ garden Mix, 10m³ mulch, 6 tonne gravel/topsoil/sands
• 13t Truck - Needs average 3m width, 4m height, approx. 10-12m³ garden mix, 18-20m³ mulch, 13 tonne gravel.

Is your Garden Dry? 

• Adding compost and wetting agents make the soil hold more water.
• Add one third compost to your garden bed and water in with a wetting agent.
• Water well and deep into the soil, rather than a frequent shallow water.

Mulching

• Mulch at 75mm deep to stop weeds.
• Droughtmaster mulch is a 3 in 1 mulch compost and wetting agent. This wets the soil, adds
    organic matter and mulches all in one step

Turfing

• A roll of turf covers 1 square metre. (0.5m wide x 2m long)
• Level areas with Turf Underlay before you turf.
• Tired lawns need Topdressing with Organic Top Dressing™. Max depth 5mm
• Top Dress in early spring or early autumn.

Are you laying pavers?

• 1 cubic metre of Paving Blend covers 20 square metres to a depth of 50mm
• Sweep Sydney Sand into gaps to stop pavers from moving once laid.
• 100mm compact Roadbase below paving is required to support vehicles.

Concreting / Bricklaying

• To mix 1m of concrete you need - 1.2t blue metal, 0.6t sand, 15 bags of cement
• Mortar mix - 6 Brickies sand : 0.5 Lime : 1 Cement
• Concrete mix - 4 Blue metal : 2 River sand : 1 Cement
• 1.25t of sand + 7 bags of cement lays 1000 bricks
• A standard brick is 230 x 110 x 76mm, 52 bricks make up 1 square metre.
• Retaining walls above 450mm require a D.A (check local council requirements).

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