CSC, Author at Colony Supply Center

October 31, 2018July 11, 2023

How Is Firewood Priced?

Keeping your firewood supply well-stocked is key to making sure you’re warm and cozy all winter long. You may have your own supply of cut wood that you’ve been working to season, but it isn’t quite ready for burning yet. Or, your wood stove or fire pit is new this year, and you need to buy some firewood to get things going this season.

Whatever the reason you need to buy firewood, you may wonder: How is firewood priced?

There are 3 major factors that impact the pricing of firewood:

By Location

If you buy firewood that was cut closer to your home, you can expect to pay less than firewood that was cut elsewhere. This makes sense, as when you buy the firewood from far away, you’re paying for the cost to ship it.

To find better prices on firewood, purchase from local businesses as opposed to large hardware stores or gas stations. The local companies are more likely to source their firewood nearby, while chain stores, gas stations and individual sellers could get their wood from anywhere and quantities are usually not standard.

By Type

Some consumers prefer the way certain woods burn and purchase their firewood by species. Purchasing single-species firewood is almost always going to be more expensive than purchasing a mixed bundle, but the price is very dependent upon the supply in your area and the type of wood you choose.

By Amount

When purchasing firewood, you’ll often be asked whether you want a half-cord, cord, or some other measurement. A cord is 128 cubic feet of firewood, and it can be stacked in a variety of ways. This measurement is standardized to help ensure that people are getting a fairly similar amount of firewood no matter where they purchase it.

Getting the Best Price on Firewood

Now that you know the three factors that contribute to the price of your firewood, you may be wondering the way to get the best price on it.

Purchase standardized measurements: If you won’t need a lot of firewood in a season, it can be tempting to purchase a non-standard measurement such “whatever fits in the back of a pickup”. The standardized measurements help you know exactly how much you’re paying, whereas a non-standard measurement could mean you’re getting overcharged.

If you don’t think you’ll use all the firewood in your half-cord, for example, either find a dry place to store it until next year or split the measurement with a friend or family member who also needs a small amount of firewood.

Buy mixed-species firewood: Unless you have a very specific reason you want a certain species of wood (hickory’s great for smoking, for example), going with a mixed-species firewood purchase is going to keep your costs lower than buying one species.

Use a local, licensed company: Purchase firewood that comes from as close to your home as possible. This firewood doesn’t need to be shipped long distances, which should keep costs down. Buy with confidence from a company licensed for retail sales.

Local Firewood for Sale in Central Maryland

At Colony Supply Center, we take providing high-quality local firewood seriously. Colony Supply Center sells seasoned hardwoods – mostly oak, but your cord may include cherry, locust and hickory as well. Purchase your firewood by the cord, half-cord, 1 cubic-yard bucket, or 7-piece bag to meet your needs. Delivery is free for a half-cord or more within 25 miles of our store. Call today to place an order or stop by our store!

Local Firewood for Sale

October 12, 2018July 11, 2023

When Should I Overseed Lawn?

Know When To Overseed Lawn

Another summer has come and gone. You’ve worked hard for these past few months to ensure that your yard and everything in it stayed as healthy and presentable as possible. Perhaps your hard work has paid off and everything looks immaculate, in which case, congratulations! On the other hand, perhaps your efforts were no match for the sun’s powerful rays, and now your once-beautiful lawn is thin, browning, or littered with dead patches.

Some homeowners find it easy to ignore this problem until next spring, but they would end up having to work overtime to combat the effects of both summer and winter. Fall is the perfect time to fix an unhealthy lawn, and the best way to go about doing so is by overseeding!

Know When To Overseed Lawn?

Overseeding is exactly what it sounds like: spreading grass seed over an already-existing lawn. This may sound like a very drastic task, but the effects are well worth it.

Here’s how it’s done: You begin by mowing your lawn as short as your mower allows. Once that’s done, you use a rake to bring up any loose or dead grass. All of this is preparing your soil for new seeds, especially in problem areas of your lawn. From there, you simply use a seed spreader all over your lawn, distributing the seeds evenly. Finally, as with any seeds, use sprinklers to water your lawn until the seeds start to bud.

Why Is Fall the Best Time?

Technically, you can overseed your lawn during spring or summer, as well. That being said, overseeding in the autumn months yields the best results.

The sun is obviously at its harshest during the summer, which is probably why your lawn needs this extra attention in the first place. Harsh rays and particularly warmer temperatures are some of the biggest causes for unhealthy grass. During the fall months, the weather is slowly becoming cooler, granting your lawn the optimal conditions to grow.

Spring is the second-best season to overseed for similar reasons. However, with spring comes the risk of weedy grasses such as foxtails and crabgrass, which will compete with your new budding grass. Spring also has the disadvantage of coming right after snowy months, which leave your soil cold and less likely to nurse seeds into fruition.

By fall, any weeds in your lawn are growing weaker, making it easier for your new grass to grow without competition. The soil is also still warm from the summer months, making it optimal for seed germination. On top of all of this, dead leaves falling onto your lawn make a phenomenal fertilizer after decomposition, providing your new seeds with a natural source of nutrients!

Your #1 Source for Landscaping Supplies in Maryland & Virginia

At Colony Supply Center, we make sure to have everything you need to create that home garden of your dreams. From seasonal plants to Leafgro, fertilizers to mulch, our knowledgeable team can help you find what you need to get the lawn and garden of your dreams. Check out our online selection of bulk and bagged supplies, or visit our shop today! We even deliver!

September 21, 2018July 11, 2023

Will Mulch Attract Termites?

Does Mulch Attract Termites

Homeowners have been debating the connection between mulch and termite infestations for a while now. One side insists that termites and mulch go together like peanut butter and jelly, while the other side is convinced it’s all an urban legend.

Unfortunately, while the story of someone unknowingly purchasing a bag of termite-infested mulch is a myth, the idea that mulch attracts termites is all too true.

It’s important to know the two things termites need to survive: a cool, damp place to live and as much delicious cellulose (an organic fiber found in wood) they can eat. If you’ve ever picked up a typical bag of mulch, you can understand the problem. A majority of store-bought mulch is filled with the cellulose termites love to eat, and one of the purposes of mulch is to keep soil cool and moist.

Does Mulch Attract Termites?

When you lay down mulch, you’re also at risk of inviting any nearby termites to a bug buffet.

That being said, you don’t have to go dig out all of your freshly-laid mulch in a panic. Statistically speaking, a majority of yards in the United States are home to termites. Wild termites have no real reason to attack your house. For one, they probably aren’t even aware of your house in the first place! Secondly, there is absolutely no shortage of cellulose in nature. In fact, it’s in practically everything, from leaves and roots to the grass that makes up your lawn. Since termites like to keep in cooler and damp environments, almost all their eating occurs completely underground and out of sight.

What mulch does do, however, is provide termites with a cool, moist path to your home. Because it’s such an ideal environment for them, it wouldn’t take long for a large colony of termites to discover a fresh foundation of mulch and decide to move in. If your mulch is laid close to your house, then you could be putting your foundation at risk.

The best way to prevent a problem is to keep mulch slightly away from the foundation of your home, especially if you have any exposed wood close to the ground. Also, frequently raking and replenishing your mulch will keep it dry, making termites less likely to want to make a home there. Being careful about where you mulch around your home, such as mulching only in spots that get plenty of sunlight, will protect against an in-home infestation.

If you suspect your home is experiencing a termite infestation, fill a small trap with some bait wood and half-bury it near the suspected problem area. If you unearth it in a few weeks’ time and see it filled with the pests, treat the baited wood with something that will kill them.

Quality Landscape Supplies in MD & VA

At Colony Supply Center, we offer only the highest-quality mulch and other landscape products we can find. We know the health of your yard and your home is important. If you have any questions about what type of mulch is right for your yard, or how best to lay down mulch, contact our landscape supply experts. We’re happy to help!

August 8, 2018

Help! My Lawnmower Won’t Start!

The rain and warm weather has arrived, and with that comes grass that seems like it won’t stop growing. You go out to cut down the jungle that your yard has become and… oh no! You pull and pull, but the lawnmower refuses to budge. Good news: You probably don’t need to buy a new one. Here are a few common reasons your lawnmower is having trouble:

Engine Isn’t Getting Fuel

Check the gas tank. Is the fuel fresh? If it’s last year’s fuel, you’ll probably need to empty and refill the tank with gas. You also can tap the side of a carburetor to aid the flow of gas, and if that doesn’t work, your fuel filter may need to be replaced.

Spark Plug Issues

You may need to clean the spark plug and check its connections. It’s also possible you may need to replace the spark plug entirely.

Oil

Remember to check the oil level. Some types of newer engines will disable the engine from starting if the engine level is too low.

Starter Rope Is Stuck or Difficult to Pull

Your flywheel brake (that bar that you hold down that will stop the engine if released) may be engaged, meaning it is not all the way pushed down. Make sure you are bringing it down as far as it will go. Also, the blade may be dragging in the grass or clogged. Try moving your mower off the grass, turn it off and disengage the spark plug wire, and then clean the underside of your mower.

Air Filter Problems

An often overlooked part of the mower is its air filter. If the air filter is too dirty, you will need to clean it or replace it.

Wrong Fuel

Some people may accidentally purchase the wrong type of fuel for their mower. Make sure your gas mower has gas; not kerosene or diesel! You can usually tell by the smell.

Experienced Lawnmower Repair in Maryland

If you still are having issues or need a professional to take care of it, just remember that your favorite landscape supply company, Colony Supply Center, offers small engine repair! We service all makes and models. We can pick it up! We will fix your lawnmower and get your yard looking as ready for summer fun as you are. Call us today!

August 8, 2018

Is Leafgro Beneficial for My Garden?

You’ve been working hard all summer to keep your garden healthy and growing – watering, weeding, and fertilizing. Those garden-enthusiast friends of yours are always spouting off about how great their gardens are doing with Leafgro, but you’re not sure you want to try something new.

Can Leafgro be beneficial to creating a fruitful, healthy garden?

What Is Leafgro?

Before we determine whether Leafgro is good for your plants, we need to explore exactly what it is.

Leafgro is a 100 percent organic compost designed to help improve the quality of your soil. It’s also native to the central Maryland area, made up of composted leaves and grass clippings collected in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Each fall, the Maryland Environmental Service collects leaves otherwise destined for the landfill and takes them to composting facilities. Throughout the fall and winter, the rows of decomposing leaves are turned and shredded regularly to help accelerate the composting process. In spring, grass clippings are added into this mix. Once composting is complete, the mixture is dried, screened, and sold.

How Do You Use Leafgro?

Use Leafgro just as you would any other compost mixture. Place it around your garden to help nourish the soil for thriving plants in the summer and fall. No need to do anything differently than you’re already doing!

So, Is Leafgro Beneficial to Your Garden?

Yes! Because it’s made of completely organic materials – with the bonus of being locally sourced – Leafgro will be just as beneficial to your garden as any compost you would make yourself or buy elsewhere. It’s just compost you don’t have to make yourself, which saves you time and effort.

Using Leafgro exclusively or in combination with your other fertilizers and composts will keep your soil balanced and your plants healthy and thriving.

Your #1 Source for Landscaping Supplies in Maryland & Virginia

About Colony Supply Center

Colony Supply Center is located at 19800 Darnestown Road in Beallsville, MD. Call (301) 972-7666 for more information!

June 27, 2018July 12, 2018

The Best & Worst Times to Spread Mulch

Summer is here, and that means flowers, sunshine, and plenty of time enjoying your yard. You know your garden and flower beds won’t be perfect without a lot of work: weeding, cleaning up the beds, and mulching. But when exactly should you mulch? Here are a few quick tips on the best (and worst) times to mulch:

Best

When the weather is consistently warm.

Mulch is designed to slow soil’s warming and help with nutrient retention. If you add the mulch too early, before your soil has warmed on its own, you lose the warming benefit that mulch provides. If you add it too late, the mulch loses its chance to help retain nutrients that the soil already had. Early May is a pretty reliable sweet spot.

After weeding.

Once you’ve cleaned out those flower beds from obnoxious weeds, spread your mulch. If you put mulch down before weeding, it will just allow the weeds to grow more.

After a spring shower.

Again, because of the primary purpose of mulch (moisture retention), after rain is prime-time for mulching. If it has not rained for a while and the weather is staying warm, make sure you water the plants and soil before mulching so that there is moisture present.

>>Not sure how much mulch you need? Try our mulch calculator!>>

Worst

Before your perennials emerge.

If you haven’t seen your geraniums or lavender pop up yet, you’ll want to hold off on putting down mulch. Putting mulch down on your perennials before they have emerged will bury them!

Before stripping away existing mulch.

A huge amount of mulch won’t benefit your plants. Aim for around 3 inches so that your plants will have support, but still room to grow. You’ll want to get rid of some of the top layer of mulch from last year before putting down the new mulch to keep this depth consistent!

Quality Mulch & Landscape Supplies in Beallsville, MD

If you’ve gone through these suggestions and realized that now’s the perfect time for you to get mulching, contact the experts at Colony Supply Center today for all of your landscape supply and delivery needs!

June 27, 2018July 12, 2018

3 Essential Lawn Care Tools to Check in Spring for Smooth Summer Lawn Care

Even though it’s taken a while to really show up, temperature-wise, spring is here and that means it’s time to get geared up for summer lawn maintenance. Before you set off for that first mow of the season, take some time to get your lawn care tools ready for the jobs they’ll need to do.

Here are 3 essential lawn care tools to check in the spring for a summer full of stress-free lawn care:

Lawnmower

Your lawnmower is the workhorse of lawn care tools. It chews through that green blanket of lawn with ease, even when you’ve – ahem – let it get a little too long.

Give it a quick tune-up: Remove the spark plug and replace it when finished with other maintenance. Clean your air filter if your mower has a foam-type filter, or replace it entirely if your filter is paper.
Change the oil: Drain the old, dirty oil into a container for proper disposal, then refill it with fresh oil as recommended by your lawnmower’s manufacturer.
Sharpen the blade: Having a dull mower blade can mean your lawn gets shredded instead of cut, causing it to turn brown. Carefully remove the blade from the lawnmower before sharpening, or take it to a shop that offers blade sharpening.
Give it a scrub: Bust out your hose and, if necessary, a putty knife to remove any caked-on grass clippings and dirt. A clean mower will last longer, meaning you are more likely to have a summer full of smooth lawn mowing if you regularly clean your mower.
Gas it up and give it a start: The best way to make sure your mower is working is to gas it up according to manufacturer instructions and start it up. If you notice a problem with the way it starts or runs, get it in for maintenance sooner rather than later to avoid delaying the start of mowing season.

String Trimmer

The next-most-used tool in your garage is your string trimmer. These machines are notorious for getting clogged easily, so some preventative maintenance in spring can decrease frustration this summer.

Change the filter and spark plugs: Like with your lawnmower, gas-powered string trimmers have spark plugs and air filters that need regular replacement.
Change the oil: Drain the old oil for proper disposal and replace with manufacturer-recommended clean oil.
Replace the string: A key component to easy trimming is to make sure you have a good, strong string. With use, the string weakens and doesn’t cut as effectively. Replacing the string each spring is the best way to ensure easy trimming all summer long.
Give it a scrub: Hose off any caked-on mud or grass, especially under the hood covering the string. Too much leftover grass can cause your string trimmer to clog and stutter.
Gas it up: Fill your string trimmer’s tank with gas and oil in the correct proportions as recommended by your manufacturer. Store upright or hung on a wall to prevent leakage.

Chainsaw

For many, a chainsaw is the least-used lawn-care instrument on this list. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a little TLC in spring in case it needs to be used after a summer storm.

Change the oil: Drain out the old oil for disposal and replace it with fresh oil per your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Sharpen the blades: Sharp teeth on your chainsaw’s blade are the key to a clean, easy cut. If necessary, get the blade professionally sharpened.
Check the chain: A bad chain can spell trouble for safety when using your chainsaw. Make sure the chain is in good repair and replace if you have to.
Give it some gas: Fill the tank with recommended gas and start up your chainsaw. If it stalls or has problems starting, find a qualified person to check it out and make any necessary repairs.

Skilled Small Engine Repair in Central Maryland

Keep all your summer lawn tools, snowblowers, generators, and other small engines in tip-top shape with small engine repair services from Colony Supply Center. We do offer pickup and delivery of your equipment in certain situations. Contact us today to schedule your small engine service.