How do you use landscape glass?

13 May.,2024

 

A Cool Use for Recycled Glass - Earth911

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Some outdoor areas are enjoying a little extra sparkle — with assistance from old beer bottles and other recyclables used as landscape glass. Bits of repurposed glass, in jewel-like nuggets, provide a decorative accent at the base of hedges, potted greens, and other types of landscaping.

The repurposed glass is formed by grinding various types of recycled glass. Sometimes referred to as “glass mulch,” the pebbles are tumbled to round off sharp edges. They are sold as “glass pebbles” at some landscape shops around the nation, and via online retailers. Depending on the supplier, glass pebbles are available in an assortment of hues.

ASG Glass in Utah produces recycled landscape glass in a wide variety of individual colors and blends. Some are the natural color of the bottle or window being recycled and others feature added pigment, according to ASG Glass President Berkeley Booth.

Not Just for Your Backyard

The array of available colors allows gardeners to create beautiful customized designs. For example, a football team ordered a truckload of green and white glass to place a sparkling team logo on the ground near its stadium.

Blue hues featuring soft sea tones and clear pieces can be used to lay out a faux stream or pond to highlight a landscape. Darla Senter shares glass landscape ideas on her Pinterest page, where you’ll find dozens of ideas.

The creative possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Cost and Benefit

The price of the ASG Glass products depends on the color and quantity. Twenty-five-pound bags of tumbled landscape glass are between $57.75 and $105.50. You’ll need about seven pounds of glass per square foot.

Andela Glass Systems, a manufacturer of glass recycling equipment, touts the benefits of using recycled glass aggregate for landscaping:

  • Reduces glass waste in landfills
  • Adds unique color and glimmer to surfaces
  • Enhances filtration within soil
  • Does not break down or rot as natural aggregates do
  • Repels insects and weeds for ease of maintenance year over year

A website offering gardening guidance, Gardening Know How explains that tumbled landscaping glass jas no sharp edges, so it’s useful for pathways, fire pits, and rock gardens with “plants that tolerate rocky, sandy soil.” They suggest using landscape cloth under the glass so it doesn’t work its way into the soil.

An Artistic Touch

Charlie Nardozzi, a nationally recognized gardening writer, said he regards glass pebble as primarily a decorative feature. Unlike organic mulch, glass doesn’t break down and fertilize the soil. He said he’s not sure if it offers other mulch functions, such as keeping the soil cool and moist. It does, however, offer an interesting aesthetic value.

“It’s really kind of cool,” he said. “It’s really more of an artistic expression.”

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For those who want to express their artistic personality through glass mulch for free, Gardening Know How notes that some city recycling facilities or Department of Environmental Quality locations may offer recycled glass free of charge. But don’t expect a wide range of colors and sizes.

Originally published on February 9, 2009, this article, was updated in September 2022.

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What Is Glass Mulch: Tips On Using Landscape ...

What is glass mulch? This unique product made of recycled, tumbled glass is used in the landscape much like gravel or pebbles. However, the intense colors of glass mulch never fade and this durable mulch lasts nearly forever. Let's learn more about using glass mulch in the landscape.

What is Tumbled Glass Mulch?

Glass mulch is a commonly used synthetic, or inorganic mulch. Using tumbled glass mulch made from used glass bottles, old windows, and other glass products keeps glass out of the landfills. The ground, tumbled glass, which may display minor flaws common to recycled glass, is available in various shades of amber, blue, and green. Clear glass mulch is also available. Sizes range from very fine mulch to 2 to 6 inch (5-15 cm.) rocks.

Using Recycled Glass in Gardens

Tumbled glass mulch has no jagged, sharp edges, which makes it useful for a variety of uses in the landscape including pathways, fire pits, or around potted plants. The mulch works well in beds or rock gardens filled with plants that tolerate rocky, sandy soil. Landscape cloth or black plastic placed under the glass keeps the mulch from working its way into the soil. Using landscape glass as mulch tends to be relatively expensive, but the low maintenance and longevity help balance the cost. As a general rule, 7 pounds (3 kg.) of glass mulch is enough to cover 1 square foot (929 sq. cm.) to a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm.). An area measuring 20 square feet (2 sq. m.) requires about 280 pounds (127 kg.) of glass mulch. However, the total amount depends on the size of the glass. Larger mulch measuring 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) or more usually requires at least twice as much to cover the ground effectively than smaller mulch. The expense is higher if the mulch is shipped. Look for glass mulch at retail building supply companies or nurseries or contact landscape contractors in your area. In some areas, the mulch is available at the Department of Environmental Quality or city recycling facilities. Some municipalities offer recycled glass mulch to the public free of charge. However, choice of specific sizes and colors is usually limited.

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