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Can I purchase products directly from Matthews Four Seasons?
No. Matthews Four Seasons does not sell direct to consumers. Our products are available at many national home center stores, garden centers, nurseries and other retail outlets. Email us or phone toll-free to help you locate the store or distributor nearest you. 1-800-755-1757 (From California)
Is the stain used on Matthews Four Seasons products safe for my vegetables?
Yes. Matthews Four Seasons garden products have been enhanced and protected with stain that improves weatherability as well as the beauty of the wood. This stain is safe for use with ornamental and edible plants and vines.
Should I apply additional stain or a coating to my new arbor or planter boxes to protect them from the elements?
The stain used on Matthews Four Seasons products helps protect it from the elements during the first year of use. You can add a protective waterproof sealer to prolong weatherability. Depending on your local climate, wood will require additional coats of stain or paint to restore it to its original color. Consult with your local hardware or paint professional for recommended stains appropriate for your area, use and desired color.
What should I line my barrels and planter boxes with before I add soil and plants?
You can line the inside of your new container with plastic, landscape fabric or cocoa matt (used with wire hanging baskets) to help retain soil and moisture. If plastic is used, cut some holes in the material for drainage. Wood absorbs moisture and, therefore, there will be some natural expansion or shrinkage of the wooden container from season to season. This is normal and should not affect the quality of your product.
Will my planter boxes turn grey after a few seasons outdoors?
Wood will naturally fade and turn to a grey patina over time. How quickly this happens depends on the severity of the weather in your area and the exposure of the product to the elements. Many people prefer this natural, weathered look. If you do not, you can coat the wood with a waterproofing or additional stain.
What is the best way to anchor my arbor to the ground?
Most of Matthews Four Seasons arbors come with arbor-staking kits. Follow the instructions enclosed with the package. For best results, avoid soil-to-wood contact. Wood absorbs water -- an action known as "wicking." To reduce wicking, place a waterproof barrier, such as heavy plastic or metal, between the arbor legs and the soil, or set the arbor on concrete or rocks.
Is the wood used in Matthews Four Seasons products from sustainable forests?
Matthews Four Seasons takes pride in its environmental awareness and responsibility. We take care to ensure that our operations do not harm our global forests. No old-growth trees are used in the manufacturing of any Matthews Four Seasons products. Our wood comes from forests that are carefully managed and reforested for future generations. We've taken the extra step of becoming Chain-of-Custody certified as compliant with standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC label on a Matthews Four Seasons product is your assurance that the wood in that product came from a forest managed to conserve biodiversity and to preserve the environmental and social values of the forest.
What kind of wood is used in Matthews Four Seasons products?
Primarily, Matthews Four Seasons products are made from cedar, redwood, fir and other softwoods. The selection of which wood species is used in a given product is determined by the species' availability, appearance, and appropriate to the product application. All the wood species used have the same inherent characteristics that make them a good choices for outdoor garden products.
