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Did you know that trees can die quickly if planted too far into the ground? Even trees that are well cared for are vulnerable, says the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Before you plant a tree this Earth Day, follow these best practices.
Measure the height and diameter of the root ball or root spread. Dig the hole just deep enough to allow the first structural root to be at level grade. The hole’s diameter should be two to three times the diameter of the root ball or root spread.
Set the tree on undisturbed solid ground in the center of the hole. The tree should be planted so that the root flare, the base of the tree trunk where the roots begin to flare out, is visible and above grade.
Backfill with soil from the planting hole, using water to pack or settle the soil around the root ball. Do not tamp soil by stepping on it.
Mulch the planting area with 2-4 inches of an organic mulch, such as wood chips. Do not mulch up to or against the trunk. Start the mulch six inches away from the tree trunk. Fertilizing is not recommended at the time of planting.
Trees should be pruned after planting to remove only broken, damaged, diseased or dead branches.
Stake or protect the trunk of the tree if there is a real potential for wind damage or lawn mower injury. Remove the guy wires (string, rope, wire or other used with supports) when the staking is no longer needed or the tree could be injured or even killed from girdling by the wire.
Prune to develop a good branch structure 1-3 years after planting. Never remove more than 25 percent of total foliage in one year. Depending on the tree and its condition, some arborists advocate capping pruning at even a lower percentage.
If you’re new to purchasing a tree, look for these common forms of packaged trees:
Bare-Root Plants may be sold with the roots tightly packed in a moisture-retaining medium that is wrapped with paper or plastic, or with roots loosely covered by a moist packing medium. Roots must be adequately moistened prior to planting. Roots are spread out evenly in the hole when planting.
Balled and Burlapped (B&B) Trees are moved with a ball of soil protecting their root system. Soil balls are heavy, so professional arborists who have proper equipment should be hired to plant large trees. Smaller B&B trees should be carried with a hand under the ball. Carrying a B&B tree by the stem or branches can result in serious root damage. When planting, carefully remove the top layer of soil down to the first structural root. Set the root ball in the hole, position the tree, then remove twine and nails. Remove or fold back burlap from the upper third of the root ball.
Container-Grown Trees have the advantage of a root system that is relatively undisturbed at planting, but beware of “pot-bound” container trees. Do not buy container trees that have a large amount of roots completely circling the inside of the pot. These trees will take a long time to get established after planting because the roots have difficulty growing beyond the thick ring of circling roots. Immediately before planting container trees, prune any circling roots. Root pruning can cut up to 50 percent of the roots in container trees while still sufficient to permit plant establishment. Always remove the container prior to planting.
Source: TCIA
One of the easiest ways to give a room a quick makeover before putting your home on the market is by adding a fresh coat of paint. While picking the right color is typically an exciting part of the process, it’s crucial that you prepare well ahead of time by formulating a plan of action for your interior painting project.
If you’re tackling the paint job yourself, one trip to the local paint store or hardware supply store should be enough to find everything you’ll need for the job. In addition to the paint itself, you’ll need rollers, brushes (of various sizes), a trim edger, paint sticks, protective cloth and a paint pan. Additional items that may come in handy along the way include a tape measure, screwdriver, sandpaper, sponges, household cleaner and drop cloths.
To properly prepare the room, set aside some time to clean it first. This includes removing any small items or furniture that can easily be cleared from the space. For larger items that are too much trouble to move, bring them to the center of the room and cover them with plastic cloths to keep them from getting covered with paint. Next, use blue masking tape to protect light fixtures, switch panels, hinges and knobs, and a drop cloth to protect the floor. It’s also a good idea to keep a window open for ventilation.
Any surfaces that aren’t being painted will have to be masked off with tape as well. This includes the trim on doors and windows, bookshelves and baseboards. The corners between walls and ceilings may also need to be masked off.
As for the walls that are being painted, examine the drywall to see if there are any holes, as these must be repaired before painting. Once drywall repairs are made, the area must be sanded and primed before the paint is applied. If the plaster has any cracks, they’ll need to be fixed with a paste that can be made from Plaster of Paris and water. Be sure to remove any nails from the wall as well.
If the walls have never been painted before – or they were previously painted a dark color/stain – priming is an essential part of the process that can’t be ignored. The primer will help conceal the old color and any unsightly stains that may otherwise show through the new paint.
Once all this is done, it’s time to paint. Bring in some friends and family members and make it fun. Blast some good music, order some pizza for lunch and make it a painting party no one will ever forget.
For more painting preparation tips, contact our office today.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia.©2015. All rights reserved.
Purchasing a home is an expensive proposition, and for many buyers, securing funds for a down payment is a challenge in and of itself. But before you cross the idea of ever being able to afford a house off the list, the following ideas will go a long way toward helping you come up with the money you need to get into your dream home.
1. Family Matters. Don’t be too shy or stubborn to ask your parents or other family members for help. Often, your relatives will be more than happy to help you get the home of your dreams. After all, they probably received help from family members themselves when they went to buy their first home. If you do get help from a family member, the lender will ask you to sign a form called a gift letter, attesting to the relationship. The lender may also require mom and dad to explain where they got the money and prove that they are financially able to make such a gift.
2. Dig Into Your IRA. Assuming you’ve started a retirement account with your job, this may be an easy way to get the money you need quickly. Whether it’s a 401(k), a Roth or traditional IRA, first-time homebuyers are allowed to borrow up to $10,000 for a down payment on a house without incurring a penalty. For those who are self-employed, you can also borrow up to $50,000 from your retirement fund and pay yourself back over five years at a low interest rate.
3. Add It to Your Registry. If you’re getting married, doesn’t it make more sense to ask for some help in getting a house rather than a toaster or coffee maker? Numerous mortgage companies allow those getting hitched to set up a down payment registry and many guests think it’s a great way to celebrate the joining of two people they love.
4. Take Advantage of Grants. Down payment assistance and community redevelopment programs offer affordable housing opportunities to first-time homebuyers, low-income and moderate-income individuals and families who wish to achieve homeownership.
5. Propose a Lease/Purchase Agreement. Homeowners who need to sell their home quickly may be amenable to cutting a deal with buyers on a lease/purchase agreement where the buyer rents the home they want to purchase with a percentage of the rent applied toward the down payment. If you go this route, make sure you get a contract outlining all the details so both parties are safe.
If you find that none of the above options work for your individual circumstances, there’s always the old-fashioned idea of setting up a rainy day fund by putting aside 10 percent of your paycheck each week and making your lunch instead of going out. Forget that vacation and walk or ride your bike instead of using the car. It may seem like a lot, but the sacrifice will be well worth it when you’re inside your very own home.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia.©2015. All rights reserved.
It is tempting to discard existing appliances when you build new cabinets around them.
Rethink the idea. If the appliances are workable, keep them – and save yourself from $1,000 to $5,000, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Also keep the present location of major fixtures, appliances and utilities relative to the plumbing, gas and electrical outlets. Rearranging plumbing, wiring and jacks can be very expensive.
Refacing existing cabinets can reduce the cost of your kitchen remodel considerably and eliminate the need for new flooring, countertops and appliances. If you must get new cabinets, options such as spice racks and slide out wire baskets can be added later. Also, install cabinets without soffits to decrease labor cost; and avoid trim moldings, or use a simple trim. If you must have a new wood trim to match the new cabinets, order pre-finished trim to decrease labor cost; avoid having the painting or staining done on-site.
Other helpful tips: choose neutral colors for fixtures, appliances and laminates and avoid the need for a new floor by sanding and refinishing a hardwood floor that may be underneath the existing vinyl flooring.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia.©2015. All rights reserved.
(BPT) – Want to infuse your home with architectural interest? Start at the top, says Brian Patrick Flynn, owner of FlynnsideOut Productions and whose interiors are regularly featured on HGTV.com.
“The ceiling is the most overlooked design element in a space, hands down,” says Flynn. “Just like people, rooms need different layers to be one-of-a kind. That includes a ceiling that makes people look up and scan the entire space.”
The largest solid surface in a room – besides the floor – is the ceiling. Instead of leaving it bright white or builder beige, convert this blank canvas into a decorative canopy of color and texture with these hot ceiling trends.
Layer on the Luster – Stamped metal ceilings have added shine and sophistication to American homes since they were introduced in the 1880s. Besides beauty, metal ceilings offer practicality. They resist mold and mildew, offer sag resistance and last longer than plaster or drywall. Regardless of the finish, the texture of the tiles creates a tactile top layer to the space.
Mix and Match Styles – Some interior designers are combining different decorating elements at the top, such as inlaying the recesses of coffered ceilings with gold or copper tiles. Flynn says he’s also a fan of tongue-and-groove ceilings accented with beams. “This adds a ton of visual interest to the room, and can make it feel much larger.”
Create Character with Wood – From rustic timber to sleek teak, wood hues help set the tone in a room. Besides imparting a sense of warmth, the grains and knots in wood panels add a textural layer that contrasts nicely with smooth surfaces like painted walls and granite countertops.
Add Architectural Depth – Coffered ceilings first appeared in Roman architecture, and their geometric elegance has graced grand buildings ever since. Today, the cost and complexity of building coffered ceilings have been reduced by lightweight materials and easy-to-install prefabricated systems.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia.©2015. All rights reserved.