Page B2 Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015
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Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015 Page B3
How to make your renovation a successful, positive experience Start with quality, and chances are, you get quality BY SCOTT MCGILLIVRAY
I
n the United States, renovation spending has more than doubled since the late 1990s, reaching nearly $65 billion last year alone. Often, the investment a homeowner makes is substantial, both financially and emotionally. The stakes are high. That’s why it’s imperative that the job is done well from start to finish. There are a number of steps a homeowner can take to ensure a positive experience and a successful outcome, including: 1. Know your goal. Ask the question, “What is this renovation designed to accomplish? More functionality? Storage? Living space?” If a homeowner doesn’t know where they’re going with the renovation, chances are they’ll never get there. 2. Do your research. In most things, knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect, in advance, can keep expectations in check. Investigate options, budgets and timelines, and arrange financing in advance. 3. Hire professionals. Be sure that they are happy to work with you to meet your budget and achieve your vision. Communicate clearly and often to ensure understanding on both sides. 4. Opt for a general contractor and trades that are experienced, licensed and insured. Don’t hesitate to check credentials and references. Get recommendations from family, friends and
Developing a plan, which includes preparing for the unexpected, will help you reach your renovation goals. Setting aside a 20 percent contingency fund will help bring you to the finish line when unanticipated issues creep up. colleagues who have had work done and were satisfied with the results. 5. Start with quality building materials. When it comes to home renovation and construction, the adage, “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” seems apt. While homeowners tend to get caught up in the aesthetics of a project, such as finishings and paint colors, the key to a successful renovation often lies in what you won’t see. Investing in quality behind your walls will ensure durability, comfort and safety for years to come. 6. Focus on the basics. This includes
quality electrical, plumbing, HVAC, framing and drywall. Don’t underestimate the importance of insulation — especially in a basement renovation. Not all insulation is created equal. Opt for insulation that is fire-resistant, sound absorbent and resistant to mold, mildew, bacterial growth, and rot. 7. Develop a good plan. This includes preparing for the unexpected. Setting aside a 20 percent contingency fund will help bring you to the finish line when unanticipated issues creep up. Lastly, the key to a successful renova-
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tion includes patience. Living in a construction zone — or alternately moving out while the work is done — can be stressful and trying. Keep your eyes on the prize. There’s nothing more rewarding than the end result, which can bring years of enjoyment and ultimately add to your home’s bottom line. Scott McGillivray is an award-winning TV host, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator. Follow him on Twitter @smcgillivray.
Page B4 Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015
Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015 Page B5
Tips on how to survive your first renovation project Plan well, expect a mess, and have an escape plan Home renovations are typically exciting, as homeowners get to see the visions of their dream homes come to light right before their very eyes. Turning an outdated bathroom into a modern oasis or an empty basement into the ultimate man cave strengthens the sense of attachment homeowners have with their homes. But few home renovation projects go from start to finish without experiencing a few bumps in the road along the way. Such bumps can be difficult to handle for homeowners working on their first renovation projects, but there are many ways for novices to navigate the sometimes murky waters of home improvement projects and come out relatively unscathed on the other end, where a newly renovated home awaits.
Feng shui is all about the flow
Plan well and know what to expect When working with contractors, get all agreements in writing and spell out exactly what you desire in a home renovation. Photo references can help guide contractors and architects. Ask for the full picture of what can be expected with the work, from demolition to the punch list. Knowing what lies ahead can keep you grounded throughout the project.
Discuss work each day and set payment schedules Make payments contingent on work completed. This can help keep contractors on schedule. Paying for all work upfront leaves homeowners at a disadvantage, as it does not provide incentive for workers to be timely and efficient. Check in with workers to get daily progress reports.
Have reasonable expectations A renovation project may exceed its budget and take longer than initially expected. Understanding that these potential setbacks might be part of the process will make it easier to handle them when the foreman speaks to you about any issues that arise.
Accept the mess Construction work is messy. There’s no way to maintain a pristine house
Plan well and know what to expect when working with contractors, get all agreements in writing and spell out exactly what you desire in a home renovation. when contractors are entering and exiting all day. Dust is bound to be generated, and tools can fill up rooms. A home in disarray can be stressful, but continue to visualize the end result and the mess won’t bother you so much.
renovation project. Speak with family members about using some of their home amenities, and prepare and freeze meals in advance so you can reheat them later on when you don’t have access to your stove.
Establish a contingency plan
Plan your escape
Bathrooms and kitchen renovations are typically the most disruptive home improvement projects. Going without a kitchen can make it difficult to enjoy meals at home, while a bathroom remodel may require you to navigate water shutoffs.
Sometimes the constant work and mess of construction is too much to bear. Afford yourself time away by visiting relatives or staying at a hotel. Even a single night away can provide the relief you need. A home that is undergoing a remodel can be a less than comfortable environment. But homeowners who have never before lived through a renovation project can take several steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Have a contingency plan If your project is scheduled to take several months, establish a contingency plan to deal with the consequences of your
Feng shui is the practice of arranging a home or office environment so energy flows gently and smoothly throughout the building. Many homeowners adhere to elements of feng shui, the origins of which date back several thousand years, in an attempt to create a positive environment that is free of stress. The basis for feng shui is that everything in a given environment has an energy known as “chi.” Proponents of feng shui believe chi not only flows through the body but also through the environment. When a home environment negatively affects this flow, believers in feng shui feel this can lead to health problems, financial troubles or domestic strife. This is why feng shui adherents do not allow clutter to accumulate in their homes, as they feel clutter can stagnate energy flow. In addition, feng shui adherents avoid homes with long, dark hallways or poorly lit staircases, as they feel such areas negatively affect the flow of energy in a home.
Page B6 Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015
Dos and don’ts of kitchen remodels Granite's not the only way Countertops can be wood, concrete, marble, soapstone and more Granite has long been a popular countertop material for homeowners looking to combine functionality with aesthetic appeal in their kitchens. But granite is no small investment, and homeowners looking to refurbish their kitchens should know there are a multitude of countertop materials available to those working on a budget or those who simply want to give their kitchens a different look. Don’t design just for today, look toward the future as well. Make sure your kitchen today will still work five or 10 years from now.
A
ccording to Remodeling magazine’s “2014 Cost vs. Value Report,” a major kitchen remodeling project should enable homeowners to recoup 74.2 percent of their initial investments. Kitchen renovations have long been a safe way to improve the functionality and value of a home. But not every kitchen project is a guaranteed winner. Homeowners may inadvertently make changes that end up sticking out like a sore thumb rather than improving the space. Take a look at these kitchen remodeling dos and don’ts to guide your next undertaking. DO consider the way your kitchen will look with the rest of the home. Keep architectural integrity in mind when designing the space. A farmhouse sink and country cabinets can look out of place in an ultra-modern home. DON’T overlook the importance of a seasoned designer or architect. These pros will know the tricks to maximizing space and achieving the ideal layout of appliances and may be able to recommend local contractors and vendors. DO look beyond surface details to the structural integrity of the design. The kitchen should be functional, long-last-
ing and beautiful. DON’T design just for today, but look to the future as well. Unless you are willing to spend $50,000 every five years, look for styles and materials that will last for the long haul. Older homeowners may want to make adjustments now that address potential mobility issues down the road. DO work with what you have. A complete demolition and renovation is not always necessary to achieve the desired results. Only invest in major changes if something is not working (such as having to walk across the entire kitchen to access the stove) or is unsafe. Otherwise, minor upgrades may do the trick. DON’T over-improve the space. A fully equipped commercial kitchen may be handy for a professional chef, but the average person may not need an industrial hood and indoor pizza oven. When you make excessive improvements, you may not be able to recoup as much of the money spent because your home will not be on par with the values of homes in the neighborhood. DO make sure you can afford the project. Plan for some unexpected purchases and plan out the renovation according to your budget. Skimping on materials or design because of lack of money may leave you feeling dissatisfied afterward.
Solid wood Wood countertops create a warm, homey interior. Butcher block counters are less expensive than granite and do not necessarily need to be ordered from a speciality retailer. But wood can stain and dent and can even burn when hot kitchenware is placed atop it. Regular application of oil can help homeowners maintain the appearance of their wood counters for years to come.
Marble Marble tends to be less expensive than granite without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. However, marble is softer and more porous than granite, so it can stain and be etched. Diligence in wiping away spills, routine sealing and a gentle touch is necessary for those who choose marble countertops. Soapstone: This is a natural stone composed mainly of mineral talc that gives the stone its smooth feel. Soapstone ranges from black to gray but can sometimes have a green shade to it. Other materials in the stone can produce veining. Although softer than granite, soapstone is still high-density and will hold up well. It’s impervious to stains and bacteria, and exposure to chemicals will not damage it.
Quartz Quartz is a manufactured product made of stone aggregate and polymers compressed under high pressure. It has the look of natural stone but requires less work to maintain. Quartz has consistent colors and patterns and is a nonporous material, so it will not need routine sealing and resealing.
Glass Glass countertops are back-painted, so homeowners can order just about any color they want. Glass will be tempered, so it is safe and heat-resistant. Glass can scratch, though, so it is not as impervious as other materials.
Concrete Concrete is another material that can be colored to match homeowners’ whims. Concrete is relatively inexpensive compared to other countertop materials, but it can crack or chip. While granite is a popular countertop material, homeowners who want something new have many additional options at their disposal.
Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015 Page B7
Page B8 Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015
Get rid of those ceiling stains Frozen roofs leave a mark? Here's how to fix the damage Many stains are instantly noticeable. But while a wine stain on a light-colored carpet or a gravy stain on a white shirt tend to jump out right away, other stains sneak past our radars every day. Ceiling stains can go unnoticed for long periods of time. But ceiling stains can be unsightly, and some are even indicative of a larger problem, so it pays for homeowners to address stains on their ceilings as soon as possible. Start with the source. Low kitchen ceilings tend to fall victim to oil stains, which are an unfortunate side effect of cooking. But not all stains can be so easily traced to their origins. Some ceiling stains, such as those in bathrooms, may be a byproduct of mold, while others may be indicative of plumbing problems. Identifying the source of a stain is often the first step toward eradicating it. Fix the problem. Once you have identified whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s causing the stain, fix the problem as soon as possible. Ceiling stains are often indicative of much larger problems, and the longer those problems are allowed to fester, the bigger they become. Some water stains on ceilings result from cracks or joints that have not been adequately sealed or caulked. Reseal or recaulk any cracks you suspect are leading to ceiling stains. If you have determined a leaky roof is behind your stained ceilings, then have the roof inspected for damage, and prepare yourself to finance a new roof if the inspector determines thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best solution. Cover nearby furniture. If you find ceiling stains above living areas, then be sure to cover the furniture below such ceilings with a tarp. Even if your stain solution will be made primarily of water, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to risk compounding your ceiling stain problem by staining your furniture as well. Remove the stains. Different stains require different treatments. A solution made of water and bleach may be effective at removing ceiling stains, but only apply such solutions on days when you can open the windows and air out your home. Larger stains may require the application of a stain blocker, which may need to be applied with a roller and brush. No matter the stain, you need to leave time for the ceiling to dry before you can move on. Opening the windows can prevent your home from being overcome by the smell of bleach and also speed up the time it takes the ceiling to dry. Cover the ceiling with primer. Once the ceiling has completely dried, you can apply a stain-blocking primer to prevent future stains. Allow the primer ample time to dry. Apply a fresh coat of paint. After the primer has dried completely, you can then repaint the ceiling. Some paints may blend in even if you only paint the affected areas of the ceiling, but others will require a complete repainting of the ceiling. The eye test will help you determine how much work you have to do in that regard.
Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015 Page B9
Page B10 Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015
Garden-inspired decor brightens spaces and mood From fire pits to furniture, lighting to living walls, ideas to bring home outside Many homeowners take up gardening to transform their homes with beautiful flowers and foliage, while others do so to yield fresh fruits and vegetables. But gardening can be more than just a weekend hobby. In fact, it may be especially beneficial for homeowners to surround themselves with more plants and natural decor, whether in the yard or in the home. Studies have indicated that gardening can be good for the mind and body. In addition to improving mood and reducing stress, plant life and gardening also may help people have a more hopeful outlook on life. If reaping the benefit of a beautiful landscape is not reason enough to get into gardening, elevating your mood and coping with depression or illness may be even further motivation to start developing your green thumb. Home-design trends seem to be following suit, offering individuals more opportunities to surround themselves with potentially therapeutic plants. Explore these emerging and established garden décor trends to try in and around your home.
Living wall planters A living wall planter can add greenery to any décor without taking up floor or table space. Ideal for outdoor structures, these planters also can be used indoors if you safeguard against leaks and dripping. A living wall planter is a framed device that houses plants in a manner that
to be limited by sunrise and sunset. By incorporating different lighting sources, you can create a retreat that is welcoming at any hour. Although flood lights and overhead lights can illuminate a space, consider ambient and decorative lighting to create the desired ambiance.
Functional fire pits and places
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are increasingly popular in backyards. enables them to be vertically mounted to a wall surface. While there are commercially available models, you can create your own design and paint or stain it to match the existing décor. Use a soil-free potting substrate to avoid the mess that regular soil may create.
Combining fish with gardening Enjoy the best of two relaxing worlds by installing a water feature in your yard. Garden retailers offer ready-made kits that can make fast work of establishing a pond or other water feature in the backyard. Otherwise, there are plenty of water garden companies and installers who can suggest a design and put in your desired water features. Add fish suitable for outdoor life to your pond. These include koi and certain goldfish varieties. Game fish are discour-
aged because they can destroy pond plants. If an outdoor pond is more maintenance than you desire, consider an indoor aquarium with a combination of fish and live aquarium plants.
Creative furniture designs Maybe you’re a person who appreciates the unique and whimsical? Tables, benches and chairs can be built with planting channels that enable you to have greenery and garden décor in one piece. Envision a picnic table with a cutout down the center for a thin row of plants or decorative grasses. This is a project the entire family can get behind, as the more creative ideas the better.
Improved outdoor lighting People who like to spend time in their gardens and yards may not want
A blazing fire creates a cozy spot to gather on chilly evenings, but fire pits and fireplaces also can be used as impromptu cooking spots for s’mores or frankfurters on a stick. You can purchase a stand-alone fire pit from any number of retailers or build your own with patio pavers and fire bricks to line the interior of the fire pit. Outdoor fireplaces require more work, and you want to hire a mason to ensure proper installation.
Enjoyable yard additions While plants and seating may take center stage, some people still want to have fun in their yards. There’s an increased demand for yard designs and décor that can put the fun in backyard living. Bocce courts, ring- or horseshoe-toss setups, as well as bean bagtoss boards, can be incorporated into landscape designs, giving you yet another reason to spend a few hours in the great outdoors, where you can experience a few healthy laughs in the process. Gardening and spending time outdoors are great hobbies and may even boost your mood. Homeowners can explore the popular trends in garden décor and natural elements that they can enjoy inside and outside of their homes.
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Page B12 Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015
A more eco-friendly lawn is just steps away Consider ways to reduce your lawn's chemical dependence Maintaining a lush lawn is a healthy and rewarding hobby that allows homeowners to spend some time outdoors in nature. Lawn enthusiasts can make their hobby even healthier by adopting several eco-friendly lawn care strategies that not only make for a healthier lawn, but a healthier planet as well. Responsible landscaping has grown increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more homeowners are adopting eco-friendly lawn care practices in the same way they have embraced environmentally conscious behaviors in other areas of their lives. The following are a handful of ways lawn care enthusiasts can incorporate eco-friendly practices into their landscaping routines. Maintain an appropriate grass height. When temperatures start to peak in summer, homeowners may be tempted to cut their grass as close as possible so they can reduce the number of afternoons they spend riding or pushing a mower in the hot sun. But cutting too low makes the grass increasingly susceptible to infestations and disease, and such problems may need to be remedied with potentially harmful pesticides if no other approach proves effective. Even if it means an extra afternoon or two mowing under the hot sun, maintaining an appropriate grass height can lead to a healthier lawn, as longer grass soaks up more sunlight, allowing it to grow a deep root system that will help a
Cut grass at the right height, and consider rainwater, mulch and biopesticides as ways to be more eco-friendly. lawn survive drought and other potential problems. Cut back on harmful pesticides. Many homeowners now prefer to avoid pesticides at all costs, but sometimes pesticides are a last resort when lawns are falling victim to harmful insects and organisms. Homeowners who want to embrace more eco-friendly lawn care practices can cut back on their use of pesticides, first trying more environmentally friendly options. For example, biopesticides are made
from naturally occurring materials, including animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, biopesticides are often inherently less toxic than more conventional pesticides. In addition, biopesticides typically affect only the pest causing the problem, whereas broad spectrum pesticides may affect surrounding organisms, such as birds and mammals, in addition to the targeted pest. The EPA (www.epa.gov)
advises homeowners hoping to use biopesticides first learn about managing pests so they can effectively remedy problems on their properties. Harvest rainwater. Lawns need water, especially when temperatures rise in the summer. But watering lawns can have an adverse effect on your community’s water supply, draining that supply and hurting the community in the long run. Homeowners who can harvest rainwater can drastically reduce their impact on their community water supply, thereby helping the planet and their community, especially if they reside in locales where water resources are traditionally scarce. When rainwater is harvested, it is collected from downspouts before it washes into nearby sewage systems. Many lawn and garden retailers sell rainwater harvesting systems, which homeowners can install themselves or pay a landscaping professional to install for them. Lay mulch down around trees, shrubs and flower beds. Trees, shrubs and flower beds need water, especially in the summer when rising temperatures pose a threat to plants. Homeowners can cut back on the water they use to protect those plants by laying organic mulch in the spring. Organic mulch conserves moisture in soil, promoting stronger roots in plants and helping homeowners cut back on the amount of watering they need to maintain a garden that’s both healthy and pleasing to the eye. Organic mulch, which might be made of bark, is also heavy, making it hard for ugly weeds that rob plants of water to thrive.
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Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015 Page B13
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Page B14 Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015
Martin’s Garden Notes…
Get Ready for Spring
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We are all itching to get back into the garden so now is the time to start cleaning up. Be careful as you rake as some of the tender shoots of perennials and bulb plants are beginning to poke up. Roses should be pruned down to about 8-15 inches. Remove old woody parts and small twiggy branches leaving strong green canes. Climbers should be managed differently so stop in an information sheet on rose pruning. Fertilize the first of April and follow directions on the fertilizer package. Our plants should be arriving soon. At this early date, most blooming plants are just too tender to set outside just yet but pansies and Daffodils as well as several other plants are tough thrive with cooler temperatures. Should it freeze, these plants will take it in stride and pick up when temperatures moderate. We are starting to bring out Perennials. We have an expanded collection this year. Stop by for an early peak.
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Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015 Page B15
Going after grubs in your lawn Keep a watchful eye on that lawn, or a hidden wrecking crew may move in Landscaping is a rewarding hobby for many homeowners. Men and women with green thumbs often take pride in their lush lawns and gardens, feeling a sense of accomplishment as their landscapes spend spring and summer returning to form and making yards more inviting spaces to spend relaxing summer nights. But even the most well-maintained lawns are not immune to problems that can compromise all the hard work men and women put into their lawns. One such problem many homeowners encounter is a grub infestation. Grubs are a type of pest that can cause considerable damage to lawns, and while many homeowners have no doubt heard of grubs, they might want to learn more about these pesky pests so they know what to do should grubs ever appear in their yards.
Lawn damage could be from pests or pets
What are grubs? Grubs are insects that live in the soil, where they feed on grass and roots. Many grubs are the larva of Japanese beetles, and those beetles typically lay their eggs in sun-drenched areas of lawns in midsummer.
What are signs of grub damage? Grubs not only damage lawns on their own, but they serve as food sources for local wildlife as well, attracting wildlife, which can do its own damage to lawns. Lawns can turn brown for a variety of reasons, and grubs are just one of many potential culprits behind the browning of once-luscious landscapes. Grubs feed on roots, so homeowners who suspect their lawns have fallen victim to grub infestations can pull up the areas where grass has turned brown to see if there are any grubs, which look like worms. Landscapes that have suddenly become popular among local wildlife that is digging up lawns may also be infested with grubs. Skunks and raccoons feed on grubs, and may dig up lawns where grubs are present. Damage resulting from grub infestation is most visible from late summer to early fall.
Applying an appropriate insecticide is one way homeowners can prevent grub infestations.
Can grub damage be prevented?
What can I do about grub damage?
Preventing grub infestation typically requires homeowners to keep watchful eyes on their lawns. Pay particular attention to areas that begin to brown, especially areas that are turning brown in spite of adequate watering. An early indicator of a grub infestation is small grubs around the roots of grass. In such instances, applying insecticide may be enough to prevent a small grub problem from spreading. Insecticides also can be an effective preventative measure for homeowners looking to avoid grub infestations. Speak with a local landscaping professional for recommendations about which insecticide to apply and how best to apply it.
Attempting to treat grubs in the spring may be ineffective, as grubs are large and no longer feeding in spring. So homeowners dealing with grub infestations should address the situation before they retire their green thumbs for the winter. Remove debris from grub infestations with a rake before watering the affected areas. Watering can help some damaged roots recover, but areas that have been especially damaged may need to be reseeded. Grub infestations can be a nuisance to homeowners who put lots of time and effort into their lawns. But homeowners can take steps to treat such infestations and prevent them from returning the following summer.
Damage to a lawn may be indicative of various problems. Everything from insects to rodents to the family pet may be responsible for causing burnt patches, holes and other eyesores. Getting to the bottom of the problem is the first step in remediation. Burning and discoloration of the lawn is often a result of high concentrations of dog urine pooling in one area. Diluting the urine by hosing down areas of the lawn can clear up many problems. Birds, raccoons, skunks, moles, and other rodents may feed on grubs that reside just under the thatch of the lawn, and animals may tear up lawns in search of this delicacy. Treating the grub problem usually alleviates damage caused by animals. Mole crickets are another common lawn destroyer. These insects resemble crickets, but they burrow beneath the turf to feed on plant roots. The mole crickets can push up channels of turf as they burrow, exposing roots to the elements and causing the grass to die. Getting rid of the insects can revitalize the lawn.
Page B16 Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015
How to spot an unhealthy tree
P
erhaps because they can live for so many years, trees have a way of falling down homeowners’ landscaping priority lists. Trees also tend to be big and strong, so it’s no surprise that they often are overlooked in favor or other areas of a lawn and garden that don’t seem so strong in the face of Mother Nature. But trees are susceptible to damage and disease, and homeowners who learn to recognize symptoms of such problems can prevent them from escalating and reduce the risk that the trees will cause damage to their properties. The following are just some of the ways homeowners can determine if their trees are unhealthy. Homeowners who suspect they have a tree that poses a safety risk should contact a professional tree service for an immediate inspection and steer clear of the tree until an inspection has been performed.
Check around the base of the tree The base of a tree may offer some telltale signs that the tree is unhealthy. Soil that is cracked or raised at the base of the tree may be indicative of a tree that has started to uproot. If you recognize any cracking or if the soil is raised, look at the tree to see if it is leaning. If the soil is cracked or raised because it is uprooting, then the tree might have already started to lean in the opposite direction of the cracking or raised soil.
Examine for fungus The growth of fungus on the tree trunk or close to it may be a sign that the tree is rotting or decaying. Fungal growth, such as a sudden population of mushrooms, around the base of the tree is another sign of decay. If the wood behind fungal growth crumbles easily, then homeowners should call a professional tree service, as the fungal problem on the tree has likely already been festering for quite some time.
Look for cavities on the trunk Cracks and cavities on a tree may not be an emergency, but especially deep cracks and cavities may be indicative of a structural problem. Multiple cracks and cavities also serve as red flags.
Unhealthy trees may need to be removed from a property before they cause significant damage.
Look for dead wood It may sound simple, but dead wood poses a threat to the tree and anyone who happens to spend time in its vicinity. Dead wood snaps easily, and falling dead wood can harm anyone unlucky enough to be beneath the tree when the dead wood snaps. Dead wood branches won’t bend in the wind, and such branches frequently fall off of trees when strong gusts
of wind come along. Dead branches either won’t have leaves or the leaves will be brown (dead pine branches will have brown needles).
Weak connections Unhealthy trees often have weak connections between their branches and their trunks. If branches don’t appear to be strongly connected to the tree bark,
call a tree service to determine a solution. The tree might not be on its way out, but you may have to take steps to strengthen the connections so branches are not at risk of falling. Unhealthy trees can pose a safety hazard on a property. Homeowners who learn to recognize the signs of unhealthy trees can do something to prevent dying trees from damaging their homes.
Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015 Page B17
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Page B18 Home & Garden April 22-23, 2015
Pruning trees a job best left to the pros Bountiful, healthy trees can be beautiful to behold and important contributors to a thriving environment. According to American Forests, a nonprofit conservation organization, a tree can absorb as much as 40 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and can sequester one ton of carbon dioxide by the time the tree reaches age 40. The United States Forest Service adds that trees placed properly around a home can reduce air conditioning and heating demands considerably. Many homeowners are content to leave healthy trees alone. However, trees eventually must be pruned or removed if they become safety risks or pose other threats. Trees with roots that are damaging home foundations or those with limbs overhanging property limits or power lines can be troublesome. Although homeowners can handle relatively minor tree maintenance, for a variety of reasons, many tree projects are best left to the professionals.
Avoid injury Professional tree contractors recognize and understand the hazards associated with tree and limb removal. Many operate in accordance with national or local guidelines to maintain proper clearance of power lines and structures. Trimming trees close to electrical lines puts a person at risk of being electrocuted. Professionals know how to protect themselves and prevent power outages, which can result when limbs come into contact with power lines. Professional tree services will use machinery appropriate for the task. Cherrypickers and cranes may lift workers to the correct height to work on trees, while do-it-yourselfers who rely on climbing
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Prevent damage to the tree Many tree services understand the proper way to prune trees to minimize stress and damage to the tree itself. Novice pruners may inadvertently do more harm than good, resulting in proliferation of tree disease or shock. Improper pruning technique also can lead to an unsightly tree.
Liability A professional tree service will possess the correct liability and worker’s compensation insurance. This protects homeowners against litigation should someone be injured while tree work is being done. Homeowners who damage neighboring properties when cutting down a tree may find that they are not covered by their homeowner’s insurance policies. This can be a costly mistake that’s easily avoided by simply hiring a fully insured tree removal service.
The right tools The right tools can mean the difference between a job done correctly and one that results in disaster. Professional arborists and tree services have acquired the training, tools and techniques to perform the job safely. This includes using the right tools to tackle the job. Ropes, pulleys, cranes, stump grinders, and other heavy machinery are just a few of the tools tree services have at their disposal that the average homeowner does not. Trimming or removing trees can be an unpredictable and potentially dangerous endeavor. Such work is best left to professionals.
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Peckham’s Greenhouse Your Garden Center for All Seasons
PECKHAM’S PROVIDES: Seeds • Veggies • Herbs • Annuals • Gardening Services Perennials • Shrubs • Fertilizers • Tools Decorative Containers inspiration... 200 West Main Road • Little Compton, RI Corner of Peckham Road & Rt. 77
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