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The Correct Way of Planting a Tree

One of the ideal things you can do to increase the curb appeal and resale value of your house is to plant a tree. Aside from that, you’re also helping the environment. However, planting a tree does not mean you’re just going to drop the new plant into a hole. You will have to do several things to guarantee it thrives and have a healthy life that will last for many years.  

Spring is the ideal time to plant a tree, according to professional tree services Coral Springs companies. Today, we’re going to share with you some tips on how to properly plant one.  

How to Properly Plant a New Tree 

The correct way to plant trees appears easy on paper. However, both you and tree professionals have to think about a lot of factors to guarantee the correct conditions during and before planting. Here are several tips you can follow before you start digging a hole in your lawn and plant a tree sapling. Following these tips can help guarantee a smooth process and optimal tree growth.  

Before Digging a Hole 

Correct planting and care are the keys to the long-term health of your new tree. You’ve got to ensure the spot is ideal for the tree you want to plant before digging a hole. You’ve got to ensure you think about the diameter and height of the root system and canopy of the mature tree. You should plant the tree far from your home if it is going to be tall when it matures.  

Then, you also have to guarantee that the type of soil and pH levels on your lawn are ideal with the tree you want to plant. You might want to fix the soil properly by incorporating additional nutrients. A professional tree care company can examine the soil and recommend a couple of necessary adjustments and changes.  

Also, don’t forget to mark any underground utilities, whether you’re hiring a professional or plating the tree by yourself. With this, you can avoid hitting the lines with the tools and avoid the roots of the tree from interfering with the utility lines. Before you dig a hole, contact your local authorities to examine and mark the locations in your lawn. 

Planting the Tree 

You can expect a couple of issues to occur if you don’t plant the tree properly. A root-bound tree is one common problem to consider. If you want to avoid this, here are some tips to follow: 

  • Look for a tree with a root ball of 10-12 inches in diameter 
  • Get rid of girdling and unhealthy roots.  
  • Do not buy a tree sapling with tight root spirals 

You’ve got to guarantee that the hole is deep enough. Also, leave several inches of loose dirt under the root ball. Once you’re done planting the tree, water it properly to get rid of air pockets in the soil. Apply a layer of mulch around your tree sapling. However, make sure you avoid applying too much mulch since it can affect the growth of the tree. 

Types of Outdoor Security Lighting

Outdoor security lighting is your best option if you want to increase the security around your house without sacrificing the comfort and beauty of your yard. The correct security lighting can help spread light around your lawn, keep people safe by providing visibility at night, and deter crime.  

It’s a well-worth investment to install security lighting around your house. However, you still have to do your research. You can easily choose the right type of security lighting if you know the different types.  

So, before you hire an outdoor lighting Coral Springs company, here are several types to consider: 

Timed Exterior Lighting 

Timed exterior lighting is a form of outdoor lighting that is set on a schedule. The lights only turn on depending on what schedule you want them to be. For instance, you or your loved ones might have a hard time sleeping at night due to your bright outdoor lights. With timed exterior lighting, you can schedule the lights so that they turn on once the whole family is asleep. It will also help you save money on utility bills and offers you more control.  

However, you should know that timed exterior lighting is dimmer compared to other options, such as floodlighting. 

Motion-Activated Lighting 

Motion-activated lighting might be the ideal option for you if you want security lighting that will offer you the coverage you require without wasting too much electricity by using unnecessary energy. This form of lighting is very common in residential properties. They’re armed with a tiny sensor that will activate if it detects motion within a particular radius. Once it detects motion, it will immediately turn on the light. Thus, motion-activated lighting will only light up the area if someone is moving around your house.  

Motion-activated lights are one of the most energy-efficient and cost-effective outdoor lights available since they only turn on when required.  

HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Lighting 

HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lighting might be the ideal choice if you want outdoor lighting that is extremely bright. This particular form of security lighting is utilized in bigger structures and commercial parking lots. In previous years, a lot of homeowners have been installing HID lighting on their houses.  

The biggest benefit of HID lighting is the intensity and strength of the light it provides. No other outdoor lighting can match the power of HID lighting. typically, this is the ideal choice for bigger plots of land where a regular floodlight might not offer enough coverage.  

Keep in mind that you should first check with your homeowner’s association before you install HID lighting. The reason for this is that there might be limitations in place against this form of security lighting.  

Halogen or Solar Floodlighting 

People tend to think of floodlighting when they hear the words security lighting. For those who don’t know, floodlighting refers to lights made to highlight huge areas around the house. in general, homeowners install floodlighting in places where security lighting is a major concern. This can include exterior entryways, such as garage doors.  

Questions to Ask a Paving Installation Contractor

Are you planning to install paving on your patio? Well, you’ve made the right choice. Installing patio pavers can greatly enhance your outdoor space. These pavers come in a range of textures, colors, and sizes.  

However, it will need special attention to properly execute a patio design. If a patio paver is not installed properly, it can make your patio unappealing. It can damage the look of your outdoor area. Aside from that, it can also lead to several foundational problems and drainage issues.  

Because of this, it is very crucial to hire the right patio paving company to do the job. Before you hire a paver installation Port St Lucie contractor, here are several questions you should ask: 

How Long Have You Been Installing Pavers? 

The experience of the contractor greatly affects the quality of the work. You will have to look for someone who understands what they’re doing. Paver installation is not just about laying aggregate. The contractor will also have to consider other things such as design, drainage, and much more. 

Do You Offer an Estimate? 

As a customer, it is your right to know how much you’ll spend for the installation of your patio paver. Because of this, you need to always ask the paving contractor to offer you a fixed price or a close estimate instead of a cost range.  

Do You Provide Guarantee on Your Work or Warranty on the Products? 

You also have the right to ask the patio paving contractor whether they provide a warranty for their services and products. In addition to that, a reliable paving contractor usually does not charge clients for repairs that are completed within a particular timeframe after the installation of the patio pavers. Thus, you should verify everything about this before you hire a company.  

Are You Licensed? 

A couple of contractors do not have the right licenses according to the state you are located in. You have to keep in mind that a license can guarantee that the services he offers to you are professional. Thus, you have to ensure the contractor has the right licenses to operate in your area before hiring one.  

Are You Insured? 

This is perhaps one of the most crucial questions you need to ask a paving contractor. Is the contractor insured or not? Keep in mind that every contracting service has worker compensation insurance and liability insurance. If the contractor you’re planning to hire does not have one, you will become liable for paying any damages that may happen during the project. Because of this, you need to ask any paving contractor for proof of insurance before hiring them.  

 Do You Have Testimonials or Reviews from Past Customers? 

Google is your friend if you want to read reviews about contractors. You should search the website of the paving contractor. Usually, their website will include more details about what their previous clients are saying about their experience with the contractors. You can also use other websites, such as Angie’s List, Yelp, and much more.  

Ideal Pavers for Swimming Pools

You cannot complete your swimming pool if you do not install pavers around it. However, for maximum functionality and visual impact, you’ve got to choose the right stone. A high-quality pool paver can endure the pressures of regular exposure to chemicals, water, salt, and chlorine. Your pavers should not get slippery when wet and hot under the sun.  

Since there are a lot of options available, it can be a bit difficult to look for the correct option. So, before you hire a paver installation The Villages company, here are several types to consider: 

Granite 

This type of paver is extremely durable. Thus, they’re ideal in tough environments. Longevity is perhaps the most popular feature of granite. For those who don’t know, old artists utilized granite to create the oldest sculptures in the world.  

When it comes to appearance, granite pavers match both modern and traditional styles. It is tight-grained with an even texture. Thus, it’s good for modern swimming pools. When it comes to safety, granite pavers have an anti-slip finish.  

Limestone 

Limestone is a natural stone that miners quarry. It has a variety of warm and elegant colors. Thus, it’s an ideal option for pool pavers. When it comes to appearance, limestone is mostly solid in color. It also has fewer striations and variations, unlike other pavers. It is also denser and more durable compared to other pavers since this stone has hardened naturally over time under extreme heat and pressure.  

If you want to increase the lifespan of limestone, you have to seal it properly. Aside from that, it will need routine maintenance to get rid of dirt from the surface. Lucky, maintaining limestone isn’t hard since it has a smooth surface.  

Bluestone 

A lot of people use bluestone in their landscaping. However, it is also commonly used for pool pavers. Bluestone is extremely versatile. It offers a variety of aesthetic and functional values that are difficult to match.  

Bluestone has a rough texture. Thus, they’re ideal to prevent slips under wet feet. Also, you should keep in mind that you need to seal the bluestone paver to increase its lifespan. If you don’t, it will get damaged over time. If you’re going to install bluestone for your pool paver, you should not cut corners.  

Travertine 

This type of paver provides aesthetic benefits with practical ones, such as durability and non-slip surface. If you install travertine in your pool paver, it will appear stunning since it is decked in a variety of striking colors and styles. When it comes to safety, travertine has a porous surface. Because of this, it can quickly absorb water. The surface will always be dry.  

If you live in a hot region, travertine pavers might be a good option for you since they’re an excellent insulator. They can reflect the sun’s heat. In addition to that, it also absorbs the cool of the soil under it. This guarantees the floor will not get too hot even during the hot summer months. Thus, it’s an ideal option for your paver installation. 

Keeping Your Dog Cool This Summer

Summer could mean a lot of fun and endless activities outside with your pet. However, you should do your job to protect your dog if the temperature increases. Keep in mind that the heat of the sun can be hard on your dog, whether you’re simply out in the yard to play, take a ride in the car, or walk down the street. 

One of the best ways to keep your dog cool this summer is to groom him. This is particularly true if your dog has a thick coat. However, aside from hiring a mobile pet grooming West Palm company, here are other tips you can follow: 

Groom Your Dog 

You should remove any tangles and mats if your dog has a thick coat and long fur. With this, you can keep him cool. Before you visit a groomer or vet, you should not clip or shave his coat. The additional fur that keeps your dog warm during the cold months may also keep him cool during the hot months.  

Be Cautious of Your At-Risk Dogs 

If you’ve got a snub-nosed dog, such as a bulldog or pug, you should be cautious. Since they have small airways, it will be more difficult for them to get rid of heat whenever they pant. Aside from that, it is also easy for overweight and old dogs to get heatstroke. This is particularly true if they have breathing or heart issues.  

Monitor Humidity  

Your dog might not be able to properly pant to release heat if the air is filled with moisture. This can increase his temperature that can result in heatstroke. You should limit exercise during summer and stay inside.  

Offer Cold Treats 

If you want to cool your dog, make sure you cool his insides as well. You can create ice cubs with delicious treats inside for a cool ice pop. You can also fill and freeze the chew toy of your dog. 

Examine the Pavement 

Touch the pavement before you take your dog for a walk. If it is extremely hot for your hand, it will also be extremely hot for your dog. If this is the case, make sure you stay off the road and walk on the grass. Also, you may want to purchase boots for your dog to protect his delicate paws. 

Monitor when You Exercise 

When it is humid and hot, you should limit how much and when you exercise. When you go for a walk, make sure you do it during the coolest part of the day, such as late evening and early morning. You should also bring a lot of water.  

Keep Your Home Cool 

If you’re leaving your dog alone in your house, you have to guarantee he is cool. Close the drapes and leave the AC unit on. You can also open the windows and turn on the fans if you do not have AC.  

Do Not Leave Your Dog in Your Car 

Even if you will only be out for a couple of minutes, do not consider leaving your dog inside your car. The temperature inside a car can greatly increase even if it is not that hot outside.