Does your yard need more shade or privacy? Tree planting canincreasethe beauty and value of your home.Trees can offera retreat from neighbors and noisy streets while attracting beneficial wildlife. But how do you choose the best types for your yard?

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Both residential and commercial properties can benefit from the process of land clearing. This is a process in which a property owner has a large area of land. This land will be empty but it will still contain various shrubs, trees and undergrowth. These items need to be removed so that the owner can install a garden or begin construction on a new building. For a commercial business, clearing the land is necessary before installing a new parking lot.

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There are many fencing options for your backyard. Fences can create privacy, discourage intruders and add to the beauty of your property. When you are choosing a wood privacy fence for your home, there are a few factors to take into consideration.

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If you are in the market for a good commercial landscaping service, you probably have a few criteria in mind. The company needs to have a proven history of fast, excellent service. It should also have a portfolio showing the kind of work the technicians do. Finally, of course, the price has to be right. Here are a few more criteria you may not have considered.

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You want your home to look just as great on the outside as it does the inside. To that end, you’ve decided to look into professional landscaping. Just like you would with your home, you’ve got to proceed with the proper strategy when it comes to landscape construction. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

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As a homeowner, if you value your privacy, then odds are, you’ve considered a privacy fence. As soon as you start looking into fencing, you’ll discover the wide range of options available to you. From wood type to design, there are plenty of decisions to make. With the help of a contractor, you can figure out the fence that suits you and end up with a beautiful fence. When deciding, here are the most common designs.

Basic Pine

The most common fence design is a basic pine. Treated pine pickets border the perimeter of the yard. If you see wooden fences in your neighborhood, then these are probably the most common ones. Now, you do want to keep in mind that while you can create a fence with no gaps, over time, gaps will form between the boards. This is because wood shrinks as it dries out. In most cases, gaps eventually form.

Shadowbox

The shadowbox is another common choice for homeowners. It looks like a basic privacy fence with gaps between the pickets, instead of butting the pickets together. Then, there are pickets on the inside of the fence to make it nearly impossible to see through the fence. Boards then run between the pickets on the outside and inside. This is what creates the shadow effect.

Lattice-Top

The lattice-top is similar in that it is a basic fence. However, there is a lattice added to the top. The lattice has additional supportive lumber. Of all the styles, this one has the most well-loved design features, though it does tend to also be more expensive than the other two.

When it comes to installing a privacy fence, it’s important to know what’s available to you and what you prefer. Most contractors will work with you to choose one that is both affordable and beautiful. You can easily have a fence that you can be proud of.

Damaged trees are hot spots for insect infestations, and if they are not dealt with appropriately, then the infestation can spread to other healthier trees. Also, if some disease caused the tree decline, then your other trees may be at risk. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to and acknowledge the signs of deterioration in your tree’s health.

Odd Growth

While the decline is not always noticeable, some trees may present with odd growth. For example, you may notice that branches are growing from strange locations, like low on the trunk. This unusual growth can indicate that your tree is struggling to sustain nutrients.

Small or Discolored Leaves

Also, pay attention to the leaves, as this is often the first sign of damaged trees. You may notice that some of the branches on your tree are displaying small and discolored leaves. This discoloration and strange growth indicate that nutrients are not being adequately supplied to the affected limb. Therefore, it may be necessary to eliminate the affected branch to protect the tree.

Peeling or Loose Bark

Another sign that your tree is in declining health is the presence of loose or peeling bark. While you may not notice any issues with the bark on the tree, you may see pieces of wood and bark scattered around its base, indicating bark loss further up the trunk.

Sporadic Growth

Trees in declining health may also have periods of sporadic growth. While this can be a relief for plant owners because they feel it is a sign of improving health, it does not last, and soon the tree is back to displaying signs of degradation and poor health.

While it is a sad day when a tree must be removed, it is for the greater good and integrity of the other trees on your property. Insects often attack trees in poor health and then pass the illness and infestation to other healthier trees. Therefore, if you have any declining or damaged trees, contact a professional and find out what your options are.

Tree removal services are usually synonymous with a tree care company, but it is only a fraction of what these companies offer. Reliable tree services have certified arborists on hand to help with the care and maintenance of your trees, and they will know when the time is right to remove a tree, but in the meantime, you should take advantage of the other services offered by these companies and trained professionals to ensure the health and longevity of your trees.

Fertilization

To maintain the integrity and beauty of all of your plants, you must fertilize them, ensuring the appropriate balance of nutrients. Professional tree services help to keep this balance.

Pruning and Trimming

Before deciding on tree removal services, you may want to try pruning and trimming overgrown branches. Dead branches may not be an indicator of a dead tree. Overgrowth can lead to tree health issues, not to mention safety issues, that may be resolved with some routine maintenance.

Diagnosis and Disease Treatment

If your tree is sick or dying, a certified arborist can diagnose the issues and possibly treat it. You do not need to cut down your tree just because it is looking a little under the weather.

Emergency Removal

There are times when removal is the only option. Dead trees and downed trees can present significant safety concerns and should be dealt with quickly and responsibly. Attempting to remove trees on your own can result in serious injury.

Tree removal services are only one service offered by tree care specialists, and it is not always needed. Therefore, if you have a problem tree, or if you are looking for someone to diagnose your tree problem, then look no further than a certified tree company or arborist. It is always best to hire a professional to determine the best course of action that way you are not unnecessarily eliminating plants and other landscaping from your property.

For many people, it is a sad day when they must remove a tree from their property, especially if they have lived at the home for a long period of time. Unfortunately, some trees must be taken down, especially when they are showing signs of rot and decay. Hiring certified tree removal services are in the best interest of your property and your safety, but there are a few things you should verify before contracting with a service.

Certification

As with most industries, tree removal requires appropriate certifications and licensing. Any company you hire should have proof of membership with the International Society of Arboriculture or Tree Care Industry Certification.

Proof of Insurance

Also, all tree removal services should be able to provide proof of insurance on demand. This extends to workers as well as the company. Coverage ensures that your property is protected against damage potentially caused by the removal process. While receiving proof is typically good enough, you may want to call the insurer to verify.

Safe Practices

Every company should have a working knowledge of the safe practices established by the American National Standards Institute. These standards discourage the use of climbing spikes and lion’s tailing as both have been proven to be unnecessarily dangerous, to the tree and the workers.

References

Beyond the certifications and proof of insurance, you should follow-up with references. Find out if the company performed as expected and if there were any concerning issues. You do not have to depend on the provided references. You can research through other sites and find company reviews. Also, you can reach out to friends and family to find a trusted contractor.

Tree removal services are sometimes necessary when dealing with a dying or dead tree. However, don’t just hire the first company you see. Do your research and verify the company’s certification, insurance and reputation.

Are you ready for a blizzard this winter? Do you know what you will do when large sheets of snow cover your yard and interrupt your life? A professional snow blowing service can help you when a blizzard hits. Here are just some of the surprising services these professionals can offer:

Keep Your Family Safe

Unfortunately, snow and ice can pose a huge risk to you and your family. Walking on your sidewalk or in your driveway can threaten your family’s safety, even with just a little ice on the ground. You or your loved ones could fall and get seriously hurt.

Of course, you want to remove the ice and snow before children walk on it, but just attempting this can put you at risk. Furthermore, while your city may take care of the roads, merely getting out of the driveway can be dangerous in icy conditions. Snow blowing professionals know how to handle the precipitation on your property safely.

Protect Your Wallet

If you own any properties that you rent, you may wish to call a professional snow removal team. If your renters slip, fall, and get injured because you failed to take care of the ice on the property, you could face a lawsuit. Even if you’re not at fault, defending frivolous lawsuits can be expensive.

You can avoid this fate by hiring a professional crew to clear the snow before your renters have the chance to get hurt.

Save You Time

The fact is that removing snow and ice from your property can be a hassle, especially if you don’t have specialized tools. A professional snow removal crew can make your winter much easier. They have the tools and experience to remove the dangerous precipitation while you stay cozy indoors quickly.

A snow blowing service is a great way to stay safe, keep warm, and even save some money. Be sure to hire a company with a stellar reputation in your community.