February 2021

Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring

Lawn

If you are someone who enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors, you may have already begun your preparations for springtime. There are some things that you can do to get your lawn ready for the sunshine, and you will be able to enjoy your work all spring and summer. Consider these three tips for making your landscaping really stand out this year.

Set Up a Mowing Schedule

A tidy yard will always look better than an unkempt one. It does not matter how great your landscaping is; if you are not caring for it properly, the weeds and brush will distract the eye. Hiring lawn care services Arlington VA will help you keep your yard looking great all year. Having a professional service to mow and maintain your lawn is worth a lot.

Plant Flowers

For many people, the most beautiful part of spring is watching all of the flowers bloom. After everything laying dormant all winter, it is nice to see some bright colors around. To really make your lawn pop, consider planting flowers around your house. Just make sure to choose flowers that grow well together and have similar light and watering requirements.

Install Lighting

After you have spent all this time perfecting the look of your lawn, you will want to show it off. Consider installing outdoor lighting that will display your stunning landscaping any time of day or night. Solar lights can be a great option; there are also wired ones that are safe for use outdoors.

Gardening can be one of the most rewarding hobbies; after all, you truly get to see the fruits of your labor. Your lawn will be the talk of the neighborhood when you put in the time to make it stand out. Who knows? You might just get the lawn of the month award!…

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home’s Exterior

Cleaning

The winter season can take its toll on your home. Your lawn may look a little bare, and you may notice things like moss and algae buildup on your brick and siding. When spring rounds the corner, it is important to be ready with your cleaning list. Consider these three ways to keep the outside of your house looking great for the warmer months.

Brick Cleaning

Brick can start looking dingy after a while if it is not cleaned regularly. You may need to contact services for moss control Arlington WA to remove the green layer over your red bricks. You may also want to use a pressure washer to remove dirt and mud residue from your exterior walls; just be careful that you do not have the power high enough to damage your brick.

Siding Cleaning

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homes, but it can get dirty fairly easily. If you have light-colored siding, stains will show up even worse. You can use an industrial cleaning product in a pressure washer to clean the surface of the siding. If you have flower beds beside your home, though, make sure that you cover the plants before using any type of cleaner.

Roof Cleaning

During the fall, leaves can fall around your eaves if there are trees close to your house. You likely did not clean this out during the cold winter months, so now is the time to do so. If you do not remove leaves and debris from the roof, areas can begin to mold and rot. This can leave you with a big mess, so early prevention is key for this problem.

With spring approaching, it is time to dust off your lawn equipment and get everything back in shape. When you put forth this effort in making your home look great on the outside, you can be proud of your work.…

What You Need to Know About Green Pest Control

Green Pest Control

When irritating, destructive pests invade your home and yard, it is easy to call the nearest exterminator who will service your home quickly. Pesticides work fast and seem to fix the issues that “bug” you, but you could be trading one problem for several other dangers. If you want to rid your home of unwelcome creepy-crawlies, you can do so safely by selecting a pest control company that uses eco-friendly chemicals.

It Works Better and Lasts Longer

An environmentally conscious exterminator Portland OR uses eco-friendly chemicals that are more effective in treating your pest problems and last longer than their highly toxic counterparts. Insect populations survive treatments by developing resistance to products used by exterminators. Repeated exposure to poisonous solutions may only prepare insect colonies against future attacks. Because it is more difficult for pests to develop resistance to green solutions, low-toxicity chemicals are a no-brainer.

It Could Save Your Life

Chemical pesticides with a high level of toxicity can lead to acute poisoning if inhaled or absorbed into your skin. Even if a homeowner avoids these risks by evacuating his or her home during treatment, the dangers of repeated, low-level exposure over time has been scientifically linked to chronic health conditions including nerve, blood and liver damage. Reproductive disorders, congenital disabilities, genetic mutations, tumor growth, cancer and respiratory risks are also increased.

It Keeps the Ecosystem Balanced

Because traditional pesticides must be reapplied frequently, the unhealthy soil it leaves behind can make plant regrowth challenging. Toxins released into your soil may also kill your existing vegetation and harm your pets. Declines in pollinator populations such as butterflies and honeybees are primarily due to irresponsible pesticide use as well.

Ridding your home of unwanted pests is achieved more safely and effectively with environmentally friendly solutions. With this information, you can be sure that you are keeping you and your loved ones out of harm’s way.…

3 Things To do Before Buying a House

House

If you have been living in rental accommodations for a long time and are feeling financially secure, you are probably thinking that it is time to buy a house. Owning your home is an excellent way to invest your money long term and a great method of growing wealth. When it comes time to begin the house buying process, make sure to do these three things.

1. Find Out How Much You Can Spend

There are online mortgage calculators that help you figure out what the monthly payments of houses you see online would be. You also know how much you would feel comfortable spending each month. However, until you talk to a mortgage specialist at a company that does residential lending Murrieta CA, you won’t know how much the bank is willing to lend you. This number will dictate which houses you’ll visit, so do this early to avoid wasting time on houses that are outside your budget.

2. Interview Real Estate Agents

When you hire a real estate agent you want to make sure that you have a good personal connection and that they understand exactly what you’re looking for. You want someone who will work for you, not for the seller. Visit open houses of homes similar to what you’ll be looking for and make contact with several realtors. Meet with them all and get to know them. You can make an informed decision when you do.

3. Create a Checklist

Looking at houses can be exciting. However, you can get lost in all the possibilities of the house and forget to check if it has what you need. Create a checklist of your must-haves and take it with you to every viewing. It’s an easy way to narrow the field if you can’t decide on a house.

If you can, take your time when house-hunting. Finding something that works for you and your family and avoid the regrets.…

Everything You Need To Know About Window Grids

Window Grids

If you’re looking to replace your windows, you are going to have to decide if you want grids or not. Here is everything you need to know about them so you can make the right decision.

Original Ones Serve a Purpose

Old homes have functional grids. This goes back to the early days. Coastal areas that had a lot of sand were responsible for making glass. However, large panels could not be shipped without breakage. So small panes were made and sent to builders. The grids are what holds these panels together on historic houses and are necessary to preserve integrity.

New Ones Are Decorative

Today’s window grids don’t really do anything. On slightly older single-pane windows, they can be found outside the glass as a decoration. However, modern windows have two panes to protect you from the weather. Decorative grids are often found between these panes. If you’re going for a grid look, this is a good option because you don’t have to worry about cleaning around anything.

They Only Work With Some Architectural Styles

The big thing you need to think about if you are considering grids is your home’s architectural style. Therefore, think about whether your home is modern or traditional. Colonial and revival homes are examples of classic types that look great with grids. They are prevalent on the East coast, where the original colonies were. On the other hand, more contemporary styles look best without grids. This enhances their sleek looks.

They Can Obscure Your View

One major complaint about grids is that they obscure your view. If you have a large picture window with a great scene, grids may not be the best option. On the other hand, they can add some character to uninteresting views. If you don’t like the street view you’ve got, distract your eyes by adding grids.

Although they are typically decorative today, grids are still a significant consideration when replacing your windows. Be sure to consider the architectural style and views of your home before making this decision.…

What To Do With Your Home When You Move

Home

If you are moving to a different city or state and own your home, you have to decide what to do with it. You may not know exactly what your options are, but there may be more than you think. Consider whether you should buy, rent or keep your home. Because each situation is different, you must consider what is best for you and your family.

Sell It

When a family moves, they typically try to sell their home. This way, they can get some financial help with buying a new home in their new city. You may decide to hire a real estate agent, or you may choose to sell the home privately. One benefit of hiring a realtor is that he or she can sell the house even after you are in your new city.

Rent It

If your home is in an area that has a lot of rental properties, you may decide to hire a service for rental management Tacoma WA. This means that you still own your home, but you are renting it out to other people. This can help provide you with a steady stream of income, but it does take some extra effort on your part.

Keep It

Perhaps you are moving across the country for a job, but you may still have family that lives near your old home. If you have strong ties to the area, you may choose to keep the home so that you will have somewhere to stay when you visit. While this is obviously the most expensive option, it is the right choice for some families.

When you move, there are all kinds of decisions that you must make. To decide what is best for your situation, you first need to know all of your options. Discuss with your family members what decision makes the most sense for your unique circumstances.…

What You Need to Know About Hardscape Design

Design

Designing your outdoor space is exciting. You have the opportunity to design your yard space to meet your exact needs. However, if you are adding hardscape, you should understand a few things before you contact local hardscape design services North Carolina.

Hardscapes Defined

Hardscapes define your outdoor living spaces. They may include focal points. Typical hardscapes are pools, patios, decks and firepits. However, any part of your outdoor space that is not vegetation can be considered hardscape, including natural elements, such as rocks.

Planning

To get the yard of your dreams, you should start your plan by identifying where you want any hardscapes to be placed. Where would you like your decks and patios? Do you want pergolas or other structures built on top of them to provide shade? Be sure to consider your needs over a long period of time. For example, you may be adding a patio initially, but you may want to add a pool in a few years. You don’t want to impede your pool installation process later on. Draw out a map either digitally or physically on paper to evaluate your hardscape design.

Nature’s Curves

When you plan your hardscapes, consider following nature’s curves. Although you may have a somewhat square design for your patios and pools, remember that nature rarely grows in straight lines. You can contrast or complement these lines through your hardscape design.

Drainage

To protect your home, you should ensure that all water is diverted away from your home’s foundation. Build grading into your hardscape plan so the water runs away from your home. Encourage this water to drain naturally and prevent pooling in or around your hardscapes.

Soften

Finally, consider softening your hardscape with plenty of landscaping plants and trees. Avoid placing trees too close to concrete patios and pools to avoid root encroachment as the trees grow.

If you have a blank slate or want to rework your outdoor living spaces, consider consulting with a hardscape designer as you plan your space.…