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Should I Winterize My Yard?

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Posted by Tim Ruben on December 10, 2012 at 1:52 pm

Most people are aware that their house should be winterized in order to save energy and costs in the cold winter months. What many people don’t know, is that the rest of their property should be winterized as well.

It doesn’t take much effort to winterize your yard and it can help save a lot of time and energy when the winter is over. Landscape and construction specialists advise all homeowners to winterize their year in addition to their homes.

Below, are a few tips on how to winterize the specific areas of your property that surround your house:

Deck/patio: Bring any patio furniture or potted plants inside, to avoid damage. If your deck is wooden, make sure the wood repels water instead of absorbing it — if it’s absorbing water, damage and discoloring can occur. Applying water sealant can protect the deck against the cold, wet winter.

Swimming Pool: The main reason to winterize your swimming pool, whether it is above or below ground, is to protect it from damage due to freezing water. The second reason is to keep it as clean as possible for the next season. Closing your swim pool properly can save you a lot of work when it comes time to open the pool for the summer.

Garden: The winter can damages plants in the garden, as plants in all regions across the US encounter cold spells. During these colder months, vegetation in the garden is particularly at risk of catching a disease or dying. Harvesting or shub pruning Kirkland may prove to be beneficial. New York to Seattle arborist specialists agree that a visit to your local  garden shop or home goods store can help fill you in on how to protect your specific plans.

Lawn: Your lawn’s nutrient needs change in the fall in preparation for the cold weather ahead. Winterizing fertilizers are high in potassium (K) for this reason. Make sure that if you use fertilizer, to switch it up when the seasons change. Also, if you live in an area with frequent snow fall, it could be worth it to place snow markings that indicate where your certain things are located that could be damaged by plows or shovels. Also, it is important to rake up the thick layers of leaves that settle on the lawn, as large leaves, especially when they get wet, can compact to the point where they suffocate the grass below.

Trees:  Bellevue tree removal may be necessary for any trees that could damage the home or property in the case of a winter storm. Some trees can easily be removed, others you may have to hire a tree service to aid in the removal.

Equipment: Make sure that all the winter-essential equipment that you will need is accessible. This includes shovels and brooms, salt, and car scrapers. If you know where they are ahead of time, they will be easy to find in case a winter storm arrives.

Although it may take some time and effort, you certainly won’t regret winterizing your lawn once winter has passed and spring begins to come. If the above tasks are taken care of, less energy and money will be needed in the coming months.

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How much money will energy efficient windows save your home?

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Posted by Tim Ruben on November 26, 2012 at 3:20 pm

energy efficient san diegoOne of the most effective ways to save on your home utility bills and increase energy efficiency is to have the proper windows installed in all the rooms of your house. While this is no small project and can often carry a large bill, experts in window replacement San Diego say the up front cost is lessened with every year that passes as your new windows will save a substantial amount of cash.

But how much can they save exactly? Well, the answer depends mostly on where you live and the tax codes/government subsidies available in your state or region. According to Energy Star, the average homeowner will save between $126-$465 per year if they replace single pane windows with any Energy Star certified replacement.

Savings do vary, but no matter where you live, there are savings to be had from energy efficient window upgrades. Also, it is important to remember that these are yearly savings, so they’ll add up over time, meaning if you plan on staying put for a few years, now is the time to pop out them old rusty window frames and get some shiny, money-saving new ones up.

Finding energy efficient windows that meet or exceed Energy Star standards is no longer difficult. All the top brands offer qualifying windows. Up until the end of 2010, energy efficient window purchases are eligible for up to $1,500 in federal tax credits as well. A homeowner in North Carolina, for example, could stand to save or recoup upwards of $2,000 within a year of installing energy efficient replacement windows. And the savings continue to add up from there.

On the other hand, the up front cost can sometimes leave homeowners wondering if they will ever recover on their investments. Experts on energy efficient San Diego home improvement options, have argued it is sometimes more worthwhile to look at other energy efficiency enhancers in your house such as proper insulation. Some lower cost house have empty walls and this can cost dearly when dealing with heating and cooling bills.

Before changing your windows, it’s often best to review the entire home. Sometimes, a good layer of insulation in the attic will be just for energy efficiency and cost 10 times less than changing the windows.

The cost in removing the old window can also vary to the extent of the damage due to dry rot, so the cost will be based on the labor needed to repair the damage. Another thing that can increase the cost is custom sizes, as it will be as much as 50 to 100 percent more than the original cost of the replacement windows.

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How Can I Winterize My Home?

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Posted by Tim Ruben on November 20, 2012 at 2:41 pm

As the temperature goes down, the thermostats go up. However, with the rising temperatures inside also come higher utility bills. There are several things a person can do to prepare their home and landscape for the winter months and make their home feel warmer without ever turning up the heat. Below, are 8 simple tips to winterizing your home:

  1. Stop the drafts. According to the US Department of Energy, drafts from underneath doors and other spaces in the walls can waste 5 to 30 percent of energy use per year. An easy solution to this problem is the draft snake, an invention of the Great Depression era. These door stoppers can easily made by rolling up a towel or other fabric and placing it under the door where the air would come out. Alternatively, they can be bought pre-made. Another culprit of bringing in cool air is the window air conditioning unit. During winter, remove these from your window so they can be probably shut to better insulate.
  2. Install storm doors and windows. Installing storm doors and windows seal drafts and reduce air flow, increasing energy efficiency by 45 percent. If you don’t feel like dealing with storm windows in addition to doors, according to the US Department of Energy, taping up bubble-wrap or another plastic-material sheet can avoid the drafts which waste. Window insulation kits can be bought at any local hardware store.
  3. Run ceiling fans in reverse. Many people are unaware that most ceiling fans have the ability to reverse the direction of the blades. In general, a counter-clockwise rotation produces cool breezes while clockwise rotation can make a home warmer, as hot air near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space. This can cut your heating costs as much as 10 percent.
  4. Control the thermostat. Lowering the heat on the thermostat when your out of the house or sleeping can be the most cost-effective way to winterize your home. Programable thermostats make this act easier, since you can see the temperature to a degree. For every degree you lower the thermostat, you’ll on average save between 1 and 3 percent of your heating bill.
  5. Add insulation. Heat rises, and when it does it can quickly be released if insulation is not up to par. Adding insulation between walls, on the attic floor, and basement ceiling can prevent heat from escaping through the roof.
  6. Caulk gaps. Even small leaks, cracks, or gaps can reduce home energy efficiency. It is important to seal up any gaps with caulking and weatherstripping. These gaps are commonly found where two different building materials meet, such as corners, around chimneys, where pipes or wires exit, and along the foundation.
  7. Don’t forget the yard. Bring any patio furniture or potted plants inside, to avoid damage. Redmond tree removal may be necessary for any trees that could damage the home or property in the case of a winter storm. Some trees can easily be removed, others you may have to hire a Redmond tree service to aid in the removal. Lastly, if you live in an area with frequent snow fall, it could be worth it to place snow markings that indicate where your certain things are located that could be damaged by plows or shovels.
  8. Bundle up. Wearing layers is the easiest, most cost-effective way to winterize your home. A heavy sweater can increase temperature in warmth from 2 to 4 degrees. Blankets are another great way to stay warm while at home.

Even a the simplest efforts to winterize can go a long way to saving energy and money. New York to Seattle arborist, landscape, and construction specialists advise all homeowners to winterize their home if they are able to. Preparing your home and landscape will keep you and your family warmer for less!

 

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What Is the Biological Species Concept?

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Posted by Heather Aarons on June 19, 2012 at 3:11 pm

Binomial nomenclature, the universal classification system defined by Carolus Linnaeus in 1737 in his published work Systema Naturae, was his attempt to unravel God’s design of the universe. Today, scientists still use this classification system as they persevere in their evolutionary quest of unraveling the material world.

However, the most fundamental component of this classification system, the definition of the species level, remains unsettled. The biological species concept (BSC) introduced by Ernest Mayr has been accepted in theory to define species, but in many circumstances the concept’s very nature makes it impossible for professionals to practice in their everyday work.  Arborist Seattle experts, for example, instead are more likely to use morphological definitions as they identify plant species while working on projects.

One major shortfall of the BSC is that it does not include classification of asexual organisms, pathogenesis, and the fossil record. The classification of the fossil record should be concordant with the classification of living species as it is crucial to our understanding of the evolution of existing organisms. The BSC does not allow for this and therefore is in desperate need of revision in order for it to be universally applied.

To learn more about certified arborist visit this arborist and tree service Bellevue website.

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How to Increase Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings

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Posted by Amanda Rahi on February 27, 2012 at 5:24 pm

Historic buildings are the gems are our cities. By maintaining their look and condition we not only are conserving the aesthetics of our communities, we are providing an important value to the image and physical state of our city. As a result, property value increases as does tourism.

Maintenance in buildings with outdated infrastructures, however, can be difficult and due to the poor energy consumption systems, can be costly.

In these cases, manual and automatic balancing valves can be inserted into older technologies to enhance heating and cooling systems that are already in place. Control valves help to more evenly disturb heat and air flow in order to reduce wasted energy. According to the city council of the city of Boulder Colorado, the technology to enhance energy efficiency is readily available and can make a major difference in energy consumption. In fact, with rising energy costs of fossil fuels, it only makes sense to look to how to reduce consumption in every area possible.

Another easy medication that can go a long way is to adjust thermostats that control hot water heaters, refrigerators, boilers and air conditioners. For every Fahrenheit degree the temperature is set back it is estimated to correspond to 3 percent savings, according to the Boulder city website.

For more information on energy saving balancing valves visit the Flo-Pac strainer salve suppliers website.

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Can an Arborist Prevent Tree Hazards on My Property?

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Posted by Amanda Rahi on December 12, 2011 at 10:24 am

In order to prevent tree hazards during heavy rains and storms, Seattle arborist John Deutsch recommends removing trees that are dying, or dead, severely structurally deformed, or when it is too close to buildings or power lines.

In addition proper tree care and avoiding over pruning can help your trees better withstand heavy winds and rains.

In an interview on the KPCC Southern California Public Radio, Frank McDonough, the botanical information consultant at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, discusses common misconceptions about tree pruning and removal in order to prevent unexpected tree falls.

McDonough explains that the kind of care a tree gets is the most influential factor affecting its health and risk of falling. In fact, the trimming and branch cutting, which is believe to help make the tree lighter and healthier, actually takes away a tree’s strength.

The arborist explains that excess trimming takes away a tree’s protection against strong winds and it also damages the root structure.

“Fewer leaves, less food for the tree … It kind of conserves, pulls back, sloughs off roots underground so the root structure gets smaller and smaller,” clarifies McDonough.

Arborist report Seattle experts at Certified Arborist Tree Care, LLC highly recommend finding a ISA certified arborist to assess tree fall risk on your property and to help you take the right steps to caring for your trees.

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What Is an Arborist and When Do I Need to Call One?

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Posted by Amanda Rahi on October 12, 2011 at 4:57 pm

An arborist, also known as an aboriculturist, specializes in cultivation and the management of trees, shrubs, vines and other perennial woody plants. Their primary focus is the health and safety of trees and plants, which is distinct from a forester or logger, although the professions share some things in common.

Seattle arborist expert describes himself as someone who often works both in tree services and as a consultant. For example, he will prune and trim landscapes and also assess disputes involving trees.

Among clients concerned about the well-being of their trees, arborists are highly respected and valued. For example, the worried home-owner, who was sold on her house by the beautiful trees lining the front yard, will call a certified arborist upon noticing that her trees look sickly.

Season changes are also important occasions to turn to arborist. The article “October Tree Care: 3 Ways to Winterize your Trees”, highlights important advice given by an arborist report Seattle specialist.

Whether you are a tree lover or not, if you are a property owner you will most likely have to deal with your trees and vegetation at some point in time. An arborist can assist you in making the best choices and taking the right and safest approach.

Arborist Seattle specialist, Certified Arborist Tree Care, LLC, has a complete offering of services which includes: pruning and trimming, tree removals, planting, cabling and bracing, fertilizing, legal/expert witness service, arborist reports and consulting, and hazard and risk assessment. If you are seeking any of the above services or think you may be in need, contact a local specialist that is ISA Certified (International Society of Arboriculture), the most widely recognized certification in the world.

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Why Do Tree Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

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Posted by Marie on September 13, 2011 at 5:49 pm

Leaves

Redmond arborist Certified Arborist Tree Care offers this explanation:

During warm spring and summer months, a tree’s leaves are green due to large amounts of a chemical called chlorophyll.  In colder months, chlorophyll production slows and the leaves lose their green color.

Rather than producing energy from food consumed from the environment (the way animals do), plants produce their own food from the sun’s light energy through a process called photosynthesis.  Sunlight allows plants to turn water extracted from the ground and carbon dioxide from the air to produce glucose, a type of sugar.  This sugar is the food that the plants use as fuel.  Chlorophyll is an essential chemical in the process of photosynthesis.  It is produced in the chloroplasts of a plant cell, and though a plant leaf contains other substances with brown and red hues, its bright green color overrides other colors to make the leaves appear green.

During the fall, the sun begins to rise later and set earlier – reducing the amount of sunlight available to the plants and cutting their food source.  The cold temperatures that follow also mean that water in the ground may freeze and trees won’t have a fresh water source.  The trees survive the temperature and light changes by going into hibernation.  Food production shuts down and the leaves lose their chlorophyll.  This means that the red and brown colors that were hidden in the leaves become the main color, and as the leaves are starved of food they will eventually die and fall off the tree.

Healthy tree growth during the spring and summer depends on good tree care, including proper winterization and pruning.  For more information on hiring an arborist Seattle visit Certified Arborist Tree Care online.

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Can I Use Wind Energy For My Home?

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Posted by Melissa Le Furge on August 23, 2011 at 12:39 pm

Wind energy systems, like solar systems san diego, are an ecologically-friendly renewable resource.   Many people have seen large-scale wind farms in the middle of fields or along coastlines, but perhaps never knew wind turbines could be used in a residential environment.

Powering a single residential home with wind energy is entirely possible.  Providing, a sufficient amount of electricity to power a home actually requires a bit of space – in other words, putting a turbine the size of a pinwheel on the apartment balcony won’t produce much.   It is recommended that the taller the turbine tower the better, so make sure there is as much room for it laying down (construction and maintenance) as there is standing up.  Implementing home wind energy also requires a location that is, well, windy.  To get the most out of a home turbine, the average wind speed should be about 10-12 mph.

Like solar electricity san diego, wind electricity production is pretty simple:
A wind turbine consists of a generator at the base, a tower shaft and fan-like rotor blades.

  1. Wind rushes past the turbine and hits the rotor blades and causes them to rotate.
  2. The rotor blades are connected to a shaft within the tower and the rotation of the blades causes the shaft to spin.
  3. The spinning shaft spins the generator at the base and creates friction voltage.
  4. The voltage can be used immediately or can be stored during times of lower wind speeds
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What is a Certified Arborist ?

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Posted by Melissa Le Furge on June 8, 2011 at 3:05 pm

Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care.

Certified arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification and adhere to a Code of Ethics. Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

So it’s important to know a Certified Arborist, most of all in cities like Seattle, which are more likely to have these tree problems.

As a certified arborist Seattle landscaping consultant John Deutsch recommends checking the ISA website to verify whether your tree service is qualified.  When looking for a Seattle Arborist you should be aware that is a decision not to be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

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