• Tree Services

    All About Stump Grinding – Here’s the Lowdown

    All About Stump Grinding – Here’s the Lowdown

    Stump Grinding
    Stump Grinding

    As much as you hate to have those amazing trees removed, there will be instances when tree removal is the only feasible solution to your problem. Damaged or infested trees will do your property more harm than good and sadly, you just need to let it go. After tree removal, however, you’ll be left with a tree stump and now you’re asking yourself what’s next. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Not all people know what to do or how to get rid of stumps. Here’s what you need to know about stump grinding and what you can possibly get from this particular tree service.

    Stump grinding has a lesser effect on the yard than excavating it.

    Excavation requires a bigger machine that creates a bigger hole, of course. You’ll need to have this large hole all filled up to avoid accidents and water pooling in the process. On the other hand, stump grinding only requires a smaller machine leaving your property with only a relatively small hole that’s easy to fill up. No need to worry about your property getting all torn up and left with numerous holes. The grinding debris can also be used as mulch so you can use it efficiently in soil cultivation.

    Stump grinding has many benefits.

    Tree stumps can create an apparent tripping hazard to your family members, and even your pets, too. To prevent mishaps, it’s better to have it removed through stump grinding. A rotting stump may also become a breeding ground for fungus of all types and this could cause a fungal infection in the end. Eventually, it might spread to other healthy plants in your yard. Aside from fungus infestation, pests, termites, and snakes might see the stump as a great place to permanently stay. It is definitely a huge no-no for any homeowner.

    Stump grinding can actually be done underground.

    Stump Removal
    Stump Removal

    Stump grinding doesn’t just work on the surface of your property. It actually works both ways – above ground and underground. There are tree stumps with roots that are easier to pull out, but there are also some which are not. Basically, stump grinding allows you to dig as deep as 12 inches under in order to reach deep roots. It also allows you to plant another seedling within the exact spot right after.  Some homeowners try to grind a stump themselves, it can be done, just be careful!

    Stump grinding paves the way for the creation of mulch.

    After the stump is ground, a mulch is produced which is made up of tree remnants and dirt. Don’t throw that huge amount of dirt, though. Mulch is actually an organic material that can be used for composting and soil cultivation. Unlike other forms of mulch, mulch from stump grinding easily decomposes making it valuable to the soil and plants.

    It’s depressing to see a tree go, considering the many benefits that you get from it. However, you need to accept the fact that some trees will have to be removed in order to sustain the safety of your property, your family, and even the other trees surrounding it. Through stump grinding, you can be assured that the damaged tree will be gotten rid of from roots to tip.

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  • Irrigation

    Irrigation System Installation & Considerations

    Irrigation System Installation & Considerations

    Sprinkler Repair
    Sprinkler Repair

    When you think about the costs revolving around a new sprinkler system, you really need to look at the entire picture to determine whether it is right for you. Not everyone values the convenience and ease a sprinkler system brings to a homeowner. Some people prefer to hand water their property due to the small size of their yard or with a sprinkler attached to the hose. However, when you have a normal size or large yard, the answer becomes rather obvious. After being exhausted from your day at the office, the last thing you want to do is water the yard. The time it takes to water the yard two to three times a week just eats away your personal time from relaxing or spending time with the family. The average American spends well over 40 hours at work. We don’t need to add more work when we get home.

    Okay, so obviously an irrigation system installation is a huge convenience and time saver. It’s important that the homeowner weigh out their options. For example, the difference between the usual automatic sprinkler and a drip irrigation system. The two are similar in that it waters the grass, but drip irrigation systems work more specifically to reduce the amount of water you use on your property with as much as 20-50% reduction in water use. Drip irrigation uses less water than other automated sprinkler systems because it provides water straight to the roots. This is important because that’s where you want you the water to reach for your landscape to thrive. Unlike like other sprinkler systems, drip irrigation prevents water run-off and evaporation. You may not think about it, but when you water your lawn the water will run-off or evaporate before your roots got very much water. This is why we water our lawns longer without this type of irrigation system in place. If you are trying to conserve water and save money spent on water, you should consider getting the drip irrigation system.

    Sprinkler Installation
    Sprinkler Installation

    A typical lawn needs one inch of water weekly. The worst option to accomplish this is by hand watering or using a hose with a sprinkler. You will overwater, underwater, and either way, you kill your grass. Not to mention, increase the cost of water with a less efficient means of accomplishing this task. There’s also the huge amount of time you used to do this inefficient task. I still suggest a sprinkler system to hand no matter what type you go with. You don’t over and under water the way you do by hand. Save more money and time. Automatic sprinkler systems are 60% effective compared to drip irrigation. As explained, is due to the runoff of water and evaporation. To get the best bang where it matters most will be with drip irrigation, fully utilizes all water and drops on the roots of the plant.

    In addition, you get a reduction of eliminating weeds and mosquitoes when you have this type of irrigation system. Weeds and water-borne bugs prosper from overwatering. This overwatering occurs when you attempt to water your lawn yourself or if your sprinkler system needs to be fine-tuned. When you have a drip irrigation system, there is no stagnant water, so there is no crazy weed growths and swarming mosquitoes. The choice is glaringly obvious.

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  • Plumbing

    Water Heater

    Water Heater

    Water Heater
    Water Heater

    When it comes to taking showers and baths, it is important to have plenty of hot water. When kids take showers before me and then I get in for mine, I get to enjoy a cold shower. That is not my idea of an enjoyable and relaxing shower. When I got my tankless water heater I saw so many benefits, that I wouldn’t dream of going back to a traditional water heater. With endless and instant hot water, energy savings, money savings, increasing my home value, and so many more benefits to enjoy. With that being said it’s also important to know the cons to owning a tankless water heater.

    Hot Water Lag
    A tankless water heater works instantly, but there is a lag time. The faucet is the catalyst to get the hot water for your shower. When you turn the faucet on, you will be removing the cold water between the faucet and the heat exchanger. If these two are located far apart, it will take a little longer to get your endless hot water.

    Temperature Inconsistencies
    If you have 3 bathrooms and everyone decides to take a shower at the same time, you can experience some temperature issues. This can also be impacted if you have multiple appliances like the dishwasher and laundry going in your washing machine. The heat exchanger may not be able to keep up, and you may experience changes in temperature.

    Cost of System
    Yes, you do save a lot of money on your tankless system on maintenance, and you do get a lot of years out of your system. However, when you purchase and install a tankless water system, it will cost you a lot more money for the luxury water heater. It costs more for labor since this system is more complex and labor intensive.

    Warranty Issues
    If you do not adhere to the maintenance requirements, your tankless water heater will not be covered. So anything from adding water softener system as needed or an annual cleaning may be in your maintenance requirements. These are added costs that home buyers don’t realize when considering a water heater.

    Energy Star

    tankless water heater
    tankless water heater

    Energy Star types of water heaters allow home buyers to save on monthly energy savings and even qualify for a tax credit. Unfortunately, sometimes the savings to install a tankless system may not be worth it depending on your preference and size of your residence.

    Despite all the cons, I still find a tankless water heater far superior to any other water heater out there. With the benefits of saving money and enjoying endless hot water, the pros far out way the cons in owning one of these systems. These systems are the money saving option though they do cost more than the traditional. They are the luxury option for water heaters. It’s important to weight out all options before making such a big purchase. Tankless water heaters are not the solution for all homeowners, but you will find they are the solution for most.

  • Irrigation

    Sprinkler System

    Sprinkler System
    Sprinkler System

    Sprinkler systems are huge time savers as well as save you money on water. When someone waters their lawn by hand or sprinkler head they attach to a hose, they use so much more water. That water is wasted. Your grass in your lawn will only absorb so much. In addition to that, your time is valuable. We have only so much time on earth, so it’s important we treasure every minute doing something we value. If you value your lawn that’s great, but a sprinkler system can take care of your lawn without wasting any of your time. For these reasons, you should consider getting a sprinkler system.

    Sprinkler companies can come by your home to give you a free estimate if you are interested. If you have an idea of which system you want you should let them know. They have to develop a design for your specific property because every property is different. It’s important to do your own research and determine which system you like and why. They have so many out there. I would also suggest getting several quotes to ensure you are getting the best price for the system you want. Consider the reputation of the company you pick also.

    Possible Maintenance

    Automatic Lawn Sprinkler
    Automatic Lawn Sprinkler

    Water sprinklers will last you at least a decade with minimal maintenance expenses. The occasional sprinkler head needs to be cleaned or replaced. It is important to note that when temperatures below freezing or hard freezes, you will have to winterize your system. I would definitely have a sprinkler technician do an assessment of your system after every winter to check and make sure no pipes burst or nothing needs to be fixed due to wear and tear with time. Other than that, your sprinkler system will run automatically without your help, sweat, or tears. This is so important, because when you watered the lawn by hand or by moving the hose around it still never did the job. There were parts of your lawn that would die that I call dry patches. You definitely wouldn’t get “Lawn of the Season” in your neighborhood without one of these amazing systems.

    Automatic sprinkler systems make it an easy choice for me. You don’t have to stand outside or forget you left the hose on. Another awesome thing about these systems is a rain sensor. If your lawn receives heavy rains or rains a couple of days in a row, the rain sensor knows it. Your sprinkler system won’t turn on for the next couple of mornings to allow the drenched lawn to drain all that water. I used to have a sprinkler system without this feature. It would turn on even when it was raining. I knew when I got my new system that it had to have that feature. I got the best of the best sprinkler systems, Rain Bird sprinkler system. It’s a serious system that operates automatically and adjusts for your landscape, temperature, and rainfall. The best thing about this system is that it will take into account dips and hills. So if you have a slope in your land, the downward slope would receive less time with the sprinkler than say a flat level property. Technology has sure come around with sprinkler systems. It’s easy to see why every business and homeowner should have one.