Fall Lawn Preparation
April 10, 2014
Care of your lawn in the fall is as important as in spring and summer. Regular care is the key to an attractive and healthy lawn through the fall and winter months. Here are few things you can do to help your lawn survive the winter and recover vigorously in the spring.
Fertilization — Fall fertilization is the key to prolonging fall color and promoting early spring recovery of the lawn. It helps produce a dense turf that resists winter weeds. Fertilizer used in the fall should be higher in nitrogen and potassium and lower in phosphorus. Grasses fertilized this way have shown greater survival…
Protecting Your Wood Floor
April 10, 2014
The Wood Floor Manufacturers Association states that wood floors are the easiest of all floor types to keep clean and looking new. In order to accomplish this several items must be taken into consideration. These include keeping dirt and grit off the floor, keeping water off the floor, and maintaining the surface finish.
Cleaning
Clean weekly with a dust mop or vacuum. A damp mop may be used for spills, but never for general cleaning. The water can get into crevices in the wood and result in damage to the floor. Do not ever use a dripping mop.
Keep dirt and grit off the floor to prevent scratches.…
Fireplace Maintenance
April 10, 2014
Always be sure the damper is fully open before starting a fire in the fireplace. It can, and should be closed during non-use to avoid conditioned air loss.
Gas Starters
When you have a gas starter, first arrange your logs and open the fresh air vent, if applicable, then start a small fire with newspaper before attempting to turn on the gas starter. Once the wood is sufficiently burning, you can turn off the starter. Do not leave the valve key in the valve to avoid unintentional gas leaks.
Glass Doors
Where provided be sure they are open while a fire is burning intensely. They can be closed when the…
Recycling: Still Making a Difference
April 10, 2014
We all know recycling is a smart idea. But are we participating enough to have a significant impact on reducing manufacturing pollutants and saving energy? Successful recycling, in the simplest terms, is a loop —one that begins and ends with you. When we don't participate in recycling programs unnecessary waste is added to our landfills, and landfills are not designed to decompose trash — only to bury it. Constantly adding to our landfills means we constantly need more of them. Because no one wants one near their home, trash will need to be hauled greater distances"¦and that means increased…
Floor Covering Cleaning & Maintenance
April 10, 2014
Carpet Vacuuming
In order to extend the life and beauty of your carpet it is necessary to vacuum regularly. In high traffic areas this could be as much as once a day. Vacuuming not only keeps the carpet clean, but helps to keep the nap in an upright position.
Spills
Spills should be dabbed up and spot cleaned immediately. Be sure to color test your spot cleaner in a non visible place, i.e. a closet, first. Carpets should be cleaned professionally regularly, i.e. annually.
Resilient Flooring
No Wax
The resilient flooring in your home is the no wax type. This means the floor is coated with a clear finish…
Keep Your Home & Property Secure While Out Of Town
April 10, 2014
A holiday vacation, a weekend away from home, or a business trip should be a pleasant experience for you and your family, and often, our fears can get the best of us and give us cause for concern when in fact there are no reasons for being alarmed. However, being safe and secure at all times is not just something that one should do when going out of town, but rather, something that should be incorporated into one's daily routine. By being aware of your surroundings and the world around you and your loved ones, small steps can add up to providing year-round peace of mind.
Create A Vacation Checklist And…