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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-Tree Maintenance
-Winterizing Your Lawn
-Computer Maintenance Tips
-Tips from Ace Hardware
-How to find a good contractor
Volume I, Edition 11
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today.
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM -
12 PM central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit
our website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email
on a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Thank you for your interest in the Ask The Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
Simpson's Tree Service
Jimmie Simpson
Tree Maintenance
Maintenance starts early
Young trees require early care and attention in order to best develop its character and enhance your
property. Proper watering, mulching and pruning techniques during the crucial first couple years will go
along way in helping your tree reach its full potential and maturity.
Watering
Until its roots are capable of tapping available groundwater, young trees require sufficient watering
from above ground. During long dry weather periods, it is especially important to water young trees
deeply and slowly.
Mulching
Mulch is a young tree's best friend. A 3 to 10 foot diameter circle of mulch serves several different
important functions:
• Keeps weeds away from the tree
• Helps the tree retain moisture
• Insulates the soil around the tree
• Raises soil temperature and minimizes soil compaction
• Prevents lawn mower and trimmer damage around the base of the tree
• Improves the appearance of the tree and yard
It's important to remove any grass within the mulch area. Mix in wood chips and bark pieces 2-4 inches
deep, without touching the tree. Keep the mulch circle less than 6 inches deep.
Pruning throughout a tree's life
Tree Pruning promotes overall tree health and substantially enhances the appearance of a tree and
property. Besides merely improving a tree's shape, there are a number of reason's that a tree may
need pruning:
• Lower hanging, obstructing branches may need to be removed.
• The tree's crown may need thinning, to permit new growth.
• Storm-damaged or diseased branches may need to be removed.
• To keep the tree at maximum height, or to reduce the height of the tree..
How Much To Prune?
When pruning a tree, one should begin the job with "less is best" in mind. Dramatic improvements can
be made to a tree's health and appearance with minor and precise pruning made in the right places. A
rule of thumb is never prune more than 25% of the crown.
Proper Pruning
When pruning the branches of a tree, it's important to follow proper pruning technique to avoid long
term damage and decay (see the figure to the right). For younger trees, make a sharp, clean cut, just
beyond a lateral bud or other branch. For larger trees, three cuts need to be made to branches or limbs
which need to be removed. The first two cuts help the pruned branch "fall" from the tree. The last cut,
near the branch collar, is made to help the tree compartmentalize the prune wound. The tree sets up its
own zone of protection to inhibit the spread of decay. It's very important not to cut into or damage the
branch collar.
To ensure the long-term health of your investment and because properly pruned trees require less
frequent pruning, do consider hiring tree care experts.
Call us for a free Tree Pruning quote: (281) 980-0095
Some things not to do when pruning:
• Do not top trees! One of the worst things you can do for the health of a tree is prune large upright
branches between nodes (where branches meet other branches or the tree trunk). Topping often
makes ugly, weakly attached limbs grow back even higher than the original branches. Topping can
also lead to tree decay or disease, as the stubs have a difficult time forming protective callus.
• Avoid tipping, or cutting lateral branches between nodes, to reduce crown width. Like topping, tipping
harms trees and can lead to unsightly sprouting and death of some cut branches.
• Never remove more than 25-33% of a tree's crown.
• Do not cut flush to the tree trunk, rip branches away, or cut off stubs from the tree. These actions can
cause decay or prevent proper healing.
Storm or Wind Damage Prevention
Heavy & weak, damaged or dead limbs are the first to go during a storm. If your tree is near your home,
this puts your windows, and your safety into serious jeopardy. Dead and weakened limbs should be
pruned out of trees annually and thin excess branches out of the crown to reduce the sail affect on the
canopy. Strong roots and properly pruned branches help your tree defend itself against nature's
elements.
Watering, fertilizing and protecting trees from soil compaction keep your tree healthy and growth
vigorous. Planting the right tree will help minimize storm damage. Trees that are fast growing are
typically brittle and have more tendency to break.
With regular and proper tree maintenance, you can take important steps to protect your home and
property from tree damage during periods of strong winds or storms.
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Winterizing You Lawn
As we head into winter the buzz word for lawn care is Winterizer. Each year people spend hard earned
money on this product without knowing what it is and why they are putting it out.
What is Winterizer and do we need it? Winterizer has the same basic ingredients as the fertilizer sold
in the summer except that it has reduced nitrogen. Nitrogen is what causes your grass to green in the
warmer months but in the winter the roots are the important part as the grass is dormant. Applying a
fertilizer that is low in nitrogen gives the roots a good feeding encouraging their growth throughout the
winter to make a great show in the spring with a healthy green lawn.
The recommended times for application of commercial fertilizers is three applications per year with
one being the winterizer. It is not too late to apply the winterizer now but after the first freeze it would be
best to wait until the spring to start a new fertilization schedule.
Another choice is organic fertilizers like poultry litter or worm castings which are applied four times per
year and there is never a bad time to apply these. The benefits of organic fertilizers are that they create
healthy lawns that are less susceptible to chinch bugs and brown patch, two most common problems
in St. Augustine Lawns.
Melinda Sperl is the owner of Dream Landscape Design, Inc., a full service landscape company. You
can reach Melinda at Melinda@dreamlandscapedesign.com or www.dreamlandscapedesign.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Impress Computers
Roland Parker
Computer Maintenance Tips
1. Clean your temporary internet files on a regular basis. You can do this by clicking on "Start/All
Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Cleanup". This will clear your machine of unnecessary files
and help prevent malicious programs from being activated from that location.
2. Run your anti spy ware program regularly. Most programs do not run automatically, so you need to
both run the program and delete the files that it finds.
3. Every 3-6 months start your computer in safe mode. (you can do this by restarting your computer and
when it starts to reboot, hit the F8 key). Once in safe mode clean your temporary files and then run your
anti spy ware program. The reason for doing this is that sometimes a program file that already resides
in the temp location may be running and cannot be deleted without being in safe mode. Now run your
anti spy ware program and then restart your pc.
4. Check on your antivirus program once a week. Make sure that your definitions are up-to-date and that
it has running the scan daily. If a bug has got into the system it will attempt to disable your antivirus
program. If you can catch it early enough you can sometimes start your pc in safe mode (described
above) and get rid of the bug before it does any major damage. If you do not have an antivirus program
you can download for free from AVG, but be warned that if your machine is already infected you may
have to bring it into the store as some viruses will disable the anti virus program as you are
downloading it. We can clean it up and install the software for you.
5. Beware of what you click on! If you get a pop-up on your screen that says that your pc is infected and
that you need to run this program to get rid of it, do not click on the file. Also DO NOT click on the x to
close it, this will only cause your pc to become infected*. To close the pop-up click on Control W and
then run your anti spy ware program in safe mode*
*Example: You see a popup. It has an "X" on it, so you click it to close the window. That triggers the
download and install of malicious software. The software disconnects you from your ISP, dials a $4.99
per minute "premium service" and you end up with a huge phone bill. What happened? The "X" was
fake -- the whole window was just a graphic. Anywhere you clicked was a link to the "drive-by
download". How can you avoid drive-by downloads? A good way is to prevent pop ups in the first place.
If you do get a popup though, close it using the "Ctrl-W" trick. (As soon as it pops up, hold down the Ctrl
key and press the W key). That way you won't trigger the download.
_____________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: have a rectangular window that is above a regular window that leaks when it rains hard and blows
into the window. I am not sure where the leak is coming from. Is there a way to find out where the leak
is before I strip the caulk and re-caulk (hopefully not making it worse?
A: Chances are the leak is coming from around the window where it meets the siding. On a clear day
I would go up to the window with a hose and drench the window one side at a time and have someone
inside to see where it is leaking from. That way you can determine the correct method to fix the leak.
This type of problem can be hard to define and fix. Do not be discouraged if it takes more that one try to
fix the leak. Also, remember to use a good exterior caulk. I know this place with three letters in their
name, their color is red, and you can get the right product to complete this task.
________________________________________________________________________________
Finding A Good Contractor
Sponsored By Check A Pro
When considering a contractor always be sure to 'Check' them out! You should:
-Research license information with the State of Texas
-Ask them for references
-Ask them if they are insured
-Contact the local business bureau
For a list of pre-qualified service providers visit www.checkapro.com.
-Winterizing Your Lawn
-Computer Maintenance Tips
-Tips from Ace Hardware
-How to find a good contractor
Volume I, Edition 11
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today.
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM -
12 PM central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit
our website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email
on a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Thank you for your interest in the Ask The Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
Simpson's Tree Service
Jimmie Simpson
Tree Maintenance
Maintenance starts early
Young trees require early care and attention in order to best develop its character and enhance your
property. Proper watering, mulching and pruning techniques during the crucial first couple years will go
along way in helping your tree reach its full potential and maturity.
Watering
Until its roots are capable of tapping available groundwater, young trees require sufficient watering
from above ground. During long dry weather periods, it is especially important to water young trees
deeply and slowly.
Mulching
Mulch is a young tree's best friend. A 3 to 10 foot diameter circle of mulch serves several different
important functions:
• Keeps weeds away from the tree
• Helps the tree retain moisture
• Insulates the soil around the tree
• Raises soil temperature and minimizes soil compaction
• Prevents lawn mower and trimmer damage around the base of the tree
• Improves the appearance of the tree and yard
It's important to remove any grass within the mulch area. Mix in wood chips and bark pieces 2-4 inches
deep, without touching the tree. Keep the mulch circle less than 6 inches deep.
Pruning throughout a tree's life
Tree Pruning promotes overall tree health and substantially enhances the appearance of a tree and
property. Besides merely improving a tree's shape, there are a number of reason's that a tree may
need pruning:
• Lower hanging, obstructing branches may need to be removed.
• The tree's crown may need thinning, to permit new growth.
• Storm-damaged or diseased branches may need to be removed.
• To keep the tree at maximum height, or to reduce the height of the tree..
How Much To Prune?
When pruning a tree, one should begin the job with "less is best" in mind. Dramatic improvements can
be made to a tree's health and appearance with minor and precise pruning made in the right places. A
rule of thumb is never prune more than 25% of the crown.
Proper Pruning
When pruning the branches of a tree, it's important to follow proper pruning technique to avoid long
term damage and decay (see the figure to the right). For younger trees, make a sharp, clean cut, just
beyond a lateral bud or other branch. For larger trees, three cuts need to be made to branches or limbs
which need to be removed. The first two cuts help the pruned branch "fall" from the tree. The last cut,
near the branch collar, is made to help the tree compartmentalize the prune wound. The tree sets up its
own zone of protection to inhibit the spread of decay. It's very important not to cut into or damage the
branch collar.
To ensure the long-term health of your investment and because properly pruned trees require less
frequent pruning, do consider hiring tree care experts.
Call us for a free Tree Pruning quote: (281) 980-0095
Some things not to do when pruning:
• Do not top trees! One of the worst things you can do for the health of a tree is prune large upright
branches between nodes (where branches meet other branches or the tree trunk). Topping often
makes ugly, weakly attached limbs grow back even higher than the original branches. Topping can
also lead to tree decay or disease, as the stubs have a difficult time forming protective callus.
• Avoid tipping, or cutting lateral branches between nodes, to reduce crown width. Like topping, tipping
harms trees and can lead to unsightly sprouting and death of some cut branches.
• Never remove more than 25-33% of a tree's crown.
• Do not cut flush to the tree trunk, rip branches away, or cut off stubs from the tree. These actions can
cause decay or prevent proper healing.
Storm or Wind Damage Prevention
Heavy & weak, damaged or dead limbs are the first to go during a storm. If your tree is near your home,
this puts your windows, and your safety into serious jeopardy. Dead and weakened limbs should be
pruned out of trees annually and thin excess branches out of the crown to reduce the sail affect on the
canopy. Strong roots and properly pruned branches help your tree defend itself against nature's
elements.
Watering, fertilizing and protecting trees from soil compaction keep your tree healthy and growth
vigorous. Planting the right tree will help minimize storm damage. Trees that are fast growing are
typically brittle and have more tendency to break.
With regular and proper tree maintenance, you can take important steps to protect your home and
property from tree damage during periods of strong winds or storms.
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Winterizing You Lawn
As we head into winter the buzz word for lawn care is Winterizer. Each year people spend hard earned
money on this product without knowing what it is and why they are putting it out.
What is Winterizer and do we need it? Winterizer has the same basic ingredients as the fertilizer sold
in the summer except that it has reduced nitrogen. Nitrogen is what causes your grass to green in the
warmer months but in the winter the roots are the important part as the grass is dormant. Applying a
fertilizer that is low in nitrogen gives the roots a good feeding encouraging their growth throughout the
winter to make a great show in the spring with a healthy green lawn.
The recommended times for application of commercial fertilizers is three applications per year with
one being the winterizer. It is not too late to apply the winterizer now but after the first freeze it would be
best to wait until the spring to start a new fertilization schedule.
Another choice is organic fertilizers like poultry litter or worm castings which are applied four times per
year and there is never a bad time to apply these. The benefits of organic fertilizers are that they create
healthy lawns that are less susceptible to chinch bugs and brown patch, two most common problems
in St. Augustine Lawns.
Melinda Sperl is the owner of Dream Landscape Design, Inc., a full service landscape company. You
can reach Melinda at Melinda@dreamlandscapedesign.com or www.dreamlandscapedesign.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Impress Computers
Roland Parker
Computer Maintenance Tips
1. Clean your temporary internet files on a regular basis. You can do this by clicking on "Start/All
Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Cleanup". This will clear your machine of unnecessary files
and help prevent malicious programs from being activated from that location.
2. Run your anti spy ware program regularly. Most programs do not run automatically, so you need to
both run the program and delete the files that it finds.
3. Every 3-6 months start your computer in safe mode. (you can do this by restarting your computer and
when it starts to reboot, hit the F8 key). Once in safe mode clean your temporary files and then run your
anti spy ware program. The reason for doing this is that sometimes a program file that already resides
in the temp location may be running and cannot be deleted without being in safe mode. Now run your
anti spy ware program and then restart your pc.
4. Check on your antivirus program once a week. Make sure that your definitions are up-to-date and that
it has running the scan daily. If a bug has got into the system it will attempt to disable your antivirus
program. If you can catch it early enough you can sometimes start your pc in safe mode (described
above) and get rid of the bug before it does any major damage. If you do not have an antivirus program
you can download for free from AVG, but be warned that if your machine is already infected you may
have to bring it into the store as some viruses will disable the anti virus program as you are
downloading it. We can clean it up and install the software for you.
5. Beware of what you click on! If you get a pop-up on your screen that says that your pc is infected and
that you need to run this program to get rid of it, do not click on the file. Also DO NOT click on the x to
close it, this will only cause your pc to become infected*. To close the pop-up click on Control W and
then run your anti spy ware program in safe mode*
*Example: You see a popup. It has an "X" on it, so you click it to close the window. That triggers the
download and install of malicious software. The software disconnects you from your ISP, dials a $4.99
per minute "premium service" and you end up with a huge phone bill. What happened? The "X" was
fake -- the whole window was just a graphic. Anywhere you clicked was a link to the "drive-by
download". How can you avoid drive-by downloads? A good way is to prevent pop ups in the first place.
If you do get a popup though, close it using the "Ctrl-W" trick. (As soon as it pops up, hold down the Ctrl
key and press the W key). That way you won't trigger the download.
_____________________________________________________________________
Tips From Ace Hardware
The Helpful Hardware Man's Corner - Answers by Lou Manfredini
Q: have a rectangular window that is above a regular window that leaks when it rains hard and blows
into the window. I am not sure where the leak is coming from. Is there a way to find out where the leak
is before I strip the caulk and re-caulk (hopefully not making it worse?
A: Chances are the leak is coming from around the window where it meets the siding. On a clear day
I would go up to the window with a hose and drench the window one side at a time and have someone
inside to see where it is leaking from. That way you can determine the correct method to fix the leak.
This type of problem can be hard to define and fix. Do not be discouraged if it takes more that one try to
fix the leak. Also, remember to use a good exterior caulk. I know this place with three letters in their
name, their color is red, and you can get the right product to complete this task.
________________________________________________________________________________
Finding A Good Contractor
Sponsored By Check A Pro
When considering a contractor always be sure to 'Check' them out! You should:
-Research license information with the State of Texas
-Ask them for references
-Ask them if they are insured
-Contact the local business bureau
For a list of pre-qualified service providers visit www.checkapro.com.
Check A Pro Radio Show Check A Pro Radio is sponsored by CHECK A PRO. Learn more at www.checkapro.com.