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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-DoubleDave's Pizzaworks *COUPON*
-Hardscaping
-Water Softeners
-Marble & Granite
-Tree Care in the Fall
-Fire Prevention Week
-Fence Repair Tips
-Is your room visually balanced?
-Energy Efficient Holiday Lighting
Volume 2, Edition 10
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 Check A Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM - 12 PM
central on CNN 650. For more information about the Check A 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 Check A Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Hardscaping
When landscaping a yard, the first item to look at is the hardscaping. This is usually unmovable items
like patios, arbors, fountains, outdoor kitchens, etc. These parts define the yard and the plants are
generally used to compliment them. Because these are built to be a permanent item in the yard, it is
important to thoroughly think through their placement before the installation begins.
The first step is to figure out the functionality of this product. If it is a patio, think about its uses. Do you
have a large family, have a lot of parties or do you want it to be a destination spot detached from the
house. Secret gardens are popular now and having a patio with arbor in a previously unused space can
make for an interesting landscape.
The second step is shape and texture. Geometric patterns are important as well as the material you
plan to use. If you plan on having a square patio you might want to use curves in the landscape to soften
the edges. If you have an all brick house you might want to consider a cedar arbor to add color and
contrast.
And third, do you plan on doing it yourself or having a professional do the installation. I do have handy
customers who want me to do the design and they plan on doing the work themselves. But, I will say that
I have redone many a patio that the customer thought they had installed correctly. Those stacked stone
landscape borders look really nice but if they are not installed correctly, within a year they are falling over.
Planning is the most important part of the puzzle for a long lasting landscape. Getting a professional to
do the job may be expensive at the start but it sure beats having to do the same job over again.
Happy Gardening!
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
______________________________________________________________________
Advanced Water Solutions
Melissa Schilder & Richard DeYoung
Water Softeners: The most green and sustainable "built in" permanent technology!
In the home building industry the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), the USGBC (US Green
Building Council), ANSI as well as many major municipalities have all established "Green Building"
standards. These entities give points to builders for using products that will help
save energy, use fewer natural resources, reduce carbon emissions and create sustainability, thereby
helping to protect our environment. While these entities don't all agree on the point systems, they do
agree in the required areas of improvement which include, Water Conservation, Energy Savings
(Efficiency), Indoor Air Quality, Durability (Sustainability), & Site Design. No where do any of these entities
address the nation problem of water quality.
Energy Star appliances and environmentally friendly new technologies have all been tested and rated for
energy consumption and efficiencies. These ratings are based on new appliances and assume they are
using good water. In areas of the United States that have hard water, the water will have a significant
impact on all of the water using appliances and fixture in homes and commercial buildings.
Environmental impact of hard water on the following appliances includes:
Water heaters & Tank less water heaters
- Scale build up increases maintenance / requires element replacement and regular flushing
- Decreased efficiency because scale accumulates at the bottom and on elements
- Over 10 grains of hardness will void the warranty on most units
- Increases energy consumption (it takes longer to heat the water)
- Shorter life expectancy - means more in land fills
Washing Machines
- Many of them now use steam to "sanitize" clothes. The impact hard water has on an iron
demonstrates the impact hard water will have on sanitizing machines, reducing the efficiency and life
expectancy
- Increased soap consumption
Dishwashers
- Increased soap consumption (displayed in manufacturers user guide)
- Scale build up on heating elements, in spray nozzles and moving parts. Decreased efficiency, which
increases energy consumption
- Shorter life expectancy-means more in landfills other household appliances and areas that water will
impact and require replacement
Refrigerator Water Dispensers / Ice Makers
Toilets / Faucets / Tubs / Shower Enclosures
Granite countertops and porous tiles
- Irons / Coffee Makers / Electric Kettles / Cappuccino Machines / Rice & Veggie Steamers
Soap consumption increase
- Surfactant increase in waste water effects aquatic life, humans and the environment
- Increases plastic manufacturing and plastic in landfills
- Increases consumer cost
How does a water softener compare? The following chart illustrates how a water softener compares to
products currently being promoted by the "Green Building" efforts.
Initial Acquisition Cost 10 Year Savings in Dollars
Years to Pay BackRankingYears to Pay Back $ Saved vs
$ Spent
(yr 1) Ranking
$ Saved vs $ Spent
Solar Hot Water Heater 5500 1000 55 11 0.02 11
Solar Electrical Generation* 40000 10000 40 10 0.03
10
Energy Efficient Appliances (EnergyStar)* 15000 10515 14.3
7 0.07 8
High Efficiency Furnace (Energy Star) 1499 1000 15 8
0.07 9
High Efficiency Air Conditioning (EnergyStar) 1259 1000 15.6
9 0.08 7
Tankless Water Heater* 649 1000 6.5 3 0.15 3
Insulation-Attic, Wall, Foundation 4300 5000 8.6 6
0.12 6
Double Paned Windows and Insulated Doors 4200 5000 8.4
5 0.12 5
Low Flow Fixtures (WaterSense) Faucets* Showers, Toilets* 1450
1760 8.24 40.12 4Geothermal Heating
and Cooling 15000 1000 150 12 0.007 12
Exchange Incandescent for Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs 20x 89
2660 0.331 2.99 1Water Softener-High Efficiency- DIR 3000
6820 4.4 2 0.23 2
*Water using appliances in hard water areas need the softener to last 10 years and to work at the rated
maximum efficiency. Table information and some contents provided by Andrew Warnes, Pentair, Sr.
Production Manager-Systems THE WATER SOFTENER is the BEST ENVIRONMENTAL OPTION
amongst "green built in" permanent technologies.
When you look at efficiency and sustainability of ALL water using fixtures and appliances you must
address the quality of the water. Water softeners allow other water using household appliances to
reach their true "green" potential, work at maximum efficiency and increase their longevity.
Additionally, one of the major challenges that the EPA is currently dealing with is surfactants in waste
water. A major source of surfactants in water is soaps and detergents. Surfactants are added to reduce
surface tension in the water which allows soaps to work more effectively. Some surfactants are non-
biodegradable and these substances accumulate in the receiving water bodies changing the ecological
balance with impact on the living organisms in the food chain. Properties such as biodegradability,
bioaccumulation and toxicity in aquatic environments are key considerations.
Less soap or detergent is required when the water is soft. Dishwasher and washing machine
manufacturers recommend in their Owners' Manual to reduce the soap from 50% to 70% when used
with soft water. Consider the positive environmental and health benefits of consumers using half the
soap and detergents because they softened their water. We would reduce chemical waste being
dumped into the environment, reduce manufacturing of plastics and reduce landfill plastics and
chemicals.
The total annual cost savings of a water softener is based on studies many years old. The WQA is
commissioning 2 new studies in 2009 that will give the water industry more current information. The
study will allow the industry to better communicate to the consumer, the building industry and local and
state governments the positive environmental effects of ion exchange technology. One study will include
hard water's impact on water using appliances, energy consumption and longevity. The other will
address the environmental impact hard water has on consumer buying habits and will include consumer
savings for chemicals and soaps. Fewer appliances in landfills, less energy consumption and less
soap all add up to a positive environmental impact.
If you are not sure how hard your water is call a water treatment professional and have your water
tested. The first sign of hard water damage is typically water spot etching on glass shower doors, sinks
and faucets that is difficult or impossible to remove. If you have hard water and are considering a water
softener, keep in mind that not all water softeners are created equal. Just like any product that you
purchase it is important to do your homework.
A great source for unbiased information regarding water quality and softeners is The Water Quality
Association. On their website www.wqa.org you can verify how systems compare and that the systems
you are considering have been certified in a laboratory. In order to achieve the maximum benefit and
least environmental impact you should consider the technology, efficiency rating, flow rates, warranties,
as well as the company reputation and history. Softeners that test the water quality and meet efficiency
standards will require less cleaning, less waste water and less maintenance than systems that are on
time clocks or meter the water. Appropriate sizing (flow rate) ensures the best water pressure and
prevents hard water bleed through. Systems with a one year warranty will probably end up in a landfill in
2-3 years. While this might save money on the front end, they end up costing more due to frequent
replacement and there is a negative environmental impact.
In conclusion the "Green Building" movement is growing despite a short term stall in homebuilding.
Many products that are environmentally responsible are not cost effective, are difficult to retrofit or may not
even be offered by local home builders. In hard water areas, a water softener is the most cost effective
and environmentally responsible way to protect your water using fixtures, appliances and countertops
while conserving soap and saving money. They are easy to retrofit, easy to maintain and show a quick
return on your investment. You don't have to buy a new home to be environmentally responsible and a
water softener is a great place to start.
________________________________________________________________________________
Granite Girl
Emery Sadler
Marble & Granite
Marble & Granite Designs Inc. (granite girl) was at the Home Decor & Remodeling Show in Katy in
September. During the course of the show there were a lot of questions. These questions ranged from
information gathering to myths. We would like to take this opportunity to answer some of both and add
some helpful information. Granite and marble are both natural stones milled from the earth around the
world. This makes them both unique in appearance and naturally beautiful. Granite or Marble would not
make a good cutting board. They will dull a knife rather quickly. We use a quality sealing process during
fabrication and installation. Your granite counter tops will last forever without being resealed if properly
cared for. Do not use ammonia or bleach products to clean your granite as these products will eat away
at the sealer. Imagine your car without wax, what would the finish look like over time? We supply all our
customers with a quality care kit at the completion of each job. The cleaner & protector we use is
Dupont's stonetech revitalizer cleaner and protector. Not only does it do a great job cleaning but it also
polishes and protects your granite with each use. Over the past few years there has been some
consumer confusion over radiation occurring in natural stones. The truth about granite and
radon/radiation can be found at the Marble Institute of America's web site WWW.MARBLE-INSTITUTE.
COM.
Marble & Granite Designs Inc. (Granite Girl) can be reached @ 713-granite or by visiting our web site
GRANITEGIRL.com to answer questions or schedule a free estimate.
_____________________________________________________________________
Southeast Texas Trees, LLC
Sandy Kowalick
Tree Care in the Fall
In the month of October it is still a little too early to transplant trees. However, this is a good month to
prune the roots of any tree you are planning to move! How do you prune a tree?
First figure out the diameter of the tree’s trunk you intend to move (Measure the tree 12 inches above the
soil line to determine the diameter). Then add 9 inches for every inch of diameter so you can figure out
what size rootball you need to dig up. Finally, once you have determined the rootballs diameter, push a
sharp-bladed shovel straight down and pull it straight out, of the soil, all the way around the tree in a
circle. Now that you have pruned the roots, plan on digging it up and transplanting it in early to mid
December.
By pruning some of the long roots, new fibrous ones will form close to the truck within the area of the soil
that will move with the tree’s rootball.
The month of November is a great time to start planting trees because the soil is still warm, which will
promote root growth, the weather is cooling and the trees are going dormant. All of which reduces stress
on the newly planted tree. When planting a tree you will want to follow a few simple guidelines that
pertain to the size of hole, removing it properly from its container and filling in the hole around the tree.
Start by digging your hole and make it at least twice the diameter of the rootball and no deeper then the
height of the rootball. Once you have your hole you want to make sure you remove the tree from its
container properly.
If the tree is a container-grown tree, remove it from the container by laying the tree on its side and working
it out slowly. Gently pushing on the sides of the container may help loosen the tree. Once removed, if it is
tightly packed with thick encircling roots, un-wrap them. You may need to trim some of the roots but be
conservative in how many you cut.
Trimming the roots will encourage them to spread into the surrounding soil and make it easier to plant.
Now you are ready to plant the tree into the ground!
Thoroughly pulverize the soil you removed from the hole and use it to plant the new tree. When the hole is
half full, lightly firm the soil to remove air but do not pack the soil. Finish filling the hole and again firm the
soil. Water the soil thoroughly to settle the soil and give the tree a great start! If your tree is tall and
unstable, be sure to stake the tree and tie it off with cloth or old nylons to secure.
Some great trees to consider for fall foliage would be the Red Oak, Willow Oak, Shumard Oak, Flowering
Dogwood, Japanese Persimmon, Ginkgo, Sourwood, Sassafras, Flowering Pear and the Chinese
Pistachio.
________________________________________________________________________________
Puroclean Emergency Restoration Specialists
Gary Voight
Fire Prevention Week
Remember that October 4th - 10th is Fire Prevention eek. Here are some easy tips to follow to prevent a
fire in your home or business. Test smoke alarms and replace the batteries. Electrical devices should be
in good working condition (UL approved). Candles should not be left unattended (Leading cause of
home fires) and kept out of reach of small children. Cooking appliances plugged directly into an outlet
should never be used with an extension chord as it will overload the circuit and cause a fire. Never use a
Range or an Oven as a supplemental heating device. For more Information about PuroClean ERS,
please contact Gary Voight at 281-419-9111 or visit our web site at www.PuroClean.com/ers-tx
CONTINUE TO PAGE 2 --->
-Hardscaping
-Water Softeners
-Marble & Granite
-Tree Care in the Fall
-Fire Prevention Week
-Fence Repair Tips
-Is your room visually balanced?
-Energy Efficient Holiday Lighting
Volume 2, Edition 10
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 Check A Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM - 12 PM
central on CNN 650. For more information about the Check A 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 Check A Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Hardscaping
When landscaping a yard, the first item to look at is the hardscaping. This is usually unmovable items
like patios, arbors, fountains, outdoor kitchens, etc. These parts define the yard and the plants are
generally used to compliment them. Because these are built to be a permanent item in the yard, it is
important to thoroughly think through their placement before the installation begins.
The first step is to figure out the functionality of this product. If it is a patio, think about its uses. Do you
have a large family, have a lot of parties or do you want it to be a destination spot detached from the
house. Secret gardens are popular now and having a patio with arbor in a previously unused space can
make for an interesting landscape.
The second step is shape and texture. Geometric patterns are important as well as the material you
plan to use. If you plan on having a square patio you might want to use curves in the landscape to soften
the edges. If you have an all brick house you might want to consider a cedar arbor to add color and
contrast.
And third, do you plan on doing it yourself or having a professional do the installation. I do have handy
customers who want me to do the design and they plan on doing the work themselves. But, I will say that
I have redone many a patio that the customer thought they had installed correctly. Those stacked stone
landscape borders look really nice but if they are not installed correctly, within a year they are falling over.
Planning is the most important part of the puzzle for a long lasting landscape. Getting a professional to
do the job may be expensive at the start but it sure beats having to do the same job over again.
Happy Gardening!
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
______________________________________________________________________
Advanced Water Solutions
Melissa Schilder & Richard DeYoung
Water Softeners: The most green and sustainable "built in" permanent technology!
In the home building industry the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), the USGBC (US Green
Building Council), ANSI as well as many major municipalities have all established "Green Building"
standards. These entities give points to builders for using products that will help
save energy, use fewer natural resources, reduce carbon emissions and create sustainability, thereby
helping to protect our environment. While these entities don't all agree on the point systems, they do
agree in the required areas of improvement which include, Water Conservation, Energy Savings
(Efficiency), Indoor Air Quality, Durability (Sustainability), & Site Design. No where do any of these entities
address the nation problem of water quality.
Energy Star appliances and environmentally friendly new technologies have all been tested and rated for
energy consumption and efficiencies. These ratings are based on new appliances and assume they are
using good water. In areas of the United States that have hard water, the water will have a significant
impact on all of the water using appliances and fixture in homes and commercial buildings.
Environmental impact of hard water on the following appliances includes:
Water heaters & Tank less water heaters
- Scale build up increases maintenance / requires element replacement and regular flushing
- Decreased efficiency because scale accumulates at the bottom and on elements
- Over 10 grains of hardness will void the warranty on most units
- Increases energy consumption (it takes longer to heat the water)
- Shorter life expectancy - means more in land fills
Washing Machines
- Many of them now use steam to "sanitize" clothes. The impact hard water has on an iron
demonstrates the impact hard water will have on sanitizing machines, reducing the efficiency and life
expectancy
- Increased soap consumption
Dishwashers
- Increased soap consumption (displayed in manufacturers user guide)
- Scale build up on heating elements, in spray nozzles and moving parts. Decreased efficiency, which
increases energy consumption
- Shorter life expectancy-means more in landfills other household appliances and areas that water will
impact and require replacement
Refrigerator Water Dispensers / Ice Makers
Toilets / Faucets / Tubs / Shower Enclosures
Granite countertops and porous tiles
- Irons / Coffee Makers / Electric Kettles / Cappuccino Machines / Rice & Veggie Steamers
Soap consumption increase
- Surfactant increase in waste water effects aquatic life, humans and the environment
- Increases plastic manufacturing and plastic in landfills
- Increases consumer cost
How does a water softener compare? The following chart illustrates how a water softener compares to
products currently being promoted by the "Green Building" efforts.
Initial Acquisition Cost 10 Year Savings in Dollars
Years to Pay BackRankingYears to Pay Back $ Saved vs
$ Spent
(yr 1) Ranking
$ Saved vs $ Spent
Solar Hot Water Heater 5500 1000 55 11 0.02 11
Solar Electrical Generation* 40000 10000 40 10 0.03
10
Energy Efficient Appliances (EnergyStar)* 15000 10515 14.3
7 0.07 8
High Efficiency Furnace (Energy Star) 1499 1000 15 8
0.07 9
High Efficiency Air Conditioning (EnergyStar) 1259 1000 15.6
9 0.08 7
Tankless Water Heater* 649 1000 6.5 3 0.15 3
Insulation-Attic, Wall, Foundation 4300 5000 8.6 6
0.12 6
Double Paned Windows and Insulated Doors 4200 5000 8.4
5 0.12 5
Low Flow Fixtures (WaterSense) Faucets* Showers, Toilets* 1450
1760 8.24 40.12 4Geothermal Heating
and Cooling 15000 1000 150 12 0.007 12
Exchange Incandescent for Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs 20x 89
2660 0.331 2.99 1Water Softener-High Efficiency- DIR 3000
6820 4.4 2 0.23 2
*Water using appliances in hard water areas need the softener to last 10 years and to work at the rated
maximum efficiency. Table information and some contents provided by Andrew Warnes, Pentair, Sr.
Production Manager-Systems THE WATER SOFTENER is the BEST ENVIRONMENTAL OPTION
amongst "green built in" permanent technologies.
When you look at efficiency and sustainability of ALL water using fixtures and appliances you must
address the quality of the water. Water softeners allow other water using household appliances to
reach their true "green" potential, work at maximum efficiency and increase their longevity.
Additionally, one of the major challenges that the EPA is currently dealing with is surfactants in waste
water. A major source of surfactants in water is soaps and detergents. Surfactants are added to reduce
surface tension in the water which allows soaps to work more effectively. Some surfactants are non-
biodegradable and these substances accumulate in the receiving water bodies changing the ecological
balance with impact on the living organisms in the food chain. Properties such as biodegradability,
bioaccumulation and toxicity in aquatic environments are key considerations.
Less soap or detergent is required when the water is soft. Dishwasher and washing machine
manufacturers recommend in their Owners' Manual to reduce the soap from 50% to 70% when used
with soft water. Consider the positive environmental and health benefits of consumers using half the
soap and detergents because they softened their water. We would reduce chemical waste being
dumped into the environment, reduce manufacturing of plastics and reduce landfill plastics and
chemicals.
The total annual cost savings of a water softener is based on studies many years old. The WQA is
commissioning 2 new studies in 2009 that will give the water industry more current information. The
study will allow the industry to better communicate to the consumer, the building industry and local and
state governments the positive environmental effects of ion exchange technology. One study will include
hard water's impact on water using appliances, energy consumption and longevity. The other will
address the environmental impact hard water has on consumer buying habits and will include consumer
savings for chemicals and soaps. Fewer appliances in landfills, less energy consumption and less
soap all add up to a positive environmental impact.
If you are not sure how hard your water is call a water treatment professional and have your water
tested. The first sign of hard water damage is typically water spot etching on glass shower doors, sinks
and faucets that is difficult or impossible to remove. If you have hard water and are considering a water
softener, keep in mind that not all water softeners are created equal. Just like any product that you
purchase it is important to do your homework.
A great source for unbiased information regarding water quality and softeners is The Water Quality
Association. On their website www.wqa.org you can verify how systems compare and that the systems
you are considering have been certified in a laboratory. In order to achieve the maximum benefit and
least environmental impact you should consider the technology, efficiency rating, flow rates, warranties,
as well as the company reputation and history. Softeners that test the water quality and meet efficiency
standards will require less cleaning, less waste water and less maintenance than systems that are on
time clocks or meter the water. Appropriate sizing (flow rate) ensures the best water pressure and
prevents hard water bleed through. Systems with a one year warranty will probably end up in a landfill in
2-3 years. While this might save money on the front end, they end up costing more due to frequent
replacement and there is a negative environmental impact.
In conclusion the "Green Building" movement is growing despite a short term stall in homebuilding.
Many products that are environmentally responsible are not cost effective, are difficult to retrofit or may not
even be offered by local home builders. In hard water areas, a water softener is the most cost effective
and environmentally responsible way to protect your water using fixtures, appliances and countertops
while conserving soap and saving money. They are easy to retrofit, easy to maintain and show a quick
return on your investment. You don't have to buy a new home to be environmentally responsible and a
water softener is a great place to start.
________________________________________________________________________________
Granite Girl
Emery Sadler
Marble & Granite
Marble & Granite Designs Inc. (granite girl) was at the Home Decor & Remodeling Show in Katy in
September. During the course of the show there were a lot of questions. These questions ranged from
information gathering to myths. We would like to take this opportunity to answer some of both and add
some helpful information. Granite and marble are both natural stones milled from the earth around the
world. This makes them both unique in appearance and naturally beautiful. Granite or Marble would not
make a good cutting board. They will dull a knife rather quickly. We use a quality sealing process during
fabrication and installation. Your granite counter tops will last forever without being resealed if properly
cared for. Do not use ammonia or bleach products to clean your granite as these products will eat away
at the sealer. Imagine your car without wax, what would the finish look like over time? We supply all our
customers with a quality care kit at the completion of each job. The cleaner & protector we use is
Dupont's stonetech revitalizer cleaner and protector. Not only does it do a great job cleaning but it also
polishes and protects your granite with each use. Over the past few years there has been some
consumer confusion over radiation occurring in natural stones. The truth about granite and
radon/radiation can be found at the Marble Institute of America's web site WWW.MARBLE-INSTITUTE.
COM.
Marble & Granite Designs Inc. (Granite Girl) can be reached @ 713-granite or by visiting our web site
GRANITEGIRL.com to answer questions or schedule a free estimate.
_____________________________________________________________________
Southeast Texas Trees, LLC
Sandy Kowalick
Tree Care in the Fall
In the month of October it is still a little too early to transplant trees. However, this is a good month to
prune the roots of any tree you are planning to move! How do you prune a tree?
First figure out the diameter of the tree’s trunk you intend to move (Measure the tree 12 inches above the
soil line to determine the diameter). Then add 9 inches for every inch of diameter so you can figure out
what size rootball you need to dig up. Finally, once you have determined the rootballs diameter, push a
sharp-bladed shovel straight down and pull it straight out, of the soil, all the way around the tree in a
circle. Now that you have pruned the roots, plan on digging it up and transplanting it in early to mid
December.
By pruning some of the long roots, new fibrous ones will form close to the truck within the area of the soil
that will move with the tree’s rootball.
The month of November is a great time to start planting trees because the soil is still warm, which will
promote root growth, the weather is cooling and the trees are going dormant. All of which reduces stress
on the newly planted tree. When planting a tree you will want to follow a few simple guidelines that
pertain to the size of hole, removing it properly from its container and filling in the hole around the tree.
Start by digging your hole and make it at least twice the diameter of the rootball and no deeper then the
height of the rootball. Once you have your hole you want to make sure you remove the tree from its
container properly.
If the tree is a container-grown tree, remove it from the container by laying the tree on its side and working
it out slowly. Gently pushing on the sides of the container may help loosen the tree. Once removed, if it is
tightly packed with thick encircling roots, un-wrap them. You may need to trim some of the roots but be
conservative in how many you cut.
Trimming the roots will encourage them to spread into the surrounding soil and make it easier to plant.
Now you are ready to plant the tree into the ground!
Thoroughly pulverize the soil you removed from the hole and use it to plant the new tree. When the hole is
half full, lightly firm the soil to remove air but do not pack the soil. Finish filling the hole and again firm the
soil. Water the soil thoroughly to settle the soil and give the tree a great start! If your tree is tall and
unstable, be sure to stake the tree and tie it off with cloth or old nylons to secure.
Some great trees to consider for fall foliage would be the Red Oak, Willow Oak, Shumard Oak, Flowering
Dogwood, Japanese Persimmon, Ginkgo, Sourwood, Sassafras, Flowering Pear and the Chinese
Pistachio.
________________________________________________________________________________
Puroclean Emergency Restoration Specialists
Gary Voight
Fire Prevention Week
Remember that October 4th - 10th is Fire Prevention eek. Here are some easy tips to follow to prevent a
fire in your home or business. Test smoke alarms and replace the batteries. Electrical devices should be
in good working condition (UL approved). Candles should not be left unattended (Leading cause of
home fires) and kept out of reach of small children. Cooking appliances plugged directly into an outlet
should never be used with an extension chord as it will overload the circuit and cause a fire. Never use a
Range or an Oven as a supplemental heating device. For more Information about PuroClean ERS,
please contact Gary Voight at 281-419-9111 or visit our web site at www.PuroClean.com/ers-tx
CONTINUE TO PAGE 2 --->
DoubleDave's Pizzaworks Bob Sudkamp *COUPON* Are you looking for a spot for your next team party, birthday party or group event? DoubleDave's Pizzaworks, located at 1660 South Mason (corner of Highland Knolls), can be your event location. Our party room can accommodate a large group of people. We have a wide assortment of games for the kids to play while enjoying our specialty pizzas like our Veggie, Buffalo Chicken, The Works, Barbecue Chicken and our Meateaters along with our famous Peproni rolls, Stromboli an assortment of desserts and a our Texas sized salad bar. DoubleDave's offers dine in, pick up, delivery and can cater your next event. Give us a try! We can be reached at 281-391-3283. *Bring this add in for $1 off your next order. |
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