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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-DoubleDave's Pizzaworks *COUPON*
-Changing Seasons and Your Lawn
-Treating Your Windows with Creativity & Flair
-Mulch Uses
-Spring Cleaning for Wood Fencing & Decking
Volume 2, Edition 4
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
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
CJ's Yardworks
Larry Reifschneider
Changing Seasons and Your Lawn
As seasons change, so do the needs of your lawn and landscape. These changes are accompanied
by several challenges that homeowners are forced to face during the spring and summer months.
Along with the unpredictable weather our state is famous for, there exists a myriad of bugs, pests and
fungi that if left untreated could make any unsuspecting homeowner’s nightmare a reality. Brownpatch,
chinch bugs and blackspot are just a few of the enemies capable of taking control of your lawn or
landscape and leaving a horrible mess behind. The good news is that all of these are treatable, and
most importantly preventable, with the proper applications of fungicides and/or pesticides.
Spring also ushers in the arrival of new blooms on your flowering shrubs and bushes. Proper
trimming and shaping is vital to the health and appearance of these plants as well as maintaining your
curb appeal.
Another important fact to keep in mind when planning new landscape, or rehabbing existing beds, is
that proper aeration is the lifeblood of any root system. The initial installation of properly blended soils
is essential to the establishment of a healthy root system, and the health of what you don’t see has the
greatest impact on the appearance of what you do see.
When the circumstances of life prevent you from properly maintaining your lawn it is important to enlist
the services of qualified professionals to keep your lawn and landscape looking great. If this sounds
like you, or if you have always wanted a landscape environment to compliment your home and lifestyle,
please contact CJ’s Yardworks for an appointment.
______________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
Richard Koonce & Mykal Pedraza
Treating Your Windows with Creativity and Flair
When you're flipping through the pages of your favorite design magazine or even looking at model
homes, what catches your eye first? Would it surprise you to know that most homeowners find their
eyes drawn to creatively designed window treatments?
Why? Well, maybe it's because most homeowners have a wide variety of window shapes, styles, and
sizes to address when decorating their own homes. We're always looking for fresh ideas or maybe...
we're simply daunted by all the windows we're dealing with and the myriad of choices available!
One of your first decisions is recognizing what you want to accomplish when you cover your windows.
Some homeowners are adamant about not obstructing wonderful vistas, while others have an
unsightly view they want to mask. In addition to whether you want to cover or enhance your view, basic
light and privacy needs, sizes, shapes, and styles must be taken into consideration. If everything is
carefully considered in creating a custom window treatment design, the finished product will be a
window treatment that enhances not only a window but your entire room, while offering the necessary
privacy and light control.
After determining what your window treatment will do, consider the theme or style of the room, casual,
contemporary, traditional, or trendy. Once you've defined your style, think "out of the box" for hardware
needs. For example, in a family room with a casual sports theme, consider using golf clubs or even
pool cues as window treatment hardware. In a trendy or contemporary room, perhaps a high-tech,
quasi-industrial look of cable wires for drapery hardware will dramatically enhance your design.
In some instances, you may even choose to create a window where one doesn't currently exist, such
as an underground basement room. By installing shutters or a closed fabric window treatment, you
can immediately create the feeling of being connected to the outdoors!
So here is a quick checklist to help you determine the best possible window treatments for your home.
1. Function. How is the window being used? Do you need to block outdoor light? Is privacy your
priority? Or, do you have a beautiful view that needs capturing?
2. Focal points. Are your windows a natural dramatic architectural feature of your room? If so, you
have a built-in focal point, and should plan your treatments accordingly. If not, then consider working
with a professional decorator to make your window treatments true show stoppers!
3. Style. What's yours? Casual? Formal? Traditional? Contemporary? Window treatment designs
vary greatly by design style, so think about the ultimate style and feeling you'd like to incorporate into
their design.
4. Problems? Are your windows too small? Too large? A carefully designed window treatment can
actually be a clever cover-up to any window problem.
Because there are so many fabulous window treatment design options available today, it's wise to start
doing your homework early. Visit model homes, read magazines, start developing your own Window
Design Idea File!
And remember, by working with a professional decorator, your window treatments are guaranteed to be
the perfect design and function solution!
________________________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Mulch Uses
Mulch has several different applications in your flower beds but there are three very important reasons
in our area to mulch.
The first one is most important in the Houston area in the summer months. Mulch actually helps to
keep the moisture from evaporating from your beds. With so much heat in the summer this can really
cut down on the watering. It will also keep your plants from freezing in the winter by protecting the
tender roots from freeze.
Second, when mulch is applied at least once per year the weed seeds spread in prior seasons will be
covered up. Because seeds need sunlight to grow, you actually will have a reduction in weeds. If
following the recommended practice of mulching twice per year you really should notice a dramatic
reduction in weeds.
Next and certainly not any less important is that the old mulch layer will biodegrade and become
compost over time. This is especially good for your plants as it serves as a natural fertilizer.
The best mulch in our area is native hardwood mulch so be sure to ask for it from your landscape
professional.
_____________________________________________________________________
As Good As New
Earl Wright
Spring Cleaning for Wood Fencing & Decking
Spring is here and this means that its time for spring cleaning again. Part of your spring cleaning
process should be a visual inspection of your fence and deck. Here are some of the things that you
might want to look for:
1) Check your fence for loose and leaning fence post.
2) Check your fence for cross rails that have detached from the post.
3) Check your fence for loose and missing fence pickets.
4) Check your fence gates. Are they hard to open and close or hard to latch?
5) Look at your fence surface. Has it grayed out? Does it have 1/2 moon shaped discoloration near
your sprinkler heads? Has your stain or paint started to peel or fade?
6) Walk across your entire deck. As you step, does your deck squeak?
7) Inspect all of your deck boards. Are any of them loose or raised?
8) Inspect your decks hand rails. Are they splintery or loose?
9) Look under your deck. Is there standing water?
10) Look at your deck surface. Has it grayed out? Has your stain or paint started to peel or fade?
Have you heard the phrase "An Ounce of Prevention Is worth a Pound of Cure"? Nothing could be
closer to the truth when it comes to fence and deck maintenance. If you find any of the above problems
give us a call for some FREE advice if you want to tackle the project yourself or if you would like for us to
take a look at it our ESTIMATES ARE FREE. You can contact As Good As New, LLC @ 281 353 2088 or
online at www.asgoodasnewfence.com for the solution to all of your fence and deck needs.
______________________________________________________________________
-Changing Seasons and Your Lawn
-Treating Your Windows with Creativity & Flair
-Mulch Uses
-Spring Cleaning for Wood Fencing & Decking
Volume 2, Edition 4
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
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
CJ's Yardworks
Larry Reifschneider
Changing Seasons and Your Lawn
As seasons change, so do the needs of your lawn and landscape. These changes are accompanied
by several challenges that homeowners are forced to face during the spring and summer months.
Along with the unpredictable weather our state is famous for, there exists a myriad of bugs, pests and
fungi that if left untreated could make any unsuspecting homeowner’s nightmare a reality. Brownpatch,
chinch bugs and blackspot are just a few of the enemies capable of taking control of your lawn or
landscape and leaving a horrible mess behind. The good news is that all of these are treatable, and
most importantly preventable, with the proper applications of fungicides and/or pesticides.
Spring also ushers in the arrival of new blooms on your flowering shrubs and bushes. Proper
trimming and shaping is vital to the health and appearance of these plants as well as maintaining your
curb appeal.
Another important fact to keep in mind when planning new landscape, or rehabbing existing beds, is
that proper aeration is the lifeblood of any root system. The initial installation of properly blended soils
is essential to the establishment of a healthy root system, and the health of what you don’t see has the
greatest impact on the appearance of what you do see.
When the circumstances of life prevent you from properly maintaining your lawn it is important to enlist
the services of qualified professionals to keep your lawn and landscape looking great. If this sounds
like you, or if you have always wanted a landscape environment to compliment your home and lifestyle,
please contact CJ’s Yardworks for an appointment.
______________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
Richard Koonce & Mykal Pedraza
Treating Your Windows with Creativity and Flair
When you're flipping through the pages of your favorite design magazine or even looking at model
homes, what catches your eye first? Would it surprise you to know that most homeowners find their
eyes drawn to creatively designed window treatments?
Why? Well, maybe it's because most homeowners have a wide variety of window shapes, styles, and
sizes to address when decorating their own homes. We're always looking for fresh ideas or maybe...
we're simply daunted by all the windows we're dealing with and the myriad of choices available!
One of your first decisions is recognizing what you want to accomplish when you cover your windows.
Some homeowners are adamant about not obstructing wonderful vistas, while others have an
unsightly view they want to mask. In addition to whether you want to cover or enhance your view, basic
light and privacy needs, sizes, shapes, and styles must be taken into consideration. If everything is
carefully considered in creating a custom window treatment design, the finished product will be a
window treatment that enhances not only a window but your entire room, while offering the necessary
privacy and light control.
After determining what your window treatment will do, consider the theme or style of the room, casual,
contemporary, traditional, or trendy. Once you've defined your style, think "out of the box" for hardware
needs. For example, in a family room with a casual sports theme, consider using golf clubs or even
pool cues as window treatment hardware. In a trendy or contemporary room, perhaps a high-tech,
quasi-industrial look of cable wires for drapery hardware will dramatically enhance your design.
In some instances, you may even choose to create a window where one doesn't currently exist, such
as an underground basement room. By installing shutters or a closed fabric window treatment, you
can immediately create the feeling of being connected to the outdoors!
So here is a quick checklist to help you determine the best possible window treatments for your home.
1. Function. How is the window being used? Do you need to block outdoor light? Is privacy your
priority? Or, do you have a beautiful view that needs capturing?
2. Focal points. Are your windows a natural dramatic architectural feature of your room? If so, you
have a built-in focal point, and should plan your treatments accordingly. If not, then consider working
with a professional decorator to make your window treatments true show stoppers!
3. Style. What's yours? Casual? Formal? Traditional? Contemporary? Window treatment designs
vary greatly by design style, so think about the ultimate style and feeling you'd like to incorporate into
their design.
4. Problems? Are your windows too small? Too large? A carefully designed window treatment can
actually be a clever cover-up to any window problem.
Because there are so many fabulous window treatment design options available today, it's wise to start
doing your homework early. Visit model homes, read magazines, start developing your own Window
Design Idea File!
And remember, by working with a professional decorator, your window treatments are guaranteed to be
the perfect design and function solution!
________________________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Mulch Uses
Mulch has several different applications in your flower beds but there are three very important reasons
in our area to mulch.
The first one is most important in the Houston area in the summer months. Mulch actually helps to
keep the moisture from evaporating from your beds. With so much heat in the summer this can really
cut down on the watering. It will also keep your plants from freezing in the winter by protecting the
tender roots from freeze.
Second, when mulch is applied at least once per year the weed seeds spread in prior seasons will be
covered up. Because seeds need sunlight to grow, you actually will have a reduction in weeds. If
following the recommended practice of mulching twice per year you really should notice a dramatic
reduction in weeds.
Next and certainly not any less important is that the old mulch layer will biodegrade and become
compost over time. This is especially good for your plants as it serves as a natural fertilizer.
The best mulch in our area is native hardwood mulch so be sure to ask for it from your landscape
professional.
_____________________________________________________________________
As Good As New
Earl Wright
Spring Cleaning for Wood Fencing & Decking
Spring is here and this means that its time for spring cleaning again. Part of your spring cleaning
process should be a visual inspection of your fence and deck. Here are some of the things that you
might want to look for:
1) Check your fence for loose and leaning fence post.
2) Check your fence for cross rails that have detached from the post.
3) Check your fence for loose and missing fence pickets.
4) Check your fence gates. Are they hard to open and close or hard to latch?
5) Look at your fence surface. Has it grayed out? Does it have 1/2 moon shaped discoloration near
your sprinkler heads? Has your stain or paint started to peel or fade?
6) Walk across your entire deck. As you step, does your deck squeak?
7) Inspect all of your deck boards. Are any of them loose or raised?
8) Inspect your decks hand rails. Are they splintery or loose?
9) Look under your deck. Is there standing water?
10) Look at your deck surface. Has it grayed out? Has your stain or paint started to peel or fade?
Have you heard the phrase "An Ounce of Prevention Is worth a Pound of Cure"? Nothing could be
closer to the truth when it comes to fence and deck maintenance. If you find any of the above problems
give us a call for some FREE advice if you want to tackle the project yourself or if you would like for us to
take a look at it our ESTIMATES ARE FREE. You can contact As Good As New, LLC @ 281 353 2088 or
online at www.asgoodasnewfence.com for the solution to all of your fence and deck needs.
______________________________________________________________________
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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