Home and Garden Advice

What is liming?

Posted by Ecobalance on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

WHAT IS LIMING? Liming neutralizes soil acidity which in turn enhances nutrient availability and uptake. This results in a healthier and deeper rooted grass. WHY DO SOILS BECOME ACID? Following are the major causes of soil acidity: Nitrogen fertilization Organic →Read full advice column

Is it necessary to dethatch?

Posted by Ecobalance on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

IS IT NECESSARY TO DETHATCH? YES, if the thatch layer is more that 1.2 cm. (1/2 inch) thick. A thatch layer that is less than 1.2 cm. thick is actually beneficial to the lawn as it provides some cushioning when →Read full advice column

Why aerate your soil?

Posted by Ecobalance on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

WHY AERATE THE SOIL? Many factors contribute to soil compaction. For example, clay soils, thick thatch layer, rain, irrigation and foot traffic. RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR AERATION: Following are some of the signs of a compacted soil: Puddling of water →Read full advice column

What is thatch?

Posted by Ecobalance on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

WHAT IS THATCH? Thatch is the accumulation of undecomposed organic matter. This organic layer is made up of a mixture of stems, leaves and roots (dead or alive). It accumulates between the soil and the lawn surface, thus reducing rooting and causing soil compaction.

Should grass clippings be removed after mowing?

Posted by Ecobalance on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

SHOULD CLIPPINGS BE REMOVED AFTER MOWING? If clippings are long, they should be removed so they don’t shade the growing grass. Clippings to 3 cm. long can be left, providing the lawn is healthy and dense. If, however, the clippings →Read full advice column

Which is better, fixed or retractable awnings?

Posted by JML Inc on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

FIXED OR RETRACTABLE AWNINGS? Make the right choice ! Two unique products meeting specific needs. Here are some advantages and drawbacks for both. Retractable awnings were designed primarly to protect against the sun and to provide shade and protection in →Read full advice column

What should I do when starting up a/c in the spring?

Posted by Guaranteed Industries on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

AIR CONDITIONING - Spring / Summer Checklist Is your office or home ready for the hot summer season? 1. Book your air conditioning start-up now 2. Steam clean air cooled condensers 3. Shut down your humidification system 4. Adjust thermostats for summer operation 5. Replace all return filters with high efficiency pleated filters 6. Rebalance air flow 7. Lubricate motors

How do I know if my air ducts need cleaning?

Posted by Guaranteed Industries on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

AIR DUCT CLEANING Acknowledged as a major allergy and disease causing problem by leading medical authorities, poor indoor air quality has prompted doctors and allergists to commonly suggest air duct cleaning as a solution. If you question the need for →Read full advice column

I am planting a tree in the spring. Any tips on planting?

Posted by Arborfolia on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

PLANTING YOUR NEW TREE “A $100 tree in a $200 hole is better than a $200 tree in $100 hole.” A tree is a lifetime investment in your property, your community and the health of our planet. Spend the proper →Read full advice column

Does anyone have a solution to keeping gutters clean?

Posted by AlphA Window Cleaning on July 15th 2009 | Permalink

KEEP YOUR GUTTERS CLEAN As a contractor who has been working with Gutter Cleaning for over 20 years I have seen a broad spectrum of problems due to blocked gutters, clogged gutters and down pipes, ice damming, overflows, leafs and →Read full advice column