Rental Property Landscape Maintenance – Propertyware

Affordable Ways to Boost a Property’s Curb Appeal

pwadmin — Tue, 01 May 2018 22:12:02 +0000

A property’s exterior is usually the first thing people notice. Curb appeal attracts potential tenants, persuades them to look more closely at your rental home and will show if it has been properly maintained. It can also add that special touch that makes it a home, instead of just another property. Curb appeal doesn’t have to be something you did which was expensive; sometimes it’s the small details that can make or break a deal. Here are some affordable ways to increase your curb appeal when you’re leasing your property.

Maintain the landscaping

When making a first impression, a property’s landscaping comes first. If you’re in a place like Richmond, VA where the average yard size is 10,361 sqft.—that’s a lot of a selling point. Having the lawn mowed and the shrubs trimmed can make all the difference. Also, make sure that the flower beds are mulched and spent plants are replaced. You’ll also want to make sure that there aren’t any tree branches, bushes or shrubs that are blocking attractive home features. You could also plant bright containers with flowers to give a warm welcome. If you have a fence around the property, look to see if it needs to be painted or stained for a simple refresher.

Take care of sidewalk cracks

You have been walking on your sidewalk for so long, you probably don’t even notice the cracks anymore. However, a new buyer or renter will notice in an instant. Fixing your sidewalk should be on your list of priorities, and it’s not a difficult job. You will need some flexible sealant, which is a substance that’s durable and will blend in with concrete. It’s sold in tubes with easy to apply applicators, and most brands offer step-by-step directions.

Repaint the front door

The front door should be inviting. You can add a fresh coat of paint in colors that will complement or contrast to the rest of the property. A glossy finish will hide smudges and is easy to keep clean. Repainting may take a little bit of time, but it has as much of an impact as painting the entire exterior. The doors themselves will pop in unity. If you have a smaller property, you can repaint the trim of the door, shutters and consider replacing old door knobs/handles. This is not a challenging project, and it’s the first thing a prospective tenant will see before stepping into their potential new place.

Refresh address numbers

You can add a touch of beauty to your property by updating a home’s address numbers. Similarly with repainting, exterior numbers can get weathered over time. Using metal numbers will last longer than a paint job, and will add a modern and restored shine to the exterior.

Pressure wash the siding of the home

When you make the outside of a home clean, it will feel cleaner on the inside. You can use a pressure washer to clean a home’s siding, windows, walkway, steps and driveway. The entryway and halls should appear uncluttered and have a welcoming appearance. Curb appeal is essential when trying to attract new tenants or make current tenants happy. When a prospective tenant is searching for a new home, the outside of the property is what draws them in. Simple, budget-friendly upgrades can keep your property looking fresh and clean year-round. Jackie Greene is a blogger, gardener, and nutrition enthusiast. She enjoys creating organic meals for family and friends using the fresh ingredients she produces from her backyard homestead.

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How to Maintain Your Property Landscapes this Fall

pwadmin — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 10:00:46 +0000

When it comes to property landscaping in the fall, few of us consider doing more than raking the fallen leaves when the lawn starts going brown. Sometimes we get lazy and don’t rake until winter, or even at all.

Preparing for a green lawn

The preparation for a green lawn begins when you know that your grass has stopped growing. At this point, you should consider your soil. If your grass didn’t look so hot the previous summer, soil PH could be the reason. Soil that is too acidic won’t work with the fertilizer that you thought would make your lawn lush and green. Morning Chores recommends Environmental Concepts 1662 Professional Soil Test Kit on their top ten list. This kit can not only test your soil’s PH, but also the conductivity and temperature. If you are not the do-it-yourself type, you can also opt for sending a sample off to a professional lab for testing. Most of your local colleges will offer soil testing as well. Once you know where you stand with your soil, consider your grass. Do you have a patchy lawn or is it need of a total overhaul? Also consider whether you want to seed or use sod. If you intend to seed, the optimum time depends on the climate you live in. If you are in a cool climate, the time is quite possibly now. Consult a planting chart for the proper time for planting for other climates. No matter the planting time dictated by your geography, a successful seeding depends on preparation. If your soil test comes back deficient, you should amend the soil to increase the likelihood that the seed will sprout into the lush, green lawn you’ve been dreaming about in the spring. After you have evaluated your soil and grass, you should take these steps next:

Prepare the ground. The soil should be turned over to a depth of 12 inches and any weeds, stones or large roots should be removed. The area should then be gently leveled with the back of a rake or other tool that can be drug across the over-turned soil. At his point, the soil should be lightly packed down by treading over the area or using as roller if you have one available. Wait a week or two if possible, picking any weeds that sprout in the prepared area.
Sow your seeds. The seed you choose should be based on the climate you live in, the type of soil and the amount of shade vs. sunlight in the area. The seed can be spread by hand, by using a handheld spreader for small areas or the larger wheeled grass spreaders for larger areas. You should remember not to over-seed any one area. This can result in the seeds draining the soil of nutrients. The proper coverage is about 12 to 16 seeds per square inch. Don’t forget to use your lawn roller or even the tread of your shoes again to press the seed into the soil. The final step is to use a fine screened compost over the area. It can be a bit more expensive than commonly used alternatives such as steer manure or hay.
Don’t forget to look up. If you have bushes or trees in the yard, they probably need to be trimmed. Also, be sure to water your evergreens so that they don’t dehydrate in the winter.
Don’t forget to have fun with fall and winter curb appeal. When all the work is done preparing for a lush spring lawn, There is no good reason why your rental property needs to be uninviting for perspective tenants just because it is fall. Consider pumpkins on the stoop, perhaps some potted fall flowers or a tasteful yard decoration here and there. Your flower beds can draw the eye with festive colored mulch and perhaps a mum or two.

It may seem like wasted effort when it comes to caring for a seemingly dead lawn and flower beds long past their prime, but when spring comes around again, your newly green landscape will thank you.

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Prepping for Severe Weather: The Home Depot Shares How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Leah Mendes — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 14:26:08 +0000

Prevent frozen pipes with these simple recommendations from The Home Depot Spring is almost here—but severe weather continues to span the nation, and the biggest March blizzard to date is expected to hit this week. When temperatures dip below freezing, homes are at risk of frozen water pipes if proper insulation and protection is not applied. Being proactive to ensure that pipes don’t burst and cause thousands of dollars in water damage is a good rule of thumb during the winter. Most homes in warm-weather states are not as prone to freeze damage, but occasional bursts of cold weather can play havoc with exposed pipes in the attic and between peers and beams. In recent years, home builders in the south have used flexible poly pipe water lines instead of copper, which has escalated in price. Instead of installing pipes in the concrete slab, some builders run them in attics. While their flexibility provides some freeze resistance over PVC piping, the lines should still be properly insulated, says Jeff Watson, Regional Pro Sales Manager at Home Depot. “That’s a unique challenge in some of our southern states where the builder will run that pipe up through the attic versus having it buried in the slab,” he said. “If you’ve got a new home that’s being rented, and property management is working on that house, they might want to keep an eye out for those homes that have poly pipe up inside the attic, and run some insulation around those.” Homes in northern states where freezing temperatures are more common usually have pipes buried in the ground. However, water lines exposed to the outdoors need special attention. Here are 4 tips Watson recommends to prevent pipes from freezing:

1. Tubular pipe insulation, heat cables protect exposed indoor pipes

One of the most common ways to protect exposed indoor pipes is to wrap them in flexible tubular pipe insulation or with heat cables. Exposed plastic or copper pipes accessible in attics and basements should be inspected and layered or blown insulation applied, Watson says. Also, short runs of pipe exposed under peer and beam foundations should be insulated. Another option is to wrap pipes with a heat cable, which uses a low electrical current to warm the lines. A nearby outlet is usually only required. Other pipes can be wrapped with inexpensive tubular pipe insulation.

2. Inspect and cover outdoor faucets before temperatures drop

Watson recommends using hard faucet covers for all outdoor faucets or hose bibs around the home. A popular and inexpensive way to keep cold air out, the covers usually hook on the spigot and are tightened snug to the side of the house with a cord. Also, Watson says a little extra attention may be needed for hose bibs that were capped when frost-proof sillcocks failed. Frost-proof sillcocks are common in northern states and provide extra protection in the walls between the outdoor faucet and interior of the home. However, over time they can leak. Watson said a common, inexpensive repair is to simply cap an outdoor leak, rather than remove and replace the sillcock in the wall. He said it’s important to protect all faucets that have been capped. “When it gets cold out and the faucet isn’t protected, it can cause quite a bit of damage,” he said.

3. Turn on the heat in vacant homes to guard against freezing

For vacant homes awaiting rental, Watson says it’s a good idea to keep the heat on during the winter. The thermostat needs only to be set above freezing to prevent damage in most cases. Also, open cabinet and closet doors where pipes are visible to allow warmer air to flow through. Another tip is to allow faucets to drip warm water slowly. Usually, the trickle will prevent water in the lines from freezing. Also, installing water leak and freeze detectors near sinks, washers, water heaters, sump pumps and anywhere leaks can occur is a good defense, Watson says. The battery operated devices are Wi-Fi enabled and issue mobile and audible alerts via notifications and/or text messages when a leak is detected.

4. Older water heaters may need to be covered with insulated blankets

Older water heaters may require an insulated wrap or blanket when temperatures dip below freezing. Watson says that water heaters that are warm to the touch or not in use are candidates for a blanket. Blankets typically cost $20-$25 and fit around the water heater. “For old water heaters, it might be worthwhile investing in one of those,” he said.

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Science-Based Irrigation Made Easy for Property Management

Leah Mendes — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:25:00 +0000

Free service enables property management companies to water lawns more efficiently Getting the maximum benefit from home irrigation systems through evapotranspiration technology (ET) or “smart irrigation” is getting easier. Texas A&M established the AgriLife Extension, a website that aims to help homeowners prevent overwatering without the need for a high-cost ET system. Water My Yard, a free web app developed in cooperation with the Lower Colorado River Authority, provides property owners and tenants with superior control over their landscape water usage, reducing water expenses. This web app is a simplified alternative to expensive ET irrigation systems, which use weather data to determine if and how long sprinkler systems run, right down to the zone. The technology is designed to provide just enough water to the landscape to keep it health without overwatering. Chris Lee is president of the Dallas-based company Earthworks, which specializes in multifamily housing landscaping. Lee encourages clients in residential leasing to explore Water My Yard. “This new service gives homeowners and property managers a chance to be more active and have a better understanding of what they need to do to efficiently irrigate landscapes,” said Lee.

Evapotranspiration system versus Water My Yard web application

While Water My Yard is not as intricate as ET systems, both accomplish approximately the same task: They use up-to-date, local weather data, including ground- and air-moisture levels, to determine how long – if at all – and in which zones to run the sprinkler system. Though ET systems have become more affordable in recent years, to get the most accurate data still requires expensive controllers that must be added to the irrigation system and monthly weather service fees that can cost approximately $200 to $300 annually. Water My Yard was launched in May of 2016 and is in place for dozens of Texas communities served by the lower Colorado River basin. Included are Bryan/College Station, City of Irving, Lower Colorado River Authority, North Texas Municipal Water District, Park Cities Municipal Utility District and Upper Trinity Regional Water District. The program draws information from 43 weather stations across the state. Six stations monitor wind direction and solar radiation and send information to A&M AgriLife, which is forwarded to Water My Yard to determine, along with recent precipitation, how much water is needed to water the lawn.

Water My Yard web app useful for unmonitored properties

Single-family, residential property managers cannot always control landscape water use. Even though the tenant typically pays for water, water waste remains a grave concern. Water My Yard is a useful tool to minimize water waste, by informing users when and when not to use the system. “At a minimum, people overwater by 30 to 40 percent,” Lee said. “They don’t understand what they are doing or they forget to turn off the system after it rains. Plants don’t need that much water.”

Service sends text or email recommendations weekly

Receiving this service is easy and takes only about five minutes. Simply go to the website, sign up for the service and enter your location and information about your irrigation systems. Water needs are determined based on the type of irrigation system: physical location, sprinkler head type, distance between heads and manufacturer. The step-by-step instructions make this a straightforward and uncomplicated process. Each week, the user receives an automated email or text message with a recommended watering schedule. Unlike ET-based systems that automatically program a new schedule, Water My Yard only suggests how many minutes a system needs to run, if any at all. “The classic example is that the sprinkler system runs on its schedule after it’s been pouring raining because the system is programmed to run and the operator doesn’t shut it off,” Lee said. “With this tool, you get a text or email telling you that you don’t need to run your system. There’s already enough moisture in the ground.” Lee stresses the need for a tool like Water My Yard when the weather becomes unpredictable. During droughts or unseasonable rain storms, it is essential to monitor the amount of water going toward irrigation to prevent waste. By reducing water consumption with this free tool, the savings for the property manager or owner can be substantial.

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How Low Maintenance Landscaping Saves Time, Money and Labor

Leah Mendes — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 19:49:42 +0000

Homes with drab landscaping rent more slowly, for less money, but those with fancy landscaping can require lots of maintenance. So how do you achieve a good-looking yard that enhances rental value without creating an expensive, labor-intensive headache? It’s easier than you might imagine creating low maintenance landscaping. Here are eight tips for striking the perfect balance between beauty and ease of upkeep.

1. Consider the climate

Choose plants that thrive in your area without demanding a lot of watering, trimming, fertilizing or other upkeep; any local nursery (or a Google search) can tell you what the best choices are. Some plants are fussy, others are stalwarts; stick with the less needy ones.

2. Plant evergreens and perennials

The beauty of flowering perennials is that you plant them once and they return to add their color every year. Evergreens, of course, provide a fresh green look through all the seasons. Ornamental grasses look great too, and require only to be cut back once a year.

3. Incorporate decks and patios

Reducing grassy areas that need to be cut and watered is a big money and labor saver. Decks and patios are attractive to renters for outdoor living and entertainment while reducing upkeep. Yes, you’ll spend more money upfront, but you’ll spend it only once.

4. Use xeriscaping

Xeriscaping (choosing plants that require little or no water beyond what the climate provides) reduces the need for sprinklers, saves water and eliminates the need to rescue droopy plants. Green consciousness and water shortages have led to the flourishing of xeriscaping, and books, articles, and web information abound on how to make it look great.

5. Emphasize mulch or decomposed granite

Mulch prevents weeds, looks neat and breaks down gradually to feed surrounding plants. It even smells good! Decomposed granite has a clean, attractive appearance and requires virtually no maintenance. Integrate patio areas with stone pathways surrounded by plant beds for an elegant, low-maintenance backyard. Add easy-care potted plants as accents.

6. Consider artificial grass

Have no fear, artificial grass for landscaping has come a long way since Astroturf. You might be surprised at how much more realistic it is these days. Google “artificial grass” and have a look. The advantage is obvious: no upkeep. There are more and more great looking yards out there that combine artificial grass with low-maintenance beds, patios, and plantings for a beautiful effect with very low maintenance requirements.

7. Make the colors last

When choosing flowering plants, emphasize those that flower for a full season rather than a couple of weeks. You’ll have color in the yard for long periods of time.

8. Go with the right grass

If your landscaping does incorporate lawn areas, you’ll reduce water and fertilizer use (and reduce brown patches and disease) by carefully considering your options for grass and choosing the one that does best in your particular area. There are even thick, no-mow, low-water lawn grasses available these days that will thrive in certain areas. Follow these tips and you won’t have to compromise the appearance and rental value of your properties to keep your costs and labor under control.

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How to Protect Landscapes From Heavy Rains

Leah Mendes — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 20:52:53 +0000

Rain can be a rental property’s best remedy for many landscape problems. Many nutrients essential to the survival of trees, plants and grass are stored in those precious rain drops that fall from the sky in the spring, summer and fall. But too much of a good thing is not always what’s best when it comes to curb appeal. Heavy rain or over irrigation can leave rental housing landscapes looking sickly and poor. Sometimes, the signs won’t show until it’s almost too late, even after the landscape dries out. Property owners and managers should be on the lookout for how trees, bushes and shrubs react after excessive amounts of moisture, especially following prolonged raining or flooding. Even just a little additional watering from the sprinkler system can create issues. “It helps to be cognizant of that when you’re looking at your yard, your drainage, to understand that one extra cycle on the sprinklers can cause problems, more so than on a normal year when everything is 50 percent saturated and the ground can absorb more water,” says Chris Lee, president of Earthworks. Here are five signs that your landscape may need to dry out:

Signs your landscape has taken in too much water from heavy rains

Plant leaves that are yellowing or show other signs of discoloration and appear to have veins could be drowning. Typically, those symptoms are signs that the plant is not getting enough nutrients. Usually, with excess water, the available nutrients are confined in the water and the plant simply cannot breathe, much less take in nutrients.

An obvious sign is wet, soupy soil at the surface. However, the soil could be cracked and dry at the top but the plant’s root system is swimming in moisture. Take a small spade and dig out a small area around the plant to the roots. If the dirt is wet, muddy or soupy the plant is getting too much moisture. Ideally, the soil should only be moist. A moisture meter, which costs as little at $10 at home improvement stores, will also measure the wetness (or dryness) of the soil.

Unlike a plant that is too dry, one that consumed by moisture will actually keep its leaves but turn brown. Typically when plants not getting enough water, they begin to hibernate and drop leaves. Plants that are wet are being starved of oxygen at the roots and will retain their leaves.

Obvious signs of fungus, mushrooms and brown rings on turf are signs the area is too wet. Also, an abundance of small gnats in the lawn indicates that excessive moisture is nearby.

Variances in plant size within a cluster or hedgerow are signs that the area is overly moist. If some plants are smaller and appear more yellow, often they are getting excessive water and lack proper drainage in the bed. Such signs can be an indication that a greater problem exists, like an irrigation leak.

Take preventative measures to reduce excessive water damage

Lee says taking measures to dry out your landscape after the fact is nearly impossible, but some preventative measures can be taken to lessen the impact of heavy rains and flooding. For example, adding layers of gravel and rock around plants and mixing soil with porous shale or rock in areas prone to saturation will create air pockets that will enable water to pass through the root zone. On new plantings of trees, installing piping at the base of the roots in a gravel bed and running it outward near the trunk will allow the penetration of oxygen from the surface. A property’s landscape is the first potential selling point to many prospects. And trees, bushes and shrubs that are drowning could detract from the overall appearance of the property.

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How to Modernize Landscapes at Older Rental Properties

pwadmin — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 15:51:08 +0000

Modernizing landscapes improves the look of older rental properties. Demand for rental properties is in many cases driving investment of older homes. Often accompanying acquisitions of aged housing are out-of-date fixtures, architectural designs and landscapes – or no landscape design at all. Much like an artist, an investor may have a blank canvas to work with in the yard of a home that lacks a modern look. Or, the home’s landscape may be cluttered with hedges and plants that haven’t been updated since the Reagan Administration. Bringing an ancient landscape current or starting from scratch can help improve the look and feel of an older home, and catch the attention of prospects, says Chris Lee of Earthworks DFW. Many investors and property owners are doing just that by tackling older properties with the new Zen of landscape techniques. “There is a definite change in the trend,” he said. “A contemporary look is spreading throughout older properties. You sure can’t change the shape of the home, but you can rip out that hedge row of Burford holley.” Through social media and the Internet, today’s renter can narrow down a rental home choice before touring the property. A visit or drive-by of a property with a decades-old landscape may be enough to send the prospect down the road.

Transforming landscapes may be easier than you think

Lee says transforming an older landscape into a more current design isn’t exhaustive. In many cases, it’s a matter of repositioning plant life, updating materials used in beds and along walkways and creating a less rigid environment by the types of plants, shrubs and trees that are used. “Newer properties are using more urban landscaping,” he said. “Instead of hedge rows and lots of grass, plantings are much more sparse and softer. There is a not a row of the same thing. It looks less structured and designed more around plants that can develop or grow naturally.” That means that rows of wax leaf ligustrums and photinias are no longer the darlings of the yard. Instead, tall grasses and reeds, small clusters of native plants and darker mulches composed of rock and granite are getting all the attention. In smaller yards, turf is used to accent flowing beds of plant life instead of the other way around. Lee says property owners can easily transform older landscape by following a four simple steps:

1. Eliminate structured hedge rows and reduce taller shrubs

Horsetail reeds that are planted in small groups offer a soft, flowing look. The reeds have jointed stems and are deep green, offering an interesting tropical look. They can be used in containers or contained in ponds, and stay green year-round. Also, shorten those six-foot-tall shrubs or remove them in favor of native plants. Get rid of trees that are confining and killing grass underneath.

2. Turn wear-and-tear areas into amenities

Straight concrete sidewalks or bare dirt paths and ugly drainage areas are an opportunity to create an eye-pleasing area in heavily traveled parts of the property. Create natural walking paths using crushed granite or flagstone, and add rock or design fake river beds around drainage areas that hold water.

3. Mulch with permanent materials

Mulching has changed, Lee says. Bark and brightly color mulches are out, and more permanent materials like gravel and crushed granite are favored. Also, dyed mulches that are dark brown or black give a more natural feel to beds and bordered areas. Using permanent materials reduces maintenance and does not require mulching as often.

4. Update types of plant material

Traditional hedge and plant materials should be replaced with native plants, grasses and ground covers to give a softer, calming look. Avoid planting in masses. Instead, space out plantings and create small groups of plant life. Also, leave the hedge clippers in the shed, and avoid making plants square or round. Introduce new plantings and use rock to reduce water requirements. Lee says there are dozens of options with plants and materials to update landscapes even at the oldest of homes. A landscape consultant can help create a vision that, when implemented, will give the property a feel that it’s up with the times. “It’s very possible to create a landscape that makes the property look newer and better,” he said. Chris Lee is President of Dallas, Texas-based Earthworks, which specializes in multifamily housing landscaping. He is a contributing author to Landscape Management magazine, licensed irrigation specialist and a Toro Intellisense certified technician. Chris studied business at the University of Arkansas from 1990-94 and horticulture and landscape design at Tarrant County College from 1999-01. He has been employed at Earthworks since 1998.

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Protecting Nature’s Greatest Asset: How Proper Tree Care Enhances Properties

Tim Blackwell — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 15:33:16 +0000

The value a tree provides to a home and neighborhood branches far beyond shade relief on a hot summer’s day. Research shows that trees help fortify not only the appearance of a community but also the physical and mental fitness of its residents. According to The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), trees encourage people to be more active and generally affect attitudes and behaviors. Also, neighborhoods with trees experience fewer incidents of domestic violence and are safer and more sociable, says the United States Department of Agriculture. It’s no secret that the rental industry recognizes the value of trees, especially when it comes to curb appeal. But their well-being often is overlooked. And when an owner notices that the tree no longer appears as massive and full, many times it’s too late. “I don’t think people have any idea what those trees are worth, especially mature trees,” says Earthworks DFW President Chris Lee. “It doesn’t take a whole lot to get to a $10,000 tree.” Because most landscaping contracts don’t cover tree care beyond seasonal pruning, trimming and cleanup, Lee recommends that property owners and managers get in touch with the health of their trees to ensure the long-term benefit they can provide to an asset.

Tree care is a value proposition

The cost to replace a tree should be enough to encourage preventative maintenance, Lee says. As with anything else, a little tender, loving care can preserve an amenity that drives rents and occupancy versus incurring expensive replacement costs after a tree dies. “It’s a value proposition,” Lee said. “What’s the cost to save a tree, how long will it take? Compare that to the replacement cost of a like-sized tree.” Mature trees often mask symptoms of a problem, so it’s essential to perform visual inspections, Lee says. A mature post oak that’s been starved of water and is suffering root damage, for example, may not show signs of distress for two or three years. Only then will symptoms like discolored or droopy leaves appear. “By then, the tree is probably going to die,” Lee said.

New development can put tree survival at risk

A big hardship on trees today is their ability to adapt to new plantings, especially in areas that are being developed on less than desirable topography. As developers race to put up housing, newly planted trees get plopped into holes dug on bedrock, caliche or pure clay that holds little hope for proper nutrients. Without enough nutrients, the tree’s root system will struggle to adapt, Lee says. Growth will be stunted and the tree will be more susceptible to disease. “This is where we see a lot of problems,” he said. “You drop it in a hole, and the tree will be no bigger than it is when it was planted because the roots can’t grow. They are going to sit there.” Lee says deep-root watering and proper fertilization will help trees adjust to new conditions and become the big, tall oak that residents and landlords love.

Like people, trees need periodic checkups

Ideally, trees should have health check-ups, which can be performed by a licensed arborist or maintenance staff. Visual inspections include looking for signs of fungus, insect problems or issues with the tree’s eco system. If a problem is suspected, Lee recommends contacting a tree professional. A number of solutions and remedies, including injectable treatments that fight disease or provide supplemental nutrients, are available. Treatments can include fertilization, root stimulation and fungicide and insecticide applications. Systemic insecticides can either be sprayed, injected or root-drenched so that the tree actually becomes toxic so that insects are killed when ingesting leaves and bark. Here are some signs, according to Lee, that a tree may be unhealthy.

Discolored or wilting, droopy leaves

If a tree that should normally be green has yellow or discolored leaves, there could be a problem. Also, an unhealthy tree may show signs of distress through the appearance of veins in its leaves. Another sign of distress is if leaf structure becomes less rigid, limp or not as firm and resilient as normal. Fungal diseases contribute to leaf discoloration and distress, and can be treated if caught in time.

Insect damage to leaves and bark

Bores can damage – and ultimately kill – many types of trees. Certain beetles and moths are the most common tree borers, and they can damage bark and limbs beyond repair. If the presence of bores is caught in time, a pesticide can be applied and the tree saved. Inspect the trunk regular for signs of holes where bores have been present.

Unusual activity or appearances in the spring

Inconsistencies in budding or blooming during the spring may be a sign that the tree is in distress. Usually, this means that something is affecting the root structure that supports the part of the tree that doesn’t appear normal. It could also be a sign of a bigger systemic problem. Like anything else, preventative maintenance goes a long way, says Lee. “Tree care is something that I think gets overlooked. Typically in landscapes, mature trees are your most valuable asset. But a lot of those get left completely alone to the point they die. Some probably could have been saved with preventive treatment or getting help from an arborist.”

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Create or Modify Drainage Systems Carefully During Periods of Flooding, Heavy Rain

Tim Blackwell — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:00:26 +0000

Some home landscape drainage systems have been put to the test by recent heavy rains and flooding throughout parts of Texas and Oklahoma. Many properties that traditionally haven’t had problems diverting water away from structures and off the grounds suddenly have had issues with erosion, standing water and even flooding. Sometimes, persistent rainfall is simply no match for even the most effective drainage systems on landscapes, says one landscaper who specializes in rental properties. “There is a common misconception that a network of drains will remove water no matter what,” says Earthworks DFW President Chris Lee. “The truth is, areas that haven’t been a problem until recent steady and frequent downpours are probably adequately draining under normal circumstances. When the heavens open and dump six inches of rain in one night on saturated ground, no landscape can sufficiently handle the water.” Lee says property owners and managers should refrain from rushing to judgement to fix a problem that may not exist again for another 30-40 years. Drainage systems are expensive to install, and if they are only needed to alleviate only periodic heavy rains it may be money down the drain. “If you’re addressing a problem that occurred in a 30-year storm, there probably isn’t a solution,” he said. “You could be spending money down the drain.” Careful planning and evaluation needs to go into any modifications to existing drains, especially those that have been doing their jobs under normal conditions. Lee recommends keeping a few things in mind when hiring someone to installing additional drainage or maximizing the effectiveness of the existing system:

Understand the difference between short-term and long-term drain solutions

Know the difference between short-term drainage and long-term drainage solutions. Equipment like sump pumps and piped drains are more immediate solutions that require maintenance and are subject to failure. A non-working pump or clogged pipe will prevent water from being dispersed off the property and potentially result in significant damage. On the other hand, creating troughs, berms and swales to divert and redirect water, when possible, are longer term solutions. Re-grading or digging an area on the property to a specific depth and width to control and direct a normal amount of down flow is required.

Correctly installed pipe systems may be best solution for some properties

Because a swale or berm system requires significant green space it may not be the ideal solution for many properties, especially those with small yards or difficult elevation changes. A pipe-based system with drain boxes using either corrugated or perforated pipe or solid piping may be the best bet. “If you have obvious low spots, solid pipe with drain boxes added in each area is a good solution,” Lee says. “This system can be installed by digging a trench a few inches wider than the pipe and as deep as needed to make sure you have continual drop in elevation for the length of the pipe.” A perforated pipe system is ideal for areas where moisture needs to be captured over a large area with no clear low spot or spots, like along foundations or fence lines. Placing a “sock” or thin fabric sleeve around the submerged pipe will help prevent the system from clogging. If you’re using a four-inch pipe, dig a 12” x 12” trench and surround the pipe in rock or pebbles. To make the system more maintenance free, install weed blocker along the channel.

Networked downspout systems will take water directly to storm drains

Downspouts that tie directly into above-ground or underground drains will divert water away from the home if properly installed. Lee says incorrectly installed downspouts can cause more drainage enjoys than they resolve if not effectively tied into a network of pipes that removes the water. Also, incorrectly installed splash blocks can contribute to erosion or debris that clogs systems. “Ideally, downspouts should be tied into an underground drainage system that channels water to storm drains without ever dumping onto the property,” Lee said. In some cases, the best solution may be to divert the water to a driveway or street. Lee said the key is for the spouts to tie into a flow pipe that is large enough to handle the volume of water coming from multiple pipes. Also, don’t tie in too many downspouts and surface drains into the same pipe. “The drain boxes can become exit points for the rapidly flowing water rather than a catch point to divert ground water.”

Hire drainage experts who know how to move water

Lee says property owners should be choosy and check references when hiring a company to fix drainage issues. “Not everybody who says that they are drainage experts really know how to solve your problem,” he says. “Make sure you really address the problem and get it corrected right the first time. Don’t cut corners and, most of all, don’t expect more than physically possible, especially when the weather is off the charts.”

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Six Steps to Prepare for Heavy Snowfall at your Property

Tim Blackwell — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:32:44 +0000

Snow and other forms of precipitation in the Northeast are expected to rival that of a record-shattering year last year as winter gains momentum in January and February. Other parts of the country will be no doubt affected as winter begins to enter its stretch run. For a home owner, a heavy snowfall can be particularly damaging and dangerous. November’s blizzard in Western New York that posted snowfalls up to seven feet took its toll on numerous homes and businesses. Collapsed roofs from the heavy weight of the snow were among the nearly $50 million in damages reported. Protecting an asset from heavy snow is difficult, and removing the white stuff can be just as cumbersome and even dangerous. Each year, workers are killed or seriously injured while removing snow or ice from rooftops, decks and other building structures. The U.S. Department of Labor and other sources offer some helpful tips that property owners can consider when planning for snow removal. Here are some questions that the USDL recommends you ask before snow becomes a problem:

How can snow be removed without going on the roof?

De-icing materials and extended snow rakes or drag lines are commonly used to remove snow from roofs. In many cases, the snow can be removed without going on the roof. Snow rakes usually have a long blade to remove snow without damaging shingles and can be used standing from the ground with an adequate extension. De-icing materials can also be used while working from the ground. In some areas, it may make sense to install an electronic de-icing system on the home that will minimize snow buildup on roofs, valleys and eaves.

Where are hidden hazards on the roof that need to be identified?

Falls are the leading cause for most worker fatalities and injuries during rooftop snow removal, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Workers can fall through skylights, roof drains and vents in addition to falling from ladders and aerial lifts. Before going onto the roof, identify any potential hazards.

How should the snow be removed to prevent unbalanced loading?

Before attempting to remove snow, assess the load – the weight of the snow, workers and equipment used – and the load limit of the roof of the home. Doing so is not easy but a flat and slightly pitched roofs are most vulnerable to heavy accumulations. Ideally, you should lessen the load on the roof, not necessarily remove all the snow. Do so by uniformly removing snow and avoid making big piles.

How should workers be prepared to safely remove snow?

Workers should wear appropriate fall protection equipment and clothing, and avoid using a snow rake or shovel while working from the ladder. Workers should protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing appropriate warm clothing. Excessive physical exertion can cause exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries and heart attacks, which can lead to falls. Remove snow by scooping or pushing small amounts at a time. Use proper form for lifting. Take frequent breaks and drink fluids.

What fall protection equipment will be needed?

A fall arrest system typically involves a full body harness, anchor point and a connector that protects the worker from falling. Anchor points must be able to support at least 5,000 pounds for each worker attached, according to Occupational Safety & Health Administration guidelines.

How can snow removal equipment be safely elevated to the roof?

Snow blowers are good for removing snow but can cause injury if not properly used. Raise materials like snow blowers and other snow removal equipment using lifts, winches, pull ropes or other related equipment. Snow blowers should not be overloaded, and operated at a modest speed. Homeowners should take extreme caution when trying to thin a snowfall from the asset. If you are not comfortable removing snow from your roof, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety recommends hiring a snow removal contractor. (Image source: Shutterstock)

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