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Brown Algae in Pool: How to Identify, Remove and Prevent It in Texas

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
brown mustard algae

Key Takeaways

Brown algae in a Texas pool is often misidentified, so correctly identifying the problem is the first step to treating it. Maintaining proper chlorine levels, brushing pool walls weekly and keeping your filter clean are the best ways to prevent brown algae.

Is the brown algae in your pool getting in the way of summer fun? 

The truth about brown algae is that it’s often misidentified. It’s an easy mistake: you see a brown, dusty coating around your pool and naturally assume it’s algae overgrowth. However, there are several other things it could be, including dirt or debris, metal staining and pollen buildup.

This guide will help you correctly identify brown algae from other issues so that you can remove it correctly. Then, keep reading to learn how to prevent brown algae in Texas pools.

You’ll also learn from Steve Ambrose, Home Improvement Division Manager … Read Full Post »

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How Does a Generac Generator Work During a Power Outage?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a generac generator

Key Takeaways

A Generac standby generator is a whole-home backup power solution. For many Texas homeowners, investing in a properly sized and professionally installed Generac generator will help keep their home running smoothly during an outage.

In Texas, power outages are often caused by severe storms and summer heat putting strain on the power grid. One of the best ways to prepare for a power outage is investing in a backup power source, like a Generac home generator.

A Generac generator is a standby generator, which is different from a portable generator. It’s designed to automatically restore power during an outage and is more reliable and convenient than portable generators.

This comprehensive guide covers how Generac standby generators work, their fuel types and the advantages of owning one in Texas. It also includes expert insights from Anthony Burks, Master Electrician and certified Generac generator maintenance technician … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Generators Last?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a generator

Many Texas homeowners choose to rely on generators for backup power. Since we experience high summer heat and occasional winter freezes, having a standby generator can keep your home powered during outages.

How long do generators last, and what can you do to extend their lifespan? To help answer these questions, we spoke with Anthony Burks, Master Electrician at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the lifespan of your generator, how to make it last as long as possible, signs that it’s near the end of its life and more.

Average Lifespan of Home Generators

The average lifespan of a professionally-installed, well-maintained standby generator is between 20 and 30 years. However, the lifespan of generators is not solely measured in years; it’s also measured in hours of use.

A well-maintained standby generator can typically offer about 10,000 to … Read Full Post »

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Yard Fungus: Identification, Treatment and Prevention

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Yard fungus is common in Texas and often signals underlying lawn stress rather than a surface-level issue. Identifying the disease early and addressing moisture, soil and maintenance problems is key to restoring and protecting your lawn.

Is yard fungus taking over your property? As a Texas homeowner, it’s important to understand how to identify, treat and prevent the most common types of lawn fungus. 

Yard fungus is common in Texas for a couple of reasons. First, fungus thrives in heat, humidity, drought cycles and compacted soil. These are all elements that are abundant throughout the Lone Star State. 

While yard fungus may seem like a small issue at first, it can point to larger underlying turf problems. Fungus is a common symptom of turf stress. These include poor drainage, overwatering, improper mowing, nutrient imbalance, compacted soil and other issues that impact the health and … Read Full Post »

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Lawn Pest Identification & Control Guide

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a thumbnail from the video in this blog

Key Takeaways

Texas lawns commonly face pests like chinch bugs, grubs, armyworms, fire ants and sod webworms. Look for irregular patches, chewed blades, soil mounds or lifted turf. Early detection and proper lawn care help, but often, professional help is needed.

Have pests taken over your Texas lawn? Thanks to the Lone Star State’s humid and warm climate, Texas lawns can be hotspots for lawn pests like grubs, chinch bugs, armyworms, fire ants and other insects that can cause significant damage. 

As a homeowner, it’s important to learn how to identify pest damage so you can control it as early as possible. This guide, developed by ABC’s certified lawn care professionals, covers how to identify, prevent and control the most common lawn pests across Texas landscapes. 

“Grubs feed on the roots of grass,” says J Zambo. “So when you go to pull on the dead areas, … Read Full Post »

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Pros and Cons of Artificial Turf

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a thumbnail for the video included in this post

Key Takeaways

Artificial turf offers a consistently green, low-maintenance lawn, but it comes with considerations like heat, upfront cost and proper installation. This guide walks you through the pros, cons and what to expect before making the switch.

Every homeowner wants a lush backyard where they can sit back and relax or watch their kids play. However, there are a lot of issues that can arise from a traditional lawn. For one, maintenance and caring for your lawn takes consistent time and energy. Even when caring for your lawn properly, you can still find yourself dealing with disease or insects. Also, water conservation has become increasingly important, and what was once a beautiful green patch of lawn may now be scratchy and brown. 

For all these reasons, you may have considered artificial turf. Artificial turf is great because it looks beautiful year-round, saves water and … Read Full Post »

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How Long Do Oak Trees Live?

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
oak trees

Here in Texas, we are lucky to have many species of beautiful oak trees. If you have one of these trees in your yard, you may be wondering, “How long do oak trees live?” You may also be wondering about what you can do to extend your oak’s life and keep it healthy.

According to J Zambo, some oak species can live thousands of years, but most live for hundreds of years. J also states that oak trees in urban settings likely won’t live as long. He says that the best way to extend the life of your oak trees is to develop a long-term relationship with an ISA Certified Arborist. A good arborist will not only develop a great pruning and maintenance program, but they will also have a thorough understanding of the trees in your yard and will be able to quickly diagnose any disease or pests.

J Zambo is … Read Full Post »

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Where to See Christmas Lights in Bryan, TX

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
Christmas lights

The holiday season will be here before you know it, and there are plenty of fun holiday events to enjoy in Bryan, Texas. Our city offers multiple ways to take in Christmas lights to help get you in a festive mood. Along with Christmas light displays, Bryan offers holiday parades, markets, strolls and art fairs.

Looking forward to decking out your home for the holidays? Let ABC do the heavy lifting for you. Our professional Christmas light installers can get the job done so you can enjoy the festive season with your family. 

Where to See Christmas Lights in Bryan

Looking for the best Christmas light displays in Bryan? You’re in luck, because the city is full of dazzling displays for all types of audiences. Whether you’re planning a group outing with your book club, a festive date or a family night out, you can find something fun to do in Bryan this … Read Full Post »

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Signs of Tree Roots in Your Sewer Lines

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
tree roots in a sewer line

Planting trees is a simple and cost-effective way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. But their benefits go beyond making your yard more attractive. Trees help clean the air around us and give us fresher air.

However, tree roots are notorious for breaking into sewer lines and causing issues with your plumbing systems. The question is, “How do you know there are tree roots in your sewer lines?” When is the right time to call in a plumber? Let’s dive into this issue.

How Tree Roots Get Into Sewer Lines

Most of the time, tree roots grow around a sewer pipe. Other times, they can break into the pipe. If you’re wondering how this happens, here are the three most common ways:

  • They find existing cracks
  • They break pipes
  • They dry out the surrounding soil

Let’s take a closer look at these.

They Find Existing Cracks

A sewer pipe degrades … Read Full Post »

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Where Do Rats Live?

. Posted by in • Bryan-College Station
a rat

Rats can quickly turn a comfortable home into a stressful situation. But the more you understand about their behavior, the easier it is to stop them in their tracks.

For the best results, work with a pest control specialist to control a rat infestation in your home and help deter them from returning. 

Where Do Rats Live?

Where rats live depends on their species. Some live in nests while others live in burrows. The most important thing for homeowners to remember is that rats will always choose to live near a reliable source of food and water.

For example, Norway rats, a common species, burrow into the ground to build their nests. They’re often spotted around crawl spaces, the foundation of a home, under concrete slabs or in basements. Outdoors, you may see them under decks, sheds, porches, near woodpiles or around compost heaps.

Rats that burrow are skilled at digging, and they build complex … Read Full Post »

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