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Pruning Pointers for Healthy, Happy Trees

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Smart tree grooming starts with great pruning

Your trees don’t ask for much. They’re content with a well-fertilized lawn and regular watering during our hot San Antonio summers. They also enjoy annual pruning, but they hope you don’t confuse that with a trim. While both should always be on your landscaping to-do list, it’s important to understand the difference. A trim lightly shapes your trees, but pruning keeps them strong and beautiful.

Why Your Trees Care

Shape counts, but pruning is an important part of healthy tree maintenance. Making the right cut frees your shady friends from dead branches, and it helps control disease. That backyard crop of apples and pears depends on your lopper to encourage blooms for an abundant harvest. Most area trees appreciate their pruning from February through early spring. However, midwinter is the best time to work on live oaks because the cold weather discourages the spread of wilt … Read Full Post »

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May Is Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Is Your Family Safe?

. Posted by in • San Antonio

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 300,000 people in the United States alone will be diagnosed with Lyme disease this year. Since May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, now is a great time to learn what you need to know to protect your family from one of the country’s most widespread infectious conditions.

Despite being one of the most frequently reported infectious diseases in the country, most of us know surprisingly little about Lyme disease, its prevention, transmission and treatment. In honor of May being the official Lyme Disease Awareness Month, we’re sharing some of the most important facts you need to know to keep your family safe and healthy all year long.

What Exactly Is Lyme Disease?

Known as the most prevalent tick-borne illness in the United States, Lyme disease is spread through bites from bacteria-carrying ticks. If you’re completely unfamiliar with Lyme disease, take a … Read Full Post »

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Beyond Gnomes: Unique Lawn Ornaments That Make Your Home Stand Out

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Personality in the yard doesn’t need a pointy hat

The short ones with beards are cute, but they’re reaching retirement age. Those graceful, pink flocks have seen better days. If you’re not ready to give up your gnomes and flamingos, move them to the shed and dress up your lawns with something fresh. Revive forgotten classics, create a little magic, or let nature do the decorating.

Complement With Traditions

Whether your San Antonio home reflects the grace of Spanish influence or sports classic lines and contemporary styling, a touch of tradition gives the yard special appeal. Stately gazing globes are the latest trend from an earlier time. These lovely mirrored spheres reflect the beautiful Texas sky, and their stands vary from marble pillars to wrought-iron sculptures. Old-fashioned whirligigs replicate the relaxing spin of windmills or the flight of your favorite birds. Pathways add an inviting look around the garden when you opt for … Read Full Post »

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Chill More, Pay Less: How AC Maintenance Can Help You Save

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Without your air conditioning system, you’d be stuck suffering through the extreme heat of Austin summers without any relief. Your AC unit goes a long way toward keeping you comfortable and sane during warmer months when you rely on it to provide efficient, effective service. One of the best ways to ensure that you can always stay cool inside is to take care of regular AC maintenance tasks. Keeping up on maintenance helps protect your system and boost its efficiency so that you can enjoy cooler temperatures and lower utility bills.

Is HVAC Maintenance Really Important?

When you first purchased your air conditioning system, it was calibrated to provide for the very best service possible. Ensuring that your system provides for the same level of service as it did when you first had it installed means tackling maintenance tasks. Much like your personal vehicle, your AC unit needs to be cleaned, lubed … Read Full Post »

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Why Starlings Are Taking Over Your Lawn

. Posted by in • San Antonio

The lowdown on these high-flying fowls

When you talk to a dedicated bird lover about his San Antonio favorites, he won’t mention starlings. Ask him to name a species he considers a pure nuisance, and you’ll hear all about this invasive creature. You’re both on the same pest page for good reason. The estimated starling population here in Texas exceeds tens of millions, so it’s no wonder they’re all over your lawn.

Good Intentions Gone Wrong

It started in New York City’s Central Park in the late 1890s with Eugene Schieffelin’s release of a small flock of starlings. The gentleman was obsessed with birds from Shakespeare’s plays, and his intent was to fill the American sky with every species mentioned by the Bard. Sadly, there are no records of any other introductions by Mr. Schieffelin. However, his one contribution resulted in a current starling head count that could easily populate a remake of … Read Full Post »

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Beat the Sting of Summer by Banishing Wasps

. Posted by in • San Antonio

San Antonio’s warm weather makes the ideal environment for active wasp hives. Find out what you need to know to make this summer a wasp-free season.

With the hot and humid summer months just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning your pest control solutions against stubborn wasp infestations. While wasps are beneficial to the environment, having a busy hive on your property is far from ideal. From extreme pain to strong allergic reactions, wasp stings are associated with a number of risks that can affect you, your children and even your pets. Whether you’re used to dealing with wasp infestations every summer or just want to take precautionary measures to make sure your wasp-free home stays that way as temperatures rise, below are the basic facts you need to know to keep wasps in check in any weather.

How Do Wasp Infestations Start?

The way wasps nest depends … Read Full Post »

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Conserve Water to Prevent Higher Rates in San Antonio

. Posted by in • San Antonio

A classic cause and effect relationship

For two decades, San Antonio has struggled with perennial water shortages and persistent price pressures. Despite serving as a model for other southwestern cities, it’s unclear how much more the city can do to keep rates affordable—or even ensure that enough water reaches its residents and business owners. The next line of defense against urban drought might be locals who install low-flow fixtures, repair leaky faucets and conduct other important repairs.

The Lay of the Land (and Water)

Among American cities with limited water resources, San Antonio has long been regarded as a pioneer. The city was one of the first to see its water allocation curtailed as a result of a court order, and the amount that it pumps from the nearby Edwards Aquifer is likely to be capped in the face of competing sources like ranchers and endangered animal species. As a result, it’s a … Read Full Post »

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Four Ways to Cut Cooling Costs in San Antonio

. Posted by in • San Antonio

With the area’s year-long warm weather and summer heat spells that don’t break for weeks at a time, high cooling costs are one of the major drawbacks of living in San Antonio. Find out what changes you can make to keep your energy bills in check when temperatures rise.

While San Antonio’s sunny climate is one of its main attractions, it’s a perk that comes with a hefty price tag for many local residents. If your home has an outdated HVAC system or lacks insulation, your cooling costs can skyrocket during the hot and humid summer days when not using air conditioning isn’t an option. The good news is that it’s possible to keep your cooling costs under control with a few small changes to your lifestyle and maintenance routine. Below are some of the best ways to bring your monthly energy bills down before the next heat wave hits our … Read Full Post »

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PestWorld for Kids

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Kids are either fascinated or grossed out by bugs. Whatever category your children fall into, PestWorld is a great website to educate them about how bugs affect people’s daily lives. From educational information to games, this interactive hub introduces kids to the basics of pest control and helps them learn more about the “creepy crawlies” they share the world with.

Pest Guide

A comprehensive list of common pests gives kids all kinds of information about how bugs adapt to living in different conditions, including how and why they take up residence in homes. With resources such as “Amazing Pest Facts” and complete information sheets, kids can learn about bugs such as ants, bees, cockroaches, dust mites, pill bugs and wasps, along with other potential pests, including gophers, mice and voles. The guide demystifies critters that can sometimes be startling or scary by providing useful information for kids and adults alike.

Games & Entertainment

For … Read Full Post »

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The Risk Report: Why You Should Never Hire an Unlicensed Plumber

. Posted by in • San Antonio

It’s time to have work done on your home’s plumbing system. Maybe you need to have emergency repairs completed or you want to remodel your bathroom. Whatever the case, many homeowners dread going through the process of collecting estimates and hiring a plumber. However, taking the time to choose a licensed plumber who can truly meet your demands is key to ensuring the successful outcome of the project and protecting your home’s value. Don’t be lured in by unlicensed contractors who offer to work at cut rates.

Is Hiring a Licensed Plumber Really Important?

Unlicensed plumbers and contractors target homeowners throughout the greater San Antonio area. These unlicensed workers often attract new clients by promising to complete work at much lower rates than other companies. If you’re looking for a plumbing professional to complete work in your home, it’s important to be very wary of unlicensed plumbers. Because they haven’t proven their … Read Full Post »

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