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Natural Ways to Whack Weed Invasions

. Posted by in , • San Antonio

Whoever said that a weed is simply a plant out of place obviously never tried to maintain their own landscaping to keep it weed-free. Rather than relying on one strict plan of action, it’s best to use a combination of methods to prevent aggressive weeds from outcompeting your lawn and landscape plants for water and nutrients.

An Ounce of Prevention

Keeping your soil healthy will go a long way toward preventing weed Armageddon in your yard. Using a natural pre-emergent herbicide such as corn gluten meal can have some effect on certain types of weeds. Planting ground covers and using mulch, whether carbon-based or inorganic, will certainly prevent weeds from sprouting. Companion planting and choosing landscape plants that are hardy in your area and can actually compete with weeds for resources can help tremendously.

Watering only in areas directly around existing landscape plants can starve weeds in open areas, especially during drought conditions. … Read Full Post »

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What to Consider When Making Energy-Efficient Cooling Updates

. Posted by in • San Antonio

Keeping your San Antonio home cool during the hot summer months can be a real challenge. Like many homeowners, you might worry that keeping your cool will simply cost too much. Thankfully, new options in energy-efficient cooling can help you stay comfortable all summer without breaking the bank.

Understanding Your Energy-Efficient Cooling Options

When it comes to energy-efficient heating and cooling options, you have several types of systems from which to choose. Before you start shopping for a new system, you’ll need to understand that you can choose from:

• Ductless systems, which rely on outdoor HVAC units connected to indoor air handlers via a small refrigerant line.

• Central air systems, which use HVAC units paired with ductwork to move treated air throughout a home.

An HVAC specialist can help you decide which type of system is best suited to your needs. Many homeowners now prefer ductless systems because they don’t require any structural … Read Full Post »

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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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