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How To Save A Dying Tree: A Closer Look At Tree Health

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
a dying tree

Homeowners often love mature trees for their shade, beauty and boost to curb appeal and property value. But if you notice signs of a dying tree, you may wonder how to help it recover, or whether it’s time for removal.

There are a number of diseases that can infect a tree’s branches, tree roots or foliage. Because the causes of a problem can vary, it’s often best to consult a tree professional to identify the problem. 

The good news is that most tree diseases cause visible symptoms that can be warning signs. This allows homeowners to act early on their trees’ behalf. Many of these signs of tree disease can look like a tree that’s just dormant, which can often make it difficult for a homeowner to tell what is actually wrong.

How To Save A Dying Oak Tree: Common Illnesses

Many types of trees, including oaks, are popular across the US for their … Read Full Post »

Landscaping on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Design

. Posted by in • Houston

Landscaping Affordable Design

Landscaping on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Design

Landscaping on a budget is entirely achievable with careful planning, creative thinking, and strategic use of resources. By incorporating native plants, utilizing DIY projects, and focusing on cost-effective materials, you can transform your backyard into a beautiful landscape without overspending.

Remember, the key is to plan thoughtfully, be resourceful, and enjoy the process of creating your ideal garden.

Start by outlining your vision for the yard and determining the square footage you want to cover. This planning phase will help you allocate your resources effectively and save money by focusing on key areas such as retaining walls, grouping plants, and drainage holes. Consider integrating pea gravel, river rocks, or brick chips to enhance the ground cover affordably.

DIY projects are a creative way to keep costs low. Build your vertical gardens or use stepping stones to create attractive paths. Incorporate shredded leaves … Read Full Post »

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How Long Can Mosquitoes Live Without Food?

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a mosquito on a person's hand

Mosquitoes are annoying pests that can make it hard to enjoy the outdoors. Some people think they can try to starve mosquitoes before spending time outside. This might sound like a good idea, but it doesn’t work when it comes to controlling mosquitoes.

How Long Can Mosquitoes Live Without Food?

Many homeowners wonder if they can get rid of mosquitoes by starving them out, especially in Texas during mosquito season. However, trying to starve out mosquitoes is not an effective pest control plan.

For one, there isn’t a clear-cut answer for how long mosquitoes can survive without food. Since male and female mosquitoes mainly survive on sugary foods like nectar from plants, fruit juices and other natural sugars, it would be nearly impossible to make sure the mosquitoes on your property aren’t getting food.

Many people don’t realize that only female mosquitoes bite people or animals. Female mosquitoes bite people because they need blood to … Read Full Post »

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Identifying & Preventing Oak Wilt Disease

. Posted by in , • Austin
an oak tree

Texas is known for beautiful oak trees that live for hundreds of years, so it’s important that homeowners care for their oak trees properly. A threat to oak trees is a disease called oak tree wilt, which can quickly deteriorate your tree’s health.

If oak tree wilt is a problem in your yard, contact an expert. Early detection is crucial to prevent the disease from spreading to more of your trees. 

Identifying and Preventing Oak Wilt Disease

Oak trees make for gorgeous assets in any lawn, and keeping them healthy is important. One common issue that homeowners encounter is called oak wilt disease. This is a fungal disease, caused by beetles or root grafts, that invades the tree’s internal water transport system and causes the tree to wilt. Identifying and managing infected trees is crucial to preventing the spread of oak wilt.

Fungal mats, which are patches of fungal growth, can form under the … Read Full Post »

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How to Create a Spa-Like Experience in Your Backyard

. Posted by in • Houston

Spa Like Backyard

How to Create a Spa-Like Experience in Your Backyard

Many homeowners dream of turning their backyard into a spa-like retreat. Imagine having a serene outdoor space where you can relax, unwind, and escape the stresses of daily life. Whether you’re considering installing a new hot tub or incorporating lush greenery into your landscape design, this guide will help you create a personal oasis that rivals any high-end spa.

When planning your outdoor living space, assess the available yard and consider how you want to use it. Do you envision a swimming spa for exercise, a hot tub for relaxation, or multiple seating areas for entertaining guests? Evaluate the size and shape of your yard to determine what features can be incorporated.

Use a privacy fence, lush greenery, or a pergola to block unwanted sights and create a secluded atmosphere. Divide your backyard into zones for different activities, such as … Read Full Post »

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How to Clean Trash Bins

. Posted by in • San Antonio
two trash bins

Let’s be honest: no one likes cleaning out their trash bins. It’s one of those chores that’s easy to ignore until the smell makes it impossible. A dirty bin can fill a garage or your yard with an unpleasant odor and can even attract bugs and flies.

The great news is that cleaning your bin doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tools and a few easy steps, you can remove trash residue and prevent foul odors from accumulating.

Still, this isn’t a task many people enjoy. That’s why more homeowners opt to let a professional do the dirty work to keep their bins tidy year-round.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Trash Bins

Cleaning out a trash bin is typically not someone’s idea of a fun time, but it is a chore that makes a big impact once it’s finished. Follow these steps to do it right:

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How to Trim Your Tree Canopy the Right Way

. Posted by in , • Bryan-College Station
a tree leaves

Trimming your tree canopy not only makes the yard look its best but also keeps your home protected from falling dead branches.

If you’re wondering how to trim your tree canopy the right way, we’ll walk you through the 3 C’s of pruning, tips and techniques you can follow and times of the year when it’s best to trim. Additionally, we’ll cover when it’s best to call in a tree care professional to ensure that your trees stay healthy.

Why Is Proper Trimming Important?

Trimming serves three main purposes: aesthetics, safety and tree health. Removing dead or diseased branches helps prevent pests and stops the disease from spreading. You’ll also prevent dead branches from falling unexpectedly, which could injure someone or cause property damage.

A trimmed canopy also allows more sunlight to reach the grass below, which can help your lawn get fuller and greener. If you decide to sell your house, strong-looking trees … Read Full Post »

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The Best Plants to Landscape Around Your Pool

. Posted by in • Houston

Poolside Landscaping

The Best Plants to Landscape Around Your Pool

Creating a Beautiful and Functional Poolside Landscape

Creating a beautiful and functional landscape around your pool is essential for enhancing the overall appeal and usability of your outdoor space. The right pool landscaping ideas can transform your backyard pool into a luxurious oasis that provides privacy, shade, and a perfect setting for relaxation and fun.

This guide will walk you through the best plants to landscape around your pool, considering factors like maintenance, aesthetics, and pool safety. Whether you have a new pool or are looking to remodel your existing pool area, these suggestions will help you create a stunning pool design.

When planning your pool landscaping, consider the focal points you want to highlight. Trees, shrubs, and flowers can create a visually appealing environment, while small plants and ground covers add texture and color.

Using natural elements like rocks and stones can enhance the … Read Full Post »

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A Homeowner’s Guide to Termite Prevention

. Posted by in • Dallas-Fort Worth
active termites

Subterranean termites cause billions of dollars in damage to structures every year. Learn how to prevent termites and protect your home with this straightforward guide to recognizing signs of a termite infestation. Join our termite specialist, Reece, as he walks through a home inspection to help you learn more about these pests and termite prevention treatments to protect your property from destructive subterranean termites found in North Texas.

What Are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean termites are a type of wood-destroying insect that lives underground. They are known for their ability to cause significant damage to homes and wooden structures, accounting for 95 percent of all termite damage in North America. These termites build their colonies in the soil and create mud tubes to access above-ground food sources. Subterranean termites are particularly prevalent in warm and humid climates, making North Texas a hotbed for termite activity.

How Termites Damage Structures

Termites damage structures by feeding on … Read Full Post »

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The Best Time To Prune Trees in Texas

. Posted by in , • San Antonio
pruning a tree

Trees offer more than just visual appeal. They add value to your property, enhance curb appeal and provide shade during the Texas heat. They also create more comfortable outdoor spaces you can actually enjoy. Whether you’re maintaining established deciduous trees or nurturing fruit trees, regular care makes a big difference in the long-term health of your landscape.

However, when trees are neglected, they not only lose their appeal but can also cause property damage due to falling limbs, termites or disease. That’s why tree pruning, removing dead or overgrown branches, is essential to maintaining the trees’ beauty and value.

Pruning isn’t only for your home’s safety or the trees’ health. Pruning branches helps to prevent the overgrowth of tree limbs. It also improves overall health by encouraging new growth, but only when done correctly.

Even savvy homeowners sometimes don’t know the best time to prune trees and shrubs or the best techniques to … Read Full Post »

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