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Category: HOME AND GARDEN

DIY – How to Trim Tree Branches Yourself

Garden Design Ideas

Most homeowners are confident they are giving their trees the best care to thrive and stay healthy. Water, fertilizer, and mulch right on schedule.

Trim Tree Branches

However, tree branch trimming can be very intimidating to the average person. While big pruning tasks should be left to the professionals, pruning small trees and branches is perfectly safe and manageable for the average person.

First, know when DIY tree trimming is appropriate, and when it’s not. If you want to prune a small tree that has lightweight branches, go for it. However, think twice about pruning a tree that’s near a power line, large branches overhanging your roof, or if the branches are too heavy for you to easily handle.

If you’ve decided to go ahead, just start with a little DIY tree branch trimming. First, you’ll need to understand the parts of the tree and branch. The branch collar is the enlarged area at the base of the branch that connects it to the tree. The branch bark ridge is between the tree trunk and the branch; it’s raised a little higher than the branch.

Make sure your pruning tools are clean and sharp. Make a cut on the far side the branch collar; don’t cut the branch collar itself but make the cut close enough not to leave a nub.

For a thin branch, one inch or less in diameter, cut just above the branch collar at a 45-degree angle to the bark ridge.

For a thick branch, cut it in three sections. First, cut through the branch halfway, about a foot up from the branch collar. Next, cut a few inches beyond that cut, letting the top of the branch fall to the ground. Finally, make the last cut just above the branch collar.

Trimming the Whole Tree

When trimming a tree, the procedure for trimming the branches is the same, but there are other factors that need to be considered.

First, you’ll need to plan out the branches you want to keep, and the ones that need to be cut. You shouldn’t cut more than 25% of a tree’s branches at one time. Imagine your tree’s branches like a clock; keep the branches at a 2 o’clock or 10 o’clock and trim any branches growing at odd angles. Also, remove any branches growing crosswise into the inside of the tree.

Cut off growth coming from the base of the trunk or the roots, and prune away any dead branches. Trim away any stringy looking weak branches growing upright in clusters.

How Tree Trimming Gone Wrong can Kill Your Tree

While one bad cut won’t kill your tree, regular bad pruning can.

If you repeatedly cut off too many branches at one time, it will weaken your tree. Your tree can even die from stress. That’s the reason why you should never trim off more than 25% of your tree’s branches at any one time.

Likewise, cutting into the branch collar can be a big mistake. The branch collar will help …

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Preparing for Hardwood Installation

Home Decorators

Preparing for Hardwood InstallationHardwood Flooring Options to Fit Your Lifestyle

Are you likely to get floored? Today, there are numerous choices for you to choose from. So, there is no need to remain with the exact same dull cement floors and will actually be in a position to pick from a number of different interesting options. To start with you need to understand that buying materials for flooring has grown to be much convenient and much easier. These days you should buy the materials for floors from an online wholesale store. At such a store, you will find tons of different options – from hardwood to carpet flooring. You can choose the material of your respective preference. While you could search through a web-based wholesaler’s website and look the choices available, you won’t ever have to leave the comforts of your home for this. You will be capable of check the whereabouts of a company along with the professionals associated with it. You should make an effort to look for the policies and terms before choosing a firm.

– Longevity Counts
Perhaps probably the most enticing reason to consider wood flooring will be the knowledge that it’ll not have to be replaced

– Wood plank flooring was created to last plus it does

– Proof of this comes from the truth that many historical homes still need the first hardwood in place, that has simply been sanded and resealed, once in a while, in a period of many, many years, so it preserves its original beauty

– Carpet certainly cannot tackle that; neither can vinyl, laminate, or even tile options

– This type of flooring could cost a lot more than other varieties, but when one considers the vast number of years it’s going to serve your home, it is often worthy of that initial investment

The Basics of Ceramic Tile

The other advantage on this form of flooring is that it is quite an easy task to maintain, and need to be cleaned inside a special way. If you buy the correct type you will notice that it keeps its color, even when it really is put in sunshine. This means that it might keep its looks for a long time, and along with the belief that it’s a lower maintenance wood causes it to be an ideal choice for places that have large patio doors along with a good deal of direct sunlight. – Just like all the other floors wood flooring can scratch too

– Laminate comes with a very scratch resistant wear surface therefore it is very durable against scratches

– A lot of scratches may be prevented by regular maintenance and ensuring furniture is protected

– Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and feet to lessen scratches and dents

Finish creates an illusion of depth. French bleed, seen as deeper beveled edges, has darker finish placed on the joints, giving a deeper look. Aged also involves some finish application. Going by “time worn aged” or “antique,” this variety …

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Using Dropcloths Can Protect Your Home During a Renovation Project

Home Decorators

A home renovation project can be a very chaotic affair. You might have many different contractors and workers walking all around your house. You will need to take many precautions prior to the beginning of your renovation project to ensure that every part of your home is completely protected. One of the best ways to do this is to use various dropcloths that are made by Trimaco. They have a reputation for making some of the highest quality dropcloths in the industry. Here are a few examples of the dropcloths they make.

Using Dropcloths Can Protect Your Home During a Renovation Project

1. A slip resistant dropcloth will help to prevent the people renovating your home from slipping and falling.

Protecting your home with a dropcloth should not be your only concern. You also need to protect the people working on your home. There are many dropcloths that have a tendency to slide around when they are placed on the floor. This can be a big problem because it can cause people to slip and fall. Injuries to the workers might happen as a result. Therefore, only use slip resistant dropcloths. You might also want to use some heavy duty surface protection on areas of your property that are going to be subjected to a great deal of weight and stress over the duration of the renovation project.

2. Trimaco’s Rubber Duckie dropcloth will not leak.

One of the most common reasons that people use a drop cloth is to prevent paint from getting on their floor. However, using a dropcloth for this purpose will be pointless if it leaks. There are some dropcloths that allow liquids to seep through. Therefore, you need to buy one that is leak resistant. The Rubber Duckie dropcloth is coated with a substance called butyl. This will ensure that no liquids will be able to get through. Anything under the dropcloth will be completely protected.

3. A folding mat dropcloth is ideal for quick and easy use.

You might have a small project that does not require the use of a large dropcloth. There is an alternative type of dropcloth that is made for exactly this type of situation. Trimaco’s folding mat dropcloth can easily be folded up and stored in a drawer or a closet when it is not in use. It folds out very quickly and easy when it is time to do your project. You will not need to waste your time folding and unfolding a huge dropcloth and trying to figure out where to store it. It is made with foam padding that is very thick. This will prevent your knees from getting injured from kneeling on hard surfaces. It also provides better protection than a dropcloth made from canvas.…

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Designing A Delightful Deck

Home Decorators

When you decide to build a deck, there are a few things that you should consider, the design being one of them. You should also think about the function that you desire from the deck that you build. Many contractors can offer suggestions for the overall design that will complement the exterior of your home. The area should be of a size that is not overwhelming but that still offers enough room for you to enjoy time with your family and friends while you’re outside entertaining or relaxing.

Designing A Delightful Deck

Outside The Box

Instead of the traditional wooden design that you usually see when you look at decks, consider a design that is a bit out of the ordinary, such as tile floors or a cascading waterfall on one wall. Archadeck of Delaware can build a deck for you if you don’t have the time or materials for the project. Using tile makes it easier to clean after being outside and adds color to the exterior space. A waterfall is a nice addition to consider because it creates a relaxing and soothing environment. Incorporate a few plants around the base of the waterfall for personality.

In The Tropics

A tropical setting can make you feel like you’re at the beach or on an island when you step onto your deck even when you can’t be in that location in person. Paint the wooden floor white before placing a blue or green rug on the deck floor. You can then begin decorating the deck with furniture, pillows on the furniture, and a few plants in the corners. Try to incorporate items from the ocean or from the islands, such as brighter colors of flowers or seashells on side tables beside a couch.

Swinging In The Breeze

For most people, sitting outside on a deck is a way that they can leave the stress of the day inside the house. A swing is an option to consider when you begin designing your deck. The overall design can feature an upper level and a lower level of the deck. You can hang a swing on the upper level so that you can feel a breeze from the wind blowing while the lower level can be where you entertain or where you have a couch and chairs to sit on when you don’t want to swing. Larger swings are an option if more than one person will use it at the same time, but keep in mind weight limits and the design structure of the roof of the deck.…

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DIY Electric Underfloor Heating Kits

Better Home Products

It’s a good news if you are one of those who is currently or planning to renovate your home since underfloor heating kits are already available- ready to install and very affordable! These heating are very useful, especially in the winter season. The best thing about these devices is that they are common and you easily find them in your local hardware.

DIY Electric Underfloor Heating Kits

What is the  Underfloor Heating?

An underfloor heating system is designed for residential structures to add the luxury of electric heat to bathrooms, kitchens, and other parts of the house without spending much. It is a viable option if you are would like to provide the right heating during the cold season without the need to install expensive and complex electric heating systems.

How to Install Underfloor Heating?

Installing the underfloor heating is easy since it is straightforward. There are many supporting materials to be used and the instructions are also clear. The good thing about it is that there are manuals and videos are accessible for reference and guidance in the installation process.

The first thing that you need to identify prior to the installation is the total size of the area that you want to install the underfloor heating in. Get the measuring and jot into a grid paper to clearly see the dimensions accurately. You need to start with the dimension of the room. Afterward, draw in the areas in your home that doesn’t need heating.

Power Usage of Underfloor Heating

Most underfloor heating kits are designed t be controlled with a thermostat and floor sensor. The thermostat functions by keeping the floor at a set temperature based on your preference. It can also turn it on and off to maintain the temperature that you prefer.

Some parts of your home may need a bit more heat since it is not able to hold the maximum temperature that should be around 27 deg C. The most practical way to run your underfloor heating is to leave it functioning at a consistently set to a balanced temperature.

Underfloor Heating for Laminate Flooring

The best flooring for an underfloor heating kit is a solid hard floor or a polished concrete. Aside from these, tiles are also one of the best materials for heating systems. Laminate floors can also be heated but not as efficient compared with the above-mentioned flooring materials. However, laminate floors work well in retaining the heat to provide warmth to the entire room. If your floor has coverings like rubber or cork, you no longer need underfloor heating since these materials are natural insulators.

The easiest to retrofit for underfloor heating is under an existing carpet. It should be taken up and then re-laid after. For building structures, the most common installation of underfloor heating is the bathroom floor. During the renovation, it can be laid under the new tiles for a retrofit installation.

One of the most expensive area to install the underfloor heating in the bathroom. It is also determined by the …

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