Simple ways to Go green and Save Green

Most people think going green has to be synonymous with spending green. But before you go and drop big bucks on those organic cotton sheets, check out these tips for how to be environmentally conscious and save money at the same time.

1. Install native plants
-You will save money on installation & maintenance.
-Native plants usually cost less because they are easier to come by
-Native plants require less time and water for maintenance since they are already adapted to the climate

2. Use alternate systems for irrigation
-1 sq. foot of yard requires a little over .6 gallons of water to be covered by 1" of water. To cover a typical lawn of 100' x 100' requires 6200 gallons of water!
You get charged both for using the water and the sewage that it produces so costs can add up quickly.
-Alternate methods include installing a rain cistern or barrel, and using rain water for irrigation purposes, you could also use a drip irrigation system or avoid watering your grass at all!
-For drainage, rain gardens are an inexpensive solution

3. Simple weatherproofing
-For a few dollars you can by weatherproof tape and door stops to install on doors that lead to the outside to prevent drafts and heat loss.
-Install thermal curtains ($20-$80 a set) According to the Department of Energy (DOE), 25% of the energy used to heat and cool homes goes right out the window. These curtains will help you save $4-$8 per window per year
-Wrap your water heater with an insulation blanket (about $40) and save about $100/ year on energy costs.

4.Green Clean
Vinegar makes a great non-toxic environmentally friendly cleaning product. It disinfects and leaves a nice shine. Use it on everything from glass to silk plants. Add a few drops of essential oils if you are not keen on the smell.

5. Make a few simple changes around the home:
-Energy efficient light bulbs. (will save you about $35/year over 5 years)
-Reduce your thermostat by 2 degrees in the winter and increase it 2 degrees in the summer
-Replace shower heads with slightly lower flow versions
-Buy a pack of rags for cleaning rather than using disposable wipes
-Clean the vents for appliances (refrigerator, microwave, dryer, HVAC) things will run more efficiently saving money and energy.

What are your tips for going green and saving money?

"Top" o' the tree to you.

Have you heard of the term "topping"

Some customers request that a large tree be "topped" to reduce its size, but we NEVER recommend topping and in fact, licensed companies can lose their tree expert license for topping trees.

Here's why:

What is topping?
According to the ISA (International Society for Arboriculture) "Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches to stubs or lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role." In other words, basically just chopping off the top of a tree to mere stubs.

Why is topping bad?
1. It puts stress on the tree:
Topping can remove over half of the leaf-bearing crown of the tree that provides it with food. This puts the tree in a starvation/survival mode and puts out a large batch of shoots right below the cut. This is the tree's way of rapidly making leaves to produce food. If the tree does not have adequate storage of nutrients, it will be seriously weakened and may die.

2. It causes decay:
The cuts made by topping create wounds that the tree may not be able to heal. These wounds are susceptible to decay. Normally a tree quarantines the decaying section and isolates it. But with multiple cuts made by topping the tree may not be able to defend against the decay.

3. Topping is hazardous:
As mentioned before, the process of topping creates a lot of stress on the tree. The new shoots that are created are more superficial and less stable. This means that the new shoots are more prone to breakage and can cause damage to you our your property.

4. It's UGLY:
Topping disrupts the normal growth of a tree. After first being topped, the tree can look bare and harsh, like the limbs have been untimely amputated.  When the tree starts to grow again, the shoots sprout in a shape akin to a witches broom. The natural beauty and elegance of the tree is lost.

5. It's Expensive:
Once the tree is topped, trimming will be required again as many shoots sprout up. In addition, the shoots are not as strong and will break easily causing damage to property or requiring clean-up. While a well-maintained tree can add to the value of a property a disfigured, topped tree is more of an expense an liability.

What are some alternatives:
-Responsible pruning by a licensed tree expert. If a branch must be shortened, it should be cut back to a lateral that is large enough to assume the terminal role.
-Responsible tree removal by a licensed tree expert

Deck vs. Patio

As you know from my last post, we recently replaced our deck with a patio, that got me thinking about what is better-- deck or patio. Here's a run down of the pros and cons of each:

Price: Overall, patios are usually less expensive. Patios range from $10-$25/sqf depending on material and features while decks are usually $25-$50/sqf. Decks also have the added requirement of permits. Most counties require permits for decks which are additional costs and additional time.
WINNER: Patio

Material: Decks are generally made with pressure treated wood or a composite material like TREX. TREX comes with a 20-25 year warranty while pressure treated wood has no warranty but will generally last approx. 15-20 years. Patios that are built with pavers usually carry a lifetime warranty. In general paver patios require little maintenance and if installed correctly, will not need to be replaced. Concrete patios generally do not have a warranty and will usually crack within the first five years because concrete is stiff and does not move with the variations of the earth.
WINNER: Patio (paver)


Versatility: Patios require a level surface to be installed so grading or retaining walls may be necessary if your yard is on a slope. Decks accommodate slopes and are suitable for high elevations. However, decks may not hold up in areas that experience extreme weather.
WINNER: Deck


Style: This is up to you. Both patio pavers and composite come in a variety of colors and styles to match your design aesthetic. You can also use stamped concrete for patios or stain pressure treated wood decks. Both come with a variety of features that can be added on such as built in lighting, fire pits, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, etc.
WINNER: Tie

So patio or deck? If you are just looking to add an outdoor area to your backyard, I recommend a patio. It lasts longer, has a better warranty and requires less maintenance. However, if you need an elevated outdoor space, a deck is really your only option. Both decks and patios have their appropriate uses, its up to you to take the pros and cons into consideration and choose what works best for your home and family.

My Patio Story

The shoemaker's kids may have to go barefoot, but the landscaper's family WILL have a beautifully landscaped yard.

It's been over a year since we bought our house, but we are just beginning to tackle the outdoor projects that we had intended to from the start. I wanted to share our experiences with you because I think a lot of people buy a home and then get overwhelmed with all the expenses and unexpected projects that pop up.

For us, the main issue was mold in the basement. We had the mold remediation done before we closed on the house and shortly thereafter, we replaced the drywall and the carpeting. 3 months later, the mold was back. Although, the realtor had described our basement as "the best man cave ever," in the ad, the mold issue made it seem more like a regular old cave, complete with crickets and cobwebs.

Our experience told us that if the mold came back we probably had a drainage issue in our yard and most likely a crack in our foundation. The solution? Waterproofing.

Waterproofing is a process where we excavate the dirt by the side of the house about 8 ft. or to the bottom of the foundation. Any cracks or holes in the foundation are patched and then we apply hydrostatic tar and rubber membrane. You can also install a drainage system to make the waterproofing more effective. It's also important to compact the soil on top of the waterproofed area, since excavated soil will sink over time. Just as we had expected we found several holes in our foundation once we excavated.

Unfortunately, in our case, the side of the house with the mold was also the side that had a deck right above it so in order to waterproof, we would have to completely remove the deck. The deck itself was tinted green from built up algae with peeling paint and rotting wood. So- not a huge loss, but it did leave us without and outdoor space to enjoy.

Our next step was to build a patio. We decided on a paver patio because the pavers have a lifetime warranty and are very durable compared to a wood deck or a slab of concrete. They also have a sophisticated look. Although we didn't use permeable pavers because of the larger price tag, (even though we are in the business, we still have to pay for materials!) we did use recycled pavers. We also installed a French drain, to help prevent erosion, run-off and water pooling (we live at the bottom of a hill).

You may have read my post about how to "pimp your patio," well we took my advice. We installed a sitting wall, covered our grill in stone, put in a fire pit.

While we still need to fix the interior. I can tell you the outside portion of our home looks a lot better and it makes me feel so much better to finally eradicate the cause of the mold.

The other cool thing about this process is that I get to be the customer for once. It definitely gives me a different perspective of our company. But I will say, that unlike other customers, I didn't have to shop around or worry whether or not the workers would do a good job. I am completely confident in our crew. I know that this is what we do and we do it well. I hope you can take confidence in our company too.

If you have any questions about what the process is like, what to expect etc. feel free to ask me. It is always a big decision to have work done on your home, but if it is done right, you will feel so much better about where you live.

It's not easy being Green

It's nice to have ideals, it's nice to have values, it's nice to stick to them 100% of the time but sometimes it's not always realistic.

Take "going green," for example. There are some people that go to extremes: buying only organic produce, walking or biking everywhere, using "green" toilet bowl cleaner (I mean really?). It's these type of people that have turned "going green" into a dogma that must be strictly followed. I mean, god forbid you should throw away that banana peel instead of composting it.

When I got pregnant, I had lofty ideas of cleaning up my act and being more "green." I bought cloth diapers, switched to organic produce and even bought a few "green" cleaning products. The reality is that now that my baby is here, cloth diapers lead to 50% shorter naps (he wakes up when he's wet), organic produce is not always affordable, and I still haven't found the time to clean.

But I've made compromises. I try to use cloth diapers a couple of times a day (not before naps!), I eat organic when I can, and, ok, I still haven't found much time to clean green or not green.

The same applies to your yard. You don't have to choose the "sustainable choice" 100% of the time, but making a conscious effort to be more environmentally friendly when you can does have an impact (however small it may be).

Lawn: The trade off: You want a green lawn but you know its not sustainable to water your yard. Solution:
Cut back on watering. A 10' x 10' area requires 62.3 gallons a water a week to water the recommended amount of 1" of water but many people use more. You can also adjust your sprinklers to make sure they aren't watering your driveway or the sidewalk. Also, make sure you are watering your grass early in the morning or in the evening to prevent rapid evaporation. Installing rain barrels or cisterns are also a good option to cut back on water use.

Landscape: The trade off: You want a beautifully landscaped yard, but know that things like using fertilizer and invasive species is not good for the earth. The solution: Plant native plants. They require less maintenance and fertilizer since they are already adapted to the climate. If you can't give up fertilizer, try using an organic brand. Use mulch from a recycled source.

Hardscapes: The trade off: You want to create an outdoor oasis with a patio or deck but you know that impermeable hardscapes cause erosion, run-off and limit the amount of green space. The solution: Permeable pavers and pervious concrete are a great option to help prevent erosion, while still providing the look and functionality of  a traditional hardscape. If you can't spring for these more expensive materials, try adding a separate drainage system that incorporates into the hardscape (generally less expensive). Use a low SRI material (lighter in color) to prevent the "heat island effect" and add plants or built-in planters to incorporate green space.

I hope these simple tips help you understand that even if you can't be 100% green, you can make a conscious effort to do what's right for the environment on a smaller scale. Every little thing helps!

Tree Service Insurance Claims

With the recent storm, we have been spending a lot of time removing damaged trees and restoring damaged property. Most of our work has been covered by the home owners’ insurance policies, which is great when it comes to avoiding a huge unexpected expense.  However, an emergency situation is never the best time to have to figure out your insurance’s coverage and procedures. Below is a simple guide to some of the most frequent questions we receive from homeowners:

1. If your neighbor’s tree falls in your yard, whose responsibility is it? The short answer is that it is YOUR responsibility. If their tree falls on your property, it is considered an act of God, and will be covered by your insurance policy unless you can prove that they knew the tree was a hazard before it fell and that they could have prevented the damage.  BE PROACTIVE If you notice that a neighbor’s tree looks like it poses a hazard, have a chat with your neighbor about getting it removed. If they are not receptive to the idea, get a letter from a certified company stating that the tree is a hazard and should be removed. That way, you will be prepared if it does cause any damages to your property.
2. What will my insurance company cover? Most policies cover removal of trees and debris that cause damage to your property (i.e. house, deck, fence, shed etc.) Insurance usually does not cover a tree (or portion of a tree) that is still standing or a tree that has fallen on the ground, but has not damaged any of your property.
3. There is a tree on my roof, do I have to wait for a claims adjuster? In case of emergency you usually do not need to wait for your insurance to give you a quote to remove the tree from your roof and cover any holes with a tarp. A tree sitting on your roof is liable to cause more damage while you wait! However, do make sure that you document the damages and save invoices and receipts to make sure that you are reimbursed. Also note that for repairs (such as damage to your roof) you may need to wait for a claim adjuster.
4. How much is going to come out of my pocket? You will only have to pay for your insurance policy’s deductible. In an emergency, don’t worry about shopping around for the lowest quote. You insurance company will handle payment for the tree service. This is why it is important to use a company that is knowledgeable about tree service and certified to handle tree removal. Using an unreliable, unlicensed and uninsured  service company could end up costing you more in the long run.
5. What can I do to prevent damage in the first place? Be proactive. Even if your insurance company covers damage and repairs, it’s better not to risk it. Storm related tree damage can cause severe property damage, injury and even death. Get hazardous trees and limbs removed. Contact a licensed tree expert or arborist for a tree assessment.

We hope this advice helps demystify things for you. Please contact us (301-603-1080) if you have any questions or if you would like a tree assessment. Also, insurance policies differ, while our advice applies to *MOST* policies, be sure to check with your agent to make sure you know the facts.

Enjoy your yard more!

Ever stepped into your backyard and thought "Ugh this place is a mess: weeds, mosquitoes, grass as high as my knees and when did that ditch in the middle of my yard turn into a swap." Yes, keeping your yard up is a lot of work, and unless you love gardening, heading out in the scorching summer heat to mow, weed and fertilize after a long day at work is NOT exactly what I'd call "enjoying your yard."

That's why I've come up with these simple tips to help you start enjoying your own personal outdoor space more.

1. Hire Professionals: Think about how much your time is worth. Do you really want to spend your beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon hunched over a patch of dirt? Our lawn maintenance packages are affordable, and you can't beat the feeling of coming home to a gorgeous yard full of green grass and beautiful flowers. Plus, professionals know what they are doing and can arguably do a better job than you could on your own. Look for an all inclusive package that includes a spring and fall clean-up, fertilizer applications, core aeration and leaf clean-up in the fall. Soon you'll have more free time to spend with family and friends!

2. Get the Edge: Edging helps create a defined and finished look to your mulched trees and flowerbeds. For a long lasting, and more refined looking edge, we often create small retaining walls using interlocking concrete blocks.

3. Install a Patio or Deck: Creating a defined place to enjoy gatherings with family and friends will give you a new reason to celebrate. And if you read our post on how to "Pimp your Patio" you can create an outdoor oasis.

4. Plant some Trees: It is officially summer and you know that means 100 degree days under the blazing sun. Forget expensive awnings! There is no better or greener way to give your yard the shade you crave than by planting trees. As a bonus, large trees shading your house can help you to cut your A/C bills in the summer.

5. Solve Drainage Issues: Hate Mosquitoes? Mosquitoes love water and water pools when you have drainage issues. We can solve your drainage issues with waterproofing, french drains, pop-up emitters and swales. Less standing water means less places for bugs to breed. It also means more yard to enjoy and less swamp!

Try implementing some of these ideas and let me know if you are able to better enjoy your yard. This is the first official weekend in summer so there is no better time to start enjoying your yard than now!

P.S. If your kids are home for the summer, a great backyard is a wonderful way to kill some time and burn off some energy!