Month: December 2014

  • Cabin Fever Relief Part 3: Get off the Fence

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    Ben
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    Robert Frost famously mused in verse about why his New Hampshire neighbor was so determined to fence his property off when natural forces and common sense conspired against the idea. His neighbor simply states, “good fences make good neighbors.” That’s not entirely true though is it? It’d be more accurate to say that good fences…

  • Cabin Fever Relief Part 2: Add Colorful Accents To Your Curb Appeal

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    Ben
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    Remember we’re planning ahead for spring. Let’s try to stay excited through the winter months ahead. Lawns can be expansive and impressive, but boring by themselves. To add interest and the curb appeal that always is demanded by a buyer color is important. The simplest addition is to add strategic accents with cottage gardens. Be…

  • SALT Talks, Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Snow (Part 3)

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    Ben
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    Salt kills plants. This has been known for as long as man has hated fellow man. The act of “salting the Earth” to prevent the growth of crops has been around since the dawn of war. However enemy warlords aren’t the only people who are killing your expensive landscaping. The de-icing salt that is scattered…

  • SALT Talks, Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Snow (Part 2)

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    Ben
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    If you’ve ever had a pair of leather shoes you’ve probably noticed how badly the de-icing salt used in the winter will stain them. Your once shiny black leather shoes have devolved into a disappointing dull gray with white squiggly stains worming all around them. There’s not much you can really do to avoid getting the…

  • Cabin Fever: Plan A Low Maintenance Grass Season

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    Ben
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    A home’s lawn makes the first impression.  It might indicate if  the owner cares enough about the property’s management.   Spinning around and round on every other weekend on a lawnmower make not be the lifestyle goal of most home owners.   Watering the crop regularly can be exasperating too, or expensive if a sprinkler system…

  • SALT Talks, Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Snow (Part 1)

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    Ben
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    Keeping your walks clear of snow and ice in the winter has some side effects. Concrete, plants, and even your shoes are all compromised by the chemicals you might use to de-ice. Ammonium sulfate/ nitrate deicers will play havoc with your concrete grout or flooring. These de-icers will react chemically with the concrete and obliterate it. Don’t…

  • Enter Sandman, Or For The Sake Of Your Floors, Don’t.

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    Ben
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    You finally made it through the day and your car got you up the driveway and home safe. As you walk in the house you may be accidentally gradually ruining an expensive feature of your home. Hardwood flooring is sensitive to abrasives, like the tiny amounts of sand on your shoes. Always ensure all footwear…