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October Tips -
1. Change the A/C
filter.
2.
Change the filter in your air handler.
3.
Begin getting bulbs planted for next spring.
4.
Talk to your A/C guy now about his current "specials".
You can save some money on a new system at the end of the season..
Consider this….
We live in an area of the
country that requires lawn maintenance all year round. Whether
that is a blessing or a curse, I'll leave up to you. In any
case, a well-kept landscape and add value to your property. No
matter how you feel about the needs of your lawn, we can agree on one
thing - it is time-consuming and hard work. Some of you enjoy
the process and take pride in the result, and some of you trust the
success or failure of your landscape to professionals. Let's
take a look at both options.
As
we grow older, many of us shift from doing our own yard work to
trusting the professionals. The best way to find someone to take
over that responsibility is to talk to your neighbors and
friends. Find out who they use and how they feel about the
results of the work being performed and the value they feel they are
getting for their money. Another source of names can be your
local nursery. The folks there will know who is working in your
neighbor.
If
you find yourself interviewing prospective landscape professionals or
yard-men, be sure you get references. Most importantly, follow
up the references. Selecting this type of contractor is no
different than selecting any other type. In fact, you will most
likely have a longer relationship with the people taking care of your
landscape, and you will definitely see them on more occasions, so make
your selection wisely. Make a call to your Better Business
Bureau to verify any credentials possible. You may also want to
see if there are any local chapters of the Professional Lawn Care
Association, which has brochures on the subject.
Now, for you
hardy do-it-yourselfers... You jump up early on Saturday and
can't wait to get out in the yard. (APPLAUSE) You have all the
latest tools, you watch HGTV, you feel no one can care for your yard
the way you can, and you are probably right. However, the fact
that you can name the type of grass you have and every flower and
shrub you planted is not necessarily enough. There are some
college professors and landscape professionals who will tell you that
you have just scratched the surface.
Every county
has an Extension office that deals with everything from crop growth
and failure to insect infestations and other blights. Find the
number for your Extension office and ask questions specific to your
area. These officials are very helpful and willing to share
their knowledge without hesitation. They can assist you with all
types of situations. Do you know the pH of your soil? Is
it the best for the plants you enjoy? What about that strange
looking, bubbly growth on those leaves over there? A phone call
here can save hours at the library or online. (You'll thank us
later.)
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