Pruning

Pruning is one of the least understood disciplines in arboriculture for a variety of reasons. For one, many professionals and residential customers under estimate the importance of pruning and proper pruning techniques. Before you start pruning your trees, shrubs and herbs, take a look at the following links:

TrueValue
Stihl
Better Homes and Gardens

Why having sharp lawn mower blades is important

• Having sharp mower blades means your grass not only looks better, but it's better all around.  Dull lawn mower blades tear and fray grass blades instead of neatly cutting them. 
• Cleanly cut grass is less susceptible to diseases.  The tears from an unsharpened blade increase open surface areas, allowing more areas for bacteria, fungi and the like to enter the grass' vascular system.
• Grass cut with a sharp blade actually grows faster than grass cut with a dull mower blade.
• A sharp mower blade can actually save you fuel costs, up to 22%!  That can add up, especially if you are in the lawn and garden business

Bring in your blade today and we'll be happy to assess you blade.  It may just need a quick run on our grinder or maybe it's ready for the trash bin.  Before you know it, you'll be on your way to better looking, healthier grass!

Repairing a Toilet

Is your toilet not functioning properly? Maybe it flushes poorly, runs continuously or leaks water? Fortunately, most problems are fixable. Best of all, you can repair them yourself!  Take a look at True Value's helpful (and easy!) DIY ways to fix your toilet


http://www.startrightstarthere.com/maintenance_and_repair/bathroom/repair_a_toilet.aspx#one
 

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Making your own laundry detergent has become popular now on Pinterest, and we have everything you need to make your own! 

Homemade Powder Laundry Detergent (best for top loader washing machine):

• 12 cups Borax
• 8 cups baking soda
• 8 cups washing soda
• 4 bars of Ivory bar soap, grated
• 2 bars of Fels-Naptha laundry bar soap, grated
• Optional:  add about 20 drops of essential oil made specifically for soap to make the detergent smell good

Mix all ingredients well in a large bucket or container.  Store in a sealed tub.  Use only 2 Tbsp of powder per full load!

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent (best for front loader washing machine):

• 4 cups hot tap water
• 1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
• 1 c washing soda
• 1/2 c Borax
• Optional:  essential oil

Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water.   Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
Fill a five-gallon bucket half full of hot tap water.   Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved.   Fill bucket to top with more hot water.   Sir, cover, and let sit overnight to thicken.
Stir and fill a used, clean laundry soap dispenser (or a gallon milk carton) half full with soap and then fill the rest of the way with water.   Shake before each use.   (It will gel)
Optional: add 10-15 drops of essential oil per each 2 gallons.
For a front load machine add 1/4 cup per load, for a top loader at 1/2 cup.