Livingston Reporting - page 340

Landscape Maintenance: Prepping For Fall

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No one likes to think about the end of summer but all things come to an end but it happening rather fast. My daughter is asking about new binders and my son wants new shoes.  With school starting I start to think about fall preparations especially in regards to our landscape maintenance needs.  Without the kids needing attention every five minutes I should be able to attend to the much needed yard work to be done.

I really like doing the fall prep.  Getting ready for the end of the spring season brings me into my favorite time of year.  I am able to prepare the landscape for the coming year and next growing season.  It is the time of year when you can step back look at all the effort that was put into the gardens and lawn and proceed with getting in ready for winter and the following spring season.

Lawn Maintenance Tips For Fall

  • I always take this time to look into deals that home improvement and garden stores are having on their perennials.  Fall is a perfect time to put these discounted assortments into the soil.  Prepare them by adding fresh soil and fertilizer.  This should make them ripe and ready to bloom in full next spring.
  • I divide and conquer on the fall also.  All the perennials that have grown too big for the space allotted for them get divided and transplanted elsewhere.  Maybe a new garden is created or a friend is blessed with my extras.  The weather is perfect to make these changes in plant placement.
  • Potted plants are disposed of in the composter unless they are perennials.  In that case I take the pot and place it plant and all in burlap for hibernation.  The plants survive wonderfully outside as long as they are protected from the burn of winds and snow.
  • Pruning is best done in the fall.  The trees will be perfect shape for the spring season.  The rake will already be out taking care of the leaves so the effort to clean up the hedge trimmings will be minimal.
  • In regards to leaves it is best to rake the lawn and apply thin manure to the top layer of soil.  This will penetrate throughout the fall and winter seasons leaving you with a lush full lawn in the spring. You can use the leafs that you rake up as mulch for gardens.  People have told me that they have used leaves to fertilize lily of the valley only to have it come back in the spring doubled in population.   Leaves also help protect the root systems of perennials making them less susceptible to the harsh winter weather.

If you take time in the fall for landscape maintenance spring will send you a lush lawn with full blooming perennials and gardens ready for annuals.  If you find your fall overwhelmingly busy with work, kids in school, soccer starting and all the joys of fall you might find a good deal through local landscape maintenance professionals.  Landscape professionals are available for any job big or small and will help you with all your fall maintenance needs.

Bladerunners Landscape

Handyman Services: Marriage Savers

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Is the honey do list you have for your spouse growing as you read this?  I know my husband like a lot of spouses works so hard all day that by the time he gets home he is ready for some relaxation and fun with the family.  The list keeps growing without an end in sight.  One day I decided enough was enough and started doing smaller tasks on my own.  I can stain the deck and install safety devices to prevent the kids from hurting themselves but I draw the line at repairing the ceramic tile that has been cracked or replacing the kitchen faucet.

I decided I would start asking around to all of my girlfriends whose homes are free of broken screens and garage doors hanging incorrectly what they do.  To my surprise I found out a secret about all of them…they call in a handyman service professional.  This whole time I thought my spouse was a slacker and come to find out they all are. Hmmm…so right way I gave him a call and got estimates for all of the odd jobs I needed to complete.  He was out here for one full day, eight hours, and I paid only one hundred dollars per job completed.  A miracle happened that day.  I would no longer half to wait for odd jobs to be completed I had a new secret weapon.

I know I got off a bit cheaper because he could come out and spend the whole day on one job site.  The more I lumped in the cheaper his repairs came out per job.  When he showed up I handed him the list and he was on his way.  The house never looked better.  I was thankful that I had girlfriends to refer me to a local handyman.  Otherwise I know I could have easily been pointed to the internet and located several in my area.  The benefit for me was that I knew he was reliable and did good work at an honest wage because of the several word of mouth referrals I was given.

There were a few jobs that he handled that required licenses.  Thankfully he had extra training in the areas of electrical and plumbing so I did not have to call out any other contractors to help my situations.  The jobs are endless that handyman service companies will handle.  I would suggest before you call that you get a list together of the needs that you have.  The company that you hire will then provide you with someone who can come out and fix all the areas pertaining to the jobs you have that need to be completed.  Not all handyman contractors are the same and therefore each offers something unique that they bring to the table.  When calling in to hire an individual it is up to you to match their qualifications with your needs.

I will never hesitate to call upon the handyman service company that allowed me the freedom from the ever lurking honey do list that I had to prod and poke at my husband to even look at.  The extra money spent on his services was well worth the a few more home cooked meals and one less weekend trip.  It makes me happy, my spouse and therefore our children.  Hiring a handyman was like hiring a marriage mediator.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Commercial Lending: Making Sure Your Needs Are Met

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Getting a mortgage is an adventure.  It does not matter if you are looking for a mortgage for a home or for a business venture the basic same rules apply.  It is tough to enter into a large financial agreement with a lender that is often a complete stranger to you and your needs.  The problem is that you have specific needs that your commercial lending company needs to meet in order for you to feel confident that it is the right deal for your company.

There are some basic tips you will want to follow and things to think about as you apply for commercial lending.  Not only are you looking for a quality lender, low interest rate and fair terms for your loan needs. Finding this miracle lender is the tricky part and it will take time.  Also, just because you have found someone do deal with your lending needs for this transaction don’t assume that with every aspect of business lending that they will be your go to lender.  You will need to stay up to date on your lending needs too and not rely on someone else completely.

First speak to a mortgage advisor.  It is important that a party that is not invested in you or a lender look at your situation impartially to advise you.  A mortgage advisor is an individual who is paid to help you find a great deal on a commercial loan.  Because they don’t have any connection to a lender they will look for the best deal within your business sector and can also navigate better because they are professionals in the industry.

Mortgage brokers can also be useful because they often specialize in a certain type of lending such as commercial lending.  They will be able to explain their specialty inside and out.  They can give detailed information about lenders and different mortgages available which is all information that will benefit your lending needs.

Remember to leave yourself plenty of leeway in finding a mortgage for a commercial venture.  Residential mortgages take a while and much paperwork is needed to complete them but it is nothing in comparison to a commercial loan.  If you go with a mortgage broker or advisor they may be able to help streamline the process helping the speed at which your loan goes through.

It is imperative that when working with a professional broker or advisor that they are independent of a lender.  This way you know they are really scoping out the industries best deal for you and not favoring a lender because of ties to that company.

It is possible to arrange for a commercial loan on your own.  Be prepared for leg work and ask friends and business contacts for referrals.  Often you’re the financial people in your life can assist you with contacts.  Your accountant, financial advisor and other business owners can be your best allies when looking into a commercial loan. Don’t forget about your banking institution also.  They can provide services to help you with finding a commercial loan or pointing you in the direction you should be looking.

You should use all online tools available to you.  Scope out forums and blogs that will help you understand key elements and terms that lenders are throwing at you.  It is important to be knowledgeable and well educated when you enter into an agreement such as one with the magnitude of a commercial loan.  It will affect you and your business for years to come so make sure it is a best fit for all parties involved.

Ask 4 Funding

Making A Statement With Your Flooring Renovation

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There are several home renovations that you can do in your home that will make a statement.  One of them for certain is your choice of flooring.  No matter what you choose when initiating a flooring renovation in your home makes sure that the change reflects your family and lifestyle.  Taking these things into consideration allows you to have flooring that will with stand the beating your family will put the floor through and will make sure that you love the look of it because it will be with you, hopefully, for an extended periods of time.

Flooring can be a good chunk of a room renovation.  It is advisable that if you have the money you complete all flooring renovations when you purchase your home before you move into it.  This type of renovation becomes much more of a hassle as you live in your home and accumulate the goods a household does over time.

There are so many types of flooring available today how do you choose?  This is all personal preference.  Look at what is the most important item to you when looking into this renovation.  Are you worried about function?  Do you need the flooring to last forever?  Are you looking for something comfy to be under foot?  Would you like something more modern?  Are you concerned with resale?  All these things will help you narrow down your choice in flooring materials.

Option With Flooring and Benefits and Drawbacks

Laminate flooring is a great option for families with small children and pets.  It is the same look as hardwood without the expense and upkeep.  You don’t have to worry about the moisture and scuffing that happens with real hardwood.  Laminate is maintenance easy too.  If you sweep and mop regularly you will avoid the dirt lying around to scratch the laminate.  Of course there are consumers who don’t like faux material.  If you are in the market to sell you might choose a different material to appeal to the masses.  It is definitely possible upon inspection to tell that laminate is laminate not hardwood.  This could be a disadvantage for some people.

Hardwood flooring is a very versatile well liked material to use in flooring renovations.  In is incredibly valuable to the resale of your home, easy to repair and can be maintained fairly easy.  It is a material that will stand the test of time.  However, it is expensive to purchase and if you have animals be careful because their nails will scratch the surface. Hardwood floors are also not the best place to sit and get comfortable so make sure if you have wood floors in your living space and small children get ready to purchase a throw rug.

Cork flooring is good for homes that the subfloor is uneven as it is easy to be installed on all types of surfaces.  It is an all natural material and fits within the ethical flooring range.  It holds sound well and is a perfect material to use as an insulator. Disadvantages include that it does require maintenance.  If you don’t seal the cork flooring every five years it can lose its waterproof quality and can also be stained more easily then if treated.  Sharp objects can puncture the seal so that is also something to consider when laying a cork floor.

Carpet flooring is very versatile and has a great number of styles, colors and textures to choose from.  Carpet is easy to install and comes in various price ranges to fit into all budgets and lifestyles.  You do need to keep up on regular maintenance which includes steam cleaning bi-yearly and spot cleaning when necessary.  It is a wonderful flooring option if you have young family members who spend a lot of time playing on the floor.

Vinyl flooring is inexpensive and fairly easy to install.  It does require an even clean surface for installation.  The one thing is that vinyl wears down and loses it sheen quickly.  It is best used in rooms that don’t receive a great deal of traffic or that wear is not necessarily a huge issue such as mudrooms and basements.

Ceramic flooring is great for the easy of cleaning and resilience.  It is very strong but can be cracked if something heavy is dropped on it.  Installation is normally fairly straight forward.  The ceramic tiles can be purchased in various colors and is family friendly.  Ceramic works well in kitchen/dining areas and bathrooms for its ability to repel the moisture that those rooms often attract.

Flooring renovation options are really a personal choice and should be made with your family in mind.  If you have a pool and wet kids running in and out all day carpet and hardwood are most likely not great choices for you.  However if you are a home with older children who are more careful and don’t tend to spill carpet and hardwood are great options that look beautiful and tend to hold for long periods of time under normal use and conditions.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Gate Operators: Assessing Your Need

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How do you go about making a choice between gate operators?  What criteria are important and what does it really matter how the gates open and close?  Automatic gates and gate operators are examples of technological advances made to better improve the quality of live surrounding us.  Whether the gate is used for home, commercial or industrial use you can guarantee that the main function of the gate is to speed up entering and exiting, improve safety and provide a record of traffic.

The first question you need to answer is what type of gate are you looking for?  Are you looking for a gate that slides open, one that swings, a vertical opening gate or are you looking for a simple barrier gate.  The gate operator that you need will be different depending on the type of gate you choose.

It is also important when evaluating your need for a gate operator unit to determine if you are going to replace your gate or are you adding the automatic gate operator onto and existing unit?  If you are using an existing unit you will want to make sure the gate is operational.  A gate operator can do many things but it cannot fix a faulty gate.

A gate operator needs to be chosen in regards to the gates size also.  Make sure that you know the height and weight of the gate you are intending to operate.  It is not possible to buy a gate operator that is intended for a lightweight barrier gate and use it to operate a full wrought iron swing gate.  The weight will cause damage within the system because of the added stress the weight will put on the inner components.

What direction do you need the gate to open to?  You will need to determine that ahead of time to make sure that the gate operator is purchased to be installed on the intended side.  Obviously if you are looking to have the gate open on the right side you cannot order a gate operator with a right opening arm.

Also, determine the flow of traffic that will enter and exit through the gate.  Are you using the gate in a residential area, for commercial business or industrial commerce?  This will help you when looking at durability and the longevity of the operators you are looking at. The traffic amount will also help you narrow down the type of safety and the amount of security needed.

Another point to determine before you purchase a gate operator will open and close. Do you want to use a card reader or are you most interested in a remote control set up?  The same questions will need to be addressed with closing the gate.  Should it close automatically or do you want it to be closed in the same manner it was open?  For instance, I open my garage door with a remote control and close it with a unit that is wired in to the house.  I need to keep control over the closing of the door in this instance. It is also important to decide if you are going to have to have controlled access upon leaving also.  Some places require you to again access the exit like you did the entrance but others allow for automatic exit based on sensors “seeing” your car.

Knowing the answer to these questions will help you determine exactly what type of gate, gate operator and access control system will fit your need.  Once you determine this your selections will be narrowed down making the shopping and decision a lot less aggravating.

SAC Fence

Fleet Wraps and Fleet Graphics: Helping Your Business Stand Out

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We bought are home a few years ago during the foreclosure boom.  It had been sitting empty for three years.  The inside had minor issues such as carpet, paint and updating light fixtures which are all relatively easy to accomplish but the outside issues were more than my husband or I could tackle.  Tree limbs were hanging over the house, dead branches needed to be trimmed and the landscaping needed to be completely ripped out and redone.  So with all of this in mind I knew I needed to call in the professionals.

I looked up local tree cutting companies and called three of them out for quotes.  It is so funny because I never truly thought about how you view businesses until one by one the owners started to show up to give us quotes.

The first gentleman was a very nice man.  He drove up in an old beat up pickup truck that desperately needed to find its way to the junk yard.  He came out and was dressed in attire that replicated the truck he drove up in.  When he wrote my quote up it came out on a scrap piece of paper and had his name and number hand printed on the top with some scribbles about my yard and the trees he promised to cut down, the limbs to be taken off and how the workers were supposed to dispose of the materials.

From looking at the man and seeing the car her drove up I knew immediately this was not my man.  If you don’t show up looking half way professional, with materials made especially for your company then how can anyone take you serious as a business owner?

A few minutes later the second company that was offering me a quote called to let me they were on their way. I am a little bit more impressed because a newer pick up with a magnetic sign listing his company and the phone number was stuck to the side.  This definitely gives a completely different initial reaction to my gut and I open up to them and show them what I would like to accomplish.  Again, he pulls out a tablet and writes a quote for the trees, the limbs to be trimmed and also offered to trim up the actual bushes around the house at no extra charge.   This was more along the lines of what I was thinking until I saw the third company pull up.

When AJ showed up with his truck covered in a fleet wrap I knew instantly he was going to be my tree guy.  Anyone that puts that kind of effort into advertising their firm on their vehicle using vehicle wraps and fleet graphics designed specifically for them has to take time and put pride into the work that he does.  When he pulled up not only was his vehicle covered in fleet wraps but he came out handing me a professionally printed folder with information about his company.  When he wrote my quote it was on a company letterhead.  One of the things I like most besides the fleet wraps on his truck was his professional pamphlets that included a copy of his insurance.  His quote was also right on target with the two other tree trimmers but he laid out a detailed plan of what would be done and what equipment was needed to reach the hard to reach places.

It really goes to show that although not all books should be judged by their cover they are.  Make sure your business vehicles have a good cover.  The idea of fleet wraps and professional fleet graphics really shows people when you pull into their driveways just how serious you are about business.  It is also a great form of advertising for your firm.  Every time you drive that vehicle you are advertising for your company.

Sign Solutions MI

Sales Strategy Planning: Adjusting For The Future

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When you are thinking about anything in business the best starting point is a plan.  Sales strategy planning consists of the strategic plan you set forth in regards to sales in your business.  The climate of business is very volatile as the economy ebbs and flows through this environment which makes planning for the future ups and downs a necessity to keep your business a float.

When a company looks to sales strategy planning they must start by defining the path and approach the business plans to take in regards to the company’s resources.  This involves all aspects such as money, people, equipment and time.  In planning there are several approaches that business’s have used to define their strategic plan.  Below are two common methods used in sales strategy planning.

  • SWOT Analysis: This technique looks into examining all the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved to the company. They use this information to determine the effect on the company and how the company should change to keep on track towards company goals.
  • PEST Analysis: This is a technique that looks into the political, economic, social and technological effects that are interfering with business and creates a plan based on information to encourage the company to adjust.

In the most basic terms a strategic plan is the formalized agreement from the organization for the course the business will take for future decisions.  One of these three questions if not all are dealt with when a business is developing sales strategy planning; Defining or redefining what the company does or hope to do, defining who they work for and defining how they plan on standing out from the rest of business’s.  Strategic planning helps plan for the long term.  It helps a company define who they are, who they want to be and how to get there in a three to five year span.

In order to figure out where a company is headed it needs to review where it has been.  Business’s need to explore areas that have worked and those which have fell flat.  As we have found in recent economic climates the future often takes turns we don’t expect. Business climates internationally affect American businesses so when an event affects commerce overseas business plans need tweaking.  This is the one major variable in strategic planning.  For businesses to not only survive but thrive they must learn to be guided by a plan but able to know when the plan needs to be veered from to conquer new challenges.

Companies have so many ways to help employees and clients see their vision.  Often companies will post their mission statement which explains the purpose that the firm exists.  Others find it better to relay the vision of the company to show hope and progressive thinking.  A vision statement includes what the company hopes to be viewed as in the future.  Vision statement a mission statement should be well thought of a give clear understanding of the company.  Poor vision and mission statements are those that are too broad and leave and overwhelming large gap between perception and reality.

Sales strategy planning, mission statements and vision statements are all tools that firms use to get a snapshot of the firm now and for the future.  With detailed planning and the knowledge that business will have bumps along the road that will need to be evaluated and adjusted for.

Advise Consulting LLC

Home Addition: Seven Home Remodeling Investments

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Making the most of your home is the theory in our country right now.  It used to be every five years people could upgrade but now with the hit on the housing community people are staying put and making the most out of their homes.  This includes remodels, home additions, landscaping and everything and anything to make your home into the palace you crave.  Why go on vacations where you live in the lap of luxury and come home to the everyday so-so life.  Create that luxury within your home and continue to enjoy the time you spend in it with your family.

What remodeling investments are trendy right now that will improve the value on your home?  Good question.  Experts say that there are seven main improvements that you can do that will create value without putting yourself in debt that will not be recouped in the long run.

Home Improvements To Consider

  • Home Additions: This includes sun rooms, porches, sheds, bathrooms, bedrooms and fun rooms that create family space.  Home additions can impact your home environment tremendously.  Adding on a shed can be an inexpensive fix to a lack of storage and closets inside your home and garage.  It is often hard to find places for yard tools, boat supplies, kids outdoor toys etc… so it all gets crammed into the available space in your home.  Sheds do away with this issue.  You can build them in whatever size space you have so it is perfect for all different types of land settings. Items such as sun rooms and porches emphasize spending time with family so those settings really drive home sales.
  • Bathroom Remodels: The best part of vacations is often the spa centers attached to the hotels.  Why not create this everyday in your own home.  Often you can complete a bathroom renovation within a reasonable budget.  Update fixtures, cabinets, storage space and if the money permits the bathing area.  Jets can add something to the bath/shower experience that nothing else can.  Make the remodel a sanctuary where you can retreat to after long days.
  • Kitchen Remodels: Although a more expensive remodeling situation, kitchen remodels do tend to give you the biggest return on your investment.  The kitchen is the center of most households.  In the kitchen people gather to talk about the day’s events over a glass of wine and making dinner.  Make remodeling choices that make life easier for you and create a space that is conducive for time together. Upgraded counters and appliances help to create a space of luxury.
  • Basement Renovations: Basements are an area that can greatly increase the value of your home.  When considering a basement remodel look into your family’s needs.  Do you need space for a recreational room, a guest room, an office or even a study?  This is the space to use for those needs.  Unlike an addition you are keeping the square footage the same but improving the use of the space.
  • Windows: This is a great renovation to reduce heating and cooling cost along with increasing a home’s value.  If you can add windows with blinds between the glass you can will really be increasing energy efficiency and the overall look of your home.
  • Siding: Often the outside of a home is neglected. We don’t live looking at it daily so the needs it proposes go unnoticed.  A new face on your home will dramatically change the overall look of your home and add curb appeal.  To a new owner this is the first look they will have of your home and you want the first impression to be favorable to add to the general attitude they have going into your home.
  • Roofing: This is one area in home improvements that is expanding like wild fire when it comes to materials you can use.  Traditional shingles are still available however; metal, tiles and slate are becoming popular options.  Actually I drove by a store that sold landscaping supplies and saw that their roof was covered in growing plants.  Roofing is truly diverse these days.

Your home is your sanctuary.  Whatever home improvement jobs that you choose make sure they are upgrades that you are going to enjoy with your family for years to come.  Don’t let the idea that your home will not sell if put on the market detour you from your dream home.  Live in it while you live in it and worry about selling it if and when the time comes.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Wheelchair Ramps: Making The End User Safe

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Wheelchair ramps have become a staple in American businesses, thankfully.  In 1990 the American with Disabilities Act set forth guidelines that make it law that places that operate for the public must allow equal access to all people making wheelchair ramps a staple in our culture.  The act allows for a zero tolerance attitude when it comes to discrimination against the disabled and their access into public buildings.

When thinking about installing wheelchair accessible access to your home or business consider hiring a contractor.  Professional handicap ramp installers are trained in the guidelines set forth by the ADA. They have a trained eye when it comes to obstacles that hinder the use of public spaces for people with disabilities or special needs.  Professionals also know the regulations when it comes to building a ramp, the best materials to use and measures to make the ramp accessible and safe for use with wheelchairs, walkers and other devices that make mobility easier for those with special circumstances.

The ADA does list specifications on their website for do it yourselfers.  If you have decided to tackle building a ramp you will need to review specifications and research materials.  Wood ramps are beautiful and blend well into existing landscapes.   The one drawback is that wood requires yearly maintenance.  This might be offset by the difference in price that exists between metal ramps and wooden ramps.

Ramps Specifications:

1)      The minimum width for a wheelchair ramp is thirty six inches.  This is the amount of space that is needed to comfortably maneuver a wheelchair on a ramp.  Widths can be larger to accommodate two-way traffic.  Most often you will see ramps built wider for this purpose.  Of course if this is a ramp you are installing at your home you most likely don’t have to worry about that issue.

2)      Wheelchair accessible ramps must contain railings/edges to keep users safe from spilling over the side. It is recommended to build the ramp with side rails that include handrails.

3)      All ramps must have a landing where the door meets the ramps.  This landing has to be a minimum of sixty inches long.  This allows for the door to easily swing in or out and leaves the wheelchair user room to maneuver around.

4)      It is necessary that nonslip and slip resistant materials be used for the floor of the ramp.  This makes it a lot safer especially when the weather is less than dry.

These are guidelines that are set forth by the ADA you should look into your local regulations and areas specifications to determine any other needs you might run in to when building your wheelchair accessible ramps.

When deciding what type of material is should be used consider the weight of the wheelchair and occupant and it is also important to remember that electric wheelchairs are heavier and need to be accommodated for.  It is also important that materials such as screws are used instead of nails.  Wood should be pretreated to prevent rot.  Anchor bolts should be used to secure the support posts to the houses structure to add support.  Also make sure that the slope and angle are correct.  Slopes that are too steep make it difficult for wheelchairs to go up and too fast to control on descend.  Also, include a beveled section at the end of the ramp to allow for a gradual exit and entrance.

Ramps are very common in today’s landscape.  The designs and selections available to make them a natural piece of your home or business are endless.  Make sure you take it to account the end user for your ramp project and follow regulations and guidelines set forth by the ADA and local authorities.  If you do you will be pleased with the end result.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Landscape Services: Getting To Know Your Lawn On A Budget

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Sometimes I admit I am envious of those in our neighborhood who can swing landscape services for their home.  How nice would it be to not have to spend the weeknights maintaining a lawn?  I am not only talking about mowing the lawn but the weeds, pruning, upgrades, fertilization and all those fun add-ons summer maintenance gives us.  I am also discovering in my new budget conscience frame of mind not only can I not afford the lawn services but I also can’t spend a fortune on the materials needed for a beautiful lawn.

Being the budget friendly I wanted to know how to get the biggest bang for my buck.  To do this the first thing I did was take my soil in to be tested to make sure it consisted of the mix of minerals for a lawn and plants to flourish.  Thankfully it did otherwise my budget would have been spent purchasing topsoil and fertilizer.

The first thing I did was organize a spring swap amongst the do it yourself neighbors.  It was a great was to go through clean up the existing perennials in the yard and get some new life into mine.  I also went to our neighborhood association and asked for them to purchase a new tree to be planted in everyone’s yard to help create unity amongst the homes.  People loved this idea and were thankful they were able to see what the money they contribute goes towards.

I knew I was interested in using some stones and larger rocks within the garden space.  Instead of spending the money to go out and purchase them I stopped and spoke with a local farmer that was preparing his field for the growing season about coming and gathering the ones he tilled up.  He was so grateful that he was not going to have to accomplish that laborious task that he told me if I did the whole lot I could have them free of charge.  You know I jumped on that.  We spent an entire Saturday with the kids out fielding rocks. It was actually a lot of fun and turned into a beautiful border for our landscape design and fire pit.

I started a composter too. This was fun and the kids love helping with this project.  I was fortunate that my parents had an extra compost bin they were no longer using.  We brought it home and created a station behind the work shed for it. I will never be in need of mulch or fertilizer again.  That actually saves a ton of money and I love knowing what is actually in the compost that I am putting in the soil around my home.

We also have an advantage over most people in that we have a natural spring that rolls through our backyard.  This is perfect because we can then pump the water out and use it for watering the gardens and lawn when it needs it saving the family money on the water bill.  Plus the spring naturally regenerates any water that seeps into the soil and is not used by the plants.

Landscape service companies are super nice to have but learning about my yard and cultivating it has its advantages also.  I love the time spent with the family working in the garden and have learned so much about the natural environment that surrounds us and have had fun reaping the benefits of something I have created.

Bladerunners Landscape