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Home Insurance and Fallen Trees

Your home is meant to be a haven from the world — a place where you can feel safe and secure. Yet, it's all an illusion, unfortunately. There is no literal force protecting you, your family, and your house from the dangers outside. All there is are the things you do to prepare your home against the world. Fallen trees are one of the most common kinds of dangers people should prepare for. Although they may make spectacular decorations for your yard, trees can pose serious threats. For example, a rotted tree may lose its structural integrity, making it easy for the wind to tip it over. Yet, a tree doesn't need to be rotted for it be capable of inflicting serious damage. And sometimes, you may not be covered when fallen trees damage your property. Just because you may have homeowner's insurance doesn't mean you're definitely protected from the damage a falling tree can cause. People plant trees believing that they will grow to be strong, standing protectors of their homes. Yet, trees can easily hurt your home. Keep reading below to learn what your insurance may or may not do about a fallen tree. Your Home Is Where You Put down Roots Your house is more than just a building where you keep all of your stuff. It's where you keep the things and the people you love, with the expectation that they will be protected. And to protect the thing that protects your loved ones, you should take out homeowner's...

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The Midge Fly Nuisance

It's probably happened to your before -- you're setting up the grill and your guests are gathered to eat and socialize. The sun is setting and the weather is perfect. But some unwanted guests have decided to crash the party, swarming everyone's heads as they try to eat, some even biting and leaving itchy welts on arms and legs. No, they aren't mosquitos, what you've got on your hands is a swarm of midges, and Florida is full of them. But what is a midge? Are they infectious? And what can you do to keep them away from your property? Read on to learn more: What is a Midge? Midges, or blind mosquitos as they are often called, are a common insect that lives near both natural and artificial water systems. They are very common in Florida where the weather is warm and humid and the water sources are plentiful. There are four stages of life for midges: the egg, the larva, the pupa, and the adult. Bodies of water that are high in algae counts and nutrients are very inviting to midges. You'll often find large populations of them near lakes and ponds, in residential lakes, and in wastewater channels. Midges are not unlike mosquitos in that they both seek out blood meals and inviting sites for egg incubation. They also enjoy nectar and plant sap, so areas with lots of trees and flowers can attract them in higher numbers. Pets, livestock, and people also draw midges due to...

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Tree Falling Down? Need Professional Help?

You’ve probably seen the iconic image of a tree falling with a lumberjack shouting, “Timber!” While that’s all fine and dandy in the forest, it’s not quite the same when the tree is anywhere near your property. If a tree on your property is showing warning signs of falling down, it’s your responsibility to take note and take action. Falling trees can cause serious damage to your house, vehicle or family member. If you're worried about the possibility of your tree falling down, keep an eye out for these signs. If you notice them, you might need a professional's help. Timber Danger Before it crashes onto your home or car, learn how to spot a dangerous tree and what to do about it Each year, falling branches and trees cause serious injury, death and huge amounts of loss in damages. If you do have a risky tree in your garden, it’s possible for strong winds from a tornado, hurricane or thunderstorm could cause the tree to topple onto your roof. Keep in mind that tearing a tree down isn’t always the best option. While trees can undoubtedly cause severe damage, they also add a huge amount of value to your home. Just one big tree can add thousands to the value of your property and can save you hundreds of dollars on air conditioning. In addition, a tree adds beauty and value to your garden and your quality of life in general. Because of this, it’s essential to seek expertise...

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The Top 8 Benefits of Mulch for Your Landscaping Needs

Does the landscaping around your business need constant attention in order to look it’s best? This can be a huge strain on your time and resources. One of the best ways to maintain the health and appearance of your property is with large-scale mulching. This may sound too simple, but adding mulch will do great things for your landscaping. Mulch consists of bark, grass, leaves, and other organic material that gets ground up and laid over topsoil. There are also synthetic materials that are specifically added to help with certain issues. Whether you’re overhauling your landscaping or starting from scratch, mulching will provide a number of benefits. Let’s go over eight. 1. Moisture Retention In warmer regions like Florida, moisture in soils can evaporate quickly. This means you’ll need to water frequently to preserve the health of your plants and trees. If your property is sizable, this can get tiresome. Mulching helps prevent evaporation by creating a protective barrier from the sun. It also helps by stopping run-off during rainfall or watering. This is important during the dry season, which can last up to six months in Florida. You need an extra layer of organic material over your soil to absorb and retain moisture so you don’t have to water on a regular basis. 2. Pest Control If keeping insects away is a priority for you, mulching can act as an organic repellent. Some organic materials contain natural scents that unwanted bugs such as cockroaches or beetles don’t like. You’ll...

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5 Sabal Palm Tree Diseases and When it’s Time for Removal

Did you know the beautiful sabal palm tree is the state tree of Florida? If you live in the southeastern United States, odds are you have some in your yard or neighborhood. While the trees are lovely and a great addition to most southern landscapes, they are still susceptible to several diseases. Protect your trees and get informed on these 5 diseases that can affect your sabal palm trees. Read on to learn how to recognize them, what you can do to treat them, and how to know when it's simply time to remove the tree. Sabal Palm Tree Diseases Like most palm tree varieties, the sabal palm tree is especially susceptible to fungus. The unfortunate truth is that even if you purchase and plant perfectly healthy palms, they could still become infected if the soil you plant them in has had a previous fungal infected plant. Not to worry, here's a breakdown of the diseases. 1. Fusarium Wilt You may have seen some palm trees where the older palms have turned down and begun to yellow. Little did you know this isn't a "look" but actually an indication of a potentially disastrous fungal infection of the palm tree. This disease is called fusarium wilt. Essentially, what happens to trees that contract this infection is that the fungus, known as Fusarium oxysporum, starts to grow inside the water-gathering areas of the plant. This means the palm cannot gather water as it needs and ceases to grow over time, and it eventually dies. Another symptom...

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Palm Tree Care: Tips for Potting, Planting, and Pruning Palm Trees in Englewood, FL

Have you thought about putting a palm tree in your garden? They can add a tropical touch but you shouldn't add them without considering all the work that goes into them. You can't just plant them and water them every once in a while. Palm trees can be a little picky in terms of temperature, soil, and planting. You also have to take special precaution during the winter or your trees won't make it. Does all of this sound a little overwhelming? Here are a few tips on potting, planning and pruning palm trees so you can successfully bring the tropics to your yard in Englewood, FL. 1. Soil The soil found in most areas in Englewood isn't the best for palm trees. That's why you'll need to buy your own. A lot of palm trees are picky when it comes to soil type but most species will thrive in alkaline or acid ground. On top of using the right soil, you'll also have to choose the right fertilizer because palm trees get all of their nutrients from the top of the soil. Lastly, make sure the soil has good drainage so the tree doesn't receive too much moisture. 2. Light Requirements Just like soil, palm trees are also choosy when it comes to light. Different trees have different requirements and it will be up to you to learn them. If you put one that prefers sun in the shade the plant will be weak and die over time. If you put...

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5 Signs of a Dying Tree: When to Call for Help

Trees are certainly beautiful works of nature and can be a wonderful feature on your property. However, just as they are beautiful and life-bearing, they also have the potential to cause a lot of damage and even death. That means that it is critically important that you know when you're dealing with a healthy tree, a dying tree, and when it's time to call in the professionals. While the chances of being struck by a falling tree are pretty slim, the likelihood that a tree could fall and damage your home or property isn't. Happy and healthy trees not only bring joy to the people around to see them, but they also bring life-giving nutrients to the world around it. Doing your part to keep the trees around you healthy and alive is a wonderful contribution to the environment. We are going to take a look at five common signs of a dying tree and when it's a problem that can be ignored for the time being, or needs to be addressed right away. What Classifies a Dying Tree? If you and a professional were looking at the same tree, you might not be able to tell that the tree is dead, or well on its way. Unlike many other living things, trees don't just shrivel up and wither away when they die. Many trees that are standing tall today are already dead and have been for a while. This leads many to question what exactly classifies a tree as dead...

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Things to Consider About Tree Trimming Services in Venice

How often should you trim your trees? How much does it cost? Take a look at this guide to learn what you should consider about tree trimming services. We love them when they bloom, or when their leaves turn colors in early autumn. Yet, there comes a time when even the most majestic trees need a little trim. Sure, you could just hire anyone on the spot to take care of the process. However, incorrectly trimming a tree could severely damage it or even kill it. That's why it pays to do your research. If you're in need of tree trimming services, there are a few things to consider. Understanding where to look, who to talk to and which criteria to require can make all the difference in choosing a qualified team. Whether they're on your personal or commercial property, you shouldn't trust just anyone with your trees. Consult this comprehensive guide so you know what to expect before you sign on the dotted line. Ready to learn more? Let's get started. When to Trim Your Trees The ideal time of year to trim your trees depends on why you want them cut back, or pruned, in the first place. Are you just looking to lightly prune a few small, low-lying branches? Have you noticed some unsightly dead wood that you want to get rid of? If so, these are often tasks that you can handle on your own, at any time of year. Yet, if you're looking to more...

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What Is Mulch and What Does It Do for Your Property?

You have this beautiful landscaping around your property. But it's missing something. You need mulch to enhance the look of your property and provide your plants with some valuable benefits. 40 million cubic yards of mulch get spread over landscaping each year. What can it do for you? We are going to help you out with our 15 years of experience. Keep reading to have all your questions answered. What is mulch and how do you go about buying it? What Is Mulch? Mulch is the material that you spread on the ground around your landscaping. It enhances the look and also does good things to help your landscaping grow. The biggest thing it does is help the soil retain moisture. But it also suppresses weeds, insulates, and prevents erosion. Why You Need It Spreading mulch around your landscaping will help make everything look beautiful which increases the property's value. It also helps keep the ground moist. Moist soil means your plants are going to grow bigger and lusher. While it is in place it will help insulate the ground keeping it cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. Then once it breaks down it adds nutrients to the soil. Garden Mulch Types Picking the right kind of mulch depends on where you plan to put the mulch and the plants you have as a part of your landscaping. You'll find that some mulches last longer than others, while some deposit more nutrients into the soil. Hardwood Hardwood mulch is...

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The Guide to Removing Tree Stumps

Why do trees never tell jokes? Because they're afraid of being stumped! Tree remains are a major hazard and liability. Every day lawyers are filing liability claims for injuries caused by tree stumps. One great example is a recent case that happened in New York. A 50-year-old Brooklyn woman was out for a walk. While passing the front of an apartment building she tripped over a tree stump. The fall caused her to break several bones in her hand that required surgery. The fall also caused her to develop nerve damage and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The woman's lawyers were able to sue the city for a six-figure settlement. You can avoid injuries and liability claims by removing tree stumps. This guide provides you with an in-depth explanation of the different removal methods. We'll also explain which method provides the most effective, fast-acting results. Why You Need a Professional for Removing Tree Stumps Tree services are complex and certain jobs can take a day or longer to complete. Hiring a professional will help keep you save from overexertion. We recommend finding a professional who specializes in stump grinding. Stump grinding should always be done by a trained safety professional. In addition to being trained, they need the proper insurance coverage. Should your property become damaged, they need to pay for the repairs. You can go one step further in protecting your assets by requiring they carry workers compensation insurance. This way if a crew member becomes injured you won't be held...

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