Category: Home Exterior

Soil erosion is a concern not only for its impacts on plant growth, but also for its impacts to water quality. Soil is a valuable natural resource that nourishes and supports plant growth among many other things. When soil is left bare and exposed, wind and water can erode it.

Sediments that are transported to storm drains and surface waters can choke aquatic life and increase water temperatures. Various pollutants such as bacteria, nutrients, and heavy metals may also be attached to these sediments, further degrading water quality. Continue reading

Hydroponic gardening is a method for growing plants without soil, indoors or out — plants get their nutrients directly through the water instead. Benefits include higher yields and fewer pesticides.

If you are thinking about starting your own hydroponic garden, you might have wondered, “what are the best plants to grow in a hydroponic garden?”

In this article, we break down which plants are best for your home hydroponic garden. Continue reading

Using pond aerators and fountains is a crucial way to help keep your pond water clean and healthy. They help circulate the water, prevent stratification, and improve water quality.

Circulation

Using pond aerators and fountains can help keep your pond’s water clean and oxygenated. Not only does oxygen help your fish, but it also helps the organic cleaning processes in your pond. Without circulation, your pond’s ecosystem will suffer. There are two types of pond aerators. They are surface aerators and sub-surface aerators. They both use a pump to draw air into the water. They then propel the air through diffusers at the bottom of the pond. The result is a circulation system that mixes the entire water column. Surface aerators work well in shallow ponds. They are often installed in parks and golf courses. They help create circulation by breaking up the water as it splashes down. They also help make a ‘boil’ on the pond’s surface. They also allow the mixing of the different temperature layers in the pond. Sub-surface aerators are more effective in deeper ponds. They are operated by an air compressor mounted on the pond’s shore. The compressor pumps air into the water, pushed through diffusers at the bottom of the lake. Continue reading

A properly maintained exterior wall is one of the most important parts of a home’s structure. If a homeowner notices any damage on their wall, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible by a local siding contractor. There are a number of reasons why siding repair may be necessary, such as weathering, water damage, and insect activity. Continue reading

If you’ve been looking into repaving part of your property, you’re likely to sit between concrete and asphalt. Both are viable options and will be able to provide you with a sturdy surface for several decades. Here are a few tips to consider when preparing for a repave job, and the difference it carries from resealing.

Repaving vs Resealing

For both concrete and asphalt, resealing is simply covering an area of either material that has cracked out before and needs repair amendments. Often very simple, this can be a do-it-yourself job if done correctly. Continue reading