Post-Snowstorm & Time to think about Landscaping

Its now post-snowstorm and all the heavy snow has quickly melted off the trees and most areas that had sun.  However, shaded areas are still strewn with snow patches and ice clumps.  But there is a warm-up coming so whatever is left won't be around for that long.  Hopefully everyone had fun while it lasted.

Its mid February, which means its the perfect time to start thinking of Landscaping.  Maybe not physically doing it, but thinking about how you want everything laid out.  What colors, materials, and plants to put in.  Everyone's starting to think of Spring, and March is quickly approaching.  At that point all the best plants will be going quick as some people are buying up all the ingredients for their yards for they did their planning ahead of time.  Ideas for landscaping can come from everywhere and anywhere.  And if you want to ask your local nursery what looks good with plants and materials go ahead and ask them, they don't mind helping you out.  Major nurseries include Bennett on North Parkway, Earthtouch on Whitesburg, and Reseda on 72 West. Be sure to check them out and if you know of any other ones just add your comment so that others can see it.  And remember don't procrastinate or your favorite plants or pavers may be gone.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes

Winterization or Don't Let the Dollars Float Away

With the Temperatures deciding to drop quickly this week into possibly below freezing territory, we decided to put out a quick and informal checklist just for you to get started on.  Add your own ideas to this list as this is only a jumping off point.  Being here in the South, I'm sure we're going to be missing several big things that would be an automatic to put on the list in a more deeply colder area such as Minnesota or New Hampshire.

Check your HVAC and make sure its working correctly.  There is no use in waiting for it to conk out in December or January if it can be prevented.

If you have a chimney and use it, make sure its checked out for the safety of everyone living in the house.

Clean your Gutters.  We've said this before under fall cleaning but as we know it takes forever for some leaves to fall off the trees and they'll do it when they're good and ready.  Sometimes we have a problem with sleet and the leaves in the gutters are just in the right spot to be exposed to the elements to refreeze the water that's left behind.  And  if you have lots of leaves in the gutter and they're all frozen its possible that the gutter won't be able to hold the weight and it could come crashing down.  But its better to be safe than sorry and avoid other damages.  And remember if it seems to risky for you to do it, get others who can do it or use a professional.

Winterize your hoses and exterior faucets.  Make sure you get all the water out of your hoses (hang them up & put away) and sometimes just a simple cover of Styrofoam can work to protect the faucet by covering it and attaching it to the house exterior.

Check the weatherstripping and caulk on windows, doors, and any other place where there are holes, gaps, and bad seals.  The heat loss can cost you extra money that you won't even realize!

Now an easy one which many people won't realize.  Smoke & Carbon Monoxide detectors.  Make sure they are working and change their batteries.  Fall/Winter are the months in which all the windows are closed and sealed and there's no movement of air to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.  Remember it is odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas that can kill while people are sleeping.

Remember this is just a starting off point.  Get involved yourself and see what you can find to get your house ready for the colder months.

Huntsville Metro Area Homes