info from agreculture Canada

Pruning trees and shrubs

The rule of thumb to follow when pruning trees and shrubs is: "If you have no good reason to prune, don't". Most trees and shrubs have a natural form to them and may do better and look better if left alone. Each kind of tree has its own characteristic shape or growth habit and when pruning, you should try to maintain that habit. There are times, though, when pruning must be done and proper procedures should be followed.

Reasons for pruning

• Pruning at planting time:
  • just after transplanting, the tops should be pruned back to compensate for the loss of roots and to begin training the tree. This should not exceed one-third of the plants total top growth. 
• Training:
  • to develop a strong framework to withstand winds, a tree should be pruned to a few strong limbs spaced well apart, up, down and around the trunk.
  • to develop a shade tree with limbs coming off the trunk at a height greater than 1.6 to 2.4 metres, lower branches should be pruned off. Ideally pruning should be done over an extended period of time as the tree grows in height. If done all at once this can result in a weak, spindly tree that needs staking. If you are going to prune all at once it is best to prune those lower branches to short stubs. These stubs will eventually be removed. The short stubs act as sap drawers, putting out leafy shoots which manufacture food and draw up water and minerals resulting in a stouter, stronger trunk. These stubbed branches must be kept pruned back and can be removed completely after permanent scaffold branches (main crown) have been established.
• Tree health:
  • prune to eliminate limbs with weak crotches that arise from the trunk at acute angles.
  • prune to eliminate limbs that cross each other or compete for the same space in the trees crown.
  • prune to eliminate dead and diseased branches to improve the appearance of the tree and prevent entrance and spread of diseases and insects.
  • prune to revitalize older trees by pruning out part of the crown of the tree, reducing the leaf area that the root system has to supply. More vigorous growth results in the remaining branches.
  • prune to increase air circulation through the tree both for the trees benefit and to increase air flow into the landscape. More sunlight gets through the tree which is beneficial for lawn growth below.
• Safety:
  • dead, broken, weak or split branches, or low hanging branches which might be a hazard to people, vehicles or buildings should be removed.

More information here 

Tips and advice from LandscapeOntario.com

Since herbicides came off the market in Ontario in 2009, many homeowners puzzle over the right strategy to keep their lawns healthy. Fear not! All the turf management tools you need follow below. Proper lawn care techniques, done at the right time, can make your lawn greener than it's ever been!

Step 1: aerating and thatch control

• Aerate in the spring and fall before top dressing or fertilizing.
• Aerators can be rented or lawn care companies can provide the service.
• Alleviates compacted soil and allows water to penetrate deeper, producing deeper roots.
• Creates space in soil for penetration of air, water and nutrients.
• Physically breaks up thatch.
• A healthy lawn has 1 cm (1/2 inch) of thatch - more than 2.5 cm is too much.
• Unhealthy amounts of thatch prevent water and nutrients from reaching roots.
• Thatch can harbour insects and diseases.
• Use a de-thatching machine or hire a lawn care company.

Step 2 : improving soil quality

• Grass grows best in a moist, fertile soil that is not waterlogged.
• Sandy soil and heavy clay both need humus to improve the texture.
• A deep dense root system is most important to support top growth in grass.
• A minimum of 4 in. (10 cm) of soil is needed.
• More soil = deeper roots.
• Soil samples can be sent for analysis. The results will include levels of phosphorus, potassium, pH and lime.
• pH levels are the measurement of acid and alkaline level. The optimum level is between 6.0 and 7.0. Test can be done by Agri-Food Laboratories, Imperial Rd. Guelph, 1-800-265-7175, www.agtest.com
• Top dress lawn with good quality top soil (1/4 to 1/2 inch), consisting of loam, peat moss and compost, to improve soil conditions.
• Can be combined with overseeding.

  
  

Step 3: overseed

• Top-dressing and overseeding are ideal opportunities to introduce drought-resistant grass mixes.
• Best time is early fall, but can be done in spring if there is winter damage.
• Red fescue tolerates shade and drought conditions, requires low-fertility, rows well in the sun, has very fine leaves and spreads by runners.
• Perennial rye grass is drought tolerant, prefers full sun, but tolerates shade.
• Many perennial rye grasses contain levels of endophytic fungus, which help the roots take up water and nutrients. Hairy chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs and sod webworms don't like the taste.
• Perennial rye grass retains its green colour very well during mid-summer heat stress.

Step 4: mowing

• Mow high: 6 to 8 cm (approx 3 in.).
• Keep mower blades sharp.
• Mow frequently - cut no more than 1/3 of shoot length.
• Leave clippings on the lawn to provide a natural source of nitrogen.

  
  

Step 5: fertilizing

• Very important to grass health.
• Provides nutrients to out grow weeds.
• Use a slow release type of fertilizer, and follow instructions.
• Use a spreader for even application.
• Consider using organic fertilizers.
• Apply a fertilizer specifically formulated for turfgrass. An established lawn with a good root system can seek out phosphorous already in the soil. The Lawn Care Sector Group of Landscape Ontario recommends using a phosphorus-free fertilizer on established turf.
• Nitrogen needs to be applied each year.
• Phosphorus and potassium are stable in soil.
• Late fall fertilization is best to increase fall and spring root growth and also results in an early spring green up.
• Promotes a thicker lawn.
• Timing is critical -  in the fall, the turf has stopped growing above the soil, but the roots are still active.
• Follow-up with late May, early June fertilization (consider corn gluten meal and deal with crabgrass at the same time).

Step 6: spot check for weeds and insects

• Integrated Pest Management is as good as conventional pest management.
• Pull any broadleaf weeds by hand.
• Annual weeds: prevent flowering by mowing and/or hand pulling.
• Grass weeds: apply a pre-emergent (prevents germination) treatment. Try corn gluten meal Turf Maize.
• Perennial rye grass mix will minimize chinch bugs, bluegrass billbugs and sod webworms.
• Apply nematode spray for grubs.

  
  

Step 7: irrigating

• Let a healthy lawn go dormant during extended dry periods. It can survive four to six weeks without adequate water.
• Water only during an extreme drought or if lawn is under stress or renovation to begin with. If your lawn is dormant:
  • Check regularly for insect pests
  • Keep traffic off
  • Stop mowing
  • Do not fertilize
  If you do water:
  • Water deeply: 2.5 cm (one inch).
  • Water infrequently: Less than once a week.
  • Water before 10:00 a.m. to avoid evaporation and for best health.
  • Follow any regional watering restrictions.

Month-by-month guide

#HealthyLawnTips #Landscaping #LawnTips #SringLawnTips 

Home - Maintenance February 20, 2018

Spring has arrived – which means it’s time to get your home in tip-top shape. A good, deep spring clean-up is a tradition that not only promotes wellness by keeping your environment clean and organized; it also helps carry the fresh-start feeling brought on by a new year well into the summer.

We’ve compiled some of the best DIY spring cleaning tips so you can deep clean your house and make it sparkle all year round.

Spring cleaning tips

Remove water stains with lemon for a natural faucet fix

This spring, make faucets clean and sparkly by rubbing a lemon half on the water stains. The citric acid helps remove hard water marks. Then, use the other half of the lemon for our next tip.

Clean your microwave by heating lemon juice and rinds in water

Cut a lemon into halves, squeeze the juice into 1/2 cup of water and drop the rinds into the mixture. Microwave for three minutes and let it stand for five minutes without opening the door. The trapped steam will loosen the grime, so you can wipe the microwave clean with less elbow grease.

Use white vinegar to beat shower head buildup

Looking for more natural ways to clean your bathroom? Vinegar can dissolve the mineral deposits accumulate in showerheads over time, causing reduced pressure and water flow. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, secure it over the showerhead with a rubber band and leave it overnight to get rid of buildup. Just be sure to run the shower before you hop in, or you risk smelling like vinegar all day.

Clean stainless steel sinks with baking soda

Simply wet your sink and faucet, sprinkle baking soda, and scrub with a sponge. If you need more heavy-duty scrubbing power, add salt to the baking soda.

Use newspaper to clean dirty windows and mirrors

Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar, 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of liquid soap into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the glass and scrub with newspaper for a streak-free window or mirror. The ink acts as a mild abrasive and allows you to make use of old newspapers.

Organize your fridge and cabinets with rotating turntables

Don’t limit rotating turntables and Lazy Susans to your tabletops. After discarding old condiments and spices, organize your pantries and refrigerator with this useful storage hack.

Place a wet dryer sheet on your ceramic stovetop to remove burnt-on residue

Dryer sheets are non-abrasive and a great way to remove burnt-on food from your stove. Place the wet dryer sheet on your stovetop at least 15 minutes before rubbing the gunk away.

Clean your grill with an onion.

Get your grill cleaned up and ready for the warm weather. First, heat it up and spray some white vinegar onto the grates to help loosen the residue. Then, scrub the area firmly using half an onion. The acid from the onion will rid your grill of any leftover remnants.

Let coffee filters do more than put a spring in your step

Does your TV screen or computer monitor show fingerprints, smudges and dust? The fiber in coffee filters is be gentle enough to rub them away, even on delicate TV screens. Just don’t press too hard!

Unpack and stack your spring/summer clothes vertically

Are your dresser drawers a mess? Instead of putting away folded clothes flat, stack them vertically for easy access.

Use cream of tartar to clean toasters and tea kettles

Combine 1 tsp of cream of tartar with just enough water to create a milky paste. Rub the solution onto your stainless steel appliances and wipe away to reveal their original shine.

Know your couch or rug before cleaning it.

Don’t ruin your upholstered furniture by using the wrong cleaner. Not all manufacturer labels state what type of solvent to use. Familiarize yourself with the cleaning codes below.

Upholstery Cleaning Labels:
W: Use water-based cleaning solutions.
S: Use dry-cleaning solvents. Do not saturate. Do not use water.
S-W: Use water-based cleaners or dry-cleaning solvents.
X: Use a vacuum or brush only.

Use a window squeegee to scrape pet hair from your carpet or rug

The rubber edge of the squeegee is a great tool for gripping and removing pet hair from your rug. Use a firm grip and make sure to clean up the excess hair as you go. Finish by running the vacuum to catch any hair still on the surface.

Avoid scratching floors by placing clean towels under furniture while rearranging

Looking to freshen up your home by rearranging furniture? Slide heavy pieces like couches and tables easily and without damage by placing folded, clean towels under each end of the furniture.

Use Velcro strips to keep drawer organizers in place

Attach the grippy strips to one end of your drawer and the other to your drawer organizers. This keeps the organizers in place, but lets you remove them when needed.

Put the spring back in your dirty keyboards with cotton swabs

If certain keys or sticking, or your entire keyboard just doesn’t have the same pop that it used to, chances are dirt and crumbs are the culprits. Sweep cotton swabs between your keys to dislodge dust and grime. And for a real deep clean, use compressed air to blast away any leftover dust, and follow it up with one more sweep through your keys, this time using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill germs.

Use a dustpan to help fill a large mop bucket

Not all mop buckets fit in bathtubs or sinks. If your bucket is too large, try using a dustpan as a spout by placing it flat on your sink to transfer water to the bucket. This handy hack is also helpful for other large containers you want to fill.

Use a butter knife to clean air vents

Don’t let that dust build up for another minute; use a butter knife to reach those tough get places between and behind your vents. Simply wrap the knife in a rag and wipe between the slats. Then, pen the windows and run your central air to fill your home with fresh spring air (just be sure your heat or AC isn’t on while you’re running the fan).

Wrap a towel over a broom to clean hard-to-reach places

Cobwebs and dust can collect in room corners and on ceiling fans. Wipe them away by securing a towel over the bristle end of a broom with a large rubber band. The dust and cobwebs stick to the cloth.

Recycle old socks to use as dusting mitts

Cotton is a great fabric for trapping dust particles. Try using a (clean) pair of socks as dust mitts and you’ll have more control over where dust goes.

Posted on Aug. 20, 2015 by Canada Post in Smartmoves

Great renovations begin with a vision and clear plans! Here are some great ways to reduce your costs and manage your budget. Keep these tips in mind to help you stay on track.

How to choose a contractor

Chances are, you’ll need to hire someone to help you with your home renovations. Want to make sure you’ve selected the right person for the job? Here’s how to cover all your bases beforehand:

• Ask the contractor to create a very detailed estimate of costs in writing – they should include materials, labour, and any extra fees.
• Make sure your contract is specific about payment schedules, delivery dates for completing different stages, the exact name and amount of materials, and if they plan on subcontracting any of the work.
• Ask for 3 references from each contractor, and contact at least 3 different contractors to compare estimates.
• Your contractor should be licensed, insured, and bonded.

Plan for expenses

No matter how hard you plan, most projects will go over budget. Plan for an extra 10-20% cost overrun to your project. Set up a spreadsheet and record all of your spending-– this will help you know right away if your budget is on track.

Don’t forget about the ‘hidden’ costs – staying at a hotel, or renting an alternative place to live, eating take-out food more often, even extra gas money for driving around to source materials. There’s also city permits, extra taxes, insurance, and inspection fees.

Talk to the experts

Don’t be afraid to speak with other construction companies, home renovation store staff, and other professionals to get an idea of how to budget your costs. Speak to your financial advisor – you’ll want to know how much value your reno will add to your home. You’ll also need to know what kind of financing options are available for the work you want to do, and how to best pay for it.

Don’t be afraid to be frugal

Before you start, see where you can scale back on your project. Sometimes a ‘must have’ turns out to be an optional item. Looking for unique pieces? Before you shell out the big bucks buying new, see if you can refurbish the furniture or pieces you already have. Or, check out your local online want ads, vintage stores, or consignment for gently used items.

Get your hands dirty!

You may not be a construction expert, but there are some easy ways to cut your labour costs. Instead of paying for someone else to do it, you can tidy up the construction area and keep it clean. You can pick up supplies instead of having your contractor do it, or even arrange for the supplies to be delivered and ready before they arrive.

There are also a few smaller jobs you can try – such as painting the walls yourself, learning to lay down tile, or installing the small finishes like doorknobs and cupboard handles.

Have you ever done a home renovation project? How did it go? What advice can you give to help stay on budget? Share your suggestions below: