EXTERIOR: LANDSCAPING

List of vendors for deliveries

Below are some option to contact for deliveries. Here's the link to Monday Map.

This is a list of the vendors that we have used to schedule concrete deliveries, gravel deliveries, topsoil deliveries, and other exterior materials needed for the renovation process. These companies will deliver the materials to our properties and require a phone call for scheduling as well as a credit card payment over the phone on the day of the scheduled delivery. Always remember to request a receipt to be emailed to you after payment is made.

Tap the link below to view Jeff's list titled Landscaping on Home Depot: Landscaping

Please note that if a tree is growing onto our property, and we need to address the issue, we have the ability to do so. Also, note that in items dealing with code enforcement, we will need to deal with items growing onto our property- tho we cannot go onto the other persons property to remove the items.

Read this link for your reference;

https://www.findlaw.com/realestate/neighbors/conflicts-involving-trees-and-neighbors.html

Tree Planting and Mulch

All houses should have trees on their lots. There is almost always room for a tree in the front of the house. We generally like to plant a tree on the West side of the house, as well, to provide summer shade, if able. Trees should be planted no less than 8’ from a house, and bushes no less than 4’.

TREES MUST BE WATERED at least 1x per week for 2 months. We suggest that you plant at the front end of the project so that you can ensure the tree’s survival. If the tree dies, it will come out of your completion bonus.

Mulch around a foundation

This is one of the reason why gutters downspouts should be away from the house.

NO TO MULCH VOLCANO

Approved trees are:

Small (25 Feet Tall)

Ginkgo (because it’s slow-growing)

Yoshino Cherry

Dogwood

Medium Size (50-75 Ft Tall)

Burr Oak (because it’s slow-growing)

Black Gum

Kentucky Coffee Tree

Shumard Oak

Sweetgum

LARGE Trees (100+ Feet Tall)

Tulip Poplar

Sawtooth Oak

Willow Oak

Catalpa

Approved bushes are:

Holly

Arbor Vitae (Mr. Snowball Variety)

Hydrangea

Column-style trees are also allowed for exciting features.

You should spread your mulch to be two to four inches thick. If your mulch is too thin, then weeds can push through. If your mulch is too thick, it prevents water from reaching the soil. Water after mulching — This is an optional step, but a final watering can help settle the mulch into place.

FILLING LOW SPOTS IN THE YARD

Filling low spots in the yard.mp4

LAWN TIPS: BUYING GRASS SEED

BUYING GRASS SEED.mp4

NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO PARK ON THE GRASS

NEVER park in the grass. It is trashy and destroys the lawns.

Whatever the circumstance is. NO ONE is allowed to park on the grass.

This causes ruts in the grass.

It shouldn't matter if you are doing demo, if you are doing material unloading, or the like. It destroys the grass and lawn to be on there with a vehicle for any amount of time

Parking on the grass causes ruts in the grass. It destroys the grass and lawn to be on there with a vehicle for any amount of time

Vines on tress are BAD

Cut a few inches out of the vine's base to kill it.

All of the leaves on the canopy of the tree indicate that it is quite alive.

To kill the vine, a section (say, 3’ worth) can be cut out, and then the dead limbs on the tree can be cut.

Here's some additional information for this;

If the branches are like 6” or more in diameter, then that is bad and we should look further into this- https://www.arboristnow.com/news/what-is-sudden-branch-drop-syndrome

However- it appears that the branches falling are maybe an inch or so in diameter, and as such- it is a normal part of a trees self pruning action. https://plantclinic.tamu.edu/2013/11/15/cladoptosis-an-interesting-phenomenon/

Repairing patches in Lawn

Patching lawn.mp4

Soaking Your Trimmer Line to Make it Last Longer

POISON IVY

Poison ivy is a plant that contains an oil called urushiol, which can cause an allergic reaction in most people. The rash from poison ivy is called contact dermatitis.

The leaves of poison ivy are arranged in groups of three, with the middle leaflet being larger than the two side leaflets. The leaves can be smooth or have wavy edges. The plant can grow as a vine or a shrub.

Poison ivy is found in many parts of the world, but it is most common in North America. It is often found in wooded areas, but it can also be found in gardens, parks, and along roadsides.

If you think you have come into contact with poison ivy, it is important to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. You can also apply a topical cream or ointment to help relieve the itching. If the rash is severe, you may need to see a doctor.

Here are some tips for avoiding poison ivy:

Learn to identify the plant.
Wear long sleeves and pants when you are in an area where poison ivy is common.
Be careful when handling tools or objects that may have come into contact with poison ivy.
Wash your clothes and shoes after you have been in an area where poison ivy is common.

If you do get a poison ivy rash, there are a few things you can do to relieve the itching:

Take an over-the-counter antihistamine.
Apply a cool compress to the rash.
Use a topical cream or ointment that contains calamine lotion or hydrocortisone.
Soak in a bath with baking soda.

This video will help you identify the Poison Ivy

Poison ivy.mov

DOING AN EXTRA MILE: TRIMMING TREES

Just think about that when you're on the job site, is there trash laying around? Are there cobwebs on the windows? Are all the blinds open or closed. Is there paint shipping on the wall? What can be done, just real quickly to fix, stuff up to make it look better for the end user because really at the end of the day, that's what we're trying to do is go that little bit of extra effort, to make something really special for the people that want using our products. Which is our houses.

We're providing homes to people, and that's really special. So, Let's make a special for other people. By going the extra mile.

Taking your time to go the extra mile-540p30 (1).mov

yard cleanup

Using a leaf shredder when taking leaves

This will save time in bagging leaves, and it saves a lot of energy as well.

Shredding and composting leaves.MOV

Harvest King Bar & Chain Oil

According to project farm, it is the best (and oddly, the least expensive you can buy). Increases chain life. It inhibits rust and reduces friction. Reduces heat and wear.

Here's the link: https://www.atwoods.com/harvest-king-bar-chain-oil-1-gallon

TIPS AND TRICKS WHEN USING GRASS CUTTER

Grass Cutter.mp4

GRADING

SOIL LEVELING

Here’s a brief instruction on leveling soil and using a soil compactor:

Clear the Area: Remove any debris, rocks, or vegetation from the area you plan to level.
Rough Grading: Use a shovel or rake to roughly spread the soil evenly across the area. Aim to distribute it as evenly as possible.
Measure and Mark: Place stakes around the perimeter and use string to create a level reference line. This will help you ensure the soil is leveled to the desired height.
Fine Grading: Use a rake to fine-tune the soil distribution, making sure it matches the reference lines.
Compact the Soil: Use a soil compactor to compress the soil. This helps to eliminate air pockets and prevents the soil from settling unevenly over time. Make several passes in different directions to ensure thorough compaction.
Check and Adjust: After compacting, check the level again with your string line and make any necessary adjustments by adding or removing soil and re-compacting.

Using a soil compactor is crucial as it ensures the soil is tightly packed, reducing the risk of future settling and maintaining a stable, even surface.

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