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| Insulation is just as important in the summer months as it is in the winter. Don't let your air conditioned air escape through thin walls by making sure you have the proper insullation for your home!
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| Get Free Estimates on your Renovation! |
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Whether you're considering a whole-house remodel or just replacing a light fixture or two, there's never been a better time to consider "Going Green". These articles can help give you the knowledge and understanding into why it is more important now than ever to make this home improvement an energy efficient one! |
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Green remodeling will not only save you money in the long run, it will help out our planet and cut back on your carbon footprint. |
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Get Free Estimates now on your upcoming Green Renovation! |
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| When you think of ways your home can be more energy efficient and eco friendly, odds are you don’t always consider the areas around the outside of your home. The fact is that there are a lot of ways the right landscape design strategy can conserve water, beautify your yards and be more ecologically efficient. |
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| 1. Select zone appropriate plants, flowers & shrubs |
| The proper landscape design will always stress using plants that are appropriate for your climate zone. Sticking with plants, flowers and shrubs that are indigenous to your particular area need the least amount of water to grow rapidly and beautifully. No matter which zone you live in, a local landscape expert can help you pick items for your landscape that can fit any budget and help you find the perfect varieties of greenery for your particular landscape tastes. |
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| 2. Design water-use zones |
| Within your landscape design it’s important to plan out watering zones to group plants closely with others that require the same amount of water. For instance, group plants together in beds that require water every day and this is your high water grouping. Moderate water use areas are those with plants that only need watering when they show signs of wilting or changing color. Low water use zones are plants that will on receive water through rainfall. There may be several different water use zones in your landscaping, but planning them out ahead of time will save time and water later on. |
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| 3. Plan shaded areas - reduce wasteful water usage |
| Providing shade in your landscaping can keep temperatures as much as 20°F lower. The lower temperatures will lead to less water loss and fewer waterings as well as provide a more pleasant area for your family to enjoy. Incorporating shade into you design makes sense in three ways: water conservation, cooler temperatures, and an attractive background for other plants. |
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| 4. Use mulch |
| Using mulch around your plants and shrubs helps hold moisture in the soil for longer periods of time, reducing the number of waterings. It also helps prevent weeds from growing in areas they are not welcome. Mulch controls the ground temperature allowing natural composting to occur, and you can find natural mulch in any wooded area or of course, purchase at the local home improvement store. Mulch comes in lots of colors and textures that can add character and color to your landscape project. |
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| 5. Choose your soil carefully |
| After grouping plants with similar needs into your landscape design you should choose your growing medium carefully. Using any chemical based pesticides can be harmful to your garden and your family. Phosphorus, magnesium, nitrogen, and so forth are needed in different levels for different plants, but your best bet could be to go totally organic. Bone meal, compost, manure, and even Epsom salt can build up natural soil for a better, more vibrant garden. Eco friendly gardens start from the soil up. |
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| Landscape design can be a bit overwhelming for the novice. That is why you should consult a professional landscape designer. They can incorporate water use zones, drainage, and the right types of plants into a single design and show you how to get the most return for the least money. Eco friendly landscaping is a must for anyone who has green on their mind. Click here to find a local landscape expert. |
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| Compare FREE Estimates From Local Landscaping Contractors NOW! |
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