Take precations in this cold Sacramento weather

With the nightly low temperatures dropping below freezing, take precautions.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4191741/protect-your-home-garden-against.html#storylink=cpy

 

Protect your home

• Insulate exposed pipes and those in your home's crawl space and attic.
• Allow faucets to drip during cold weather to avoid freezing.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• If your pipes freeze, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If pipes are frozen and burst, turn water off at the main shut-off valve; leave water faucets turned on.
• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and leave faucets turned on.
• Get pets out of the elements.  

Protect your yard

• Water plants lightly in late afternoon or early evening before the frost hits. Wet soil holds more heat than dry soil. This also raises the humidity level. Well-hydrated plants can cope better with frost "burn, " which results from moisture being pulled out of the foliage to protect the main trunk and roots.
• If overnight frost is expected, move potted plants to protected areas indoors or onto a covered patio.
• Cover sensitive plants such as succulents, tropical natives and citrus. Cloth sheets work better than clear plastic and can increase the temperature 5 degrees. Allow a little room for air circulation under the cover; that helps keep in the warmth. Remember to remove the covers by midmorning or risk suffocating the plant.• Create mini-greenhouses for tender vegetable transplants such as lettuce. Cut the bottom out of milk cartons or plastic jugs (discard the caps). Slip these shelters over the plants. (If using paper cartons, remove them during the day. The plastic jugs can stay in place until warmer weather.)
• Plants in raised beds or on mounds stay warmer than plants in sunken areas.
• String Christmas lights (the ones that get hot, not LEDs) on the trunks and limbs of citrus, avocado and other frost-prone trees and bushes. Big lights give out more heat than mini-lights.
• If plants show frost burn, don't cut off the damaged foliage. It will help protect the plant from further harm. Remove the burned leaves in spring after all danger of frost has passed -- usually after March 23 in Sacramento.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4191741/protect-your-home-garden-against.html#storylink=cpy

Rea• Create mini-greenhouses for tender vegetable transplants such as lettuce. Cut the bottom out of milk cartons or plastic jugs (discard the caps). Slip these shelters over the plants. (If using paper cartons, remove them during the day. The plastic jugs can stay in place until warmer weather.) You also can make shelters out of waxed paper. Roll a 12-inch piece of waxed paper into a cone shape, secure with tape, then place it like a teepee over the transplant.
• Plants in raised beds or on mounds stay warmer than plants in sunken areas.
• String Christmas lights (the ones that get hot, not LEDs) on the trunks and limbs of citrus, avocado and other frost-prone trees and bushes. Big lights give out more heat than mini-lights.
• If plants show frost burn, don't cut off the damaged foliage. It will help protect the plant from further harm. Remove the burned leaves in spring after all danger of frost has passed -- usually after March 23 in Sacramento. d more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4191741/protect-your-home-garden-against.html#storylink=cpy

 

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4191741/protect-your-home-garden-against.html#storylink=cpy

Protect your yard

• Water plants lightly in late afternoon or early evening before the frost hits. Wet soil holds more heat than dry soil. This also raises the humidity level. Well-hydrated plants can cope better with frost "burn, " which results from moisture being pulled out of the foliage to protect the main trunk and roots.
• If overnight frost is expected, move potted plants to protected areas indoors or onto a covered patio.
• Cover sensitive plants such as succulents, tropical natives and citrus. Cloth sheets or blankets work better than clear plastic and can increase the temperature 5 degrees. Allow a little room for air circulation under the cover; that helps keep in the warmth. Remember to remove the covers by midmorning or risk suffocating the plant.
• Create mini-greenhouses for tender vegetable transplants such as lettuce. Cut the bottom out of milk cartons or plastic jugs (discard the caps). Slip these shelters over the plants. (If using paper cartons, remove them during the day. The plastic jugs can stay in place until warmer weather.) You also can make shelters out of waxed paper. Roll a 12-inch piece of waxed paper into a cone shape, secure with tape, then place it like a teepee over the transplant.
• Plants in raised beds or on mounds stay warmer than plants in sunken areas.
• String Christmas lights (the ones that get hot, not LEDs) on the trunks and limbs of citrus, avocado and other frost-prone trees and bushes. Big lights give out more heat than mini-lights.
• If plants show frost burn, don't cut off the damaged foliage. It will help protect the plant from further harm. Remove the burned leaves in spring after all danger of frost has passed -- usually after March 23 in Sacram

Protect your yard

• Water plants lightly in late afternoon or early evening before the frost hits. Wet soil holds more heat than dry soil. This also raises the humidity level. Well-hydrated plants can cope better with frost "burn, " which results from moisture being pulled out of the foliage to protect the main trunk and roots.
• If overnight frost is expected, move potted plants to protected areas indoors or onto a covered patio.
• Cover sensitive plants such as succulents, tropical natives and citrus. Cloth sheets or blankets work better than clear plastic and can increase the temperature 5 degrees. Allow a little room for air circulation under the cover; that helps keep in the warmth. Remember to remove the covers by midmorning or risk suffocating the plant.
• Create mini-greenhouses for tender vegetable transplants such as lettuce. Cut the bottom out of milk cartons or plastic jugs (discard the caps). Slip these shelters over the plants. (If using paper cartons, remove them during the day. The plastic jugs can stay in place until warmer weather.) You also can make shelters out of waxed paper. Roll a 12-inch piece of waxed paper into a cone shape, secure with tape, then place it like a teepee over the transplant.
• Plants in raised beds or on mounds stay warmer than plants in sunken areas.
• String Christmas lights (the ones that get hot, not LEDs) on the trunks and limbs of citrus, avocado and other frost-prone trees and bushes. Big lights give out more heat than mini-lights.
• If plants show frost burn, don't cut off the damaged foliage. It will help protect the plant from further harm. Remove the burned leaves in spring after all danger of frost has passed -- usually after March 23 in Sacr

Protect your yard

• Water plants lightly in late afternoon or early evening before the frost hits. Wet soil holds more heat than dry soil. This also raises the humidity level. Well-hydrated plants can cope better with frost "burn, " which results from moisture being pulled out of the foliage to protect the main trunk and roots.amen• Water plants lightly in late afternoon or early evening before the frost hits. Wet soil holds more heat than dry soil. This also raises the humidity level. Well-hydrated plants can cope better with frost "burn, " which results from moisture being pulled out of the foliage to protect the main trunk and roots.
• If overnight frost is expected, move potted plants to protected areas indoors or onto a covered patio.
• Cover sensitive plants such as succulents, tropical natives and citrus. Cloth sheets or blankets work better than clear plastic and can increase the temperature 5 degrees. Allow a little room for air circulation under the cover; that helps keep in the warmth. Remember to remove the covers by midmorning or risk suffoc• Create mini-greenhouses for tender vegetable transplants such as lettuce. Cut the bottom out of milk cartons or plastic jugs (discard the caps). Slip these shelters over the plants. (If using paper cartons, remove them during the day. The plastic jugs can stay in place until warmer weather.) You also can make shelters out of waxed paper. Roll a 12-inch piece of waxed paper into a cone shape, secure with tape, then place it like a teepee over the transplant.
• Plants in raised beds or on mounds stay warmer than plants in sunken areas.
• String Christmas lights (the ones that get hot, not LEDs) on the trunks and limbs of citrus, avocado and other frost-prone trees and bushes. Big lights give out more heat than mini-lights.
• If plants show frost burn, don't cut off the damaged foliage. It will help protect the plant from further harm. Remove the burned leaves in spring after all danger of frost has passed -- usually after March 23 in Sacramento.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4191741/protect-your-home-garden-against.html#storylink=cpy

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Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4191741/protect-your-home-garden-against.html#storylink=cpy

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Protect your yard

• WateProtect your yardrplants lightly in late afternoon or early evening before the frost hits. Wet soil holds more heat than dry soil. This also raises the humidity level. Well-hydrated plants can cope better with frost "burn, " which results from moisture being pulled out of the foliage to protect the main trunk and roots.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4191741/protect-your-home-garden-against.html#storylink=cpy

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Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4191741/protect-your-home-garden-against.html#storylink=cpy

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Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/16/4191741/protect-your-home-garden-against.html#storylink=cpy

Grass - real vs. synthetic

Grass – real vs. synthetic lawns and the environment

I’d be the first to admit that a well manicured lawn is a pleasing sight, but I hate to think how many hours of my life I used to spend mowing grass and other related activities. Often maintaining the average lawn is not only time intensive, it can also have a considerable environmental impact.

So is synthetic grass the way to go? Surely it couldn’t be, after all synthetic grass is made from plastic?

It really depends on who you ask and there are all sorts of compelling arguments for both. So let’s take a look at some of those:
 

 Advantages of natural grass

• Supports an ecosystem of organisms that break down pathogens
• Acts as a food source for some insect and animals
• Acts as a carbon sink and produces oxygen
• Has “air conditioning” properties, helping to cool an area
• Grass can act as a filter, preventing contaminants reaching the water table

Disadvantages of natural lawn

• Maintenance is water intensive
• Pesticides, fungicide and herbicides may be required
• Greenhouse gas emissions associated with mowing and other maintenance equipment.
• May require additional inputs such as fertilizer; which could be fossil fuel based.
• Often lawns are not made up of grass species native to an area. The grasses can then take hold in the wider local environment, crowding out native species.

Advantages of synthetic lawn

• Can be made from recycled (more accurately, upcycled or downcycled) and recyclable (?) materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene
• No watering required
• No fertilizer, pesticides, fungicides or herbicides need to be used
• Few greenhouse gas emissions in maintenance (no mowing, edging etc.)

Disadvantages of synthetic grass

• Fossil fuel and other synthetic chemicals are used in its production
• Pathogens may not be broken down. Some artificial lawns are treated with anti-bacterial chemicals to perform this action, and those can have their own negative environmental implications.
• Other contaminants may pass through to the water table
• Can contribute to the urban heat island effect

The above points are just in relation to the environment – when you start getting into costs, aesthetics, time and other issues, it becomes even more complex.

Note that with natural lawns though that some of the disadvantages listed can be negated or minimized through various techniques, such as water saving practices, manual push mowers, the usage of natural fertilizers and composts etc. However, often these more eco-friendly strategies can also mean more manual labor.

Given synthetic grass also has some powerful benefits, the decision of real vs. fake can still be very confusing; but here’s an important point:
Remember that having a lawn isn’t compulsory – native trees, flowers and shrubberies in the midst of mulch beds in place of a lawn are also an option and can help get around most of the issues associated with both synthetic and natural grass options; while offering the benefits of each. They also look great and also provide a habitat for other creatures.

Michael Bloch
Green Living Tips.com
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Why Remodel Your Home

Why remodel?

Remodeling your home can modernize the style, make it more comfortable, improve energy-efficiency and home functionality, increase the value of your home, and help with upkeep and maintenance. Home remodeling is a sure investment in your home to ensure longevity, usefulness, and home value.

When is it time to remodel?

Perhaps it was that moment when you realized that avocado green and harvest gold are no longer the "in" colors for today's trendy kitchens. Or maybe you had an epiphany one day as you stood in line to use your own bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought has crossed your mind: Maybe it's time to remodel . . .

If you decide to follow through on that thought, you'll join millions of others who decide to remodel their homes each year. The reasons for home remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake. Some of these include:

• Adding more space.
• Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances, and fixtures.
• Creating a floor plan that's customized for your lifestyle.
• Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems.
• Increasing the resale value of your home.

What are some home remodeling ideas?

Before you head too far down the remodeling path, it's a good idea to think through your wants and needs:

• Decide what changes you want to make.
• Ask yourself and other family members what you like and dislike about the house, then create a prioritized list.
• Look at magazines and collect pictures of what you like.
• Think about traffic patterns, furniture placement, colors, lighting, and how you want to use the remodeled space now and in the future.

How do I plan a home remodel?

The first step is to develop an idea of what you want to do. Write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. Look at magazines and websites and collect pictures of what you like. The more clearly you can envision the project and describe it on paper, the better prepared you'll be in making your decision.

Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space. If your decision to remodel involves creating better access for someone with limited mobility, you may want to consider contacting a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.  

Figure out how much money you have to spend on the remodeling job, furnishings, landscaping or any other cost you might incur.

If you’ve decided you want to hire a remodeler, learn how to choose a professional, avoid contractor fraud, and make your dream home reality.

How do I pay for a home remodel?

One of the most important considerations for your home improvement project is financing. After all, the project will go nowhere if you can't pay for it.

Fortunately, there are several options that can provide the dollars you need. Four of the most common are a home improvement loan, a home equity line of credit, a home equity loan (second mortgage), and a cash-out refinancing of your current mortgage. However, the simplest method of financing is cash.

How do I find a professional home remodeler?

When you hire a remodeler, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality of service the home remodeler provides will determine the quality of the finished product and your satisfaction with the result. To ensure your satisfaction, make sure you hire a qualified, professional remodeler.

What should I expect during the remodel?

While remodeling can be an exciting process, it can also present unexpected challenges. Many problems can be avoided by planning ahead.

Owners of homes built before 1978 who are contemplating any work that will disturb more than six square feet of painted surfaces inside the home or 20 square feet on the exterior of the home - for example, replacing a window, installing cabinets, or adding on to the home - the contractor you hire is required by law to be trained and certified by the EPA. Learn more about EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovators and lead paint.

School Project

The 2012 Sunset Breezehouse

Sunset 2012 Breezehouse

The 2012 Idea House is a pre-fab home that's currently being built in a Vallejo, Calif., factory that will be unfolded on its scenic wine country site this summer.

The 2012 Idea House, located in Healdsburg, Calif., about 70 miles north of San Francisco. It will be open for tours every weekend from August 3, 2012, through September 9, 2012.

Dates: Tours will be available every weekend from August 3, 2012 through September 9, 2012.

Time: Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $17per person; $15 on Fridays for seniors

Directions from San Francisco:

Take US-101 N for about 70 miles. Take Exit 505 for Dry Creek Rd., and turn right on Dry Creek Rd. Take your second left onto Healdsburg Ave. and drive .8 miles. Turn right onto Parkland Farms Blvd. and drive .4 miles. Take the third right onto Canyon Run, then the first right onto Long Acres Pl.

Remodel Forcast Increase

The National Association of Home Builders is forecasting a 9% increase in remodeling

 

Top Projects:

Windows/Doors, Insulation, HVAC for Energy Efficiency

Bathroom makeovers, Painting, and Landscaping  for Comfort/Enjoyment

Source: American Express study and Wall Street Journal article

 

Spring Forward

Spring officially begins on March 20th, and it's time to Spring Forward.  Daylight saving time begins at 2AM on Sunday March 11th.  Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.  Daylight saving time lasts until November 4th when we will need to set our clocks back one hour.       

Let this time change be a reminder to do a few "Spring" changes.  

• Change filters  in your home's heating and air conditioning system.  This saves energy and improves your indoor air quality.  Most systems state to change filters monthly, some require a change every six months.  Tip:  write the date on the filter when you change it.  
• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors.  Make sure you test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors as well.  

Did you know?      

• Two thirds of households are not in compliance with the national recommendation for the number of smoke alarms set by the National Fire Protection Association.     
• About 90percent of American homes do not comply with the recommended number of carbon monoxide alarms per home.     
• About 40 percent of those surveyed have no working carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.     
•  California requires carbon monoxide detectors in ALL single family homes with at least one detector per level.  If your home does not have one, install one now.  For smoke alarms, homes should have one installed at the top of each staircase and one in every bedroom or sleeping area, according to the NFPA.