Screed and Scarifier - Making Construction Jobs Easier

By Zach Jacobs

The process getting rid off excess concrete on a slab's top surface is called screeding. This method can be used in concrete and floor screed. There are also other helpful equipments which help in dealing with concretes is the scarifier which helps in the preparation of concrete or asphalt in the new surface's coating. They are also utilized to eliminate traffic line, repair surfaces that are damages and more.

Screeding is an important element in the whole construction industry - from taking care of floors and slabs of big establishments to small edifices. A screed is a construction material usually made of aluminum and is used to make the concrete placed on the surface or the applied plaster smooth.

A screen board usually comes with a concrete screed to maintain a low operating cost. This will also help save some time and money. In a newly constructed concrete, the floor surface, pavement or sidewalk usually, the placement in not uniform in the required level.

Through screeding the floor's surface, it takes away the extra concrete and this result to the concrete to be on the specified level. Screeding ca be done while making use of a hand or a mechanical screed. You can personally do the job or hire a company while using the materials with best quality.

If you are thinking of screeding a part of your house, use only superior quality materials. Choosing the price over the quality will mean wasting you money and risking your work at a more damage. There are a lot of retailers who will offer cheaper screeds but you can not be assured of the service that it will render.

Cement screeds are typically placed at a specific size. They can be utilized in any situation, yet, a final covering is necessary. Cement screeds are either flowing or sand-based form. When talking about sand-based cement screeds, they can be used in wet areas like bathrooms. For flowing cement screeds, they can are mostly suitable for tiles and carpets.

Cement screed is very important in any kind of structures and on the process of construction. It is very known to be durable and used in almost anywhere for floor screeding. It can also be used for insulation and for floor heating.

The entire screeding process may require you to shed off money but it is surely worth it. You can do it on your own or get a company to do it for you. Cement screed forms are the backbone of a particular structure since they are highly durable and can stand any type of weather and other conditions - 30228

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When doing your cement job, having a good screed can make a large difference in the quality of the job. If you will be repairing some cement or pavement job that has been damaged or that was wrong from the beginning, it can also be helpful to have a scarifier to prepare the area.

The Way To Build A Chicken Coop - Five Common Mistakes To Avoid When Building Chicken Coops

By Toby Carr

You have made a decision to build a chicken coop for your flock. A great call. You can save yourself a lot of cash and can customize your coop to suit your requirements. Before you start though it is wise to listen to the recommendation of experienced coop builders to avoid these usual mistakes.

When asked about the most important mistakes they made when building their chicken coops, chicken owners listed the following :

1. Not making the coop large enough. You will plan on only having a few chickens, but when the baby chicks come or the chicken raising addiction kicks in, you'll find your chicken house too small. The suggested size is 4 square feet per bird in the coop and ten sq. feet in the run for standard chickens. For bantam chickens you can get away with half of this space.

2. Not making the chicken house tall enough. It is hard to maintain your coop if you are consistently hitting your head or crouching around!

3. Not insulating or using the incorrect insulation. Keep your chickens warm in the winter by insulating their coop. But don't use foam insulation. Reputedly chickens like to peck at it. Who knew? Confirm your coop plans take into consideration your local climate.

4. Not having a poop plan! When installing the roosts it is a great idea to install poop pans below them to catch the droppings. Position the feeders and waterers so they do not splattered. You may also require a plan to get rid of the poop from the coop.

5. Not putting in enough windows or large enough Windows : Windows provide light and ventilation. Confirm all of the windows open so that your chicks get fresh air.

I hope this give you a "heads-up" on issues to avoid when building your chicken coop. With good chicken house plans, wood, nails and a few good tools, you'll be well on the way to offer a cozy home for your flock. - 30228

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If you like step by step action plan on how to build chicken coops, go chicken house designs here

How To Safely Use a Grass Strimmer

By John K Harris

Petrol strimmers can be a great tool to use to keep your lawn in good condition. However, if they're used improperly, they can inflict serious harm to you or others around you. So it's important to follow some common-sense safety precautions.

First of all, you should always try to protect your body as much as possible when the strimmer is in use. It's essential to wear thick pants (such as jeans etc.) as well as covering your whole upper body (so no t-shirts!).

It's a certainty that, during the usage of the petrol strimmer, at some point, a stone or stick will fly up and hit you. This is why you need to protect your body and always wear real boots or shoes.

I can't stress enough how essential eye protection is. Just as debris could hit your body, it can also hit your face or eyes; and if it's moving fast enough, it could do some serious damage. So always wear eye protection to protect your sight!

If you own a grass strimmer (rather than the hedge variety), always aim the strimmer at the floor when it's in use - this can help to avoid accidents.

Strimmers usually don't just use petrol as fuel, but more commonly they'll use a mixture of oil and petrol. It's important to read the handbook to find the most appropriate mixture. If you don't do this, you're increasing the risk of breaking the strimmer or burning yourself!

Always make sure the strimmer is well maintained, the parts are secure, and there's enough string in it to do the job. Conversely, make sure there's not too much string in it or it may hit your feet or legs, or wrap around some debris and break.

All brands of strimmer are different, and whilst you should always follow the safety advice in this article, you should also read the instruction manual that came with the strimmer; it will contain model-specific advice. - 30228

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If garden petrol strimmers are properly cared for and used in the correct way, there's no need for them to be dangerous.

Have Fun With Outdoor Lighting

By Kate Hoegh

You are proud of your home. Its personality is just like you-it makes you and your guests feel at home. However, you are missing something: patio lights that do a little more than stop you from a pratfall or a pool fall. They do not tell your guests, "This is me, too!"

Now, you put a lot of work into making your home reflect you. Why shouldn't your patio lights reflect you, too? When they come in as many styles and with as many accents as you and your home have, picking will not be simple. However, it can be done.

Picking the patio lights you can make into what you want will be easier than you think. Because you are not limited to one kind. You can work with strings of lights, with party lights, with umbrella lights alike, and any one of them can be made to fit your deck. Which means fitting you.

Leave it just a round of glowing bulbs, suggesting the place you hang your coat, eat, and sleep? No, let us not go there. This is you. This is your home. You live here. In addition, you want everything to show it including your deck. You are not plain, and neither should your patio lights be.

Maybe you're the hopeless romantic and you want a string or two of appropriate patio lights. You can opt for the flower look or the holiday globe look. (As in, the light globes that look as though you had extra Christmas tree ornaments to string up.) Maybe you're the horticulturist to whom there's no such thing as too few flowers. There are hundreds to try. You might be the rugged outdoors type--lanterns should work. You might be the genial host with two or even three patio tables for your parties-those umbrella lights are looking better every minute. Just like a classy pool club.

Here's the bonus: they all look great when it's party time and you've got a good group of people joining you for an evening of good drink, good food, good talk, good everything. Most important-if you've really given the appropriate thought to the atmosphere outside your home as well as inside your home, your patio lights will look like you. And that's what your family, your party guests want to see when they come. - 30228

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Click these links for more information on patio lights and solar lights for patio.

Windchimes; A History Of Pretty Tones

By Wendy Criswell

You can usually find windchimes hanging from the rooftops or tinkling in the garden in just about every town and city. They give a melodious effect to the atmosphere. There are some windchimes made to produce music like melodies and other types just give a pleasant waterfall of sound as the wind blows. Windchimes can be made out of anything that will make a sound when it hits another one or a hard surface so it should not be very hard to find one that is pleasant to your own ear.

The use of windchimes goes back to prehistoric times but whether they were used for pleasure or warning of intruders or conveying the strength of the wind is uncertain. Windchimes were found in South East Asia in an archaeological site and date to around 3000 BC. Ancient windchimes were made of bone, bamboo or other woods, stones, and shells. The Egyptians were the first people to make windchimes out of metal as they cast them in bronze.

In Asia they were developed extensively because the Buddhist culture used them as religious paraphernalia. Windchimes were attached to the eaves of pagodas and temples and set off a cacophony of sound when the wind blew. Asian and Mediterranean cultures believed that the windchimes would allow benevolent spirits to be around them in order to protect them while it kept evil spirits away. Many families in China and Japan began putting them on their own homes to attract these spirits. Today it is thought that windchimes will bring good luck.

The Celtic people of ancient Britain made and used windchimes to keep away intruders. They placed windchimes in the woods near their villages so that when the intruders came near they would hear them and think the woods were haunted. They would be tricked and run quickly away from the village.

There is a belief that the sound of windchimes can have a calming affect on the mind. It is said that certain chimes have a specific resonance that can heal the body and mind of a person. It is said they can bring about awareness and connection with the spirit. They help one relax and reduce anger and bring balance to the whole person. Windchimes are used in Feng Shui because of the ability to bring that so sought after balance.

Farmers used to use windchimes not to gain balance but to tell what the weather was going to be like. When a wind blows from a certain direction in a certain area it can bring about good or bad weather conditions. Farmers could tell if there was going to be rain by hearing the windchimes ring in a particular manner because the wind was coming from that direction. They could tell how hard the wind was blowing as well. They also used windchimes in the corn field in order to frighten away the birds that would eat all the corn.

Windchimes are still a good seller even today. They are made from hanging the chimes from string. Some of the chimes are made of metal rods or tubes and some are made of glass or even seashells. Bamboo windchimes are very popular and give a clinking sound rather than a chime. Some of the metal chimes have a central string hanging down with a metal or wooden ball or disk at the bottom. The chimes hit that ball or disk when the wind blows and causes them to sound. There are other windchimes where the chimes are positioned in a row and they bump into each other and make sounds.

It really does not matter why windchimes are placed on houses or in gardens today. They probably are not there to tell the weather or scare away the birds or even to scare away bad spirits. They do, however, exude an atmosphere of pleasure and calmness and tend to relax the mind of those who hear it. They are just as popular today as they have been in the past and can be found just about anywhere. They are made of metal, glass, wood, bamboo, shells and other substances that make a pleasant sound when suspended and gently bounced of one another. Maybe they do bring good luck or good spirits because every time you hear them, you smile. - 30228

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For more information regarding how to find wind chimes visit the Internet's leading source for accessorizing your patio today. Stop by for more information and help locating bass wind chimes and patio accessories.

Great Soil Recipe And Raised Bed Gardening Advice

By Steven Newel

Once your raised bed is installed from scratch or from a kit, it'll be time to finally start the fun part of this ongoing home project: the actual raised bed gardening. It might be a little sparse where your bed is at the moment, there are a few things you can do to turn it into a living and breathing thing of beauty.

Using proper soil, watering carefully and maintaining your garden to prevent disease and weeds will do a lot to keep your garden looking fresh and clean.

Watch The pH Levels Of Your Soil

There are numerous soil packages available from every store under the Sun, but my personal favorite is a bit more down to earth. Try this simple recipe: mix one quarter yard soil with a solution of compost and sand. This unique combination will provide a great starting point for your bed. Also watch your pH levels. If they're too high, nothing will grow.

Minimize Weeds

Raised bed gardens typically get the better of weeds, but that's not to say that no one ever experiences the occasional weed here and there. Put in some organic mulch and use whatever weed guarding stuff you have in the house. If this doesn't get rid of your weed infestation, remove them by hand. It's simple and not really time consuming. Throw some more mulch over the top and see what happens overnight. Keep in mind this is an ongoing fight, so there will be victories and there will be losses.

Keep Watering

If you're unsure of what to do for water, it's best to go manually. This way, you can direct the water exactly where you want it: at the base of the plants themselves rather than the surrounding dirt. Irrigation systems can come in handy if you've got the money, as their drip technology will keep your plants at a more optimum water level than you could hope for doing it by hand. Overhead watering is the only real no-no, as it will leave too much moisture and leave plants susceptible to disease.

Keep Your Raised Bed Capable

Raised bed gardening is particularly attractive to busy people because they require precious little in the way of real maintenance. If yours is made of brick and mortar, go out and kick it every now and then to make sure it won't fall over, and that's about it. Make sure to water your plants and turn the soil over periodically. Add in a little organic material here and there.

If your garden starts to show signs of disease, empty it immediately and throw some new soil inside for your plants. As a side note, even if your bed is built with brick and mortar, make sure to check it regularly to make sure it's standing steady.

The low maintenance may be a strong factor in choosing raised bed gardening over other options, but let's face it: raised bed gardens look beautiful and can add a set piece to your yard that will start the neighbors talking. For such a small investment, how can it not be worth it? - 30228

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Raised bed gardening will provide a beautiful relaxing feel. Best of all? The kits are ridiculously affordable and require next to no maintenance! Buy yourself raised bed gardening tools or purchase other essentials to give yourself a head start. Remember to only buy from trusted sellers for the finest products at reasonable prices.

Chicken House Designs - A Successful Design Should Include These Elements

By Oliver Henson

In order to raise healthy and productive chickens, you have got to provide housing that meets all their requirements. There are lots of different chicken house designs to make a choice from, but most of them share some standard characteristics. Whether you're building a giant coop or a small one, there are certain elements that are essential.

The primary purpose of the chicken coop is to guard your chickens, both from cruel weather conditions and from their natural predators. If you don't secure the coop correctly, or as an example fail to a weather-tight roof, your chickens' hens' health and longevity could be compromised. When it comes round to keeping predators out of the coop, the aptly named chicken wire is your best bet. Be sure to surround the coop with it, and it's also an excellent idea to kill some underground to keep tunneling rodents away.

If you are raising plenty of chickens, you must also take steps to make sure that feeding and watering them is useful. You can set up automated watering and feeding systems which will make sure that your birds will get the mandatory nutrition daily. It also removes one of the necessary chores involved in raising chickens.

Chickens make lots of mess and the coop will require regular cleaning. If you do not include easy cleaning in your design, you'll set yourself up for lots of needless difficult work. I.e. Ensure the coop floor is raised off the ground and enable both sides to be completely removed leaving free and clear access to the inside. This also needs to be considered when locating your chicken house.

Another of the key elements in many chicken house plans is the inclusions of lights and a source of electricity. In the darker winter months, chickens naturally don't lay eggs. However , if you provide enough light, it can essentially fool the chickens into laying eggs year-round. When you have these basic prerequisites covered, you can customize your chicken coop to fit your preference. - 30228

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Finally! The whole unbiased truth about build chicken coops exposed. You owe it to yourself to visit chicken house designs and get the facts today.

Wind Chimes Are A Pleasant Offering Of Tranquility

By Wendy Criswell

If you are stuck on what to get your favorite friend or even a parent for the next occasion you would be doing everyone a huge service by getting them wind chimes. Their sound is one of pleasant sweetness that can be truly appreciated by just about anyone. As the sounds of the night provide a gentle harmony for the melody of the chimes, your loved ones will be forever grateful for the gift.

There is a lot offered by the sound of wind chimes blowing in the wind. Once you've had them there is a need to always have them around. There is a sense of peaceful comfort in the chiming music that just can't be matched by anything else. The sound is so powerful that the victims of trauma can often be settled and comforted enough to get a few hours of sleep thanks to the music provided by the chimes and the wind.

Of course, it is not just night time comfort that these charming chimes offer. They also offer a daytime comfort that is rare in today's world. In the quiet of the afternoon the sound of the chimes playing their unique tunes can be enough to settle a child at naptime or help an adult feel completely at home. There is something nearly magical about the sound that is reflected in the way we gravitate toward it.

There is a wide and vast musical ensemble that can be found in chimes. Most of us are very away of the awesome sounds that can be played by the wind with the longer tubes of metal. Adding a bamboo based chime can offer a solid but steady rhythm to the ambiance.

Be wary of trying to match too many chime sounds to a single house. If the sound becomes overwhelming you end up losing the beautiful reflection that can be heard in the distinct pitch. Choose wind chimes that are destined to go together very carefully. Often choosing either very similar sounds are better than trying to find complimentary sounds unless you are truly apt to hear perfect pitch.

You don't want to go overboard. Naturally, you want to ensure that the sounds to not become muddled. Thus, be wary not to create an overload of sound by adding too many chimes to one small area. You can usually have ample sound with just one or two.

Your gift will be one of perpetual peace that gives the recipient a new form of comfort that they may not have the good fortune to experience. Giving a gift of wind chimes is a gift that will last well beyond the moment that it is opened. It is a gift of a lifetime of peaceful and tranquil experiences waiting just around the corner. - 30228

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The truth about finding how to accessorize your outdoor space is finally revealed! visit us online to learn and get all the information about wind chimes you have been looking for. Be sure to Stop by our site and browse our fine selection musical wind chimes and other patio accessories.

Enjoy Your Patio All Year Round With Outdoor Heating

By B Joseph Walker

An outdoor heating system will enable you, your family and friends to enjoy entertaining on your patio throughout the year. Modern outdoor heaters are attractive, compact and can generate enough warmth to keep you warm, even on the chilliest of days or nights. Gone are the days when you all had to huddle around the hearth in your living room.

To heat outdoor areas you can purchase a backyard pit fire (which you can even use for barbecues), a chiminea, or a large variety of patio heaters. Outdoor heaters are so popular that furniture designers are producing fashionable patio tables and chairs to complement the ambiance created by the outdoor heater. There are three types of outdoor heaters - free standing, permanent, or table-top.

Table-top and free standing outdoor heaters are portable. Therefore you can move them around various places on your patio. A permanent outdoor heater is fixed to a specific area. These are very efficient as they can produce a large amount of heat.

If you install a heater permanently, you will save yourself the hassle of constantly having to top up the gas. With its direct gas line, the heater will continue working on its own for as long as required. The only downside to having a heater in a permanent position is that you will have to pay for the installation.

If you want to create a really cozy ambiance on your patio, a gas charcoal fireplace will do the trick. These have shimmering embers that look incredibly realistic. The biggest plus factor with this type of outdoor heater is that they is safe.

Table-top heaters are especially popular. They are simple to operate and are easily moved from place to place. This type of outdoor heater features a safety device that automatically switches the heater off if it tips over or gets bumped.

Infrared patio heaters look very elegant because they are mounted on sleek poles. They make an attractive addition to the decor on any patio - you can get them in a brushed steel finish or a copper finish. This type of heater also runs off gas which is emitted as infrared heat. Even on the coldest of nights, an infrared heater patio heater will keep you very warm. You will often see these heaters in restaurants and hotels.

Outdoor electric heaters are very human friendly because they do not emit the fumes or odor like gas generated heaters. You will also save quite a lot of money with an electric heater because you won't have to pay the high cost of gas. This type of heater is often installed on a wall under the ceiling of the patio so it won't take up space if your patio is on the small side.

An electric heater is a safe and convenient way of warming up your patio. What's really nice about an electric heater is that it will start producing warmth immediately - unlike some other heaters that take a while to warm up. This avoids you all having to sit shivering waiting for a heater producing warmth!

So now you've got a good idea of what's out there regarding outdoor heating. Your choices are numerous. No more winter blues for you - you can enjoy your patio throughout the year! All you need is a good modern outdoor heater. - 30228

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Outdoor fire pitsts and other patio heaters can make or break the fall and winter. Don't huddle under the blankets inside for 6 months, order an outdoor fire pit for your patio or deck and snuggle up with a hot cocoa. Winter is better with a heater on your patio.

Teak Furniture Restoration

By Mike Thom

There are too many do it yourself articles online on how to refinish your teak furniture. It seems every article has a different way on how to restore your teak furniture from the weather-beaten look back to an original appearance. Some articles say to sandblast your furniture, another says to sand your teak furniture with 250 grit sandpaper, and yet another one says to water blast your teak. The internet is definitely a great resource for many do it yourself projects however most posts about teak refinishing are entirely wrong.

The finished result is that refinishing teak furniture is not as easy as it may seem. There are several different ways to refinish teak furniture depending on weathering patterns, how old your teak furniture is. Does it have an existing finish and how complicated is the design of the furniture? Teak Master is an exterior wood refinishing company located in Pasadena California that has mastered teak restoration. They have taken the frustration out of trying to restore your own teak furniture yourself. They provide a service that brings your teak furniture back to its original showroom look.

The guess work has been taken out of teak refinishing. They have many techniques on how to bring you furniture back to life and will even advice you on how to do it yourself. Once the furniture is restored you have an option of sealing your furniture with different sealers that have a wide assortment of colors. An important element in keeping your furniture in great condition is annual maintenance. A maintenance schedule to reseal your teak furniture once or twice a year depending on the use and exposure to the outdoor element. Southern California now has a professional resource center for teak refinishing and wood Restoration information.

Teak Master has been trusted by thousands of clients for more than ten years who demand professional quality and guaranteed results. Teak Master specializes in the latest preservative coatings and restoration techniques for exterior wood surfaces and address lots of of challenges that come with caring for teak furniture. By having a teak expert you will have years of experience and expertise on your side.

I had the pleasure of meeting Timothy Gilliam owner of TeakMaster.com, he tells me most people that buy their teak furniture or hire a contractor to build them their wood deck never think of hiring a specialist to maintain their wood furniture. It is essential for your outdoor wood furniture to be maintained once or twice a year by a professional. A lot of the mistakes we see are people adding the wrong sealer or adding varnish to their teak furniture; this is something they never want to do. Remember your outdoor wood furniture is an investment that you want to protect. Speaking to an expert will keep you from making mistakes with your outdoor wood furniture. - 30228

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Want to find out more about Teak Furniture Refinishing, then visit The Teak Master's site on how to choose the best Teak Refinishing expert for your needs.

Great Tips For Shade Growing Plants

By Barbara Bakker

I know that shade growing can be a challenge. But with some careful planning and patience you can design a lush, interesting garden that thrives in shade. And once established, a shade garden is low maintenance and provides much needed respite from a hot summer day.

The most important thing to realize about shade gardening is that success all depends on what plants you choose. There are a variety of shade growing trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs.

Once you have chosen the best shade growing plants for your garden, you then need to consider where the plants are going to live. Plants need a combination of light, good soil, good drainage, and sufficient water to thrive.

The best thing you can do for your shade growing plants is to give them good soil to grow in. Preparing the soil for a shade garden is pretty much like any other type of garden; you need to make sure there a good mixture of organic compost and mulch in the soil. You also need to ensure that the soil drains well. You don't want overly wet or mucky clay drowning the roots of your shade plants. To check to see how the soil drains, dig a hole and fill it with water then come back in a couple of hours to see if the water has drained. If not then you will need to mix sand into the soil to help with drainage.

Once you've considered the soil, check that the surrounding trees are not stealing all the light, moisture and nutrients. This is one of the most common problems if you plant a shade garden under large trees. Your plants will be competing for food and water with the trees, so regular feeding and watering is required so the plants aren't too depleted for nutrients.

Speaking of trees, if the trees doing the shading are evergreen conifers, the soil tends to be acidic (low ph). So have the soil tested and adjust the soil ph accordingly for what you plan to grow (adding dolomite lime will raise the ph).

Shade from a building or wall will also affect what you can grow in your garden. Consider the placement of the building or wall: if your garden is in the front of a north-facing wall it will be in shade most of the day. In addition, the garden will be exposed to the elements like the prevailing winds and frost during the fall and winter.

Walk around your house and see how it affects where the sun is at various times of the year. For instance, where the sun is in the morning isn't going to the same in the evening, especially the later in the season it is.

The critical things to remember in growing a shade garden are plant selection, the degree of shade you are dealing with (light, medium or dense), good soil, drainage and water. I encourage you to try a shade garden. You'll love it! - 30228

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Want to know more about Shade Growing? Visit Barbara Bakker's site to get recommendations on the best shade plants for your shade garden.

Pet Health And Acupuncture

By Lee Reid

Many diseases related to animals today are solved in a more conventional way of medication and other usual medical treatments. But there is a more satisfactory and a simpler way to tackle those animal related health problems and sicknesses.

Even though veterinary acupuncture is considered among the most ancient methods of treating the sick it has gained widespread popularity in recent times. More over for animal treatments the use of veterinary acupuncture has come about only in the recent past. Veterinary acupuncture is now being used effectively all over the world.

It is accepted that veterinary acupuncture is a single component of the traditional Chinese veterinary treatments. Usually herbs, diets and various other forms of medication form an integral part of usual Chinese veterinary treatment. For more than 3000 years, this method of veterinary acupuncture has been effectively carried out in China and that alone will give you an impression of the degree of effectiveness in veterinary acupuncture. Veterinary acupuncture will enhance the flow of energy in the body and will give better ability to fight against the disease.

Internal organs of the body could be controlled from outside by the use of veterinary acupuncture. Although the western implementation of the method has adapted in to a few minor changes the method is still the same which was brought forward from the ancient Chinese. The pain can be overcome through the use of veterinary acupuncture and will give better control over the animal which has been suffering from that pain and was unable to treat due to its hostility brought about by the pain.

Cats, dogs and even bigger animals such as cows and horses are among those list of pets who enjoy the benefits of veterinary acupuncture. The method does not involve any surgeries or any other complex procedures which will be a little tough to practice on an animal.

There are many veterinary acupuncture centers available throughout the country and one could easily find the nearest center by a simple online search. A lot of of these veterinary acupuncture services do have their own website and will provide their services and contact information for anyone interested in getting their pets to a treatment. Make your pet happy and healthy through the use of veterinary acupuncture. It is easier and it is faster while being successful as well. Through the use of veterinary acupuncture make the lives of both you and your pet much easier and simpler. - 30228

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I hope you enjoyed this article about pet care. I like to write about several topics such as health, fitness and travel. You can visit my website to get the details on how to find cheap luggage sets at the lowest possible prices online.

Log Cabin Kits

By Spencer Wilkins

The best place to start searching for information on log cabin kits is by going online. As you will soon discover there are plenty of companies who now sell such kits and which can prove to be much more cost effective than having one built from scratch.

As well as being cheaper than having one built from scratch because the logs are manufactured in a more uniform kind of way you have a large choice of cabin designs to choose from. If you want to save yourself money there are kits, which simply comprise the logs and fasteners to make the exterior walls, and to which you can add other components to as and when you have the funds. Whilst there are other cabin kits available which comprise everything that you will need in order to make the entire home.

Yes getting your log cabin built by a craftsman may sound ideal but there are numerous advantages to be had from purchasing one that comes in kit form. As previously mentioned the biggest advantage is that they are much cheaper to purchase and also are a lot quicker and easier to assemble.

Another benefit to be gained from purchasing a log cabin kit is that each log has been manufactured in a uniformed way and you are not restricted on what shape these can be. Also each log will be prepared ready with the tongue and groove joints made in them so that they slot quickly and easily together. It is these joints, which actually prevent either air or water from penetrating through the walls and protect whatever is inside.

However, before you go out and purchase a log cabin kit there are some things which you need to consider and which can help to keep the costs of building such a home down. Below we look at just what some of these are.

1. First you need to decide just what size and how many rooms your cabin is going to have. If you can keep the size and number of rooms in the cabin down as much as possible as this will help in keeping your manufacturing and building costs down. Also the less rooms you have this will save you money in the future, remember you are going to have to furnish the property, plus you will also be able to keep your utility costs down as well.

2. Another important factor you need to take into consideration when thinking about buying a log cabin kit is the amount it is going to cost you to actually build the property. Remember you will need to sometimes hire specialist tradesmen and equipment in order to get the property assembled properly.

3. Finally, if you can go for as simple a design as possible, as the more complicated and intricate the design is the more it is going to cost to actually manufacture the components to make it. Although a cathedral ceiling may add a touch of elegance to the property it can increase the cost of manufacturing these kinds of log cabin kits quite a lot because more material and labour needs to be used. - 30228

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If you are after something that is mainly for garden tool storage rather than somewhere you can relax and chill out, then you may want to find some information about garden sheds which may be mainly suitable. These are available to buy online from a number of stores.

Choices When Choosing Outdoor Heating

By B Joseph Walker

The kind of outdoor heating you select for your patio or yard will depend on a few factors. First, there are many types of outdoor heaters that are powered by electricity or natural gas. If you want to have a heater that uses this type of energy, you'll need to have an electrical or gas outlet in the area where the heater will be installed.

People have used propane heat for both residential and agriculture for many years. These heaters provide an even flow of heat and are easily identified by their umbrella tops. The heaters are designed in styles that range from an antique lamp look to a modern abstract design that will fit in any decor.

The heaters contain a small propane tank that is filled with natural gas or propane at a distributor. The heaters can be found in stand-alone units that are as tall as seven feet. These heaters can be placed throughout a yard and often use a standard propane tank.

Many of the larger propane stand-alone heaters are designed with locking wheels to make them more mobile. That is one of the greatest advantages of these types of heaters, they can be easily moved to any location in the yard or patio with ease. The other benefit of the heaters is that an optional indicator on the tanks show when the gas is getting low so you can refill the tank before it runs out.

The latest designs of heaters are including a visual delight with a bonfire enclosed in metal mesh. These stand-alone units can be placed in a corner of the patio or along a pathway. They are unique, and create a modern and beautiful look for your yard.

Electrical outdoor heaters are available in diverse styles that can serve a dual purpose in a yard. They provide heat evenly up to nine feet in radius. Many of these heaters also have lamps built in to them and product infrared heat. These lights can be installed on a wall of the home to light and keep a patio area warm, or they can be used in units that stand on the floor of the patio. The units are less mobile than propane heaters because of the need for an electrical outlet or cord to power the system.

Both natural gas and electrical heaters must be near an outlet for power. These heaters are not highly mobile because of the need for a nearby outlet. Many of these heaters are found as fireplaces or in pits that allow individuals to sit near the warmth.

Other fireplaces and pits use wood or natural gas to produce heat. The gas heaters are made to be used with a natural gas outlet and are often found near pool areas where an electrical outlet or exposed cord could pose a danger to people who may get wet.

Ethanol gel which is fermentation grade ethyl alcohol, is very popular in fireplaces that are equipped for wood or gas. These gels produce the crackling flames that wood does and are long burning. They do not produce smoke or toxins in the air and are preferable in an environmentally friendly area. People living in areas where burning wood is prohibited find that the gel packs are a viable alternative for these types of heaters. - 30228

About the Author:

ToastyJoes.com is the only outdoor heating store you need on the internet. With the web's best deals on patio heaters, chiminaes and outdoor fire pits, ToastyJoes.com is the only place to shop.

Tips For Achieving A Landscape Garden Effect

By Robert Bird

Landscape gardening can help make your garden look better in many ways. While landscaping your garden may involve working to prevent topsoil erosion and weed prevention. Garden landscaping also presents many opportunities to improve the look and feel of your garden in many different ways. From basic garden design and layout, to a full landscape gardening project.

One of the simplest ways to achieve a basic landscape gardening effect is to make use of border edging. There are many selections of border edging you can use in your landscape gardening projects, and they can include concrete, plastic, aluminium, tubing and brick borders.

You can use just one type or mix and match to make your garden even more attractive. It is important to remember that the edging concept you choose, needs to fit the theme of your overall landscape garden project, And therefore the overall look you are trying to achieve. There are many landscaping services you can choose, if you do not have time to follow your own landscape gardening vision.

It is always wise to meet the landscape gardener first, just to make sure that, not only will you be able to work together during the landscaping project, but that you feel they will share your vision of what you want to achieve from landscaping your garden. There are many landscaping services that will gladly listen to your landscaping ideas and recommend designs and materials for the landscaping job. Whether it be a simple flower garden, a driveway or a rock garden.

A landscape design service will suggest not only the best materials for the landscaping project, but also recommend the best methods available and then give you a quote that takes your landscape gardening idea and makes it a reality. It is advisable to get quotes from several landscaping services before deciding which landscape designer you wish to go with, as you may well find that there is a wide range of prices for the same job.

Again this will depend on the quality of the finished work. Do not assume that the most expensive quote will do the best work and also bear in mind that the cheapest will likely be the cheapest for good reason.

If possible use a landscaper that comes recommended from friends, relations or work colleagues. as is often said, you can't beat word of mouth advertising. There are many options open to you for landscaping your garden, all you need to do is use your imagination and your dream of a landscape garden will be a reality in no time. - 30228

About the Author:

TruGreen offers lawn care and landscaping services nationwide

What you need to understand about Paving

By James D.

Paving is more than simply laying bricks and pouring cement. It is easy to pour slab and lay bricks, but paving wishes dedicated planning to have the required output. By pre-planning and considering everything that should be tackled, you can save yourself from a lot of trouble shelling out extra cash and fixing all mistakes.

Why you may need It

There various reason why you might need to have some solid place to step on. Paving is useful in preventing erosion and excessive soil removal in places you don't want them to happen. Asphalt and concrete pavement are utilized in highways, driveways, parking spaces, and runways as it provide sturdy, smooth and solid surface that helps drivers and pilots keep control and avoid inappropriate fuel use and machine damage. Accented paving gives emphasis and character to gardens and pathways. Paving also minimize soil erosion, safeguarding the gardens, walkways and roads particularly in acute conditions.

What are Your Pattern Options

it actually depends on the way that you need your project to look and the colours you want to see on the pavement you will walk on. Stretcher-bond pattern is one of the most straightforward patterns out there. Blocks are laid across the ground, accented at both sides with bricks oriented the other way. It is generally seen in narrow or short walkway because this pattern can make trails wider or longer depending on the way that the bricks are laid. Basket weave patterns are popular because of its tidiness and simplicity. You may use contrasting light and dark bricks to prevent it from looking one-dimensional. Herringbone patterns are also enticing in pathways because it gives stress on the road flow. Radial pattern and stretcher-header combo patterns with swapping circular/curving patterns provide attractive accent, particularly in playgrounds, drive, curving roads, and walkways. Big pavers are also typically found in outside places because it is neat, straightforward and clean built. Lastly, slabs made of concrete and asphalt are usually found in tarmac, highways, and other places because of its durability, albeit it is less appealing compared to other paving patterns.

Who can Build It

Depending on the type and size of the project you have been planning, diverse large, medium and small scale companies offer paving services for a fee. Be advised , however , that there are several restrictions you have got to observe. The larger the firm is, the bigger the projects they tend to accept. Do not be stunned if some companies will not accept your project because the returns are just not profitable for them. You can choose to pick small scale corporations when you wish to pave your churchyard, your community playground or your terrace. However if the family is into it and the project is tiny, do-it-yourself paving can be done by the entire family. Various free tips, guides and plans for paving projects are available all over the net. There, you can select your materials, control your budget, and build your backyard without paying anybody preposterous costs. - 30228

About the Author:

James D. writes about LINK on his website Paving.

Skid Steer Technology - The Smallest Durable Technology

By Mike Hores

Construction jobs or even commercial and agricultural tasks require several machines and equipments. One of the most commonly used one is what we call the skid steer equipment. Skid steers, skid loader, skid to steer loader; "bobcat" is a rigid frame, engine-powered machine with lift arms where you attached several accessory tools. This machine can address limitations including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, walking, reaching and bending.

The bobcat attachments enable the machine to do a wide variety of tasks. They mostly powered by the loader's own hydraulic system. Some of the standard attachments are bucket, forks, blades, brooms and jack hammer.

Aside from being a flexible machine, the skid steers loader is also known for its compact size and light weight. They can fit into tight spaces and allows them to be transported behind a large truck. This machine is suitable for light to medium jobs.

Another striking feature of this machine is its wheel or tracking operations. It is a four-wheel drive loader which has the left and right sided wheels that acted independently of each other. Actually, the word "skid to steer" comes from the vehicle's wheels' capability to move in an opposite direction. It can turn zero-radius turn, which makes the skid steer tracks valuable for applications that required a compact and agile loader.

This unique machine was invented for cleaning up turkey manure. Tractor loaders at that time were too big and heavy to operate. It was on 1957 when the first prototype was created by the Keller Manufacturing, surpassing the expectations of its creator. It was a three-wheeled, light and compact machine. It has a rear caster wheel that can turn around within its own length and can perform the task as a traditional front-end loader.

It was on 1957 when Melroe Manufacturing Company acquired all the rights to manufacture the machine. The loader was furthered researched and developed. Three years later, the first four-wheeled drive was introduced. Later, the license was given out to other manufacturing companies and has undergone numerous improvements including tracks that were later replaced by wheels. There are now several versions of a skid loader which often referred to as a "Skidsteer in the Construction Industry". These include Bobcat, John Deere, Gehl, JCB, Mustang, New Holland and CaseIH.

Becoming popular nowadays is the mini version of these loaders, the mini skid steers. Although much smaller in size, there's nothing small in terms of their productivity and function. This mini version is perfect for landscaping, utility installation, fencing and moving materials around the work site or at home. They still share the same flexibility of the conventional skid steer equipment. Because of the size, they do not have seats inside the machine. Instead, the operator stands at the back of the machine to maneuver it unlike a normal size case skid steer.

The new mini skipped loader is totally catchy. They are powered by powerful smaller economical motors, which is easy to control, flexible, multi-function and efficient. Contractors also find this machine a good investment, since it can do a task that requires a 2 man crew. It saves them money and man power. No latest, no breaks and no absences.

- 30228

About the Author:

If your company does a lot of work with skids, get the very latest Skid Steer Equipment that requires less work and man hours to complete the job. Find out more regarding Skid Steer Implements that will benefit your business today.

Using Free Software to Plan Your Landscape

By Aazdak Alisimo

Computers are truly changing our world. Who would have thought we would one day be using computer programs to work on our landscaping?

Freeware is computer software that is copyrighted, but made available by its owners for an unlimited amount of time and for no charge to selected users. If there is any charge for the use of the software or even any requirement to view advertisements or provide confidential information, it is not considered freeware. There is a large number of landscaping freeware programs available.

Landscaping freeware is specifically designed to assist the homeowner in formulating and visualizing a landscaping design. The best programs bring the magic of computer graphics right into your home allowing you to create a 3D image of your home and yard. Once the image has been created, various items such as trees, plants, gardens, and even rocks or statues can be placed in the design. The items can be moved around easily until you are satisfied with the plan.

The programs allow the project to be viewed from all angles including overhead. Some of the landscaping freeware programs have "aging" features. This amazing bit of technology shows your landscape design changing as the years pass and trees and plants grow to maturity. Potential design problems can be anticipated with the aging programs and the design altered to eliminate them.

When the design has been tinkered with to your hearts content and you feel you have exactly the look you were aiming for in your imagination, you can print out detailed plans that can be submitted to contractors for bids. The program will even print out a material list giving the number and type of plants required in the design. The landscaping freeware programs and the plans that can be produced on them are of value even when you are planning on using the services of a Landscape Designer. The first step in the Landscape Design Services agenda is usually the formulation of goals. The freeware plan does this perfectly and visually allowing the designer to have a perfect starting place for suggestions and alternative ideas.

Landscaping freeware should not be confused with shareware or purchased design programs. These are also available but at a cost or with conditions. There is nothing wrong with them, but the consumer should understand the cost involved and be aware that freeware might also be available for download. Landscaping freeware is an example of how computer technology can be used to enhance certain parts of our life that have been part of the human experience since the dawn of time. It is quite possible that cavemen decorated the mouths of their caves, but they lacked anyway to actually see their ideas before the work was actually finished. Landscaping freeware has made this possible for us. - 30228

About the Author:

This is the segment of the show where we talk about the top 3 products and what you can do with Landscape Software

What Caused The Popularity Of Some Palms To Rise

By Ben Marquez

Palm trees basically have always been a favorite plant for many people like to plant them around their own homes. It makes sense because palm trees usually look good for all types of gardens and homes. But of late there has been a rise in popularity for rare palm trees. There are several reasons for that and in this article we are going to look at those reasons.

First and foremost, majority of these rare palm trees were not well known because they were not able to survive in milder weathers. Well because of a few growers some of these palm trees are now being acclimated. In other words, they are definitely able to survive in milder temperature.

Some of these rare palms that have been experiencing this are the foxtail palm tree. Because of that more and more people are starting to get these trees and plant them in their yards.

Another palm tree that has been gaining in popularity are the coconut palm. This is certainly not the type of palm tree that you normally see on tropical islands. These also are palm trees that have been grown in milder weathers so they can get used to it.

Because of this more and more people are starting to purchase coconut palm trees. Of course they won't grow the coconuts the tropical ones grow. But it will give you that great look you want in your garden.

Finally the reason the palm trees for sale are starting to be the rare palm types is more knowledge. More people are starting to learn how to keep these types of trees alive. They are definitely learning and studying the proper care that these precious types of trees require. Just like anything, it will surely flourish if you really know how to take care for it. As more people become knowledgeable, definitely more people will start to want these rare palm trees.

As you can see there are some solid reasons that these palm trees are gaining popularity. They are gaining so much popularity they might not be rare palms anymore. - 30228

About the Author:

When you want a different palm tree look to the foxtail palm tree. Looking for exotic trees then you can go and buy palm trees right here.

Japanese Gardens A Story Book On Their Own

By Thomas Fryd

Each garden tells a story - It is necessary to think simply and very directly and naturally in order to arrive at such a truly naive result as is sought and intended in Japanese gardening. It is necessary to think in terms of meaning as well as in terms of appearance or looks.

What is the garden going to mean; what definite Nature story is it going to tell? That of a mighty river, or of a great mountain, or of a wide-reaching plain? The story of love and lovers, or of war and warriors, or of mothers and children? The story of joy or sadness, of spiritual glories and triumphs, of temple bells and peace? Or the story of energy and ceaseless activity and conflict?

Some theme, which the gardener must decide upon, is to be expressed with all the art imaginable, in a Japanese garden. And, once the decision is made, there must be no discordant or warring elements. Everything that finds a place in the garden, each plant and shrine, and all that goes to make up the whole, must be selected and placed for the part it is to play in carrying out this supreme idea.

Nothing may be left to chance, nor is there space or place for a solitary knick-knack picked up in auction room, oriental shop, or in Japan itself - unless this object fits in with the meaning of the whole, unless it makes a definite contribution to the telling of the story that is being unfolded.

An austere and rigorous formula this, viewed in contrast with the casual gardening of western people. But there is no other concept in Japan. Such gardens as have been developed here and there in imitation of Japanese creations present merely a surface likeness to the true thing (and a very imperfect one at that). Being wholly objective and imitative in concept, they lack entirely the qualities which distinguish the humblest true Japanese garden and set it apart from all others. Most of them have japanese stewartia tree.

It is hardly possible to sum up these qualities in a single phrase, but remembering that the Japanese people are largely of the Buddhist philosophy, there is clearly discernible the underlying principle of a mystical consciousness of Life embodied in an Idea - in this instance the Idea of the Garden - coupled with a mystical confidence in all lesser life to express the greater. If men think in these terms, men must set them forth in what they do - especially in making gardens. For every man's faith - or lack of faith - is inevitably set forth in the garden that he makes. - 30228

About the Author:

Various methods have been published on japanese stewartia tree. Most of these methods can be found on our evergrowing library at http://www.plant-care.com/1596-japanese-stewartia.html.

Chainsaw Repair You Can Do Yourself

By Trace Huyken

It is very likely that you own a chainsaw because they are so handy to have around the house. Many tasks can be accomplished if you have your own chainsaw. The problem is that, as with most other tools, the chainsaw will experience wear and tear. Over time, you will need to have the chainsaw repaired. The choice now is whether to pay a lot to have it repaired by someone else or to repair the chainsaw yourself.

Of course, as with any other tool, you need to evaluate if repairing it is more practical and more cost effective. There are times when instead of considering chainsaw repair, it would be a more practical move to simply replace the entire thing. This can happen if, for instance, the engine of the chainsaw needs to be replaced. Replacing it can cost you almost the same as buying a brand new chainsaw so replacement is out of the practical man's picture.

If your chainsaw simply needs smaller parts, then you can consider the idea of a chainsaw repair. If the parts can be bought easily and if you have a bit of knowledge in changing some parts, then you can even extend the lifespan of your tool. Another advantage to changing smaller components in times of need is that the efficiency of the equipment is once again increased, thus, giving you not only savings but also better performance.

When you are considering parts replacement for your chainsaw repair, then it is essential that you find the exact type of parts as stipulated on your manual. This ensures that the parts you buy will be compatible with the brand and model of the chainsaw you have. You can easily buy chainsaw parts from regular hardware stores. If you want more convenience, then you can opt to buy from online stores which also find a wide variety of parts and components for various tools.

Regular maintenance can keep your chainsaw to work efficiently for a longer period of time. You can extend its life and avoid unnecessary chainsaw repair by regularly checking the parts and by following the maintenance measures suggested by your manual. However, there are certain parts that need to be replaced even without the need for much money. Examples of parts that need to be regularly replaced for better performance are nuts and bolts as well as air and filter fuels.

If you want to maintain your safety and efficiency when using your chainsaw it is very important to maintain the teeth. The teeth on your chainsaw must be kept sharp. Sharpened teeth on your saw will ensure that you will have a more effortless job when you use your chainsaw.

If you have no idea on how to implement chainsaw repair, then it would always be better to go by the safe side of leaving the job to specialists. There are chainsaw technicians or mechanics who can fix your problem in a cinch. Of course, you have to set aside more money for that as you also have to pay for labor. If you do your own chainsaw repair, you would surely save more but the results can be worse if you do not know what you are doing. The best thing is to maintain a performing chainsaw so that you can avoid unnecessary chainsaw repair and high cost of professional labor. - 30228

About the Author:

Trace Huyken can often be found working on various jobs around the house or in the backyard. When not caught up in some sort of project, Trace has created a site with reviews of baby bedroom furniture, as well as a review of cheap nursery furniture.

Contemporary Outdoor Lighting Fixtures And Styles

By Tabatha Mitchell

There's no denying that contemporary outdoor lighting is getting more popular. This is because of unique designs they come in, which are often far more unique than traditional lighting.

In most cases, people use outdoor lighting to brighten up their yards or add an extra bit of attractiveness to their yard. You can find several different styles and types of lighting for your outside, so it is important that that you take your specific requirements into consideration when you plan to buy outdoor lighting.

Something that you should certainly keep in mind when buying contemporary outdoor lighting is the durability factor. It is only normal for outdoor lighting to be subjected to harsher conditions than indoor lighting, and the outdoor lighting that you choose would have to be able to continue to function through heavy window, rain, and any other weather-related factors in your area.

If one of the reasons of your looking for outdoor lighting options is safety, the you need to make sure that the lighting that you decide on will be able to give you a good view of any possible problem areas of your home. If you wish to get outdoor lighting to bring attention any particular region of your home, you should look at options for accented lighting. General contemporary outdoor lighting can be used if you intend to use your home's outdoor space to entertain guests.

Low voltage outdoor lighting is becoming increasingly popular with people looking at options in contemporary outdoor lighting. Not only does this option give you the opportunity to save money through your electricity bills, but the decorative value of this form of outdoor lighting is also truly commendable. Besides, low voltage lighting is also a safer option if you have young children or pets in your home.

You also might want to consider having solar powered lighting installed. You can find tons of great contemporary ideas to choose from when it comes to outdoor solar lighting, and these not only help you save on electricity but also help in reducing your carbon footprint. Not only that, but many of today's models have an internal battery that will keep the lights on in the dark as well. These are actually very common these days and are a great option.

You can find literally endless options while you are looking for outdoor lighting. You can start your search on the internet and go through the many websites that deal specifically with outdoor lighting. You can also choose to refer to magazines and periodicals that deal with home improvement, and can also visit your local home improvement store for ideas.

As long as you keep your eyes open and don't pick up the first one that you find, you can find the perfect contemporary outdoor lighting just about anywhere. - 30228

About the Author:

Putting the right lights up in your yard can turn it from boring to completely amazing. There are plenty of outdoor lighting that is contemporary-styled options available to you for you to get just right right effect.

The Benefits of a New Garden Shed

By Matt Adams

Adding a small garden shed to your lot or property is a great way to add value and convenience to your home. Having a shed to store outside yard equipment in is very convenient. You won't have to clutter up your garage with the mower and various rakes and shovels hanging from the walls. For your garden shed to be functional you don't have to make it elaborate. A simple but workable shed could be built for substantially less than $1000. Depending on the features, size and style you choose, you could of course spend much more.

When you are debating about adding a garden shed, you will want to figure out the pros and cons so that you can justify if it is worth the cost for you. The three benefits that come to my mind right away are 1) it is convenient to store your garden tools or bikes and toys in a garden shed, 2) your belongings will be more secure in a shed, and 3) it makes for a neat and tidy looking backyard when you have a place to store things that otherwise might be piled up in corners or leaning against the house.

Protecting your equipment from the elements is another critical purposes served by a shed. Extended exposure to the sun and the rain will increase the wear and tear on your equipment. The best way to save money in your gardening budget is to keep your equipment in good shape. Failure to protect your equipment from the snow and freezing rain will clearly shorten the lifespan of the same.

How do you go about adding a garden shed to your backyard? There are a number of decent answers to that question. The right answer depends on your budget and building experience. The easiest option would be to purchase a pre-fabricated garden shed from a building store and have it delivered. These pre-fab kits can be found at Home Depot , Lowes or Canadian Tire. Another option would be to buy a garden shed kit. These shed kits can be found through many online distributors or at the stores mentioned above. A third option would be to build the shed yourself from scratch.

There are many choices available if you choose a shed kit - from metal, to resin, to wood. If you build yourself, you will probably end up building a wood frame, a shingle roof, and some type of off the shelf siding material. Although there are plenty of wooden frame shed kits available, some of the cheaper kit options will be some sort of metal, typically aluminum.

Installing a pre-built small garden shed will be just a matter of preparing the site base and calling to arrange for delivery. If you are going to built your shed yourself, you will probably require anywhere from 1-4 days, depending on the size of shed, and your construction experience. Ordering a kit will allow you to build even quicker, as everything has been planned out for you, and all the material are included. Whichever you choose, you are sure to end up with a garden shed that will be useful and attractive for years to come. - 30228

About the Author:

Read more about little garden sheds at Garden Sheds.

The Basics of Starting a Landscape Business

By Kevin Whiteside

You have picked a great field to be in. The SERVICE Industry. The service industry can survive in tough times alot easier while other business such as retail have rent, employees, or big expenses.

You can start a lawn & landscape company with little capital, but you must become an expert in your business as your customer will turn to you for advice.

Read as many books on this industry as you can get your hands on. Just 1 idea from a book could make or save or you thousands of dollars.

I recommend starting with good landscaping books that describe 1) all the plants, shrubs, and trees 2) tells the environment they can live in 3) how to care for them

Plus, you should read basic business books. I majored in sales and marketing in college and still learn something valuable in every sales and marketing book I read.

I have seen many owners of companies have great service and great employee management, but neglect the marketing side. After your business gets going marketing should consume about 90% of the business.

If you are just starting, don't go after commercial accounts until later. One reason is commercial accounts pay 30 -60 days out. You can't afford to keep your money tied up that long. Residential accounts pay immediately. Plus, if you go after commercial accounts early you may greatly underbid or realize you don't have the equipment to handle it.

I recommend not being the lowest price in the neighborhood. You want to sell yourself and service. Professionalism is ALWAYS key. Look neat and wear a uniform. Don't get caught off guard without business cards, fliers, and a clipboard.

If a potential customer needs an estimate always try and meet with him face to face. This is better because of 2 reasons: 1) You have a much better chance of getting the account 2) If you get the account, try and up sell additional services.

This is much better than looking at a potential clients lawn when he is not home and calling him with a quote. You have failed to make a connection with him and all he knows is a voice.

I can guarantee that if you do a great job, maintain professionalism, and market your services you will eventually have all the work you can handle. - 30228

About the Author:

The Landscape Company has been providing outstanding customized service to our clients for over 30 years.

Home Landscape Lighting

By Michael Russell

Have you ever been downtown at night, maybe attending a concert or sporting event and were impressed with the lighting along a park walk or on a fancy office building? Most of us, at one time or another, have experienced awe, comfort, serenity or relaxation at the sight of well-designed landscape lighting. Sometimes lights pointing up at the side of a tall building or low profile lights under plants along a downtown walkway can have a very powerful effect on you. Beautiful lighting can completely changing your mood and experience of events around you.

As far as our homes are concerned we tend to think about outdoor lighting in strictly practical terms. We have a light outside at the front and back doors and maybe a motion detector triggered light above the garage door. They are attached to the house or garage and are there just so you can safely see where you are going when outdoors at night.

But your homes outdoor lighting can be so much more than that. It doesn't need to be just for seeing things at night. Properly done outdoor lighting can have a beauty and charm all its own and at the same time provide nighttime safety for your walkways and garden.

For many years savvy homeowners have tried to duplicate this beauty with landscape lighting in the yard around their homes and in their gardens. For the most part it has not worked out very well for the average homeowner. In the past most dependable landscape lighting systems were powered by standard household electricity (120 volt). It had to meet a strict electrical code and you had to have an electrician do all the installation and hookup. The connectors, fittings and bulbs all had to be heavy duty, waterproof and weatherproof. It was too expensive and outside the budget for the average homeowner. Those homeowners that followed through with all of that often ended up with a system that didn't look right. A common mistake is to use too many lights, or put them in the wrong place. You don't want your sidewalk or garden path to look like an airport runway. So doing it properly often meant hiring a landscape architect or a contractor who specialized in landscape lighting. Of course, that pushed the price up even further; and usually outside the reach of all but the wealthy.

Low voltage landscape lighting (12 to 18 volt), however, has several distinct advantages. Electrical codes are much less strict and because it is low voltage you don't need an electrician to install it. You can buy an inexpensive kit and often install it over the weekend. Because it is easy to install and setup you can spend more time working on the light locations and lighting design and not worry so much about hiring a landscape architect to do all that for you. If you don't like the light locations, you can change it yourself without too much trouble. You don't need an electrician or designer to move it. One common problem with low voltage systems 20 or 30 years ago was the durability of the components. Back then low voltage outdoor lighting systems were often little more than toys. But today all of that has changed. The do it yourself low voltage lighting system you buy at your local hardware store is usually not only affordable, but durable as well. - 30228

About the Author:

Online shopping for Landscape Lighting from a great selection

Save Money with Energy-Saving Light Fixtures

By Adam Moses

If you happen to be constructing a new dwelling, remodeling a vintage one, or merely upgrading a room, today is a great time for you to take a look at one or two new Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting, energy-saving light fixtures to brighten your home. You could choose one of the many very fashionable fluorescent fixtures which, you'll be relieved to discover, are no longer exclusively institutional rectangle boxes. Alternately, you could check out the new LED lighting fixtures. The array of styles is not currently as wide as the range you'll discover with fluorescent fixtures, yet LED lighting includes some advantages which may make up for the present lack of style options.

Fluorescent lights have been being used for over 20 years, and have recently become much more fashionable. Many of us presume all fluorescent lights are large, flickering white boxes used to light retail stores or offices. This visual is not one of comfort or ambiance. These days, fluorescent fixtures are available as lamps and chandeliers, and because of the many kinds of shades and finishes, you won't be aware that there is an energy-saving white light source hiding in them. Although fluorescent light fixtures are more expensive than the older incandescent lights, the energy savings will more than make up for the cost of the bulb and fixture. A typical compact fluorescent bulb may last nearly 9 years, and they additionally provide a two-year manufacturer's warranty.

Home Outdoor Solar Lights LED lighting is a recent newcomer in the field of home fixtures, yet this emerging technology has tons of potential for energy savings. LED lighting, as with fluorescent lights, give you a 75% energy savings in contrast to incandescent lights, and the LED bulbs are getting more efficient every day. LED light fixtures are usually more expensive than fluorescent ones, and currently LED "bulbs" are integrated into the assembly and aren't made to be replaced without purchasing another lamp.

The trade off is that a typical LED fixture is made to be employed for as much as 22 years before they must be discarded, so ultimately an LED fixture could end up being the less expensive fixture after all.

The major disincentive encountered when buying LED lighting is that the array of fashions is hardly inspiring. These lamps are only designed as a type of a can or a recessed light. One or two porch light models are available, however they still resemble something you'd find attached to a theater ceiling. It is a safe bet that in a few more years, the lighting fashions will grow more diverse, but if you purchase an LED fixture now, it won't look like a very charming chandelier.

If you have the urge to go shopping for replacement lighting fixtures, you should find some style of Low Voltage Outdoor Solar Lighting, energy-saving light fixtures to meet your needs. Whether you are perfectly happy with tried-and-true fluorescent lights, or you would like to hitch your wagon to the emerging LED technology, it is a quick and easy way to go green and cheap. - 30228

About the Author:

Adam Moses owns and operates a Lighting Reviews Site that educates consumers about different types of Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting and much more.

How To Select Vines

By Thomas Fryd

In spite of - or perhaps because of - the many virtues that vines hold they should be planted with discrimination and respect. Too many vines are too much of a good thing. Misplaced, they are an eyesore. Growing rampant, untrained and unpruned, their disorderly conduct creates a bramble patch.

First of all, a vine must have a definite purpose to serve, a clearly visualized decorative effect to achieve. In selecting the specific vine, several qualities should be kept in mind

Consider, of course, a vine's color, texture, structural form, at its ultimate maturity. Know that it will neither overwhelm its allotted space nor be dwarfed by it. And consider a vine's "personality." Native vines lend charm to a country setting; suave, sophisticated types fit into formal gardens. And consider growth cycle - annuals for quick or changeable effect; perennials more continuing and permanent. Of the woody vines, use evergreens where you need year-round greenery, deciduous types where the tracery of bare stems in winter is to your advantage.

Consider a vine's climbing habit in relation to the spot where it will grow and the support it will grow on. Stem or tendril twisters need something slim, like wire; clingers will adhere to a rough surface.

And, of course, take hardiness and cultural requirements into account. It's wasteful to plant a sun-lover where it will be shaded by a tree or wall, a shade-lover where the sun will burn it. Virginia's favorite vines are risky in northern Maine, or desert growers on California's cool, foggy coast. Cultural factors should be explored before planting. Your local nurseryman can also tell you what grows well in your area. In a nutshell, be sure you get the right vine for the right decorative purpose, planted in the right place.

Beautiful landscapes are not completed in a season. Long-lived plants take time to establish themselves and provide shade or screening, become a specimen, or cover a wall. While you wait, or whenever you need a thriving vine in a hurry, plant seeds of annuals, or perennials that flower the first season.

There are annual vines and garden vines in scale with small gardens and large ones; to train over fences, wire, twine, netting, trellises, or posts; to climb up and drape a mailbox or scramble down a stony bank. In sections where growing seasons are short, seeds should be started indoors in spring - the vines have a long way to grow. Once they're outdoors in warm ground, where they get plentiful sun, moisture, and fresh-air circulation, they'll grow on their own with little care. They make a brand-new house with barren surroundings look like home in a few short weeks.

The familiar morning glories are by no means all the annuals (or tender perennials grown as annuals) you have to work with. There are many colorful and rewarding plants. - 30228

About the Author:

For a greater understanding on garden vines. Drop by today at http://www.plant-care.com/1568-choosing-planting-vines-garden.html.

Types and Uses Of Landscape Mulch

By Joe Knapp

As you drive around the Heartland, you see that most landscape beds are covered with some sort of mulch. Although many people consider decorative gravels as mulch, I would like to define landscape mulch as an organic material that is used as a ground cover. There are a number of different mulches to choose from. Perhaps I can help you discover the facts about different mulches and make your selection a little easier.

Mulches are used in landscape beds for a myriad of different reasons. First, mulch enhances the aesthetic look of a landscape. In addition a thick layer of mulch helps hold moisture in the soil. This water holding capacity is especially important during droughts and when trees and shrubs are first planted.

Probably one of the most important reasons to use mulch is to control weeds that seem to continually come up in your landscape beds. Mulch also controls erosion that could develop if the soils between shrubs would remain bare.

Mulch keeps plant roots cool during the hot part of the summer and warm during the coldest parts of the winter. In addition, mulch around a tree or shrub seems to be a visible barrier for the weedeater operator who wants to get as close as possible to trees and shrubs.

Of all the different kinds of mulch available, hardwood bark mulch seems to be the most popular, undoubtedly due to is low cost. It is the least expensive mulch found in the Heartland. Every sawmill in the Heartland produces hardwood bark mulch as a bi-product of the milling operation. Because it is so plentiful and local, hardwood buck mulch seems to be the mulch of choice.

There are some drawbacks to hardwood bark mulch. Pest control companies say that this mulch attracts termites. I doubt that it attracts termites, but there is no natural termite repellent in hardwood bark mulch. If termites are in the area, they will certainly like the addition to their home range.

Hardwood bark mulch tends to deteriorate rapidly, and often forms an impervious layer on the surface of the mulch bed. This impervious layer often contributes to the demise of azaleas and rhododendrons.

Cedar and cypress mulches are also available in the Heartland. Both of these woods have natural insect repellents present. In addition these mulches do not breakdown as rapidly as hardwood bark mulch.

Many gardeners like to use pine bark mulch, pine mini nuggets, or pine nuggets. The mulch is similar in appearance of hardwood bark mulch, but it does not form an impervious layer, as does hardwood bark mulch. The nuggets and mini nuggets are just larger particles of bark, great for use around azaleas and rhododendrons. Unfortunately the nuggets and mini nuggets blow in the wind and can be moved easily during a heavy rainstorm.

More and more azaleas and rhododendron growers are using pine needles as mulch. In southeastern United States, pine needles as used quite extensively, probably due to their abundance and low cost. In addition, leachates from pine needles keep the pH of the soil close to 5.0. Low pH is just what azaleas like.

If you want to have the sweetest landscape in town, try using cocoa bean mulch. This mulch is derived from the husks of cocoa beans. Its small particle size gives your landscape mulch a more formal look. It usually stays where you placed it no matter what the weather. Its only drawback seems to be cost.

I have just mentioned a few mulches that you can find on the market. In addition to the ones mentioned you can use gravels, colored mulch which is ground up used pallets and dyed, rubber mulch which is ground up used tires, leaves, grass clippings, sawdust, and wood chips.

Let me caution you about using mulch with a high content of wood or undecomposed leaf matter. The fungi that decompose wood and leaf matter require a lot of nitrogen to do their thing. This nitrogen is absorbed from the soil below the mulch. The depletion of soil nitrogen can be extremely detrimental to shrubs and trees growing in the raw mulch.

When you mulch use about a three to four inch layer. Make sure you keep the mulch an inch or two away from the stem of trees and shrubs. If you put the mulch up on the stem, the stem will slow rot due to all of the excess moisture, and your trees and shrubs will slowly die.

Mulch is not always a cure all. Its presence can cause problems. If your area is naturally wet, layers of mulch will inhibit soil drying. Plants in that area can actually drown during wet seasons.

Be sure you know what the mulch will do to soil pH, and the pH requirements of the plants in your landscape. As mentioned above, pine needles will reduce the soil pH to about 5.0. Hardwood bark mulch usually keeps the pH around 5.5 to 6.0.

One other problem shows up in hardwood bark mulch. Sometimes fungi grow on the mulch in warm wet weather. This disgusting looking fungus looks like an animal vomited in your landscape. In order to reduce this problem, occasionally stir the mulch to allow air to get into it. This should reduce the fungus problem.

I have given you a lot of information about organic mulch. I hope this helps you select the right mulch for your landscape. - 30228

About the Author:

Auckland Landscape Supplies - Landscaping Equipment & Supplies.

Buffalo Grass Seed Forms An Amazing Grass

By Andy Zain

Buffalo grass is a type of grass that grows wild on the Great Plains. It can survive extreme hot or cold weather, and it is known for its strength and durability. Because it is a wild grass, it needs only a small amount of water to thrive. If you are looking for a low maintenance, durable grass, plant buffalo grass seed.

Buffalo grass turns green two to three weeks later than many other types of grass. It stays green all summer long with only a little water. When it stops growing and becomes dormant in the fall, it turns a light beige color until the following spring.

By using potassium nitrate, a person can cause this grass to germinate quickly. It will only take up to fourteen days. Another incredible characteristic of Buffalo grass is that from the time of planting, it can grow 5 inches before 50 days pass. It spreads and thickens by sending out runners like strawberry plants do. All of these things make it a relatively fast grass cover.

Most grasses need plenty of water, and they will dry up and die in a hot, dry area. Buffalo grass is different, because it does well in those areas. It needs the morning sunlight, well-drained soil and an average of 7 hours of sunlight each day. Because of these characteristics it is a favorite of home builders and companies that build roads.

Scientists have developed a new generation of buffalo grass. This new type is more dense because the roots are closer together, and it produces more plants by sending off runners, allowing it to cover the area faster the first year after it is planted. You don't have to worry about weeds, because buffalo grass is so thick, they can't grow in it.

Buffalo grass will grow in any type of soil except coarse, sand based soils. However, if organic material is added to this type of soil, buffalo grass can grow in it. It is important for the PH of the soil to be within 6. 0 and 7. 5. Buffalo grass seed can be planted in the spring, once the ground temperature has reached 60 degrees, and on throughout the summer. The general rule of thumb is to calculate 75 days before the first average frost date and not to plant buffalo grass after that date.

Ground preparation for buffalo grass is similar to that of other seeds. The ground needs to be tilled to an average eight inches, be well broken up and free from clods, allowing for a healthy root system. It will need to be raked and all large weed debris removed. By using a roller you can firm it so a person's foot won't sink more than one-half inch.

Now it is time to plant. Since most people plant smaller spaces, the seed can just be broadcast across the top of the ground. Don't put it any deeper in the ground than one-half inch. The best depth to plant it is between one-fourth and one-half inch.

People like buffalo grass because it germinates quickly, it is simple to plant and it's very easy to take care of. If you need grass quickly in a certain area, use buffalo grass seed. - 30228

About the Author:

For free tips and information on Zoysia grass seed and Buffalo grass seed visit Grass Seed Blog.

Wood Deck Maintenance

By Tim Gilliam

There is a misperception in the wood decking industry that when it comes to wood deck care the guy who builds your wood deck is going to maintain your wood deck. When a contractor builds a wood deck it is usually assumed that he knows how to care for it. But most often this is not the case. There are many different types of woods that are used for outdoor decking these days. From Ipe wood to Teak wood and Mahogany wood.

Find an expert with many years of experience working with exotic hardwoods and who knows the weathering characteristics of each wood. When a new deck is done it needs to be finished right away. Many contractors and deck builders know how to build an awesome wood deck but most of the time they have no understanding about how to properly caring for your wood deck. . A professional will work with your contractor to provide you the best care for your wood deck and help you maintain the elegant texture and color of your wood deck for its whole life.

Brazilian Ironwood or Ipe wood as it is sometimes called is very thick exotic hardwood. Ipe wood is very high in natural oil which makes it resistant to the harmful effects of the sun and weather. Nevertheless, keeping this woods natural color is not easy. That is why it is very important for you to hire a expert to maintain your Ipe wood deck, so you can protect your investment.

Lots of deck care products on the market that say they are the best for Ipe wood. Very few of them are actually very good in preserving the color and texture of your wood. Specialist will narrow down the best products on the market for you to keep your decks original beauty. Deck care products like to say how easy it is for you to apply their products on your wood deck and how their products will keep your wood deck looking like new.

It's not as easy as the majority wood deck products say. There are a number of factors to think about before you apply any finish on a wood surface. If the wood is weather-beaten, has it correctly been prepped? If the surface is new, has it properly been prepped? What is the best way to apply the product? What temperature is best for application? What kind of clean up does the product require? All of these questions need to be answered before you apply any wood deck products to your deck. A specialist will take the problem out of you becoming a slave to your wood deck surface. Let a specialist maintain your wood deck surface and it will last you a long, long, long time. - 30228

About the Author:

Want to find out more about Deck Maintenance, then visit Tim Gilliam's site for Deck Restoration tips.