5 Key Aspects of Landscaping

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A well-maintained landscape makes a home more attractive and increases its value. It is also beneficial to the environment and provides a number of physical and psychological benefits.

A good landscaper will design plantings that are both visually appealing and ecologically sound. This includes matching plant species that share similar water requirements. Contact Oasis Landscaping of Harrisburg now!

Color is one of the most powerful elements in the landscape, evoking emotions and creating focal points. It can elevate a landscape by establishing harmony, enhancing space and perspective, embracing seasonal transitions, and promoting relaxation. By incorporating the principles of color theory, homeowners can create visually stunning and emotionally satisfying outdoor environments.

When choosing a color scheme for your garden, consider the color of your house and other hardscape features. Blending with your home’s color can be a good idea if you want the landscaping to look as if it is an extension of the house, or you may prefer contrasting colors to make your landscape stand out from the home.

Once you have decided on a palette, begin by gathering paint chips from your local home improvement store or floral shop to find the colors that appeal to you. These colors will serve as the foundation for your design and can help guide you in selecting plants and finish materials for your project.

A monochromatic color scheme utilizes shades and tints of the same color to provide a variety in your landscape without being overbearing. This is a popular option for gardens that have limited space as it allows you to fill the garden with different plants of the same color while still maintaining visual balance.

Another popular option for color schemes in the landscape is complementary colors, which are located opposite each other on the color wheel. Complementary color pairs, such as blue and orange or red and purple, work well together to add contrast to your garden.

Contrasting colors in the landscape can also be used to create a sense of movement or depth. This is achieved by utilizing a darker color for the background and a lighter color for the foreground, such as using a dark mulch or rock with a light-colored ground cover or flowering plant.

The use of color is often referred to as the “fifth element” in landscape architecture, after form, function, and circulation patterns have been addressed. However, it is important to remember that color is only a temporary element in the landscape and should be used as an accent to highlight more enduring design elements such as texture and form.

Form

One of the most important aspects of any landscape design is form. Shape refers to the two-dimensional attributes of a plant, such as its silhouette and where its broadest and narrowest areas are. Form, however, refers to the way a plant will grow and its three-dimensional characteristics.

Form can be found in many different ways, from the rounded forms of flower beds to the sculptural shapes of water features and walkways. It is also present in the vertical structures like arbors and tall trees that create a framework for the rest of the landscape.

Lines are another element that can contribute to the structure of a landscape. Whether they are perceived lines or actual paths and walkways, they help control the movement of the eye around a property. They can take on a variety of shapes, including straight, curved, horizontal, and diagonal. Straight lines tend to have a more formal character and are associated with symmetrical designs, while curved lines have a more natural and relaxed feel. They can be created with hardscape materials, such as pavers or natural stone, or with vegetation, such as grass, sod and tree rings.

When creating a form composition, it is crucial to balance size, color and texture. Too much of any one of these elements can overwhelm a landscape, while too little can create an unbalanced and disjointed look. This is why it is important to study designs that appeal to you and use them as a guideline for your own landscape. However, you should always consider your site conditions and unique growing conditions when implementing the design.

A well-designed landscape serves its practical function but is also memorable and emotionally resonant for those who experience it. Whether it is a rainwater management system or an artistic sculpture, the best landscapes are able to integrate both function and form seamlessly to produce a space that works on all levels.

Texture

Although it is often overlooked, texture plays a huge role in the overall look and feel of your landscape. The textures of plants, hardscapes and mulch create a sense of depth and interest in the garden. Contrasting textures are also key to a well-designed landscape. A landscape with too much of one type of texture can appear unharmonious and visually overwhelming.

Texture can be found in the leaves, flowers, bark and stems of the plants as well as in paving materials like gravel or stones. Planting a variety of plant textures is an easy way to add visual interest to your garden. For example, pairing mondo grass with English ivy or oakleaf holly and mixing it with rounded river rock will add a great deal of visual contrast to the garden.

The use of line in your landscape is another great way to create a sense of depth and movement in the garden. Whether perceived lines (like the shape of your garden bed or the line of trees in a row) or actual pathways created by winding gravel trails, these are important design elements that draw and hold the eye.

A mix of textures is necessary in any landscape. Fine textures (like small leaves and delicate branches) are softer and more delicate, while coarse textures appear more robust and substantial. It is important to combine these different textures so that your landscape has a balance of contrasting and complementary textures.

Adding a variety of textures is an easy and cost-effective way to enhance the look and feel of your property. Creating a balanced landscape that incorporates both soft and hard elements can make your property stand out above the rest and provide a place that you will enjoy spending time. Not only that, but a garden full of beauty can encourage physical activity and promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. So why not give your property a makeover this spring? Contact the experts at Lawrence Landscape for more information on how we can help you improve the look and feel of your property.

Lighting

Lighting is a powerful way to transform the appearance of your landscaping. It can add depth, highlight the shapes of your favorite plants and structures, illuminate the paths you use at night, and create a cozy, intimate space that’s great for outdoor living. A well-designed lighting system also makes your yard safer for nighttime navigation and helps protect your property.

A qualified landscape lighting pro can help you find the best lights for your needs, taking into consideration your desired effects and the number of areas you want to light up. They’ll consider the type of lighting you want, including path, spot and flood lights, as well as control options like timers and smart home integration systems.

LED lights are quickly becoming the new standard for landscape lighting due to their longevity, low operating costs and energy efficiency. They are available in a wide range of color temperatures, allowing you to match the look and feel of your landscape to your home’s décor and architecture. Warmer LEDs (approximately 2,700-3,000K) provide a more natural, inviting look while cool whites (6,500K and up) offer more of a moonlit effect.

While some lights are recessed into the ground, others stand proudly like outdoor lamps or sconces, creating a more visible feature on your property. Some homeowners even splurge on stylized fixtures that mimic the look of indoor lighting to make a bold, statement-making style.

The number of lights needed depends on the size of the space and the purpose of the lighting: Do you want to create a warm, cozy retreat for outdoor dining or lounge? Do you need to illuminate pathways or stairs for safety? The goal of your landscaping design should help you narrow down the types of lighting you need.

Wired landscape lighting requires a transformer, cables to carry the current, and lights. The choice of bulbs determines the brightness, color temperature and energy efficiency of each fixture. You should always consult a professional when installing wired landscape lighting, as working with electricity is dangerous and requires the skills of a trained pro. Especially with outdoor lighting that incorporates motion sensors or involves cutting into soffits and running wiring through attics, it’s wise to leave these projects to a pro to avoid serious and expensive damage to your home.

How to Safely Tow a Trailer

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When you’re moseying down the highway with a heavy trailer hooked up to your truck, there are a lot of things that could go wrong. Exorbitant fees, false parking tickets, and even cars that get towed away without any apparent reason.

Understanding the towing process can help alleviate stress during unexpected roadside incidents. This is especially important when you’re waiting on a tow truck. Click the Towing Company Phoenix to learn more.

The best way to ensure safe towing is to choose expert towers that are knowledgeable of the process. They can quickly arrive, assess the situation, and move the vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. They can also provide roadside assistance services like activating hazard lights and setting up flares or reflective triangles as needed.

It’s important for a driver to adjust their driving style when towing. They should increase their following distance, anticipate braking times, and practice smooth and gradual movements to maintain control. Drivers should also practice safe towing speeds that take into account weather, road conditions, and trailer weight. In addition, drivers should use their mirrors effectively to avoid blind spots and check on the condition of the vehicle and trailer.

Before leaving for a towing job, it’s critical to ensure the tow truck and trailer are in good working condition. This includes ensuring the tow truck’s tires are properly inflated and the trailer’s safety chains are crisscrossed and securely connected. It’s also a good idea to double-check the wiring between the tow vehicle and trailer to make sure it’s loose enough to make turns without disconnecting or touching the road, yet tight enough not to pull on the wires.

If you’re new to towing, it’s a good idea to practice with an empty parking lot before heading out on the road. This is a risk-free way to get a feel for the towing experience and iron out any kinks in your technique. It’s also a great time to check that your running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are all functioning properly. This will help other drivers see your trailer better, especially at night.

Don’t Be Afraid to Leave Extra Space

It is easy to forget that your vehicle is towing a heavy load behind it. This can be dangerous and lead to accidents, especially in situations like braking or turning. Always leave extra space between your vehicle and the car in front of you when towing, especially on windy or hilly roads.

The added weight of a trailer causes acceleration and braking times to be slower. It also takes longer to make turns, and it’s important to know this before driving. It’s a good idea to practice in an empty parking lot before heading out on the road.

A trailer should never be loaded with more items than the manufacturer has rated it for. This could put the vehicle over its gross weight rating, which can cause instability and sway while towing. It’s also important to use a high-quality ball and mount and make sure it is properly tightened.

Leaving extra space also helps to ensure you have time to react to sudden changes in the road. Things happen fast on the road, and you need to be able to stop your vehicle and trailer quickly in case of an emergency.

Always keep your trailer’s hazard lights on and dipped headlights on the towing vehicle. Also, the driver of the towed car must be present in the driver’s seat. This is important to ensure that the towed vehicle has a functioning driver in case of an accident. It is illegal to tow a car without the driver in the vehicle. If you are unsure how to do this, ask your towing company for instructions before you hit the road. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Be Prepared for Sway

Regardless of how much experience you have towing, it is possible to experience trailer sway. This occurs when a strong force acts on the trailer from one side, causing it to move from side to side. Often, this is caused by windy conditions or passing another vehicle, especially at high speeds. It is important to keep these factors in mind when planning trips that include a trailer. Sway can be incredibly dangerous to both the driver and the passengers in the vehicle. Luckily, there are several ways to prepare for and prevent this issue from happening.

The most important thing to remember is not to panic when the trailer begins to sway. Rather, you should remain calm and focus on slowing down as much as possible. This can be done by removing your foot from the gas pedal so that your speed decreases gradually. If your trailer has a braking system, this can also be used to help control the situation.

Additionally, you can prevent sway by ensuring that your trailer is level when it is attached to the towing vehicle. This will reduce the amount of friction between the tires of your tow vehicle and trailer, which can cause them to sway. Using a weight distribution hitch with built-in sway control will further reduce this friction and enhance the stability of your towing setup.

It is also crucial to ensure that your trailer tongue weighs around 10-15% of the fully loaded trailer weight. Too much tongue weight will diminish the vehicle’s handling, while too little may cause sway. It is also important to evenly distribute the load inside of the trailer, placing heavier items closer to the axles.

Have a Full-Size Spare

Whether your vehicle came with a full-size spare or you have upgraded to a compact temporary (or “donut”) spare, be sure to use it for the purpose it is designed. It should not be used for towing because it is not a tire that will handle the added stress.

The difference between the two is that a full-size spare is an exact replica of your existing tires and wheels, while a donut is smaller and meant only for temporary use. The key is to know what you are using and how to change a tire in case the need arises. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, have someone show you or make sure you have roadside assistance with your plan.

If you have a full-size spare, be sure it is not only properly inflated but that the tread is not dry rotted and that the rim is not damaged or missing a hubcap. Also, if your car has a TPMS system you will need to have the spare’s rim and tire reprogrammed.

Keeping a full-size spare in your trunk is not only a good idea, it should be part of your scheduled tire rotation. This will help to spread the wear and tear across five tires instead of four, helping to reduce the overall strain on your engine. Check the spare often for damage, and always have it inflated to proper pressure so that when it is promoted to permanent status you can be prepared. It is much better to be ready for an emergency than to find yourself stuck in a ditch with a flat spare. Hopefully, you will never need to put it to the test but it is always best to be prepared!

Don’t Be Afraid to Drive Slowly

When towing, it is important to keep in mind that your vehicle’s acceleration and braking abilities are diminished. It takes about twice as long for a vehicle towing a trailer to accelerate from zero to 60 mph than it does without a trailer.

As a result, it’s very important to maintain a safe following distance and begin braking earlier than you normally would if you weren’t towing. This isn’t just good for safety, but it also helps prolong the life of your brakes and trailer.

Increasing your speed will increase trailer sway, which makes it harder to maneuver on the road and can put you at risk for fishtailing or even flipping. Speed will also decrease your fuel economy, as more of your engine’s power is used to overcome aerodynamic drag at higher speeds.

Towing requires your undivided attention, so it’s essential to turn off your cell phone, stop fiddling with the stereo and navigation system and focus on the road ahead of you. Driving while distracted is a leading cause of accidents when towing, and it is especially dangerous for first-time trailer drivers.

If you’re unsure of how to drive with a trailer, practice in an empty parking lot until you feel comfortable. Then, choose some quiet back roads and start putting what you’ve learned into action. With a little time and practice, driving with a trailer will become as natural as it is to drive your regular vehicle. And remember, expert towing companies are always available for quick response to help get you safely back on the road. Just make sure to follow any safety protocols recommended by roadside assistance providers or by law enforcement.

What Do Roofers Do?

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Roofers In South Jersey install, replace and repair roofs on homes and commercial buildings. Their workplace environment may vary depending on the nature of the project.

Roofers

Installation projects involve installing underlayment and roofing materials such as shingles, tiles or metal panels. Roofers also perform standard maintenance tasks like repairing leaks and filling holes.

Roofers offer a variety of services for residential homes, including installation and repairs. They often work directly with homeowners, helping them navigate insurance claims and finding financing options. They also have an understanding of a wide range of roofing materials and can advise homeowners on what types would best suit their needs.

Some Roofers are what’s known as “storm chasers,” traveling to areas that have been hit hard by weather to offer their services. They typically pitch their services during or right after a storm, and they can help homeowners through the insurance process. They may also provide a sales person who will be your point of contact until the job is done.

Commercial

Commercial roofers work on large-scale buildings and may use different materials than residential roofs. These can include steel, aluminum, concrete shingles or tiles. These roofs are usually designed to withstand heavy winds, snow and rain.

A commercial roofer often works with engineering firms, roof consultants and property managers who demand specific flat roofing products such as EPDM, PVC or TPO. In addition, commercial roofers are experienced with the complexities of high-rise buildings that require special equipment to hoist material and tools to the roof’s surface.

Keeping strong relationships with clients is key to winning business. Skujins says he avoids projects where the client will give out his number to several different people for quotes. He tells his point of contact he’ll deal with them directly, which helps him maintain a solid relationship and prevents confusion on the job site.

Unlike residential roofers who are typically paid by the hour, many commercial roofers are paid per square foot. This means it can be easier for an inexperienced commercial roofer to lose money on a job and go out of business. This is why Skujins suggests new commercial roofers start bidding on smaller jobs that are less expensive to win.

Storm Chaser

If a roofing contractor shows up at your door uninvited and claims to have seen damage to your roof, that is a major red flag. Roofing contractors typically work through referrals or advertising, and they do not just randomly show up after storms. If you get a call from someone claiming to have seen your damage and wants to do an assessment, tell them you will reach out to your insurance company and preferred local roofer for a quote.

Storm chasers are opportunists who travel around the country following natural disasters to make money on repair jobs. They typically prey on people’s emotional and financial vulnerabilities in a stressful situation. These opportunists will often arrive in town after a storm and offer to fix roofs for low prices. They will usually accept insurance claim checks and may use cheap materials or shoddy workmanship in order to quickly turn around their jobs and leave the area.

Some of these companies will even go so far as to create false damage on the spot in order to inflate an insurance claim. For example, they might try to stomp on the roof with their feet or use golf balls or other heavy objects to create dents and damage. These opportunistic companies are also known to overcharge for their services and take advantage of homeowners who are stressed after a storm.

One of the most significant issues with storm chasers is their lack of knowledge of local building codes and regulations. Since they are typically working in unfamiliar areas, their repairs are frequently not up to par and do not comply with industry standards. This can lead to additional problems down the road for the homeowner, such as leaks or other serious issues that could have been prevented with proper installation.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most of the time, when a storm chaser comes to do an inspection, they are not going to be able to offer any type of warranty for their services. This is because they are not a permanent fixture in the community, so they won’t be around to help if you run into any problems with your roof down the line. In contrast, a local roofer will be able to provide you with a warranty that you can depend on.

Retail Sales

Some roofers offer a service layer on top of the standard roofing services. They provide a dedicated point person who will answer your questions and interface with the crew for you. They also offer zero-interest financing. This type of roofer is large enough to have a customer service department and multiple crews available. They often offer a variety of materials at different prices and are flexible with pricing.

During the sales process, learn about your customers’ goals for their homes. For example, a new kitchen may encourage home chefs or an added deck might make outdoor entertaining easier. Helping them understand how your roofs can help them reach those goals makes the sale easier for you.

Storm chasers are roofing companies that follow storms. They travel to areas that have been hit by a hurricane, tornado, hail storm or other natural disaster and offer roof inspections. Once they have a lead, they’ll give the homeowner an insurance estimate and help them through the insurance process. This type of roofer is typically not as competitive with pricing as other roofing companies. They also aren’t able to serve you after your roof has been fixed since they are focused on working with insurance companies.