Frequently Asked Questions

It's important to prepare your fire pit for wintertime (or any extended period of non-use) by performing a few chores. First, make sure you turn off the gas supply, if applicable. Next, clean out debris and thoroughly clean the exterior surfaces. Then, round up your tools and accessories and put them into storage. Lastly, cover your fire pit. A cover is an essential investment that protects your pit from moisture and pests, and you'll find them in various sizes and materials, including vinyl, polyester, and canvas. You may also use a simple tarp; just make sure your cover is weighted or attached securely. (https://todayspatio.com/3-reasons-why-you-need-to-cover-your-fire-pit-in-winter/#:)

Professional snow removal is a service that no home should be without. Doing it yourself means you have to avail yourself at all hours of the day and night to perform this unpleasant task. But with a professional, you can relax and know that it can be taken care of. You'll be able to leave home when necessary, go to work, or get back into your driveway without being inconvenienced or exhausted. Furthermore, snow shoveling is not a good activity for everyone. You may risk your health when you pick up that shovel unless you're young and strong. Annually, snow shoveling causes numerous injuries and heart attacks.

While it might be tempting to wait until it has stopped snowing to begin shoveling, it is much easier to do it early and often, at least once per hour, as the snow accumulates. Smaller amounts are much easier to manage, lift, and move around. Waiting for the weather to warm up is also a bad idea. Snow is lighter and fluffier the colder it is outside; the snow gets wetter and heavier with the sun and warmer temperatures. Furthermore, the longer you wait, the greater the chances that a street plow can make the end of your driveway much more difficult to clear.

The general recommendation is to seal your deck once yearly to keep it in optimal condition. However, this may vary slightly depending on your deck's materials and local environment. For a sheltered deck that doesn't experience weather extremes, you might wait up to 3 years before resealing. But for a deck that gets a lot of sun, rain, snow, humidity, or extreme temperature fluctuations, annually is your best bet. Failing to provide this critical layer of protection inevitably leads to the degradation and weakening of the wood. Your deck can turn an unsightly grayish color and become more prone to cracking, warping, and rotting.

A well-lit driveway serves multiple purposes, and yes, it's worth it. First of all, driveway lighting is aesthetically pleasing. It adds an elegant focal point to your home's exterior and enhances curb appeal. Secondly, it provides a key navigation element that makes your house easier to find and makes it easier to park with precision. Plus, you won't have to worry about an unseen toy, bicycle, pet, or person. And thirdly, a lit driveway is a much safer driveway overall, as it decreases the chances of you being targeted for a crime. No criminal wants to be observed in the act. 

First, sweep the patio and remove any weed growth. Then, saturate the patio with plain water. (This prevents cleaning agents from penetrating the concrete and doing damage.) Next, add two cups of liquid laundry detergent or grease-cutting dish soap to a gallon-size bucket of water. Pour your soapy water mixture over a small area and scrub gently with a stiff plastic (not metal) brush or scouring pad. (If you encounter stubborn stains, diluted vinegar and baking soda paste typically work great!) Repeat until the entire patio has been scrubbed. Lastly, rinse with plain water until the soap is gone. 

Cleaning a natural stone patio follows the same procedures as outlined above for concrete. The same soap-and-water mixture can be used, except for using vinegar on stains. It would be best not to use vinegar on natural stone because its acidity can damage its surface. The same holds for lemon juice as well as ammonia. Avoid bleach as well as it can strip away or alter colors. You could use baking soda and water paste to remove stains instead. Alternatively, mixing five drops of dish soap, ten drops of rubbing alcohol, and a cup of water also works well for that purpose.

Yes, absolutely! The services of a landscape designer are worth it. As a trained professional, a designer knows how to achieve your desired look and can work with you to fulfill your vision. No matter how talented you are, the DIY design attempts don’t quite achieve the same polished look of professional design. Plus, pros are experienced with other critical considerations, such as drainage and the most appropriate materials to use in your environment. Professional landscaping is a win-win that has a significant, positive effect on your home’s value and provides an ROI that often exceeds the cost of the service itself.

The term hardscaping refers to the non-living elements surrounding your home, including stone, brick, or concrete features like patios, driveways, steps, walkways, and fire pits. It also includes wooden (or composite) features such as decks, gazebos, and fencing. It can also be water features like fountains and ponds. Hardscaping is more than mere materials, though. It is also the art of creatively implementing inorganic elements into your landscape. The best hardscaping features support and integrate with your vegetation (or softscaping) to create a cohesive balance that brings beauty, definition, and emphasis to the lines of your home.

Firstly, clean up spills quickly to prevent stains or other damage. Blot them using a towel and soapy water or use something absorbent like kitty litter and vacuum up. Use a non-metal rake or leaf-blower to clear away debris once a week. Clean stains with a granulated soap and water. Cross-brushing against the grain fluffs it up and reduces matting. If you don’t experience frequent rain, rinse the turf off weekly. (A low-pressure garden hose is fine.) Once a month, clean with water mixed with dish soap or a commercial turf-cleaning product and a non-metal brush. Rinse thoroughly with plain water.