Soil erosion occurs when loose portions of topsoil are displaced, usually by wind or rain. For the most part, erosion is a natural process, but it can become a problem when weather conditions accelerate the rate of topsoil loss, such as on a cliff or hillside following heavy rains. With so many neighborhoods in the Bay Area built on steep terrain, many homeowners worry about soil erosion and the accompanying landslide risk during the rainy season. Making major investments in retaining walls or foundation reinforcement is one option, but there are less costly measures homeowners can take to help protect their properties as well. Read more
Three Ways to Reduce Soil Erosion and Landslide Risk
Posted on February 15, 2018 by Suzanne Carroll
Posted in: Home Improvement
Tags: landscaping, drainage, home
Tip Sheet: Five Guidelines for Gardening
Posted on March 02, 2017 by James Florence
Following the heavy (and much needed) rainfall of the past winter, gardening enthusiasts in the Bay Area can look forward to a bounty of opportunities come spring. In addition to the finer points involved in planting flowers and crops, here are some basic guidelines to consider for optimizing your gardening experience.
Plan for all seasons. While many assume gardening is only for the spring and summer, if you plan correctly, you can keep yours looking beautiful through the fall and winter seasons as well.
Remember, plants grow. A common mistake gardeners make is installing plants that don’t fit within the schemes of their gardens. Don’t be a victim of “cute in a gallon can” syndrome—just because a particular plant looks good at the nursery, Read more
Posted in: Landscaping Tips
Tags: home, landscaping, gardening, summer-related, landscape maintenance
A Room of One’s Own: How to Create Your Own She Shed
Posted on October 18, 2016 by Suzanne Carroll
Why does it seem that every time you sit down, you get interrupted? The phone rings, the kids start fighting, your spouse can’t find the remote…inside our own homes, we can feel like we’re constantly forced to multitask or put someone else’s needs before our own. But what if there was a place where everything was different: a room of your own, made just the way you like it? Imagine a place where you could enjoy a respite from the distractions of daily life or pursue a hobby that brings you joy. And wouldn’t it be perfect if this room was just a few steps from your back door? If this sounds like a tempting proposition, Read more
Posted in: Home Tips, Home Improvement
Tags: painting, home improvement, landscaping, remodeling
How to Protect Your Property from a Landslide
Posted on September 29, 2016 by Suzanne Carroll
If you think your property is at risk:
- Learn about the history of your property. Areas that have experienced landslides in the past are likely to experience them again. Your city may keep records of past landslides, and you can also try this landslide inventory-mapping tool (in beta) from the California Department of Conservation.
- Hire a professional to evaluate the drainage on your property. You may need to build channels to deflect flow around buildings. Be aware: you are responsible for damage to neighboring properties caused by water diverted from your own.
- Plant ground cover on slopes—the root networks can help stabilize hilly areas.
- Consider hiring a professional to build a retaining wall.
Posted in: Home Tips, Landscaping Tips
Tags: landscaping
Tip Sheet: 5 Things to Consider When Designing a Landscape
Posted on May 26, 2016 by James Florence
Redesigning your landscape is a great way to enhance both the beauty of your home and the enjoyment of your outdoor living space. However, according to Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Jerry Allison, to ensure a good result, you’ll need to take several practical considerations into account, including the following: Read more
Posted in: Diamond Certified Experts, Landscaping Tips
Tags: landscaping, irrigation
Party on the Patio: How to Get Your Yard Set for Summer Fun
Posted on May 05, 2015 by James Florence
If you’re like most Bay Area residents, as the long days and balmy evenings of summer set in, you’ll want to be spending as much time as possible outside. An outdoor living space can serve a variety of functions, whether an ambient setting to entertain guests or a relaxing oasis for lounging during your annual staycation. In order to get the most enjoyment out of your space, however, you’ll first need to get it clean and functional again after having sat unused all winter. Here are a few aspects likely to require your attention:
Swimming Pool
Following its winter dormancy, your swimming pool needs a bit of maintenance to get it ready for summer use. Read more
Posted in: Decks and Patios, Consumers, Home Tips
Tags: home exterior, summer-related, swimming pool, hardscaping, home maintenance, landscaping
Diamond Certified Experts: Crucial Aspects of Landscape Maintenance
Posted on January 29, 2015 by James Florence
While it’s smart to be proactive about indoor home maintenance, keeping up with your exterior property is equally important. We asked four Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to weigh in on aspects of landscaping where maintenance matters most. Read more
Posted in: Diamond Certified Experts, Landscaping Tips
Tags: tree care, home maintenance, landscaping, irrigation, pest control, landscape maintenance