Month: September 2020

Whether your driveway is cracked and crumbling or you’re looking to elevate your home’s curb appeal, a turf and concrete driveway update is a smart way to give your property a facelift. Driveways and other hardscape areas of your property are easy to overlook when considering enhancements, but it is part of your home’s first impression. Something else people notice first?
Whether you’re updating your backyard turf with a concrete pour for a deck remodel or re-doing the turf in your front yard, updating your front and backyard hardscape is a cost-efficient update that will take your property to the next level in a short period of time.

Versatility

Updating your driveway and front yard turf is a great way to enhance the versatility of your space. You could consider a design that seamlessly blends in with the lawn, so your yard will feel larger, for example. Without cars, this combo can be used in a front or backyard turf and concrete space, like a patio. This is great for parties, grilling, and bonfires, making entertaining fun and easy to clean up after.

Durability

Concrete is incredibly weather resistant. From blistering heat waves in the valleys and cities to colder winter temperatures inland and on the coast, keeping the concrete on your property well maintained and up to date can help you weather whatever’s next in Southern California weather patterns. Turf is easy to maintain and lasts for years with very little care. So, when a driveway meets concrete and turf, you get an amazing combination of durability, weather resistance, easy maintenance, and beautiful aesthetics that will give your home a welcoming look. Turf and concrete backyards are also popular because they require zero lawn mowing and add a unique feel to your outdoor space.

Cost Efficiency

A concrete and turf driveway will last years longer than one made up of asphalt. Asphalt is quick to crumble and doesn’t always settle right with the soil beneath it. When you use turf and concrete for backyards or driveways, you’re setting yourself up for little maintenance with a lot of reward. Asphalt needs repair often and is quick to fall apart. For the latest pricing on concrete or turf materials, such as pavers vs. concrete pours, reach out to us to learn your options.

Of course, calculating the long term costs of this exterior update will vary, but if you’re opting for low-maintenance landscaping with a high-quality look, considering hardscape updates is a great move to make.

Aesthetics

Laying new turf and updating your entry’s concrete is a way to enhance the welcoming appeal of your home or business.

In all things, choose what works best for you. Do an adequate amount of research, which, if you’re reading this, then you’re on the right track! Landscaping can be a taxing and confusing endeavor, especially when you don’t have a lot of experience. That’s why Gutierrez & Sons is here. With over thirty years of experience, we know every pitfall and surprise that may pop up when it comes to outdoor work. We pride ourselves on friendly and reliable communication with our clients, so you’ll never be in the dark or confused about what we’re doing with your home. You can call us with confidence and know that we’ll set you on the right path for your goals.

Call for your free estimate today!

When assessing your property for any tree issues, it can sometimes be challenging, at a glance, to discern a dead tree from one that is simply dormant. What does a dead tree look like? Sure, a tell-tale sign is no leaves, but deciduous trees, like maples or birches, lose leaves every year. Evergreens, like pines and firs, never lose their needles. These two common types of trees provide us with shade, oxygen, and some beautiful scenery, but as seasons change and years pass, disease and the elements take their toll. Dead tree cutting is a necessity, especially when it comes to safety on your property.

Now, let’s dive a little deeper and learn the difference between dead and dormant trees.

Dead Trees

What does a dead tree look like and how will you know when it’s time to act?

Its Leaves

Whether or not a tree is leafing is the most obvious sign, but some trees don’t bud leaves until late summer. This can be due to a couple of factors. Some tree varieties are just late bloomers. But the most common reason for late blooming is weather. Early fall freezes or even spring snow storms can slow down a tree’s cycle for the year, along with drought or extreme heat. When a tree does start dying, its leaves will actually cling to the branches in the winter. So, if it’s snowing in December, and you see brown, cracked leaves still on your deciduous tree, you may have to start thinking about some dead tree cutting services for your home or business.

Its Trunk

The trunk of the tree is the next place you should look. Large sections of bark peeling off the trunk is a sign that your tree may be dying. Another tell to look for would be rot. Commonly called heart rot, it’s a fungal infection in a tree that causes deterioration and weakening of the circulatory system within your tree. Surprisingly, a hollowed out trunk is not part of what a dead tree actually does look like. A trunk that’s been hollowed out can still thrive and grow in most cases.

Its Roots

As we work our way to the bottom of the tree, we get to its roots. The roots are responsible for soaking up all the water and nutrients the tree needs to survive. If those get compromised, you may have an answer to “what does a dead tree look like?” If you’re seeing a large amount of mushrooms at the base, chances are you may need to consult with an expert to check for rot issues. Another sign in the roots would be lift. If the roots are lifted from the soil, then the tree has rot or has been significantly damaged. We’re not talking about roots growing above ground, but roots that are separated from the soil and no longer firmly “rooted” in the soil.

Dormant Trees

A dormant tree is what tree service specialists call a tree in “hibernation”. Deciduous trees lose leaves with seasons, and this occurs as the tree begins its process of hibernation by cutting off nutrients to the leaves and storing it inside more important parts, like the roots and branches. But how do you know if a tree is dormant, or if you’ll need to do some dead tree cutting or trimming?

Scratch Test

This is the simplest and easiest way to decipher between a dead and dormant tree. Find a small branch or twig on your tree, take a sharp knife or blade, and cut into the wood, peeling the protective bark back. If it’s firm and green, then your tree is just dormant. If it’s brown/gray and brittle, chances are, it’s dead.

When trying to discover what a dead tree does look like or what a dormant tree is, it’s important to remember that trees need care and often need to be handled by professionals. Dead branches can be hazardous to homes, cars, neighbors, and your family. At Gutierrez & Sons we have experienced and trusted crews who know how to solve your tree problems–whatever they may be. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can trust that you’ll get professional service for a great value.

Schedule your free estimate today!