We here at The Tony Marino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate had a phone call the other day asking a good question. The age old question " Why do I need to rake up my leaves?"
I stopped and thought about it for a minute my answer was because of two reasons; one reason, was simple enough because if you live in the city your neighbours might not be to pleased with you if your yard looks unkept and leaves from your yard are blowing into their neatly raked yard. The second reason is the more important one to you, if you don't get those leaves of the lawn, what will happen is that the leaves coupled with snow will actually smother your lawn.
The leaves that you rake up can be put to good use. You can cover perennials after they are cut back in the flower beds to protect them from frost over the winter. The best use for raked up leaves though (apart from the kids jumping in the pile) is composting. Every year people run to the garden centers to buy peat moss and top soil and such, well if you start composting you can save yourself some money. You can get the composting bins from the city at a low price or go to a gardening centre or home improvement store for some fancier ones that make it easier to turn the pile. You can even build your own if you want. It's easy all it takes is some chicken wire and a few stakes.
Step 1) Found a spot in your yard away from everything.
Step 2) With a hammer pound four- 4 foot stakes into ground about 12-16 inches into the ground should be fine. Position the stakes into a square with each stake being 24 inches apart. from the other.
NOTE: CALL MANITOBA HYDRO "CALL BEFORE YOU DIG" LINE BEFORE YOU PUT STAKES INTO GROUND.
Step 3) Wrap chicken wire around your stakes attaching wire to stakes using cable ties.
Step 4) Put leaves into bin. Try to flip piles every so often.
Before you know it you will your own organic rich fertilizer.
Please email us if you have an questions about this or if you have any ideas to share with us.
Monday 24 October 2011
Tuesday 18 October 2011
House Fall Maintenance Part 1
We here at The Tony Marino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate have always said you need to maintain your home to help keep its market value, with that being said here is the first in a series of inexpensive ways to maintain your home. Enjoy, and if you have any questions or any ideas please send them to us houses@mts.net.
The Eavetroughs on your house are a very important part of your home but unfortunately they are always forgotten until there is a huge rain storm.
Living were you have large trees is going to mean leaves in the eaves and the key thing you always want to make sure that the eaves are clean and downspouts are not clogged up.
A good rule of thumb is to give your eaves a good cleaning when all the leaves have fallen from the tress that are close and surround your home. You tend to want to do this before the end of October, if possible (any later and there is always the chance of snow).
You will need a good quality ladder. You can purchase them at any home improvement stores. Look at the load rating of the ladder it is important, less expensive ladders are rated for lighter loads, ask for help, if you have any questions. Always be careful when using a ladder!!! Follow the safety warnings and the instructions!!!
Now before you get started you are going to want to have small pail or bag to put the leaves and other debris from the eaves into. A eave shovel will help you with your task, pair of work gloves so you don't cut yourself on any anything sharp round off your list.
Start cleaning from one end and work your way along the eaves, making sure to re-position your ladder as you go, you NEVER want to work out of a safe reach zone. Once you have cleaned out the eaves it is always a good idea to flush the downspouts with water. The best way of doing this is snake the hose into the downspouts (not deep that you can't get it out) The screws that hold the downspouts together are short and shouldn't damage your hose, but you will need to judge that yourself. Turn the water on, any debris should come out at the bottom.
It is important to note if you are not comfortable on ladders or heights, phone around to find a company that can provide this service for you.
You should always clean your eaves and downspouts a couple to a few times a years depending the amount of trees around your home.
Stay tuned for more helpful hints and remember be safe.
The Eavetroughs on your house are a very important part of your home but unfortunately they are always forgotten until there is a huge rain storm.
Living were you have large trees is going to mean leaves in the eaves and the key thing you always want to make sure that the eaves are clean and downspouts are not clogged up.
A good rule of thumb is to give your eaves a good cleaning when all the leaves have fallen from the tress that are close and surround your home. You tend to want to do this before the end of October, if possible (any later and there is always the chance of snow).
You will need a good quality ladder. You can purchase them at any home improvement stores. Look at the load rating of the ladder it is important, less expensive ladders are rated for lighter loads, ask for help, if you have any questions. Always be careful when using a ladder!!! Follow the safety warnings and the instructions!!!
Now before you get started you are going to want to have small pail or bag to put the leaves and other debris from the eaves into. A eave shovel will help you with your task, pair of work gloves so you don't cut yourself on any anything sharp round off your list.
Start cleaning from one end and work your way along the eaves, making sure to re-position your ladder as you go, you NEVER want to work out of a safe reach zone. Once you have cleaned out the eaves it is always a good idea to flush the downspouts with water. The best way of doing this is snake the hose into the downspouts (not deep that you can't get it out) The screws that hold the downspouts together are short and shouldn't damage your hose, but you will need to judge that yourself. Turn the water on, any debris should come out at the bottom.
It is important to note if you are not comfortable on ladders or heights, phone around to find a company that can provide this service for you.
You should always clean your eaves and downspouts a couple to a few times a years depending the amount of trees around your home.
Stay tuned for more helpful hints and remember be safe.
Friday 14 October 2011
Home for sale in North Kildonan
The Tony Marino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate is proud to present 100 Vryenhoek Crescent! Showing Start Oct. 14th. Offers presented Tuesday October 18th at 7pm. "Wow" is what you will say when you step foot into this fantastic three bedroom home. Gleaming red oak select A grade hardwood floors thought out most of the main floor greet you when you step into the home. The well sized L-shaped living room/dining room layout is perfect for any family. The Main bathroom has been updated and is bright and cheerful. The modern white and bright kitchen has plenty of counter top space & even a spot for a table, the upgraded Austrian laminated floor finishes off the kitchen. The Master bedroom is a good size. The two conveniently located spare bedrooms are also well sized. The lower level is finished with a recroom and has a half bath. There is an updated furnace and roof. Sump pump. The back yard is landscaped with fruit trees and flower gardens. Oversized single garage. Steps away from De Graff Park. Close to bus, schools, Oma's Bakery and shopping. This home is worth a look!!! Take a tour of this fine home on line at www.TonyMarino.ca or call The Tony Marino Team at 942-2583 to set up your private showing today!
Monday 3 October 2011
711-175 Pulberry Street, Winnipeg
The Tony Marino Team of Royal Lepage Top Producers Real Estate has justed listed this wonderful condo in St. Vital!!! You will never tire of the breathtaking view this corner South West, 7th floor, condo has to offer. Along with this view, you also get one very well maintained, spotless, 812 sq ft, two bedroom, one large bathroom condo to call home. The modest kitchen features Oak cabinets, fridge, stove, dishwasher & a large size pantry with enough room for a small freezer and all your little extra's. Well maintained building with laundry facilities on each floor. Underground parking and storage locker available at an additional charge. Very close to all sorts of shopping, restaurants and transportation. An excellent place for anyone to call home. Call The Tony Marino Team at 942-2583 or email us at houses@mts.net to set your private viewing. There will be two open houses this Thanksgiving weekend, one on Sunday October 9th 1-3pm and the other will be on Monday October 10th 1-3pm. Please come down and meet Lee Ann Dueck and Tony Marino, we'll be happy to talk to you and and answer all your real estate questions. The Tony Marino Team has been "Taking the Mystery out of Buying and Selling your Home™" for over 21 years. Visit our new and improved website at www.TonyMarino.ca for more information on this fine home.
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