Luxury Valley Homes Monthly Real Estate Newsletter 

Page: 1 2 3 4  April 2010 - Page 4 TOPPING OFF  Young Trees May Need A Trim Too Trees are a valuable asset to your home, providing shade, wind breaks and aesthetic beauty. Taking care of your trees is a must to ensure your landscape remains beautiful and your landscaping investment retains value. If most of your trees are still young, you may believe they don’t need to be pruned -- that only older, more mature trees require pruning. It is important to examine young trees to ensure they are growing properly. Structural problems in young trees can often be remedied quickly, easily and inexpensively while the same problem left unattended will likely require expensive, possibly damaging repair later. Compared with trees in forests that compete with each other to grow tall and fast to reach sunlight, trees planted around homes with more-open space tend to grow wider and bushier. Selective trimming of young trees can encourage them to grow more like they would in a forest, with a strong framework that can withstand storms and high winds -- as well as climbing children. Take a moment this spring to inspect your trees, or call a tree specialist for advice. If you don’t have trees on your property, consider adding one or two, if space permits, to add beauty and value to your home. ECO LIVING  10 Simple Ways To Be A Greener Homeowner Recycle. Paper, cardboard, plastic, cans are the most common recyclables. Check with your municipality for acceptable items and whether curbside or drop-off service is available. Save water. Only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, install low-flow shower heads and cut down shower length. Eat locally. Grow a vegetable garden or visit your farmer’s market. Adjust your thermostat. Turn down the thermostat in the winter and up in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat to adjust temps easily. Reduce electricity draw. Unplug cell phone, camera and other chargers when not in use. Turn off unused lights. Compost. If you have a yard, consider composting kitchen and yard waste to decrease the amount of trash produced. Cut out disposables. Instead of paper towels, switch to reusable, washable cloths. Give cloth napkins a try to replace paper napkins. Clean more safely. Use natural cleaning agents like baking soda, vinegar and lemon to replace chemical cleaners in your home. Remodel smart. Give old or leftover hardware, fixtures and construction materials a new life by donating them to organizations and salvage yards that resell the items. Upgrade appliances. Look for Energy Star-rated appliances when replacing or remodeling to save energy and on utility costs. Go Green & Pass It On Thank you for taking time to read our newsletter. We hope it helps you with your home selling, buying and ownership questions. When you’re finished with the newsletter, don’t toss it -- recycle it by giving it to a friend who can benefit from our real estate information. We are grateful for your referrals and thank you for your trust.    Page: 1 2 3 4

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