Tag Archives: Home Maintenance

12 Ways to Enhance Your Outdoor Space

adirondack_chairs

“Who doesn’t love to get outside when they’re at home.  We constantly have buyers that are looking for great outdoor living spaces.  Here are some ideas on how to use what you have and make it better!”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

 

You should approach an outdoor project much as you would an indoor one: Have a strategy. Determine where you want the focal point to be and lay out your desired boundaries. Once you’ve done the groundwork in scoping out your outdoor space, you can begin detailing the space by adding enhancements. Here are 12 ways you can enhance your outdoor space to further enrich your home life.

1. Porches and Decks

If you’re fortunate enough to have a front porch, don’t let this space go to waste. Add a pair of rocking chairs or swinging bench, along with some beautiful potted flowers for a splash of color.

If you spend more time in the backyard, building out a deck is a great option. Dependent on the size of your yard, you can create a small and humble deck, leaving room to roam, or one that expands a vast amount of the yard. There are a variety of finishes to consider, from stain to painted, as well as shapes and materials. Decks can be built out by a professional, or you can DIY a deck using recycled pallets or salvaged stones.

(Credit: Ruth Peterkin/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Ruth Peterkin/Shutterstock)

2. Gazebos and Cabanas

If you love to entertain, building a gazebo or cabana will definitely earn you big points with your guests. You can build a gazebo as an extension to your deck for some shelter from the sun and rain, or create a paved walkway leading from your deck out to a free-standing gazebo. A cabana is something that you can easily DIY with some PVC pipe or wood and drape fabric over the top to create a shaded shelter.

(Credit: paultarasenko/Shutterstock)

(Credit: paultarasenko/Shutterstock)

3. Garden and Potted Plants

A garden is much about its beauty as it is about its bounty. Grow a garden of flowers, plants, vegetables or fruits that you can overlook from your deck area, or add potted plants in and around your deck for natural color. If you don’t have a deck and your garden is the main focal point of your yard, then create a patch of gravel nearby where you can place a bistro table and chair to sit and take in the beauty of your garden. Don’t forget to include plants such as lemon balm, citronella, peppermint, marigolds and lavender to repel insects from biting you and your guests while you enjoy your outdoor space.

(Credit: Shestakoff/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Shestakoff/Shutterstock)

4. Trellis and Arbors

Complement your beautifully manicured garden with an attractive trellis, or create a spot of shade with an arbor. Either can be made from wood or metal. There are a variety of climbing vines and plants to grow on your trellis or arbor, including morning glory, wisteria, ivy, sweet pea and honeysuckle. You can also add a trellis of climbing plants to your front walkway as a welcoming archway for visitors.

(Credit: Hannamariah/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Hannamariah/Shutterstock)

5. Sprawling Trees

Planting trees are an easy and practical way to enhance your outdoor space. Trees can live for quite a long time and lend personality to your home. Trees can also provide shade during warmer months, and establish boundaries and privacy more attractively than fences do. When selecting your trees to plant, be sure to pick ones that are suitable to your climate, and plant them strategically away from the home for when they are full grown. Go for a fruit-bearing tree to enjoy all the function of trees with a delicious bonus.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

6. Tree House or Club House

Give your kids a reason to get outdoors and away from their electronic devices by building them an outdoor playhouse. Either purchase a prefabricated outdoor playhouse, or get inventive and build a tree house. Build your tree house at ground level around a tree, or a more traditional style that they can climb up into. The sky’s the limit with options for material, shapes, colors and accessories, such as a tire swing.

(Credit: Smit/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Smit/Shutterstock)

7. Lush Lawn and Lawn Alternative

If you take care of your lawn, it will take care of you and your family fun. You won’t have to go far to have fun with family and friends. Enjoy a variety of lawn games or simply park a blanket for a picnic in your own backyard. If you are in a location with drought problems, you might try looking into lawn alternatives such as ground coverings that are native to your region, a gravel and rock landscape, or even synthetic grass.

(Credit: Cheryl Casey/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Cheryl Casey/Shutterstock)

8. Fire Pits and Fireplaces

An outdoor fire pit or fireplace can be the perfect complement to entertaining your family and friends into the evening. You can consider building one out as an extension of your deck, or purchase a portable one that requires no heavy installation. There are options also for wood or gas with fire glass. Make sure to check for any regulations in your area regarding outdoor fires, and be sure to place in a safe area.

(Credit: EpicStockMedia/Shutterstock)

(Credit: EpicStockMedia/Shutterstock)

9. Water Features

Add some zen to your outdoor space with a water feature such as a pond, fountain or bird bath. Think how soothing it would be to relax out on your deck next to the sound babbling water. You can purchase a traditional stone bird bath, or refurbish items to transform into a bird bath. If you go with a pond, think about the flora you want to grow in it, such as aqua lily pads, as well as add life to the pond with beautiful koi fish.

(Credit: Valentina Razumova/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Valentina Razumova/Shutterstock)

10. Lights

Don’t let the setting sun dampen your family’s outdoor fun. By lighting up the backyard, you’ll have enjoyment through the night. Use solar ground lights to line your lawn and walkways. Install lantern fixtures on the exterior walls. Get creative and festive with large string light bulbs to add to the starry night.

(Credit: photobank.ch/Shutterstock)

(Credit: photobank.ch/Shutterstock)

11. Stepping Stones and Paved Walkways

Accent your beautifully manicured lawn and garden with a walkway or stepping stones. If you’ve got different focal points in your yard, connect them into one cohesive landscape with stepping stones. You can either purchase some paver stones, or use salvaged material to give your walkway a rustic and natural effect.

(Credit: Jaochainoi/Shutterstock)

(Credit: Jaochainoi/Shutterstock)

12. Furnishings

What’s a beautiful outdoor space if you can’t sit and enjoy it? If you have installed a deck, patio furniture will bring it to life. Don’t forget a canopy shade so that you can enjoy your deck when the sun is high and hot. Add decorative benches or Adirondack chairs around your garden, or string a relaxing hammock between two trees. Accent your furniture with bold pops of color, such as throw pillows.

(Credit: V. J. Matthew/Shutterstock)

(Credit: V. J. Matthew/Shutterstock)

Originally Published on Pro.com, and is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services — especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

New Homeowners – Don’t Spend Money Here

Moneydowndrain

“We love helping our buyers, but especially our first-time buyers.  We want to get them started on the right path so they get the most for their 1st big purchase. Here are some things to try and ‘NOT’ spend money on when you are a New Homeowner.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

 

You’ve just moved into your first home. For the first time in your life, it’s all yours – no more landlord, no more renting, no more leases.

It’s an exciting time, but it’s also a time filled with a lot of sneaky expenses new homeowners often aren’t prepared for. Add those new expenses to the expensive monthly cost of a mortgage, insurance, property taxes, homeowners association fees, and so on, and it’s not hard to see a budget pushed to the breaking point.

Here are six expenses new homeowners often face that can easily be reduced or eliminated with some smart choices.

Expensive home furnishings. Often, a person’s first home is much larger than the places they’ve lived in before. For example, my wife and I moved from a tiny two-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom house with twice the square footage, and it seemed enormous.

That leaves a person with a lot of empty space and the tendency is to fill that space with new furnishings. Many homeowners follow their first day in a new home with a day at the local furniture store, often buying more new furniture than they can afford.

If you’re considering new furnishings, give it some time first. Buy low-end items if you really want to fill the space, and then gradually replace them as your savings allows. Don’t fill up your credit card with expenses from the local furniture store.

Private mortgage insurance. Many first-time homebuyers are saddled with this terrible expense that comes from buying a home without a 20 percent down payment. Often, this adds $100 or more to your monthly mortgage payment with nothing in return.

Get rid of this as soon as you can. The best possible time to make a few extra mortgage payments is in the first few years of the mortgage. You’ll not only get rid of that PMI early, you’ll also greatly reduce the lifetime interest you pay on your mortgage.

Appliance insurance. Many new homeowners are offered a “deal” on appliance insurance, in which they pay some insurance company a certain amount each month to “insure” their appliances against natural failure.

Why is this a bad deal? It’s far more expensive than just saving that same amount in a savings account. Rather than buying an unnecessary insurance policy, simply put an amount equal to the monthly premium into a savings account. Within a year, that savings account will cover any necessary appliance replacements.

Lawn care services. The idea of a lush lawn outside of your beautiful new house sounds appealing, and lawn care services know that. They’ll hit you hard right after you move in, showing you gorgeous images of what your lawn might look like.

In essence, they’re just charging you a lot for what you could easily do yourself with a bit of fertilizer, a bit of natural herbicide and a simple dispenser. It costs far less per year to care for your lawn yourself, and it doesn’t take much time, either.

You may decide later that you do want the service because it will serve your lawn better than what you can provide. That’s fine, but find out what you can actually do first. You’ll probably find you can handle it well on your own.

Energy inefficiency. Like it or not, energy inefficiency is a real expense for new homeowners, and it’s often one they overlook. Newly purchased homes often come with cheap, inefficient light bulbs in the sockets. They also often come with older windows and walls that offer poor insulation. On top of that, homes that aren’t air sealed allow warm air to escape in winter and cool air to escape in summer.

One of the most important things you can do to curb your future expenses as a new homeowner is to perform an energy audit on your home. There are many guides to performing do-it-yourself energy audits online, like this one from the Department of Energy. Finding areas where your home is energy inefficient, and fixing those issues sooner rather than later can save you a lot of cash.

Insurance. In the rush to buy a home, many homeowners fail to adequately shop around for homeowners insurance. Instead, they just get a policy from the group recommended by their real estate agent, who is often just helping an insurance salesperson who happens to be a friend.

As soon as you’re settled, take some time to shop around for homeowners insurance. If you spend that time effectively, you can usually knock as much as 30 percent off your insurance premium, which is a lot of cash back in your pocket.

Taking some smart steps when you first move into your home can cut your bills and minimize your expenses for the time you own that house. Make these smart moves now, and your wallet will be happy.

Originally published on Yahoo! by Trent Hamm

Before & After Curb Appeal

Before and After Front Door“It’s the perfect time of the year to take on any number of outdoor projects that can really make a difference in your homes Curb Appeal.  Here are 8 projects that are fairly simple, but have big impacts.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Photo: charmingzebra.com

1. Paint Your Front Door

The front door makes a big impression—it’s the first and last thing visitors see. Painting your door is a quick and low-cost way to instantly boost curb appeal. Whether you go with a stately classic like black or a bright pop of color like yellow or red, a fresh coat of paint will instantly spiff up a tired exterior.

2. Make Your Porch an Outdoor Room

Photo: abeautifulmess.com

Sometimes all you need to do is add decorative elements to transform a space from blah to beautiful. This front porch becomes a bona fide extra room in warm weather, thanks to the addition of a rug, outdoor furniture, throw pillows, and plants.

3. Update Your Address

Photo: balancinghome.com

Add a little art to the front of your home with a DIY house number upgrade. This graphically assertive sign required just a board and a little paint that was already on hand, along with some stencils for the numbers. The results are bold—the pizza delivery guy will never miss this house again.

4. Hide Your Electrical Box

Photo: loveoffamilyandhome.net

Practical components like utility boxes and gas meters are a necessary evil, but do they have to be so ugly? Actually… no. Camouflage your service points by painting them with exterior paint in a shade that matches your siding. They may not completely disappear, but they will definitely blend in, improving the overall look of your home.

5. Lay Out the Landscaping

Photo: loveoffamilyandhome.net

Creating a small, modestly planted landscaping bed will make the side of your house look tidy and and add color your home’s exterior. Recreate the cheerful transformation with some inexpensive edging, weed barrier, mulch, and plants.

RELATED: On the Edge: 16 Garden Borders You Can Make

6.  Hang New Shutters

Photo: livethehomelife.com

Fresh, new shutters can almost instantly enhance your home’s curb appeal. Swapping these weary, boring white eyesores for some new board-and-batten cedar shutters made a huge impact on this facade.

RELATED: 10 Easy Curb Appeal Updates

7. Perk Up Your Pathway

Photo: zenshmen.blogspot.com

A modern pathway makeover doesn’t have to be expensive or require professional labor. This walk was installed right on top of the old concrete path. The project can be completed in a half day, using simple tools and supplies from a big-box hardware store. The result is a sensational improvement that makes the house even more welcoming.

RELATED: The Right Path—15 Wonderful Walkway Designs

8. Upgrade Your Mailbox

Photo: beneathmyheart.net

The mailbox may not seem like a big contributor to curb appeal, and it’s often just an afterthought in home construction. This makeover is so much easier than it looks, accomplished by simply fitting a cast-stone surround over a 4×4 post.

Originally Appearing on Yahoo Makers – by Jennifer Noonan

How safe is your Deck? Check it Now!

Worn Deck“It’s that time of year when we begin to use our decks again.  But what happened to it during the winter months?  Did moisture create cracks or mold?  Have beams warped or started to sag?  It doesn’t take long to check out the basics to give yourself peace of mind.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team

Aging deck structures, harsh storms, high temperatures, and a lack of routine maintenance can increase the risk of a deck injury.

There are more than 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years or older, according to the North American Deck & Railing Association, and hundreds of reported deck accidents occur annually.

Check your deck by following these seven deck safety inspection tips from outdoor living company Archadeck:

Boards: Check deck boards for rot, softness, or major cracking.

Every Connection: Inspect every hardware connection on the deck. Look for screws and/or nails backing out, red rust, and other signs of corrosion on metal connectors that can weaken the integrity of the deck.

Structure: Look at the posts, beams, and joists that provide the structural framework of the deck. Is there any noticeable sagging between supports?

Attachments: Most deck failures occur at the attachment site to the home. Ensure that the deck is properly attached to the house with bolts (not nails) and proper flashing for water protection.

Foundation/Footings: The foundation and footings support the weight, or load, on a deck and the columns that bear on them. Look for sinking or a noticeable sag.

Exits: Check deck’s exit areas, usually stairs. Are the stair stringers, treads, and risers ok? Do the stairs require a handrail? Is there adequate lighting to safely use the exits at night?

Rails: Look at rail posts and railing sections to make sure that they aren’t loose or wobbly. All pickets/balusters should be fastened securely and spaced no more than four inches apart.

Source: Archadeck, Originally Appearing on Houselogic

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/news/decks/7-quick-ways-tell-if-your-deck-needs-help-now/#ixzz3YnM7sU2h
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Invisible, Odor-free and Potentially Hazardous

Radon“Over the years most experienced agents have come to pretty much know where potential issues exist in the area.  However, it is always concerning when we have a test done and find Radon in a home where families have lived for years without knowing there was Radon.  If you aren’t sure about your area, you should get any subterranean basement tested just to be sure.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Most people’s first introduction to Radon is during the inspections of a home. It can be as much a surprise to a seller as it is a buyer. Radon is an invisible and odor-free, cancer-causing radioactive gas.

Radon can get into a home through cracks in solid floors, construction joints, cracks in walls, gaps in suspended floors, gaps around service pipes, cavities inside walls and even the water supply.

It is estimated that one out of every fifteen homes in the United States has elevated radon levels. The EPA recommends that you test your home which is the only way to find out if you and your family are at risk. If the level found is 4 picocuries per liter or higher, the EPA suggests that you make repairs or install a radon reduction system. Even lower levels can have health risks.

The EPA’s interactive map is available to find state and county information but still recommends that all homes should test for radon. More information can be found from the EPA in A Citizen’s Guide to Radon.

Test kits are inexpensive and can be purchased at stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot if you choose to do it yourself. If levels indicate a high enough level, you can contact a qualified radon service professional for another test or to mitigate your home. You can get information on identifying these professionals at www.nrpp.info and www.nrsb.org.

Myth vs Reality on Lawn Maintenance

20130625_dec_cah“We’ve been told all kinds of things by our neighbors and our parents over the years, but what’s the real story on lawn maintenance?  ‘Never cut your Grass too short.’  ‘Remember S.O.D (Sep., Oct., Dec.) for fertilizing’  ‘Always water your grass in the morning.’  Check out these myth-busting tips from the pros.”

 

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Myth #1: You can water your lawn and landscape any time of day.

Reality: Water is a valuable resource; make every drop count! Watering the lawn in the early mornings or evenings after sunset minimizes evaporation. It’s the best time for water to penetrate deep into the soil.

Myth #2: It’s ok to cut the grass very short.

Reality: Most landscape professionals advise against cutting more than one-third of the grass leaf at a time. Mowing at a finished cut height of 3 to 3.5 inches throughout the summer is generally recommended. The lawn will need less water, will be more resistant to weeds and will have a deeper, greener color. Use a sharp mower blade to prevent tearing grass blades. A crisp and clean cut will help prevent a “brown tip” appearance.

Myth #3: It’s best to water your lawn every day.

Reality: Watering your lawn every three days is better than daily watering. Deep, rather than shallow watering of your lawn is recommended to nurture the roots. An inch of water to 12 inches of soil is the preferred ratio for watering actively growing grass.

Myth #4: If you want to replace your lawn, you should do it in the spring when plants get ready to bloom.

Reality: The best time to sow seed is in the late summer and early fall when the temperatures are more consistent and when highly competitive weeds, like crabgrass, are at the end of their life cycle.

Myth #5: Early spring is the best time to fertilize the lawn.

Reality: Since different species of grass prefer nutrients at different times of the year, be sure to use the correct fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. A slow-release fertilizer allows for more even and consistent feeding over a longer period of time than a quick-release fertilizer. And, remember to use fertilizers responsibly by cleaning up any that lands on streets, sidewalks or driveways where they can be washed into lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

Myth #6: A garden hose is more cost efficient than installing an irrigation system.

Reality: Many landscape professionals recommend installing an irrigation system with smart controllers which have sensors that water when needed. Smart irrigation can offer a cost savings of 15–20 percent on water bills. Converting irrigation spray nozzles from sprinklers to rotating nozzles will spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace, which makes them more targeted and effective.

Myth #7: You have to irrigate to have a healthy and beautiful lawn.

Reality: Grasses are built to endure long periods of drought by entering a state of dormancy..  When temperatures and moisture levels are at their extreme, the growing point of the grass plant, the crown, will shut off the grass blades, turning them brow. In almost all instances, once the heat and drought stresses have gone, the crowns will begin to send up new shoots. There’s nothing wrong with irrigating to avoid dormancy, but “embracing the brown” for a couple of weeks in the summer is just fine too.

For more helpful tips on taking care of your lawn and landscape, or to get advice on how to hire a landscape professional, visit www.loveyourlandscape.com.

Originally posted on February 10, 2015 by lyladmin at Landscape Life

Is Your Home Ready to be Sold?

Welcome to our home“It’s that time of year when many people start to think about selling their home.  Spring is coming and that is when homes look great and everyone is finally coming out of their cocoon to start looking.  But is your home ready to be sold?  We always help our Sellers identify the items that are most important to implement in each home before it goes on the Market.  Here are some good tips that we’ve found, and follow ourselves.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Selling a home doesn’t happen overnight. To maximize your sale price, stand out from the competition and sell quickly, your home needs to go on the market in tip-top condition.

Prepping the home rarely happens in one weekend. It takes time and thoughtful planning. If you intend to sell your home this spring, here are a few steps you need to take now.

Stash your stuff

As you prepare to sell, think of your home as an investment and start to see it through the eyes of potential buyers and the market. When you’re trying to sell your home, the less-is-more approach applies.

Put away big furniture and personal items. Store or put away all the things you won’t be using until you move into your new home. In the kitchen, make space in the cabinets for items you will need to use daily, but will want to put away for showings.

Paint, clean and make small improvements

It’s common for sellers to make cosmetic improvements before they list. Kitchens and bathrooms sell your home. Plan to have the bathroom grout cleaned and have some parts of the house painted to give it a fresh look.

Consider cleaning rugs, refinishing hardwood floors or painting kitchen cabinets. If you plan to list in the spring, you likely have a good local real estate agent on your side by now. Get their advice and ask for referrals to do the work. There are lots of inexpensive contractors who can help spruce up your home quickly.

Research like a buyer

Today’s buyers have research in their DNA and will investigate all they can. Check with your local building department and ensure there are no outstanding issues with your home.

Verify that property records reflect your home accurately, and prepare to remedy any discrepancy. Make sure your title report is clean, and talk about potential disclosure items with your agent. Banks won’t lend if there are outstanding issues, and you don’t want to jump through hoops at the eleventh hour. Researching now will keep you one step ahead of the buyers.

The sale of your home is likely one of your biggest financial transactions. Get a real estate agent on your team early, and make a list of all the tasks you need to complete before listing this spring. Now is the time to have those discussions. Smart planning and a good strategy will ensure a quick, painless and profitable home sale.

Originally Published by Brendon DeSimone from Zillow

Downsizing Might Make Sense

Downsizing“As many of us are getting older, we are starting to realize just how much effort it takes to take care of all our ‘stuff’.  Downsizing might be the right answer for you if you’ve reached this stage in life.  You could free up some cash by reducing your monthly costs, as well as freeing up your time with less home to manage.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

 

With roughly 12.5% of the population over 65 years of age, it is understandable that some of them are thinking of downsizing because they may not need the amount of space they did in the past. There is something to be said for the freedom acquired by divesting yourself of “things” that have been accumulated over the years but are no longer needed.

Moving to a less expensive home, could provide cash that could be invested for additional income or savings for unanticipated expenditures.

Savings can also be recognized in the lower utility costs associated with a smaller home, not to mention, the lower premiums for insurance and property taxes.

Going from the home where you reared your family to one of the new tiny homes may be a bit extreme but downsizing to 2/3 or 50% of your current home may certainly be reasonable. In some situations, your interests may have changed so that a different area or city might be a possibility.

At one time, IRS had a once-in-a-lifetime exclusion of $125,000 of gain from a principal residence but it was changed so that homeowner’s are eligible for an exclusion of $250,000 of gain for single taxpayers and up to $500,000 for married taxpayers who have owned and used their home two out of the last five years and haven’t taken the exclusion in the previous 24 months.

Homeowners should consult their tax professionals to see how this may apply to their individual situation.

Being a Good Neighbor

Be a good neighbor“Ever wish you had more good neighbors?  Maybe it starts with YOU being a good neighbor first.  It’s amazing how kindness can be contagious.  Just doing a few nice things that take a small amount of effort could go a long way in creating more good neighbors.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

A good neighbor might be characterized as someone who’ll look after your home when you’re out of town by picking up your mail and watering your plants. You’d most likely reciprocate for anyone who’d be so generous toward you.

In some cases, you might only be able to name one or two of your neighbors who would step up to that level of service. Wouldn’t it be nice if more people on your street would be happy to make that offer?

The solution may just start with being a better neighbor first. The following suggestions go a long way to improving your neighborhood and making new friends at the same time.

  • Meet your neighbors and exchange phone numbers and email addresses. Agree with each other that you’ll let them know if you see something strange going on at their home.
  • Slow down when driving through the neighborhood; it will make it safer and everyone will appreciate it.
  • Control your dog: keep it on a leash; pick up after it; don’t let it bark too much.
  • Don’t park in front of your neighbor’s home.
  • Notify your immediate neighbors when you’re having remodeling done and ask them to let you know if any of the contractors cause damage to their property.
  • Let your neighbors know when you’re having a party and that there will be more cars on the street than usual.
  • Maintain your home and yard so that it adds to the beauty of the neighborhood.
  • Put your garbage out for collection on the correct day and bring the containers back in promptly.

In reality, it is fairly obvious; you just have to think of the things that you’d want from your neighbors. Be friendly; don’t be noisy; offer a helping hand when available and respect each other’s boundaries. Having a sense of community and that you all share the neighborhood can be underlying principles that will guide your behavior.

A good neighbor would be aware of suspicious activity and would call their neighbors and the police if warranted. This might be something you can discuss with your neighbors. Click here for a template to record your immediate neighbor’s contact information and keep readily available if needed.

Holiday Tree Safety

Chritsmas Tree“There is nothing quite like to smell of a fresh tree in the house during the holidays.  But have you taken time to make sure that you are being as safe as possible with it?”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Fresh holiday trees are beautiful, smell great and really add to the spirit of the season. Following some proven safety tips might help you avoid a disaster and keep the Grinch away.

 

  • Select a tree with fresh green needles that don’t fall off when touched or when the trunk is tapped on the ground.
  • When trees are cut too early, they have a greater risk of drying out and can become more dangerous especially with electrical lights.
  • Cut 1” to 2” off the base of the tree before placing it in the stand to facilitate it drawing water to the limbs and quills.
  • Trees require water similar to cut flowers or they’ll dry out. Tree stands should hold at least one gallon of water and it should be checked every day. A six foot tree could use up to a gallon of water every two days.
  • Position the tree a minimum of three feet or further from heat source like fireplaces, space heaters, heat vents or candles. Do not allow the tree to block an exit.
  • Lights should be labeled from an independent testing laboratory and intended for indoor use.
  • Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for how many strings of lights can be connected to each other.
  • Turn off all tree lights when you go to bed or leave the home.
  • If the tree becomes dry and begins shedding needles, it can be a fire hazard and should be removed from the home. Even if the holidays are not over, it is not worth the risk to keep it in your home.
  • After the gifts have been opened, don’t return the paper and boxes under the tree.
  • Remove the tree as soon as possible after the holidays.
  • Trees should never be burned in a fireplace. The trees will burn very hot and quickly when they are dry and could spread outside of the fireplace which could cause an unfriendly fire.
  • Check to see if there is a recycling program for holiday trees in your community.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that “one of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical failures and a heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every six of the fires.”