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Thursday, July 18th, 2013

Trees are important elements of any landscape. They provide shade, beauty, and habitats for wildlife. However, poorly cared-for trees can make even the most well-designed landscape look shabby and run-down. Here are some basic tree care tips.

Water Generously

Many trees grow very large very quickly and require a lot of water to do so. If you’re stingy with watering, young trees may experience stunted growth, poor foliage development, and greater susceptibility to pests and diseases. If your area does not get regular rainfall, give your trees several inches of water per week during their active growing season.

Pruning

Like most other plants, trees benefit from proper pruning. It keeps their foliage dense and bushy, stimulates new growth, and can actually improve their resistance to illness.

Remove suckers, drooping branches, and limbs that overhang buildings or obstruct walkways. Using clean, sharp pruners is a must. Dull blades cause extensive damage to healthy tissue, while tools that aren’t cleaned between uses can introduce harmful pathogens into a healthy tree.

Furthermore, one of the best tree care tips is to not over-prune. Topping and other methods that involve heavy removal of healthy growth are extremely damaging to trees and can be fatal to them.

Sealing Wounds

Whether caused by a violent storm or careful pruning, branch removal leaves a gaping wound behind. Much the same as in other organisms, this encourages infection by bacteria and viruses. In order to decrease the chances of your tree becoming diseased, seal up all large wounds. Many experts recommend the use of flat black spray paint. The paint creates a waterproof coating over the exposed area, while its fumes discourage pests from taking advantage of the weakness.

Fruit Trees

Fruit-bearing trees often require more care than ornamental varieties. When they’re young, it’s important to pick the immature fruit off the first two or three years. This allows the sapling to put more energy into growth, which means you’ll get better yields down the road.

Need Further Assistance?

Having great looking trees takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. Basic tree care doesn’t always require a lot of special knowledge or equipment, but many jobs, especially on larger trees, are better performed by professionals. You can use TalkLocal to find an experienced tree care service in your area. We will connect you with up to three professionals within minutes.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Repair Or Adjust Your Door Lock

Thursday, July 18th, 2013

You rely on your locks to keep intruders out of your home, to protect your home while you are inside or away from the house, and more. Locks, however, can become damaged over time, and this can decrease how effective and useful they are for you. When your locks are damaged or broken, you may wonder how to adjust your door lock so that it works once again. Until you repair or adjust your door lock, you may not be able to use the door lock and enjoy the many benefits it can provide to you.

When the Lock Is Jammed

One option to consider with a lock that appears to be jammed or that sticks when you try to use it is to take the door lock apart.

1. Use a screw driver and try to remove the lock on your own.

2. Once it has been removed, spray the lock with machine oil or grease to lubricate the parts.

3. Then, reinstall the door lock to your door. This may correct the issue.

When the Lock Won’t Latch

Over time, a lock may fail to latch properly. This can be caused by a number of different issues, including natural settling of your home’s foundation, moisture that has changed the size or shape of the door frame or door, or the addition of a door stop or other features that have adjusted the natural alignment of the door.

If you need to readjust your door lock to account for a lock that will not latch, you should carefully inspect the door. If the door appears to be sitting unevenly in the frame or appears to be misaligned, adjusting the actual door rather than the latch may be a suitable option. Sometimes, simply tightening the screws in the door hinges will correct the problem.

If you determine that adjusting the lock is a better option, you may need to adjust the strike plate. As you open and close the door, observe if the latch is striking the strike plate above or below where it needs to be striking it. You can easily remove the strike plate with a screwdriver, adjust the frame with a chisel as needed, and replace the strike plate to correct the issue.

When Professional Assistance is Needed

If these methods do not help you repair or adjust your door lock, you may need to contact a professional locksmith for assistance. Simply use TalkLocal to be connected with up to three professionals in your area who can help you out.

Posted in Locksmiths | No Comments »

Environmentally Friendly Alternatives To Rock Salt

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Traditional rock salt, or a form of sodium chloride, is a cheap way many municipalities keep roads dry during inclement weather. It is the cheapest form of ice melt found in stores, and therefore many people use it each winter on their walkways, patios, and driveways.

Unfortunately, this chemical is harmful to the environment and can even kill your own vegetation. There are environmentally friendly alternatives to rock salt, although they generally come at a higher price.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate: This is a salt-free de-icing option. It is biodegradable, so it is less likely to harm vegetation. It is also more expensive and less effective. It is only effective in temperatures above 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Calcium Chloride: While this option is less damaging than rock salt, anything with chloride can still be harmful. It is also corrosive to metals (i.e. the undercarriage of your car) and harmful to pets’ paws.

Urea: This compound is much safer to use near vegetation, but is also less effective at melting the ice.

Gravel/Sand: Although these materials do not melt the ice or snow, they allow for more traction. They are cheap, and as long as you only use a small amount, they should be easy to sweep up without harming your landscaping.

Elbow Grease: The best way to keep snow and ice off your walkways while maintaining a healthy environment is through preventing it all together. Stay on top of shoveling and break up and remove small ice patches before bigger ones can form. If you let snow and ice accumulate, it will become increasingly harder to remove.

Need More Help?

As we age, shoveling snow or even applying ice melt can be difficult and hazardous. If you believe your project is too big to tackle alone, call a snow removal expert. TalkLocal will find and connect you with a professional that will know all the environmentally friendly alternatives to rock salt and can keep your walkways clear. Our service is incredibly easy to use and absolutely free.

Posted in Snow Removal | No Comments »

When To Use A Paint Primer

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Knowing why and when to use a paint primer are essential for a proper paint job. A primer could be the difference between a professional-looking paint job, and one that quickly fades.

Why Use A Paint Primer?

Primer is a sealant that facilitates the paint’s adhesion while protecting your wall. It ensures a smooth surface for your paint to glide onto as it seals any cracks or imperfections on your wall. It also makes painting drastically different colors much easier, such as painting a red wall white. Primer will increase the longevity of your paint job and prevent mildew, too.

When To Use A Paint Primer

Use a primer when you are painting drywall, latex-to-oil paint, oil-to-latex paint, bare wood, or concrete. In other words, you should almost always use a primer. If a wall is in good condition, you might not need to use a primer, however there are many benefits of using a primer which outweigh the costs of forgoing this important step.

Which Primers To Use

Primers vary depending on the type of paint you use. If you use a latex paint, you will need a latex primer. You will also use a primer in areas that are highly frequented, such as the living room. The daily wear and tear of greasy fingers, crayons, and any other elements can slowly damage the topcoat. A primer will allow the paint to hold up against frequent cleaning. If you do not use a primer, the damage could be more expensive in the end. Primer is usually cheaper than paint anyway, so it is a good investment in order to protect your home.

Need Professional Assistance?

If you are thinking about painting your home, TalkLocal can help connect you with the best local painters. Simply enter our website, and provide us a brief description of the painting you need done, your availability for service, and your location. You will be speaking with up to 3 professional painters in just minutes.

Posted in Painters | No Comments »

Cost Of A New Deck

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

A deck can be a great place to rest and enjoy your neighborhood, or even entertain guests during cookouts or special occasions. It can also be a unique addition that sets your home apart from others.

Before you decide to start building, it is good to know the cost of a new deck. This way, you know what to expect and can set a budget accordingly.

Here’s how to calculate how much a deck will cost you.

1. Measure the area where you want the deck built. Measure the length and width and multiply the two figures together to determine the square footage of the area. This will tell you how many boards you will need. Deck posts cost about $6 a piece depending on the type of wood you choose. Deck boards can cost anywhere between $1.25 and $3.00 each.

2. Decide if you want to build the deck yourself or if you plan to hire a contractor. The price of a contractor can vary and can cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the size of the deck and the details involved. If you plan to build it yourself, you can save a lot of money on the cost of a new deck, but you also run the risk of committing a costly error.

3. Add in any extras you plan to have on the deck. These can include banisters, railings, steps or even a roof. All of these things will cost you more money and should be calculated. You can price these items at your local home improvement store to get an accurate estimate of the total cost to build the deck of your dreams.

Don’t let the cost of a new deck surprise or scare you. Do your research and take the time to calculate the cost before you begin the project. Look for inexpensive ways to build your deck if possible to help you save money.

Where To Find Help

There are men and women in your area who can take care of this job for you — you just need to find them. TalkLocal is perfect for that. We bring consumers together with the companies that suit their needs. Try it out. You will be chatting with someone on the phone in minutes.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Asus Netbook Monitor Problems

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Asus Netbooks are cheap, portable computers that are ready to go when you are. That makes it especially frustrating when you expect to get some work done between meetings or on a commute, and your netbook breaks. Asus netbook monitor problems can be frustrating, so here are some things you can do about it.

If the power light is on, but you are still faced with a black screen, try the following:

1. Take out the battery.

2. Unplug the AC adapter.

3. Hold the power button for 30 seconds. This should drain any electrical charges in the system.

4. Connect the netbook back to the power supply.

5. Power on the netbook.

If the screen is still black:

1. Try pressing both Fn and F2.

2. Connect your netbook to an external monitor. To toggle between screens, press both Fn and F10 (or just F6). If the external monitor works, then there is probably a problem with your netbook’s LCD.

Luckily, you can replace your LCD screen at home. You just need to use a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Follow these steps:

1. Turn off your netbook.

2. Unplug it from any power source.

3. Press the small tabs on the top of the keyboard while lifting it. You should see a metal plate.

4. Slide the plastic cable connector forward to disconnect the metal plate from to the keyboard.

5. Remove the screws on the metal plate.

6. Do the same for the bottom of the netbook (two are found on the front side).

7. Lift the corners of the notebook to remove the plastic housing from the bottom. You should see the motherboard.

8. You should see white plastic plugs on the bottom-center and top-left of the motherboard. Unsnap them to disconnect the five wires.

9. Remove the top screws from the LCD screen.

10. Remove the bottom screws.

11. Separate the two parts of the screen using a thin tool.

12. Remove the screen from the body of the computer.

13. Install the new screen.

14. Reassemble the netbook, tracing back from last step.

Find A Professional

Is computer repair not your forte? Don’t worry; TalkLocal has you covered. Just give us a call to find local service providers to fix your netbook for you. You will be connected with the right professional within minutes.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Do It Yourself Skylight Install

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Installing a skylight in your home can brighten your space on a daily basis. This is an improvement to your home that can add value as well as aesthetic appeal to your property. By following this do it yourself skylight install guide, you may be able to install a skylight in your home on your own.

Do It Yourself Skylight Install

1. First, you will need to determine the location in your home where you want to place the skylight. Common areas for a skylight install include the kitchen, bathroom, and family room.

2. Next, you will need to determine if you want to install a curb-mounted skylight or a frame-in-place model. A frame-in-place model is installed using L-shaped brackets while a curb-mounted model is mounted in an elevated position over the frame of the roof.

3. After selecting the right window for your needs, consider the placement of the skylight and of the light shaft carefully. Ideally, you will choose a location for the light shaft that falls between the ceiling joists and that does not require the joists to be cut. These windows are designed to minimize the need for cutting into joists, so a simple adjustment in the placement of the window may eliminate the need to cut into the joists. Framing the light shaft and window will require more effort if you do cut a ceiling joist. Keep in mind that the light shaft can be angled or vertical depending on the style that is suitable for your home.

4. The appropriate skylight framing assembly for the type of window that you have selected will need to be installed into your roof, and the light shaft will need to be framed with lumber.

5. To finalize the installation, the window will need to be carefully installed into the framing and sealed, and drywall will need to be installed in the light shaft.

Or Just Have A Professional Handle It

While you can enjoy considerable benefits from your new skylight, including improved ambiance and added value to your home, this is typically a project that you want to leave to a professional. If you would like to learn more about how a professional can install a skylight in one or more rooms in your home, just use TalkLocal. We will connect you with the right professional in just minutes.

Tags: DIY, skylight, skylight installation
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

Tips On Cleaning Fireplaces

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

A fireplace can take a living space from dull to cozy. Gathering around a crackling fire can be an excellent way to spend an evening. However, your fireplace must have regular cleanings so that it looks clean and stays safe. We have some tips on cleaning fireplaces to help you stay warm and safe.

A fireplace builds creosote, a chemical, tar-like substance produced from burning wood and coal. Over time, it can build to the point that it becomes a potential fire hazard. This substance should be taken away by a professional annually. In the meantime, there are things you can do on a regular basis to keep your fireplace cleaner and safer.

Tips On Cleaning Fireplaces

–Remove the dust and soot from the hearth. Vacuuming and dusting are the two best ways to do this. A shop vacuum works the best, as the filter can handle the ashes.

–Do not add much water to the hearth to clean the ashes, or else they will become pasty and difficult to clean up well. If you would like to clean up the fine layer of soot remaining after dusting or vacuuming, use damp paper towels.

-Sprinkle slightly moist coffee grounds over ashes to keep soot and dust to a minimum. This works during both times of burning and of cleaning.

-When cleaning the hearth, never use any household cleaners. They could possibly leave a flammable residue or emit toxic chemicals into the air once heated.

-Be careful not to remove any of the materials right after a fire as they could still be hot; wait at least eight hours for everything to cool down completely.

Tips For Lighting Fireplaces

-Before lighting the fireplace, look over the chimney, flue, and firebox for any creosote accumulation. If there is a lot of build-up, do not light the fireplace.

–Burning well-dried logs or special fireplace logs can help to avoid as much of the creosote buildup as possible.

–Burn a creosote sweeping log on a regular basis. This type of log breaks down creosote and can keep your fireplace safer in-between professional cleaners.

Find A Professional Who Can Help

To contact a professional for your annual fireplace cleanings, connect with Talk Local to get the best professionals in your area. Just go to the TalkLocal website and tell us what you’re looking for, your location, and your availability. We will connect you with the right professionals in just minutes.

Posted in Maid Services | No Comments »

What Is A Transponder Key?

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

Almost all car keys are transponder keys. They have buttons built into the key that lock or unlock your car, open your trunk, or set off the car alarm. Transponder keys ultimately reduce the risk of theft. So, what is a transponder key? Keep reading to find out!

What Is A Transponder Key?

A transponder key has two components: a transmitter and a responder. A small chip is placed inside your car key. Your vehicle can detect your key’s commands and when your key is in the ignition. This key is important for car safety, as it prevents your car from being hot-wired from someone without the appropriate key. A car will not start without its designated transponder key because the car cannot detect the transmitted low-frequency signal from the key. Even if you make a copy of the car key that does not have the corresponding low-frequency signal, the car will not start.

Transponder keys can also be used for gate openers and keyless entry systems, although they are more popularly used for cars. Some cars’ transponder keys do not even need to be placed in the ignition. As long as the key is within a certain distance of your vehicle, such as in your purse or pocket, the car will run. When the car detects the signal from the key, it starts. However, if the key is a certain distance away from the car, the car’s engine will turn off and the car will lock. Don’t forget to leave the house without your key!

What If I Lose My Transponder Key?

Car dealers usually give you two transponder keys just in case you lose one. If you lose your transponder key, contact your car dealer or a professional locksmith. TalkLocal will connect you directly with the best locksmiths in your local area in just minutes.

Posted in Locksmiths | No Comments »

How To Upgrade the RAM On A Macbook Air

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

The RAM on any computer is an important part of your electronic device. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a form of data storage that allows the information to be accessed in any order. There are two different types of RAM: static and dynamic. Both of these data storage types are useful and easy to access. You should make sure you have the amount of RAM you need when you are buying your computer, because sometimes the option to upgrade it is not a possibility.

How To Upgrade the RAM In A Macbook Air

The Macbook Air has been around since 2008, and since that time the RAM has never been upgradable. In the product description given by Apple, it is described as “configurable” which many people confuse as thinking that it means it can be upgraded. Sadly, this is not the case. The RAM on a Macbook Air is smoldered to the motherboard to save space in this dynamic computer.

Some people turn to the option of taking their computer to a computer store or somewhere that specializes in technology. This is a risky move. Best Buy is known for saying that they can help upgrade the RAM at the store if the customer would like them to. This is strange because it really isn’t possible. Doing so is also a bad option because it will void your warranty with the Apple store.

There are multiple online blog threads discussing this conundrum because it seems so unreasonable. User upgrades are not possible, and there are not many alternatives if you find yourself in a situation with not enough RAM.

When buying a Macbook Air, consider what you will be using your computer for. Always overestimate rather than underestimate how much RAM you will need, because otherwise, you will find yourself strapped for data storage space. The difference between a 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB RAM is only a couple hundred dollars, so it may be worth it to pay for more space initially than to have to buy a new computer in the long run.

Continuing Problems

If you have more questions about how to upgrade the RAM on your computer, speak with a professional so that you can get the best help possible. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three, high-quality professionals in your area in just minutes.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

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