How to Mulch Your Lawn

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013

A first impression lasts forever, and the way your lawn looks says a lot about you and your home. A spotty, weed-infested and sparse landscape makes the rest of your home look dingy and run down and makes you seem like you don’t care. Therefore, it’s important to take good care of your lawn through regular feeding and maintenance. One way you can do this is by mulching. Mulching involves the application organic matter to a surface in order to add nutrients and enhance growth. Here’s how to mulch your lawn.

Why Mulch Your Lawn?

1. The high nitrogen content of mulch makes the grass greener and promotes dense growth. The thicker the growth is, the harder it will be for weeds to take hold.

2. Mulch is excellent at holding in moisture, making your grass less susceptible to prolonged drought.

3. Mulch helps to block out the growth of weeds and deter pests.

4. The presence of mulch on your lawn encourages a healthy earthworm population, as this is a great source of food for them. Earthworms are highly beneficial to your grass, aerating the soil with their tunnels and fertilizing the roots with their castings.

5. Mulch protects against soil degradation and erosion by shielding it from the sun, wind, and rain.

How to Mulch Your Lawn

1. Choose your mulch. You can use wheat, barley and oat straw, but many homeowners prefer mulched grass clippings. These are grass clippings that have been finely cut to make them spreadable.

2. Once you have your mulch, just sprinkle it over your yard generously, and evenly, and give it a thorough watering. Watering afterward weighs the mulch down into the grass and helps it to begin decomposing.

When Should You Mulch You Lawn?

Mulching can be done almost any time of the year. However, it is most recommended when temperatures get very high and there hasn’t been much rain. It’s also a good idea to mulch in mid to late fall. This feeds and protects your lawn throughout the winter.

Further Assistance

If this job sounds too big for you, you can use TalkLocal to find a landscaper near you. We will connect you with up to three reputable landscaping contractors who will be available to help you when you need them.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Tips for Shaping a Tree

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013

Shaping trees, also known as pruning, is a beneficial practice employed for many reasons. Shaping can encourage growth, prevent disease and breakage, and improve the overall health of many tree species, both decorative and fruit-bearing. Below, you will find several tips for shaping a tree which will be useful for both beginning growers and experienced arborists alike.

What to Cut

When deciding which branches to cut, it is important to closely examine your tree.

1. Choose any branches that are growing across or rubbing against other branches. Cut these first.

2. Remove branches that are growing at odd angles or have an obviously different growth pattern from the majority of the other branches, or branches that are growing toward the center of the tree.

3. Remove any branches that appear diseased or unhealthy. Also, any branches or limbs that are broken should be removed.

How to Cut

How the branches are cut is vital to the overall health of the tree. Never make the cut so close to the body of the three that the trunk is damaged.

1. Make a clean cut at a slight angle (approximately 30 degrees) away from the trunk of the tree approximately 1” from the body of the tree.

2. It is also important to make a cut on the underside of any large branches before making a cut to the top of the branch. Using this method will reduce the possibility of bark stripping on the underside of the branch.

3. When shortening a branch, make the cut at a side branch or a short distance above a bud.

When to Cut

Remember that shaping trees, or pruning, is best done in the late winter or early spring before the tree has started to bud.
Safety is important when shaping trees as significant injury can occur. Always wear appropriate safety gear including goggles, gloves, long pants and sleeves, and a hard hat if working with large branches.

Additional Help

If you would like a tree services professional, use TalkLocal! We will connect you with up to three high quality professionals in your area.

Posted in Tree Removal | No Comments »

Recover Lost Network Password

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013

We all had a time when we have forgotten passwords. Forgetting a network password is worse, as this gives you access to the Internet, the place you want to go the most on your computer. Recovery of a password is an easy and simple process. All you have to do is access your wireless router. Below are the steps to recover lost network password.

Connect to the Router

1. Start the command prompt.

2. Run “ipconfig”.

3. Find “Default Gateway”- the number specified is the router IP address.

4. Copy & Paste the router IP address into an Internet browser. This will prompt a username and password for access to the router.

5. Type the default password and username, provided in the router’s manual, or put your configured password and username for the router into the prompt. After this you should have access to your router’s password.

6. If you have forgotten your password or username to the wireless router, reset your router as specified by the manufacturer and then use the default password and username to access the router.

Suggestions for network passwords

1. Do not store your passwords anywhere on your computer.

2. If you can’t memorize the password, write it down and store it in a secure location.

3. Make the password hard for others to guess but easy to remember. Try using a combination of capitalized and lower-case letter, numbers, and symbols. Also avoid family birthdays or names, as these can be easy to discover.

Additional Help

Passwords can be easily forgotten, but always try to make them accessible and memorable for yourself. If you would like a computer technician to help you find a lost password, or if you have any other computer trouble, use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three high quality computer technicians in your area, who will be available to help you when you need them.

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Pros and Cons of Tree Removal

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013

Trees should only be removed if necessary. They provide natural habitats for wildlife and shades for humans on the hottest summer days. However, when a tree is diseased or dead it is time for it to be cut down. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of tree removal.

Pros of Tree Removal

The advantages of tree removal include safety and disease prevention.

Dead trees are unstable and cannot handle natural stresses, such as weight and weather. They could spontaneously fall, which could injure people or destroy property. Also, if a part of a tree, such as a large branch, is hanging over your property, you may need to remove the tree entirely, but try to see if you can just remove the overhanging part before taking drastic measures.

Diseased trees must be treated or removed if the disease has spread too far. Sick trees could spread their disease to neighboring trees and plants. They also invite many unwanted microorganisms and pests. Diseased trees, like dead trees, are also very unstable and cannot handle natural elements or support their own weight. Overall, remove unhealthy trees for the benefit of the landscape.

Cons of Tree Removal

If you want to clear trees to build a garage or other structure, you may want to think twice. Can you live without the extra space? If so, do not remove the trees because they are more beneficial than you think.

Trees provide homes for many creatures and give you shade in the hot summer months, reducing your energy bill. Many animals, such as birds and squirrels, make homes in trees. Trees also help create oxygen and purify the toxins in the air we breathe. You are actually healthier for having trees around your home! They also serve as windbreakers. Wind can damage delicate plants and blow away topsoil, and trees can ease the severity of the gusts.

In addition to destroying wildlife habitats, tree removal can be expensive. Each tree removed could cost you $300 or more! So seriously consider the pros and cons of tree removal before you fire up that chainsaw.

Transplanting Trees

If you need to remove an inconvenient, but healthy tree, you can transplant it to a new location on your property where it will be of less risk to damaging your home. It would be a waste of nature to destroy a thriving tree.

Consult a tree removal expert to evaluate your trees. TalkLocal can connect you with top tree removal companies in your local area, so you can get the help you need, when you need it.

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Flat Roof Tar

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013

A flat roof is very susceptible to water damage unless steps are taken to prevent this. Some people prefer to install pipes that are designed to guide water away from the roof, while others prefer using methods involving tar. Traditionally, most flat roofs use tar or tar paper that is applied to keep the building watertight. Gravel or something similar is then used to protect the tar. If you live in a home with a flat roof, knowing how to keep it watertight can save you major headaches and money.

Applying Flat Roof Tar

1. Gather your materials. You will need a roller, an extension pole, and enough tar (or tar paper) to cover the surface of your roof. For the tar, we recommend finding a product that is white to help it reflect UV rays.

2. Prepare the roof surface for the tarring. This means cleaning and drying all of the surfaces where tar will be applied.

3. Before you begin the tarring process, make sure the conditions allow for a clean setup. Make sure the temperature is not too hot or too cold, or else the tar may melt too quickly or not seal at all if it’s too cold. With this in mind, it is time to start tarring.

4. Keep in mind, not all tar products are the same, so you will first want to read the directions on the container of the tar.

5. Start in the corner of the roof that is furthest from where your ladder is. Using a roller, spread the tar around with smooth strokes to cover the entire area. A second or even third coating can help to protect areas such as flashings or pipes that may be more at risk for water damage.

5. An alternate method is to use tar paper instead of just tar. These papers do essentially the same thing, but the application process is slightly different. Rather than coating areas, you apply strips of tar paper to areas that need to be kept watertight.

Further Assistance

If you would prefer professional help, consider using TalkLocal to find a roofing company for you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, reputable roofing professionals in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.

Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Magnavox TV Keeps Turning Off

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013

Magnavox televisions are considered a thing of the past, but some people do still enjoy the antique feel of such a TV. The problem is, fewer and fewer parts are available for Magnavox TVs, making repairing a Magnavox increasingly difficult. A common problem with Magnavox TVs is that they have a tendency to turn off randomly. If you are someone with the issue of having your Magnavox TV keeps turning off, don’t worry – there are solutions.

What to Do If Your Magnavox TV Keeps Turning Off

1. Check the power cable and make sure it is completely plugged in and there are no breaks or openings in the wire. If everything appears normal, the next step is to consult your user manual to see if there is anything there that may help you troubleshoot the problem.

2. Your manual may instruct you to unplug your power cord for roughly 60 seconds before plugging it back in. This step allows your TV to reset itself, hopefully triggering something internally to remedy the problem. If this does not work, then your TV has a component failure.

3. Something else you can try is to replace your power cord. Oftentimes, this is the root of the problem and your television is turning off to protect the TV from harm.

Prevent Your TV from Breaking Down

1. There are steps you can take to prevent issues from arising with your television. Utilizing a wall mount can be helpful to help with airflow and prevent dust from accumulating around your TV.

2. Keep a fan around your TV to keep it cooled. Overheating can ruin parts within the TV, so taking steps to prevent overheating can be well worth it in the long run.

If you have tried the above steps and still find yourself having trouble with your television, it may be best to simply replace your old TV with a new one. Sure, getting it fixed may solve the problem temporarily. But it’s only a matter of time before something else goes wrong, as one bad part may cause a domino effect for other parts.

Additional Help

If you are having television issues and would prefer to consult a professional, consider using TalkLocal to find a reputable TV repair service for you. TalkLocal is a free service that will connect you with top-quality, TV repair companies in your neighborhood within minutes. Just enter in your specific problem, location and availability, and up to three companies will call YOU directly, saving you the time and stress of finding one yourself.

Posted in TV Repair | 4 Comments »

Lawn Mower Problems Troubleshooting

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013

We’ve all been there: mowing the lawn on a hot summer’s day, trying to get it done, when the lawn mower just stops running. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can try to troubleshoot your lawn mower’s issues.

Lawn Mower Problems Troubleshooting

1. Check your gas tank. Is it filled? Needless to say that once a lawnmower runs out of fuel, it won’t start up – fill it to a significant amount to make sure that this isn’t the problem before continuing the troubleshooting.

2. Make sure that the gas is being fed into the engine by inspecting the flow of gas (check for any blockages in the pipelines, etc). Clean up any pipe buildups if there are any and continue. Also check to see if the incline (slope) on the pipelines naturally feeds the gas into the engine.

3. Check to see that the pull (the handle that you pull on to start up the engine) is smooth – if you are having difficulty pulling the pull, this means that there is a mismatch in the internal combustion engine (the engine that propels the blades cutting the grass)

4. If you are having a problem with the pull or if the lawnmower still isn’t starting up after going through these checks, it’s time to check the internal engine. Undo the screws on the external shell of the lawnmower to reveal the engine inside – and take a look to see if any parts are damaged or worn.

5. Check also to see that there are no gas leaks from the pipelines or the engine.

6. Finally check to see if the oil is fresh – unchanged/stale oil can wear out the engine much faster.

My Lawnmower Won’t Cut Grass

1. If your lawn mower is running properly, but will not cut the grass, check the blades of your lawnmower. Turn off the engine and try to turn the blades manually while the mower is upside down.

2. Check to see that the rotor spinning the blades is connected to the engine and check to see if the engine is working. If the engine is working but the blades are not turning, check the connection between the rotor and the engine.

3. Check to see if the blades are dull as well. Unbalanced or dull blades can throw off the balance of the lawnmower – look for replacement blades in your local utility store if this is the case. Also check to see that the blades are set low enough on the mower that they will actually cut grass instead of just hovering in the air.

Additional Help

If you feel like you need professional help on lawn mower problems troubleshooting, or if you would like to find a lawn service, just use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three landscaping professionals in your area, who will be able to help you out.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Tips for Training Young Trees

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013

Training a tree is the process of pruning that creates good form and shape, as well as improves branch structure when the tree is young. Training is important for the tree’s health as well as the overall look of the tree. Keep reading to learn some tips for training young trees.

Why Train Young Trees?

Training trees improves their strength and structure. This corrective pruning method prevents the tree from having branch or trunk problems in the future, which means the tree will have a longer, healthier lifespan.

When to Train Young Trees

Training begins when the tree is 3 years old. This ensures that its growth is not stunted. You may begin removing dead, broken or diseased branches at any stage in the tree’s growth.

Tips for Training Young Trees

1. Pick a high branch to be the leader, in other words, the highest branch at the top to “lead” the tree upwards. There is usually a central stem that grows in the middle of the tree. Select the most vertically oriented stem and prune away the surrounding ones so that they do not compete for sunlight with the central stem.

2. Choose the lowest permanent branch. This scaffold branch will be determined by how you plan to use the tree and where the tree is located. For instance, if you plan on putting a sidewalk beneath the tree, you want the lowest permanent scaffold branch to be higher up so that you have room to comfortably walk beneath it. This branch must be strong and stably joined to the tree trunk, and must have a diameter of at most half of the trunk’s diameter where it is attached to the trunk.

3. Select the other permanent scaffold branches that are firmly and strongly attached to the trunk and remove competing branches. This will help the tree’s form and will help maintain a stable structure. The permanent scaffold branches should be about 12 inches apart from each other. Weak branches need to be removed or pruned in such a way to direct them.

4. As the tree ages, the scaffold branches will thicken and the space between them will decrease, so you may need to remove some of these branches.

Overall, prune just enough to direct the tree’s growth and correct structural weakness.

Additional Help

If you would like more tips for training young trees, or if you want professional help, just use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three high quality, local landscapers in your area, in just minutes!

Posted in Tree Removal | No Comments »

Does Interferential Electrotherapy Work?

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013

Interferential electrotherapy uses medium frequency electrical currents to stimulate the nerves and muscles and help relieve pain. Interferential therapy uses two medium frequency currents whose paths cross and interfere with one another. The interference of the currents imitates low frequency nerve stimulation that penetrates deeply into the nerves and muscles and helps heal soft tissue. So, does Interferential Electrotherapy work? Keep reading to find out!

Benefits of Interferential Electrotherapy

Pain Reduction

This form of therapy helps reduce pain in muscles and joints, as it relaxes the muscle while promoting endorphin release.

Decreases Swelling

Nerve swelling, which causes back pains, is significantly reduced with interferential electrotherapy. The electrical current releases the tension that strains nerves and causes them to painfully swell.

Muscle Toning

It can help support the strength in your muscles and maintain muscle tone until your health improves.

Movements Restoration

If your back feels stiff or too painful to function normally, interferential electrotherapy helps you regain your normal movements over time. As your muscles and nerves heal, you will eventually be pain-free.

Promotes Release of Endorphins

Interferential Electrotherapy stimulates your body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, to combat back pain.

Speeds up Healing

Muscle strains or ligament sprains heal quickly through Interferential Electrotherapy. It promotes muscle and soft tissue healing.

Control Muscle Spasms

The electric current will relax your muscle, allowing you to have more control over it.

Additional Help

This type of electrotherapy has no known side effects and is drug-free. Pregnant women should not use interferential electrotherapy. You should consult your doctor to see if interferential electrotherapy is appropriate for you. TalkLocal can help connect you with local, high quality chiropractors in seconds! Simply enter in your information and provide a brief description of what you need, when you need it, and where you are located. We will find the chiropractors for you!

Posted in Chiropractors | No Comments »

Seva Call Rocks- So We Put The Tech Cocktail DC Mixer on the Rocks!

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013

At the Tech Cocktail DC Mixer and Startup Showcase last week, they announced that our innovative, ambitious, tech-savvy peers voted Seva Call as DC’s Hottest Presenting Startup! We had to tether Seva Man’s over-inflated orange head to a table leg to keep it from floating all the way to the ceiling. Any guy comfortable in an orange leotard is bound to have a huge ego; and, the one thing Seva Man loves more than getting attention, (he stuck out like a tangerine in a barrel of suits, ties, Apples, and Blackberries), is earning recognition for Seva Call’s revolutionary service solution.

Check out this interview with our co-founder Manpreet Singh. Regarding why Seva Call was selected over the other amazing and inventive ideas featured at the event, according to Tech Cocktail’s Zach Davis:

“Finding local service providers -like dentists, computer repairmen, and movers- should be easy. Unfortunately, in many parts of the country it isn’t. Good news- for those who live in one of the sixteen cities covered by Seva Call (including DC, Boston, and Philadelphia), it is”.

Of course, DC is full of great minds doing incredible things, regardless of whether they presented that night. Like…

Relay Foods, a grocery delivery service that makes buying fresh produce straight from the farm super convenient! Now serving DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

SnobSwap, a high-fashion online clothing exchange that eradicates your retail addiction by helping you swap, sell, and nab gently loved designer finds!

AppTalia, a producer of children’s educational apps where children can learn a language, a life lesson, or age appropriate science-based answers to questions like “where does rain come from”!

Encore, a creative new way for organizations to connect with on-the-ground events and the people living them in real time!

And so much more!

We’re super humbled- well, Seva Man isn’t but the rest of us are- to have been recognized for a service based on an idea as simple as it is revolutionary: that you shouldn’t have to scour the whole world wide web to find and talk to local professionals.

Posted in Seva Call | No Comments »

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