How to Thin Trees

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

As summer melts into fall, it is important to take a look at the trees on your property and decide which ones need pruning. Ignoring this crucial chore could lead to devastating consequences for your home, especially if you live in an area that is prone to heavy, blustering fall winds and rain.

An overgrown, top-heavy tree could easily topple over into your home or drop dangerous branches in conditions of high wind. While you should call in the services of a professional arborist for specialty trees, you can deal with most of your trees by yourself. The key to learning how to thin trees effectively is to realize the effect pruning has on a tree.

Every cut and break you make to a tree’s structure and leaves is like a wound to the tree. When you thin a tree, you have to remove branches and foliage, but every lost leaf reduces the tree’s ability to photosynthesize and harness nutrients. That is why it is vital to the long-term health of your trees to prune them only as much as is necessary.

How to Prune Your Trees

There are a few basic methods you need to master when learning how to thin trees. The first is to step back and take a good look at your tree to determine where it needs pruning. Picture the tree canopy in the image of a perfect oval and remove any branches that fall outside that space.

Use pruning shears or a pruning saw on thicker branches. Make the cut at a slight upward angle just above the V where the branch you are removing meets the tree trunk or another branch. Make sure that you cut straight through the branch to prevent the bark from tearing downward. Stripping the bark from a tree makes it more susceptible to disease.

When to Prune Your Trees

Certain trees need to be thinned at certain times of the year. For instance, maple trees should only be thinned during summer, or if you’re feeling hardy enough, during winter. These are the times of the year when the tree’s sap is safely stored in its roots, meaning that you won’t have a big, sticky mess on your hands when you prune it. Before you prune any tree, it is best to determine its species and the appropriate pruning season for that tree. Also take care to never thin trees that are close to power and utility lines – if you have such a tree to deal with, it’s always best to call in a professional.

Need Professional Advice?

Learning how to thin trees takes time, patience, and some skilled guidance. If you need to consult with a professional arborist, visit TalkLocal’s website. We can help you find highly rated, certified arborists in your area via our free, online referral service.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Zombie-Proof Your Home: Cleaning Up the Mess

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Written by Steven D’Adamo

Sorry for the delay since my last update, TalkLocal fans. The Seva Team got caught up in Minnesota, helping some weary survivors rebuild their homes after the military launched Operation: Clean Sweep to wipe out the undead.

I hope you found my tips to help you zombie-proof your home useful. I sure enjoyed sharing the knowledge with you, though not so much the application of it.

The good news is that it’s finally over. The zombie apocalypse has been quashed thanks to our efforts (and probably also the might of the US military).

But I have some final advice to give you, and luckily, it doesn’t involve monsters or the end of the world. Nope, now it’s time to clean up the mess left behind by the now-dead undead, so we can all get back to our mundane, zombie-free lives.

1. Get the blood out with a combination of cold water, detergent, and ammonia on carpets. Read this article for a detailed description of the cleaning process.

2. Reuse as many materials as possible. Remember all of the reinforcing and furniture-moving I had you doing? You’re going to have to undo most of that. Maybe some of the modifications will be useful to you during hurricane season. Otherwise, refurbish the furniture, or use the plywood barricades to build new furniture.

3. Work to rebuild your community. Why just stop at your home? Help your neighbors too! Some of you might need some people-to-people interaction after being cooped up in your castle for weeks. Hooray new friends!

The zombie apocalypse might be over, but the Seva Team is still here, helping everyone help themselves.

Now get to cleaning and rebuilding! And good luck! Steve out.

Posted in Seva Team, talklocal | No Comments »

How Do I Know When to Replace Shocks?

Tuesday, August 27th, 2013

Leaky and Damaged Shocks

Knowing when to replace shocks is important if you want to keep your car in good shape. Replacing shocks is needed if your current shocks are damaged and leaking. You also need to replace your shocks if they are worn out from use. Unlike squeaky brakes, car shocks are more complicated to replace, and you definitely need professional help. You can tell if there is leakage if there is oily wetness on the exterior of the shocks or struts. Additionally, you can tell if there is damage when you can see that the mount is broken or the housing is dented.

Shocks that are Not Suitable

In some cases, the original shocks are not leaky, damaged, or worn out, but simply that they are not adequate for the demands of your car. In this instance, you need to replace your current shocks with more rigid ones. If the problem is the car oil; you also need to replace this too.

Unlike filters or plugs, shocks do not have a specific mileage needed before they can be replaced. However, knowing when to replace shocks after a certain mileage is reached is important, too. Most shocks need to be replaced after 30,000 to 40,000 miles, but the mileage for your car will vary greatly.

Pinpointing the exact time that shocks need to be replaced is sometimes hard, because by the time you realize that they need to be changed, it is usually way past the time that they actually need to be. The best way to consider when to replace shocks is by observing the ride of your car. If your car bounces excessively after a hump in the road, then your car’s shocks need to be replaced.

Finding a Professional

Are you having a hard time looking for a professional to evaluate your car’s shocks? TalkLocal can help you locate a professional near you. Give us a call today and feel the difference being in the hands of a professional makes.

Posted in Auto Repair | No Comments »

How Does Yoga Help You Lose Weight?

Tuesday, August 27th, 2013

Mind and Body Relaxation

Yoga is widely known to reduce stress. Did you know that stress is a big contributor to weight gain? By relaxing your mind and body, you are ensuring that you will be free from stress. Another thing that being stress-free can do is to help you stop emotional eating, which is the reason why a lot of people are overweight. During the stretching exercises in yoga, you can relax both your mind and your body.

Body Detoxification

When you are overweight, it also means that your body is high in toxicity. How does yoga help you lose weight? Yoga detoxifies your body through breathing exercises, which are important in detoxification. Also, yoga twists are specific yoga poses that help in detoxification.

Yoga also tones the inner organs, making them work better. Inner organs involved in detoxification, such as the kidneys and the liver, will work better if they are in good shape. Practicing yoga will even help you become lean.

Emotional Relief

While doing yoga, you can help yourself release emotional tension. By simply relaxing, you can overcome the emotions involved in being overweight, such as emotional eating and low self-esteem. A lot of people fall into the trap of overeating and emotional eating. This is not due to the fact that they are hungry, but due to the boredom and loneliness they are feeling. More often than not, people use food to relieve emotional stress. When bored or feeling bad, a lot of people resort to eating to overcome their emotions. Yoga reduces this by making you feel more confident about yourself and helping you release your emotions.

Looking For a Personal Trainer?

TalkLocal can help you locate a professional near you. Give us a call today, and let us help you achieve the body that you have been dreaming of.

Posted in Personal Trainers | No Comments »

How to Clean Limestone Fireplace

Tuesday, August 27th, 2013

A fireplace is a central point in any house, which not only keeps you warm in chilly weather, but also attracts attention through its aesthetic qualities. If you have a limestone fireplace, you are probably proud of its appearance and want to preserve it as long as possible. For that, you need to clean it regularly and protect it from possible damage. The following tips should make this easier for you.

Use the Right Cleaning Methods to Clean Limestone Fireplace

You can enjoy your limestone fireplace for a long time if you remember that limestone is a soft, natural rock that requires particular care. Its porous structure exposes it to various hazards, such as easy staining and scratching.

How Can You Keep Your Limestone Fireplace Clean and in Good Condition?

– Use soft cloths, preferably cotton, to clean the dust on your limestone fireplace.

– Don’t rub its surface with abrasive cleaning products, or you’ll scratch it and destroy its texture. Use liquid soap in a very low concentration. Make soft, circular motions when cleaning the surface of your limestone fireplace. Don’t apply pressure and don’t rub it forcefully or you might scratch it.

– Avoid sprays or wax, as they can produce discoloration and stains.

– This porous material absorbs water easily, that’s why it’s not advisable to place a flower vase on your limestone fireplace, as it will create spots on it that won’t come off when attempting to clean them.

– Refrain from placing objects, especially sharp or rough-edged items, directly on the mantel of your fireplace, as it can scratch easily.

How Can You Protect Your Clean Limestone Fireplace?

The simplest way to protect your fireplace is to have it sealed. This is very effective, especially if the fireplace is new. Sealants create a protection layer, preventing water and other liquids from penetrating through the limestone while at the same time protecting it from scratches or stains. Sealing your fireplace is a cost-effective solution that will preserve the beauty of your piece for years to come. For better results, it is advisable to apply two layers of sealant.

Additional Help

If you don’t have time to clean your limestone fireplace yourself or if you feel it’s safer to let a cleaning professional take care of it, TalkLocal can find you reliable maid services in the area, in no time.

Posted in Maid Services | 1 Comment »

What You Need to Know About Chimney Flue Repair

Tuesday, August 27th, 2013

The chimney is one of those unassuming, but extremely important parts of the house. Nobody notices the chimney except in two circumstances: during the holiday season when kids are expecting Santa to come through the chimney and when the chimney doesn’t work properly. Chimney flue repair and inspection are a must, because your family’s safety is at stake. Annual inspections are recommended, and if you notice any signs that tell you something is wrong, such as the possible smell of toxic gases, act immediately.

There are two ways to approach your chimney flue repair: You can do it yourself if you are familiar with such tasks, or ask for qualified help. If you decide to do it yourself, it is important to be very confident about the task, as fixing the chimney flue is essential. Your health and safety depend on it.

What Problems Can a Broken Chimney Flue Cause?

Besides safety and health concerns, a damaged chimney flue prevents your heating system from functioning properly and can lead to energy loss. By postponing a chimney flue repair job, you not only put yourself in danger, but also lose money.

What Does a Chimney Flue Repair Involve?

First of all, you need to clean the chimney flue to see exactly what is wrong. During this process, you will have to remove soot and debris and see whether there is a blockage or the bricks have been displaced. If the chimney flue is seriously damaged and you need to rebuild it completely, you might think twice before doing it by yourself.

After cleaning the chimney flue, remove the exterior bricks if they are loose or broken. Work carefully while on the roof. When you’re done, it’s time to replace old bricks with new ones. Try to find similar bricks to match the rest of the chimney. Use mortar to fix the bricks tightly and when the brickwork is ready, waterproof the chimney with caulking. This will prevent water from penetrating it and gas from finding a way out through cracks. The last stage of your chimney flue repair is finishing. Check for mortar chips and apply some more caulk to reinforce it.

Additional Help

Chimney repair is a serious job, and if you’re not experienced in home improvement projects of this kind, you might want to find a qualified professional to do it for you. TalkLocal can connect you with contractors and handymen specializing in chimney repairs in minutes.

Tags: chimney, chimney flue repair, chimney repair
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

Door Knob Latch Stuck

Tuesday, August 27th, 2013

Numerous homeowners who understand the basic lock-and-key mechanism choose to handle common, simple locksmith problems on their own. Armed with a lot of patience and the right set of tools, they open doors, install locks, and try to replace defective components. But do you have what it takes to handle a door knob latch stuck type of emergency situation in record time, without compromising the whole system?

How to solve your problem fast

A door latch can stop functioning properly for numerous reasons, including sudden atmospheric changes. If you are dealing with this problem, stay calm and follow these 4 simple steps to obtain the desirable results in record time.

1) Try to jiggle your door

If you find your door knob latch stuck inside your door’s strike hole, try to jiggle the door a bit, in order to unlock it fast without relying on any tools or special products.

2) Remove the door knob and clean your latch system

Here’s another helpful tip: Remove your door knob and take a closer look at the door latch mechanism. Its functionality could be compromised by a significant amount of dirt or other impurities. Clean it using water, let it dry, and then reinstall it properly.

3) Buy and apply a first-class lubricant

If the problem persists, follow a different approach: Purchase and apply high-quality, silicon- or petroleum-based lubricant, perfect for this kind of job. Some homeowners choose to utilize WD-40, while others rely on vegetable oil to solve their problem. Before applying the substance, it is advisable to contact a skilled locksmith in your area and ask for his opinion on this matter. Afterward, carefully lubricate all of the components of your locking system. This should be the end of your “door knob latch stuck” problem.

4) Simply remove and replace your door knob latch

If high-quality lubricant didn’t do the trick, this probably means that you should contact the best locksmith in your area and ask him or her to replace your door knob latch.

Find the right locksmith

You could always choose to conduct a DIY project, buy the new door knob yourself from almost any hardware store, and install it using a screwdriver. However, in case you would rather opt for professional services guaranteeing spectacular, long-term results, count on TalkLocal, your primary source of information to find the most reputable locksmith experts who are just one call away. Always solve your locksmith problems in a timely manner to avoid significant security threats that could disrupt your balance and put your safety on the line.

Posted in Locksmiths | No Comments »

Creating Consumer Loyalty: Make Relationships the Center of Your Universe

Tuesday, August 27th, 2013

Written by Talk Local Co-Founder, Manpreet Singh

Have you ever heard of a “Rogue Planet?” It’s a planet that, due to some catastrophic space event, got thrown out of it’s orbit and flung into interstellar space. It passes through galaxies with maybe a sun or other massive object slightly curving its trajectory. But ultimately, until a start of sufficient force draws it in, the planet will wander aimlessly through the cosmos.

Most small business owners would have a hard time convincing themselves that they are stars at the center of their customer’s hectic galaxy. After all, successful entrepreneurs see customer service and — by extension — customers as the most central. Yet, just as the sun performs a valuable service to it’s surrounding galactic community, an SMB is also central.

And while not every small business is strong enough to keep its local market in orbit, the good news is that the attraction is not a function of mass or size. It’s a matter of effort.

Here are 4 tricks for keeping past customers gravitating toward your small business, creating consumer loyalty:

Learn About Your Customers

Customers love being greeted by name, having their needs anticipated, and receiving thoughtful, personal attention. Major companies have Customer Relationship Management software to store and retrieve customer intelligence. But, even if you use an Excel spreadsheet and a Google Calendar to keep notes on customer interactions, it’s worth it. It not only improves their experience, but also helps you discover and seize new sales opportunities.

So, learn, ask questions, take notes, and pepper your conversations with details about family and recent life events. Above all, remember their previous professional inquiry to avoid redundancy. The personal attention each customer gets from repeat business with a well-informed business is something which they can’t possibly attain by sending their business elsewhere.

Make Outreach Personal

A birthday wish, a congratulatory message, or note of appreciation is always welcome… even from a marketer. And crafting personalized messages doesn’t mean you’ll end up sending a hundred emails per day. Collect the birth months of as many of your customers as possible. Once you’ve created email lists based on the month of birth, you only have to send 12 extra emails per year. Event planners, for example, may want to congratulate newly-weds on the anniversary of their weddings. Mechanics may want to send service reminders.

Just schedule an email delivery in advance using an e-card or e-newsletter service. Build from a template and add personal details about the customer’s experience while the memory is fresh. And, add the event to the calendar and review it regularly to ensure that customers feel memorable if they call in to redeem any offers.

Design a Loyalty Program

No incentive will compensate for poor service or products. However, giving customers a reason to remember you now that their needs are satisfied will make it easier for them to remember you when they have further need. A spa may add a free facial after the 5th massage or a gym may reward regular attendance. Just ensure that your program is designed with a reliable tracking method that puts customers in charge of the process. Also, ensure that the benefits outweigh the cost.

Leverage Social Media

If customers are using social media to stay connected to glue-sniffer who painted trees purple and love-tapped them in 1st grade, surely they can use social media to stay connected to a painter who beautified their 1st home. Get customers involved by marketing your social media pages right from the store-front and at the website too.

You may find it so valuable that you’ll want to offer discounts for customers who like you on Facebook. But, blasting promotional offers at followers all day is no way to build relationships. Instead, spend most of your efforts seeking to add value with interesting information and entertainment. Here are some tips on effective social media marketing.

Creating Consumer Loyalty

As our planet shrinks, consumer choice and access expands. So, technological advancement has been an event catastrophic enough to send many consumers adrift. It’s up to small businesses to draw these orphans back into orbit within their communities. It takes hard work, but it beats the cost of advertising.

Posted in Small Business Advice | No Comments »

Malware Infection Removal

Monday, August 26th, 2013

Once installed on your computer, malware can defend itself. This means that malware can hide itself from being detected by antivirus programs installed on your computer or even attempt to damage any security programs you have.

With that being said, it is advised that you try running a malware infection removal program. Virus scanners hosted on an online website are free from the reach of the virus infecting your computer, which means that it can provide an objective result.

Online scanners, however, may not detect all of the threats on your computer. For a better result, it is generally advised to try multiple reputable scanners and use the methods listed below.

Run Anti-Virus Software in Safe Mode

The Safe Mode is a mode of computer operation that boots up only the core components required for the computer to function. That means that any downloaded programs in your computer will have no effect, since they are not put into operation. The safe mode is generally used to remove or undo poorly configured software that might have messed up the operating system or to remove viruses infecting your computer.

To boot up your computer using the Safe Mode and run a scan, follow these steps.

1. During the computer bootup, enter the Safe Mode by pressing the F8 Key.

2. As the computer starts up, select the option “Safe Mode With Networking”.

3. Successfully boot into Safe Mode.

4. Run another scan using your anti-virus scanners once you are logged into the system.

Running a scan while in Safe Mode provides an objective result of the scan, much like the online scanners. Some existing anti-virus programs already have a setting to run a scan during bootup built into their own system — AVAST is a popular example.

So What If a Virus Has Been Detected?

Regarding computer security, it’s always better to be safe then sorry. Consider changing your passwords once a threat has been identified. It’s also important to prevent threats from happening in the future – download and run highly maintained anti-virus programs and avoid downloading suspicious files.

If there is a bigger problem that requires the help of a professional, TalkLocal can connect you with the right local expert to fix your issue. You’ll be on the phone with the right professional in just minutes.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

What is a Roof Valley?

Monday, August 26th, 2013

If you are planning to take up a home improvement task or doing your own roofing this season, you may need an answer to the question, what is a roof valley? A roof valley essentially is the joint where two slopes of a roof meet. This is the place where rainwater collects and flows down. Proper installation and waterproofing of a roof valley are very important to make sure water does not enter the roof.

There are essentially two types of roof valleys: open valleys and closed valleys. In the case of an open valley, a trough is created with a waterproof material along the valley. This lets all of the water drain down. In the case of a closed valley, shingles are applied all over the valley and the water simply runs over them naturally. While both methods have been almost equally effective, the closed valley is the preferred style these days because of the high efficiency of ice/water shield waterproofing material and also the larger aesthetic appeal.

Installing a Roof Valley

1. To successfully install a roof valley, first of all, carefully line the valley with an ice and water shield and nail it in place. It is better to have someone help with the right positioning of the shield.

2. Once done, take the metal flashing, place it in the center appropriately and start nailing that in place, too, after carefully pressing it down to stick to the shielding.

3. Use metal flashing strips no more than 10 feet long and make sure the upper one overlaps the lower one by at least 6 inches. This will ensure that no water gets in. Once done, cover up the flashing with the help of roofing cement.

4. Next comes the roll roofing. It is best to apply two layers of roll roofing, the first one with the mineral side facing down and another layer with the mineral side facing up. Having done that successfully, carefully shingle the valley and seal the shingles with roofing cement. You are now good to go with a waterproof roof valley.

Need a Roofing Contractor?

Roof valley installations are best performed by trained professionals. So if you need a professional roofer, let us at TalkLocal help you choose the best one in your area for free and connect you directly to an expert professional who will take care of your roofing needs.

Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

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