Add Some Fall Color to Your Landscape

By Nancy Penrose


During photosynthesis, trees use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugar (food). As autumn approaches, the sunlight begins to decrease and temperatures start to drop. In preparation for its winter rest, the tree’s photosynthesis process declines as well, causing a reduction in the production of chlorophyll. As less and less chlorophyll is produced, other leaf colors become visible.

The intensity of certain colors can change each year, depending on the temperature. When sunny days are followed by cold nights, more red will appear in the leaves. This is because the cooler temperatures in the evening inhibit the flow of sugar to the leaves, branches and tree trunk.

Yellow, orange and gold colors will remain the same level of vibrancy regardless of weather fluctuations.

Leaves will turn brown when the weather gets too cold.

Maple tree varieties often have the broadest range of fall leaf colors.

The October Glory maple, also known as the scarlet maple and red maple trees, are fast growing trees with leaves in brilliant shades of burgundy and crimson. They can reach heights of between 40 to 50 feet, with a spread up to 35 feet.

During the spring and summer, the leaves are a shiny dark green. The blades of the leaf are approximately 2 to 4 inches in length. October Glory maples do well in most soil types, including sand, loam and clay. The tree is frequently used in landscaping for shade and screens.

The Red Sunset maple can grow up to 60 feet in height, with a spread of up to 40 feet. During the fall, the tree’s leaves change from green to orange and red. Red Sunset maples also grow quickly – approximately 2 feet per year. Although they prefer full sun, they will also grow in the shade.

Vine maples are native to the Pacific Northwest. This beautiful, small tree is also a fast grower, reaching heights of up to 15 feet with multiple trunks and a spread of up to 20 feet in width. During the fall, the tree’s foliage turns scarlet and orange. Vine maples are an excellent landscape tree, with their showy leaves, purple and white flowers and scarlet samaras (dry fruit).

The autumn blaze maple also has spectacular fall color, turning from a rich green to orange and crimson. It has the vigor of a silver maple combined with the beauty of red maple trees. The tree grows up to 60 feet tall with a spread as wide as 40 feet. It is another fast grower, with dense and healthy branching.

If you are looking for a tree that will add color to your landscape during the fall and winter, contact a Seattle nursery trees big tree specialist to find out what trees will grow best in your planting environment.

Big Trees Inc. Assists in Seahawks Opening Day Festivities

Big Trees Inc. Transplanted and Preserved Trees to Make Way for Concert Stage

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/) a tree transplanting and tree nursery company located in the Seattle metropolitan area, was recently called upon to move several large trees in preparation for the Seattle Seahawks' opening day festivities on September 4th.

Several Japanese maples and rhododendrons stood in the planting bed at Century Link Field, exactly in the location planned for the pre-game concert stage. Due to Big Trees Inc.'s long experience in tree transplanting, the company was asked to come and remove the trees in root balls before the stage construction began.

The trees were put in root balls and transported by Big Trees Inc. expert tree movers. At the nursery, they were then placed into a storage bed and kept watered. Subsequently, the stage construction proceeded to completion, and the live pre-game concert was held—both kicking off the 2014 NFL season, and recognizing Seattle Seahawks' achievement as reigning Super Bowl champions. Once the festivities were complete and the stage was taken down, Big Trees Inc. again put the stored trees into root balls and returned them to their planting bed, reinstalling them in their original positions.

“We were glad to play our role in this Seattle-wide celebration, and preserve the beautiful trees of Century Link Field in the bargain, so they could be put back in their original place after the ceremony!” says Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees, Inc. “GO HAWKS!”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

The Napa Earthquake – Another Warning

By Shawn Kyles

The recent earthquake in Napa, California is a reminder that seismic activity can occur at any time and cause considerable damage. The magnitude-6 quake hit at 3:20 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Damage is currently estimated at $1 billion – a harsh economic hit for an area with a population estimated at less than 150,000. Some predict that figure will increase to as much as $4 billion.

Approximately 50 buildings were red-tagged, and 100 building were yellow-tagged due to quake damage. It was the biggest quake to strike the Bay Area since the 6.9 Loma Prieta quake in 1989. The Loma Prieta earthquake was responsible for the deaths of 63 people and over 3,700 injuries.

Many of the structures damaged in Napa were masonry buildings. Thirty years ago California adopted a law to encourage earthquake retrofitting of old buildings. However, thousands of buildings have still not been upgraded.

Has your home been retrofitted for an earthquake?

Seismic activity occurs only a daily basis in California. Within the past 8 months, there have been four moderate to large quakes ranging in magnitude from 4.4 to 6.8., two of which occurred in Southern California.

Earthquake retrofitting increases a structure’s ability to withstand seismic activity, including ground motion and ground failure.

During a quake, ground motion is caused by the release of energy that occurs when the rocks on a fault move or “slip.” The motion is measured based on the duration of the quake, frequency of the shaking, ground motion velocity and acceleration. Ground motion from an earthquake will usually have little impact on you when you are outdoors in an open area. Homes and other structures however, can be severely damaged by ground motion.

Ground motion is considered strong when it occurs 30 miles from the fault.

Ground failure (also called soil failure) occurs when the soil a structure is built on is weak. Sandy and silt soil are weak soils that can start to sink during a quake. Liquification is a type of sinking that typically occurs when ground water is less than 30 feet from the surface. The seismic waves simply force the sand grains apart, causing the ground to become semi-solid.

There are several factors that determine whether or not liquification will occur during a quake, including the strength and location of the quake, where the water table is located and the grain size of the soil.

Not only can soil cause foundation sinking, it can also escalate the severity of the seismic wave.

Some of the ways homes are retrofitted include foundation bolting, bracing and adding brackets. The purpose of the retrofitting is to minimize damage from a quake and make the building safer for occupants. A cripple wall is the wall between the floor and foundation. It can be only a few inches in height or several feet tall. When a cripple wall collapses during a quake, the floor drops to the ground.

Bolting involves reinforcing the connection between wooden frames and concrete foundations. The bolts go through the wood and are attached to the foundation’s surface.

Homes that haven’t been retrofitted can slide off their foundation and overturn. Cripple walls can also buckle and collapse, at the least creating the need for expensive foundation repair.

To find out if your home is ready for the next big quake, contact a foundation specialist. Experienced foundation contractors can inspect your home and create a retrofitting plan to make your house safer. Earthquake preparedness can save you your home.

Slab Repair Projects Range from DIY to Major Repairs

Construction Company Says Slab Repair Can be DIY or Need Professional Attention

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a foundation repair and foundation construction company, are warning homeowners to get a foundation inspection before beginning on slab repairs. According to the company, an inspection of the foundation can determine the extent of the foundation problem and whether it is a DIY project or if the foundation is in need of professional attention.

An executive at the company stated: “Some cracks in the slab can be repaired in a very simple manner and do not require a foundation expert. But in the situation where experience is needed, Julian Construction can check the condition and help put your slab footing back in order. The following are some symptoms to look for in determining if you have a broken slab: Stretched or buckled linoleum flooring, Unlevel floors, Broken floor tiles, Bumps in carpet, Cracks around windows and door frames, Sloping floors, Domed floors in center of room, Sticky doors or windows that are difficult to open and close.”

Julian De La Torre, owner and founder of Julian Construction, stated: “We cannot stress enough the importance of getting an inspection before starting a project to repair a broken or cracked slab. It could be as simple as getting the supplies and repairing it. But if the damage is bad enough, the project will not help and the work will have to be redone. A professional inspection will tell you exactly what you’re looking at and how to fix it. That way your home’s foundation remains structurally sound.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

Inspection an Important Part of the Foundation Repair Process

Construction Company on how Foundation Inspection Can Save on Costly Repairs

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://julianconstruction.com/) a general construction and foundation construction company in Southern California, recently released an article on how regular foundation inspection is an important part of keeping up the maintenance on a home. Regular inspections of a home foundation will detect foundation problems before they become more extensive, says the company. Julian Construction has over 10 years of experience in the field of foundation construction and foundation repair.

Shawn Kyles, chief safety inspector at Julian Construction, stressed that while foundation repairs are often needed, the extent of foundation damage can be drastically reduced by foundation inspections of a home. He stated: “A home foundation inspection by a qualified expert is not only an important part of foundation maintenance, it can prevent the need for expensive repairs or foundation replacement. You’ll also get peace of mind knowing that your foundation is in good shape. When you request an inspection, both the outside and inside of your home will be checked for evidence of foundation problems.”

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “We find that with a regular inspection, the homeowner knows the status of their foundation. They know if there is damage that needs to be addressed. Problems are picked up early. Because foundation problems can cause other problems throughout the house, fixing the foundation early ensures the structural integrity of the rest of the house. We are comforted by knowing we help homeowners rest at ease about the state of their home.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

Big Trees Inc Sets Up Emergency Privacy Screen for Client

Homeowners Relieved at Addition of New Privacy Trees Screen

SEATTLE, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/) a tree transplanting company and tree nursery in the Seattle area, recently assisted a local homeowner with a privacy screening emergency. The issue came up when a previously vacant lot began home development, and the property sold.

 Big Trees Inc. assisted the homeowner in setting up a privacy tree screen between the homes.

Big Trees assisted the builder in choosing a tall variety of tree that remains columnar as it grows to the height range needed for the privacy screening of both properties. 18’ Crimson Spire Oak trees were used in the project, planted in measured spacing along the edge of the side yard. These trees were recommended by Big Trees Inc. because of their ability to hold their leaves well into the fall, and thick branch structure. Even when the trees drop their leaves, they are still providing a privacy screen between the homes. The project encountered many unforeseen difficulties, such as some trees needing to be moved and replanted to allow access for the crews and equipment necessary to accomplish the project.

Todd Holmes, operations manager of Big Trees Inc., stated: “Big Trees worked hard to assist the homeowners in their predicament, and in spite of the summer months and impending sale of the home, the project was organized and executed to the client’s expectations.”

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc., stated: “This project had a few complications, such as the unexpected additional trees needing to be moved and the short overall deadline. But it all went very well. The privacy screen is up and in addition to the trees themselves being a beautiful, both neighbors can now enjoy the privacy provided.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

How Trees Grow

By Nancy Penrose

Trees pass through many stages as they grow. If a tree starts its life as a seed, it will initially grow a short stem. Most of its energy will be used to continue the growing process.

Young trees are typically small and thin. During this early period they are also vulnerable. Both seedlings and transplant trees will not only need space to grow but also protection from the environment. Tree growth will be centered around the root system and canopy. Branches will become long and slender. Very little pruning is needed during this period.

Once a tree has become established, it will grow at a fast pace. The tree will have an increased ability to defend itself against pests, illness and disease. A good branch structure can be created during this period with pruning.

Saplings are trees that have reached several feet in height and whose growth process has started to slow down. Most saplings have a trunk that is a foot or less in diameter. Saplings will often look like mature trees in size, without being able to reproduce.

When a tree reaches maturity, branches will be strong with abundant foliage and the tree can reproduce. Tree limbs will continue to grow, but at a slower rate. This is the time when a tree is at its strongest. Mature trees can be thinned to maintain the tree’s health and appearance.

During the later stages of maturity, many older trees will develop flat-topped canopies. Major limbs may also start to die and the tree’s energy resources will decline. The trees ability to produce seeds will also reduce.

Pruning dead limbs from an older tree will help maintain its health. Consider the health of the tree before pruning. Older trees cannot recover from over-pruning like younger trees. Pruning an older tree also makes it more susceptible to insects and disease. Tree nurserys have arborists that can give you advice on the best care for your type of tree.

During the end stages of a tree’s life (also called senescence) more limbs die and break. The tree will also lose its ability to ward off pests and disease. The trunks of senescent trees will typically become hollow. Eventually, the tree may fall. Senescent trees that die and remain standing are called deadwood.

There are many factors that determine how long a tree will live, including the overall health of the tree, environmental factors and maintenance. The size of a tree depends on the species.

Trees like the Western white pine, a timber tree, can grow up to 160 feet tall. White bark pines will reach 40 feet tall. The Sitka spruce can grow as tall as 140 feet. A Douglas fir can reach heights of up to 200 feet.

Dead trees should be removed by a certified arborist. Falling branches or limbs can cause injuries and damage power lines, as well as property. A big tree specialist who is expert in big tree moving will have the equipment that is needed to remove a dead tree before it falls. Someone with experience will also know the best way to remove the tree from your property.

Developmental Editor’s Author Client to be Published in September

Editor Susan Mary Malone’s Most Recent Author Client to Publish First Novel “TROUBLE BREWING”

DALLAS, TX: Susan Mary Malone (http://www.maloneeditorial.com/) developmental editor, has announced that another of her author clients, Adam Ruskin, is having a book published through a traditional publishing company in September. Ruskin’s first novel, “Trouble Brewing”, will be published later this month to bookstores across the nation. Susan Malone edited the book for Ruskin, working with the author on the plot and character development, quite in addition to the book proofreading. This will be Ms. Malone’s 45th book that she has edited, to be published through a traditional publisher.

The author, Adam Ruskin, stated the following on working with Susan Malone: "How good a book editor is Susan? Let me put it this way: I'm hesitant to tell too many other writers how fantastic she is because I don't want to have to stand in line next time I have a manuscript that needs her help."

Miss Malone stated: “It was such a rewarding experience working with Adam on his novel, for everyone involved in the project. I saw him grow a lot as an author, as often happens in the process of drafting and editing the first novel of an author. In book editing, I’m always struck by the individuality and creativity, which is so unique to that author. The only thing missing from these works are the elements of storytelling, which help properly convey the story to its audience. That’s exactly what has happened with this book, and I couldn’t be happier for Adam.”

Susan Mary Malone has worked as a freelance editor since 1993, with a BS in Political Science and minors in English and Journalism. Her client list includes NY Times Bestsellers, Essence Bestsellers and books featured in Publishers Weekly. She is also an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction herself. She participates as a speaker in literary conferences such as the Harriett Austin Writer's Conference (at the University of Georgia), the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference, the SouthWest Writer's Conference, the East Texas Writer’s Guild, and the Lexicon Writer’s Conference, among others. Her full biography and featured list of published authors can be viewed at http://www.maloneeditorial.com