BigTreeSupply.com: Enhancing Your Landscape with Trees

By Nancy Penrose

Many of the trees used in landscaping are ornamental trees with interesting features such as bark, leaves or flowers. Even the shape of a tree can enhance a landscape’s appearance. Landscape trees can also be used as privacy trees, to create shade, or as a backdrop for other environmental elements.

Before purchasing trees for your landscape, find out what type of soil you have on your property. Soil requirements can vary from one tree species to another. Also consider the drainage and the depth of the soil when deciding what trees are best suited for your planting environment.

Other factors that you should pay attention to include the tree’s height and diameter when it reaches maturity. Tall trees can interfere with power lines. Pruning can help maintain the tree’s height, but it can also impact its natural shape. Avoid planting trees with low branches next to driveways, walkways or other traffic areas. And make sure that a tree that bears fruit is not placed near pools, fountains or other types of water features.

One way to find out what trees will grow best in your area is to take a walk around your neighborhood. Look for healthy trees that thrive throughout the year.

Develop a landscape plan before making any purchases. To reduce the financial impact of buying a large number of trees all at once, implement the plan in phases.

When you do buy a big tree, make sure it is in good health. Look for good bark, a straight trunk, firm but pliable leaves, as well as well-distributed branches with proper spacing.

Trees can add significant beauty to a landscape. They can also increase the functionality of the space. A big tree arborist can help you choose big trees best suited for your landscape and make sure your landscape plan will work.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree landscapes at http://bigtreesupply.com/sales-inventory/ and for more tips on trees for privacy and landscaping go to privacytree.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAD7E8r51bY and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Crowder Law Center Settles Fraudulent Transfer Lawsuit

LOS ANGELES, CA: Los Angeles Attorney Douglas A. Crowder (http://crowderlaw.com) and the Crowder Law Center recently settled a fraudulent transfer lawsuit on which they had worked since 2014.

A fraudulent transfer is where a debtor sells or gives away an asset (such as money, real estate or equipment) with the actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud a creditor. In this case, the debtor, prior to filing a bankruptcy, gave several pieces of real estate to a family trust, and was then unable to repay her debts, including substantial loans from former friends.

Crowder Law Center was hired by two creditors, then later by the Trustee appointed by the Bankruptcy Court, to file an “Adversary Proceeding” (a lawsuit which is part of the Bankruptcy proceeding) to “avoid” (meaning set aside or nullify) the transfer of real estate to the family trust. The goal was to have the properties taken out of the family trust and put back into the debtor’s name, so that the Bankruptcy Trustee could take the properties and sell them for the benefit of the creditors.

Douglas Crowder stated “The debtor and the family trust both put up a strong defense, hiring two good law firms. But the case ended up settling, which allowed the creditors to get repaid a lot more on their loans than they would have if the real estate transfer had been allowed to stand.”

Mr. Crowder has been practicing debt relief and other areas of law in California since 1989. Those interested in more information on the Crowder Law Center can contact Mr. Crowder’s office at 213-325-3040, by email at dcrowder@crowderlaw.com, or on their website at http://crowderlaw.com.

JulianConstruction.com: Repairing Stucco

By Julian De La Torre

Stucco is a type of plaster that is used in commercial and residential structures to coat wall surfaces and molding. It is made from Portland cement, sand, lime and water.

Because of its strength and durability, it can be applied to exterior as well as interior walls. When used for exterior work, it can withstand many different types of weather conditions, as well as pests. Moisture can also penetrate and pass through stucco, which prevents rot. Stucco is also extremely low-maintenance, and resistant to fire and rust.

Many different types of materials can be coated with stucco, including brick, stone, concrete, metal, wood and adobe. The color of stucco can be changed by adding pigment. Different textures can also be created to make stucco look like wood, brick and stone.

Stucco is usually applied to a surface in one, two or three layers. It's applied wet, and then left to harden. When three layers are used, the first layer is applied with a trowel and then scratched for the second layer. The third layer is the finish coat.

Stucco, oftentimes, needs to be reinforced with plastic or wire mesh to prevent movement.
Similar to other types of building materials, stucco can become damaged over the years. Common problems associated with damage include chipping and cracking, and tiny holes can also appear.

If the stucco on your wall is starting to deteriorate, get it fixed as soon as possible. Water can penetrate cracks and holes, which can end up causing damage to the rest of the building and result in more costly repairs.

The damage may also be a sign of foundation issues like settlement. A foundation repair expert can find out what is causing your stucco problems, do the necessary steps for fixing foundation cracks, and also alert you to any other structural situations that may need to be corrected.


Julian De La Torre, expert foundation contractors in Los Angeles, house leveling & foundation repair Los Angeles and founder of Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com), has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms & local departments of building & safety. The company has done more home foundation inspection, foundation repair (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years (http://julianconstruction.com/services/foundation-repair/). Julian Construction owns its own company and is a "no middlemen" model--no salesmen or subcontractors--you get the principals of the company & its workers under your home.

See their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI6-SXw6Z1c and visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Julian-Construction-99434631315/?fref=ts

Julian Construction Offers Home Foundation Replacement

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation construction and repair company in Los Angeles, offers full home foundation replacement services.

Foundation replacement involves removing the entire current groundwork, putting in fresh wood forms and pouring new concrete, reinforced with steel rebar. Most homes in California do not have a basement, which makes the foundation replacement process that much easier for residents.

There are many reasons why a home would need full foundation replacement. Some homes were built without a concrete and steel foundation, while others were made of un-reinforced masonry, that of brick or stone. In some cases, the original concrete was made of poor quality materials or has been badly deteriorated over the years. If you live in a pre-1930s home, the foundation most likely needs replacement.

"Full foundation replacement can be scary for a home owner. It helps to hire a company like ours that has lots of experience with foundation replacement. Plus, today in most cases, you can continue to live in your home while the foundation replacement process is ongoing. And finally, our company offers financing, which can make the whole process easier," Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction says.

The company has produced a video explaining foundation replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUY77ktTIEk

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, http://www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/ and http://quakeproofers.com/.

Julian Construction Offers Earthquake Retrofitting

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, offers earthquake retrofitting, also known as house bolting.

Earthquake retrofitting is the process of firmly attaching a house to its concrete foundation using foundation plates and anchor bolts. If a home is not firmly connected to its foundation in this way, a severe earthquake can cause the home to move off the foundation.

Julian Construction Inc. specializes in foundation bolting and the bracing of cripple walls (short stud walls between the floor and foundation of some houses) by using structural-grade plywood which, if needed, provides greater resistance to earthquakes.

“California is earthquake country. There are multiple earthquakes happening every single day in California. Many of these earthquakes are minor, but we never know when a major quake is going to happen. And when it does, you’d be relieved if you had taken the steps to ensure your home is properly secured to its foundation,” notes Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction.

The company has produced a video explaining house bolting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiJu5fuLLA8

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, http://www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/ and http://quakeproofers.com/.

Brite Smiles Dental Care Urges Public to Get Regular Dental Care

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley is urging the public to get regular dental care and is listing out numerous articles showing the various benefits of regular dental care.
Dr. Dennis Simmons, founder of Brite Smiles Dental Care stated: “If a patient comes in routinely for their preventative dental services, their out of pocket expense is usually less and the overall cost of dental care is less. Their health is better overall, including their heart health. So patients should come in before the end of the year and use up their maximum insurance benefits. These various articles show the benefits of regular preventive dental care.”

• 6 things a dental cleaning can do for you - Delta Dental
  https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/teeth_cleaning.html
  This article covers 6 Benefits of regular oral hygiene visits including: prevention of cavities and tooth loss; brightening your smile; freshening your breath; boosting your overall health and saving money.
  
  
• 10 Benefits of Clean Teeth and A Healthy Mouth
  http://www.evolvedental.com.au/resources/blog/10-benefits-clean-teeth-and-healthy-mouth
  This article from Evolve Dental goes into more detail about the benefits of regular preventive dentistry visits including: money savings, freshening your breath, staying kissable, preventing gum disease, reducing your chances of heart attack and stroke, minimizing chances of diabetes, having healthy babies, preventing dementia and removing stains!
  
  
• Preventive Dentistry: Care Today, Savings Tomorrow
  http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/preventive-dentistry/
  This article from the consumer guide to dentistry covers all the ways that regular dental care can save money. They cover when you should start seeing a dentist and how you can continue your oral hygiene at home. It also goes over the different things the dentist does to promote oral health such as yearly X-rays, fluoride rinses as well as how orthodontics can help keep your lifetime dental costs down as well.
  
  
• The Importance of Regular Dental Visits
  https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-care-topics/the-importance-of-regular-dental-visits
  This article from Oral-B covers the importance of regular dental visits. It tells readers how often they should see the dentist and covers the different parts of their oral exam, the head and neck exam, their clinical dental exam and their actual cleaning.
  
  
• Dental Visits May Provide Health Benefits Beyond Your Teeth: Study Says
  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/13/dental-cleaning-stroke-heart-attack_n_1088943.html
  This article from the Huffington Post covers a study done linking dental cleanings to heart health.
  
  

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then he has participated in over 3000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders, and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on orthodontics services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

BigTreeSupply.com: Supporting Trees with Cables and Braces

By Nancy Penrose

Sometimes trees grow so large they can no longer support their own weight. This is a common problem with a mature tree or big trees that have multiple trunks or large canopies. Trees with branches attached in a “V” shape can have similar issues. The problem can be exacerbated during winter months, when rain and snow increases the weight of a tree’s foliage. Strong winds will also make the situation worse.

Too much weight can also occur when a tree has long and heavy limbs, particularly if they grow downward or horizontally.
If a tree has been planted in shallow or compacted soil, support difficulties can occur as well.

When a tree can’t support itself properly, it can fall, which can lead to property damage and personal injuries.

Pruning is one way to keep tree weight down. However, at some point, cables and braces may be necessary to give a tree the additional and permanent support it needs.

Cables, which are placed high in the tree, reduce branch movement and breakage. Braces are installed below or above the branch that needs support. Many times, cables and braces are installed together.

Both cables and braces come in a variety of materials and strength. Depending on the tree, some will need a single cable, while others will require multiple cables placed in the shape of a box or triangle. How many braces are used will also depend on the tree and branch that needs support.

After installing a cable or brace, make sure to check it for weather damage throughout the year.
If you’re worried about a tree on your property, ask a big trees specialist about your tree care options.
Someone with big tree experience will know whether or not the tree can be saved with additional support, or if it would be more cost-effective to purchase a new tree. If cables and braces can save your tree, a big tree expert can show you what type of support to use and where to place it.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree care at http://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on tree care or installation go to snohomishbigtrees.com. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_x12IYgYbg and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Big Trees Inc. Plants Large Cedars for Local Golf Club

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, has been contracted by a prominent local golf club to help manage a large tree issue on the greens.

Big Trees was contacted about this project 2 years ago, to begin considering solutions and availability of larger trees. There was a specific green in the course that was exposed to distractions and outside activities off the course’s property. The plan was to plant several large trees to form a privacy screen. The club came to agree on 6 large 18’-20’ Incense Cedars to use for this screening effort, and Big Trees located the material and prepared the plants for handling.

Once the materials and trees were onsite, the rest of the project went smoothly. The trees were planted to the club’s satisfaction, and the view that was a distraction became a non-issue. Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees, stated; “We have many relationships with the golfing communities throughout the Puget Sound region. There’s nothing quite like a set of large trees to help settle down and solve issues on a golf course. And it’s really fun to get to see our handiwork in person occasionally when out on the links!”

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/

BCS Recommends Public Download List of 300 Studies Linking Illness to Mold

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services recommends the public download a list of more than 300 studies linking contaminants in water-damaged and mold-impacted buildings with various illnesses.

The list was compiled by MomsAware.org, an organization whose mission is to provide practical assistance to families and individuals harmed by toxic mold, and to raise public awareness of the negative impact of toxic mold, chemicals, pesticides, and other environmental hazards on their health.

The website offers a list of studies that may be downloaded and shared with others who need to know the connection between water-damaged buildings and adverse health conditions.

Click here: http://www.momsaware.org/symptoms-of-mold-exposure/505-mold-illness-studies.html

Kathy Liverance, co-owner of Building Cleaning Services, stated: “We urge the public to take advantage of this information compiled by MomsAware.org, linking various health problems with mold and water damage. And we urge anyone who suspects they have mold in their home to get the residence tested by a certified mold inspector as soon as possible, to avoid health problems for their family.”

BCS performs mold remediation and environmental deep cleanings in office buildings, apartments and homes in the greater Los Angeles area. BCS is often chosen for the job because it consistently gets excellent results. Reviews of BCS’s work is available on Yelp at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

For more information about mold, go to BCS’s informational website (http://www.buildingcleaningservices.net).

BCS provides water damage handling, mold removal services, environmental deep cleaning, post construction cleaning, and commercial janitorial services for the Greater Los Angeles area and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have nearly 20 years of experience as a company with excellent service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

Building Cleaning Services Alerts the Public of Danger of Mold in Older Office Buildings

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services (BCS) (http://buildingcleaningservices.net), a mold remediation company, is alerting the public of the dangers of mold in older office buildings. This comes in light of a recent $1 million mold remediation project that has been proposed to remove mold in a Department of Education building in Dandridge,Tennesee.

The proposal is to restore the Department of Education building, part of which was built in 1845. Mold problems caused the office staff to move out in July of this year and find quarters in a bank building in Dandridge. The mold removal proposal is being considered, as opposed to a $11 million proposal for a brand new building.

Kathy Liverance, co-owner of Building Cleaning Services, stated: “It is vital for owners and managers of older office buildings, to be on the lookout for mold and have an independent mold inspector test for mold whenever common signs are present, such as water staining, musty odors, etc. We see this often in buildings we work on in the Los Angeles area. If mold is suspected, it is best to have testing done by an independent company that doesn’t do the actual mold removal work. That way there is no conflict of interest.”

BCS performs mold remediation and environmental deep cleanings in office buildings, apartments and homes. BCS is often chosen for the job because it consistently gets excellent results. Reviews of BCS’s work is available on Yelp at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

For more information about mold removal, go to BCS’s informational website (http://buildingcleaningservices.net).

BCS provides water damage dry out, mold removal services, environmental deep cleaning, post construction cleaning, and commercial janitorial services for the Greater Los Angeles area and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with excellent service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

Study Reveals Possible Role Mold Plays in Asthma Development

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services (BCS) (http://buildingcleaningservices.net), wants the public to be aware of a study released in September 2011 that shows exposure to mold at certain points in a child’s development has an impact on the development of asthma.

The study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and by scientists at the University of Cincinnati (UC) found that mold exposure during a critical window of child development was associated with a three-fold greater risk for asthma later in childhood.

Information on the NIEHS study can be found here:
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2011/september/science-asthma/index.cfm

This study also references previous other studies where asthma is estimated to cause several thousand deaths each year and to cost more than $15 billion per year in direct medical expenses.

Kathy Liverance, co-owner of Building Cleaning Services, stated: “It is important for parents of young children to be aware of the signs of mold in their homes, and when mold is suspected, to get the residence tested by a certified mold inspector as soon as possible. Asthma is a serious problem, and when we know there is a correlation between mold and asthma, it becomes even more important to remove mold when it shows up.”

BCS performs mold remediation and environmental deep cleanings in office buildings, apartments and homes. BCS is often chosen for the job because it consistently gets excellent results. Reviews of BCS’s work is available on Yelp at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

For more information about mold removal, go to BCS’s informational website (http://buildingcleaningservices.net).

BCS provides water damage dry out, mold removal services, environmental deep cleaning, post construction cleaning, and commercial janitorial services for the Greater Los Angeles area and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have nearly 20 years of experience as a company with excellent service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

Brite Smiles Dental Care Now Offering FastBraces® Turbo™ Braces

New Technical Advance Allows Braces in Just 100 Days

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley is now offering teeth straightening with FastBraces® Turbo™ in 100 days or less.

FastBraces® Turbo™ braces are the latest in cutting edge orthodontic technology offered by Brite Smiles Dental Care.

Dr. Dennis Simmons, founder of Brite Smiles Dental Care stated “You really can get your teeth beautifully straightened in 100 days or less due to the FastBraces® Turbo™ brackets, which are uniquely different. These are faster than fast and have the same great results for the patient – straight and beautiful teeth that stay straight forever. We are proud to offer this new technical advance to our patients.”

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then he has participated in over 3000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders, and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on orthodontics services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Crowder Law Center Holds “Trial of the Century” Songwriting Contest

LOS ANGELES, CA: Los Angeles Attorney Douglas A. Crowder (http://crowderlaw.com) is holding a songwriting contest in which the first prize is $1,000, second prize is $500, and third prize is $250.

Dubbed the “Trial of the Century Songwriting Contest,” the contest is specifically for songwriters to write music to go along with lyrics written by Crowder for a musical comedy play entitled “Trial of the Century.” Crowder has written lyrics for 14 songs to be used in the musical, and contest entrants can write music for one or all of the 14 songs.

Douglas Crowder stated “Write the music for any of the 14 songs in the musical. If you need to modify the lyrics to make the music fit, that’s ok, so long as you keep the message of the song. Then send me a recording to demonstrate the melody and tempo. No entry fee for the contest. No limit to the number of entries you can make. You can write the music for one song, or for all 14 songs. ANY type of music is acceptable, including rock, folk, country, hip-hop, rap, pop, polka, classical – with one exception. No Country-Metal if you please! I will be the sole judge of the contest, and the only criteria will be whichever tune I like the best, or possibly what I think will sell the best.”

Songwriters interested in entering the contest can find out more here:
http://www.crowderlaw.com/trial-of-the-century/

Mr. Crowder has been practicing debt relief and other areas of law in California since 1989, and has been approved by the California Bar to provide Continuing Legal Education to attorneys (Provider Number 13474). Those interested in attending one of his seminars (attorneys and non-attorneys) can contact Mr. Crowder’s office at 213-325-3040, by email at dcrowder@crowderlaw.com, or on their website at http://crowderlaw.com.

Big Trees Inc. Ships Big Blue Spruce to California

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, shipped a large Blue Spruce tree to Northern California, near San Francisco.

Big Trees was contacted over a year ago by a landscape coordinator for a city near San Francisco. The coordinator had a request for a large Blue Spruce, and Big Trees let him know about the 25’ tall Blue Spruce they had in their nursery. After a number of exchanges and discussions, the tree was shipped out to their location this week to be planted by their team.

Once the details and expenses were arranged and agreed on, a receiving date was set. Big Trees coordinated the appropriate USDA certifications to ship the tree into that region of California, and coordinated the trucking and trailer configuration. Their crews went to work digging and root-balling the tree a few days before the truck’s arrival, getting it ready to be loaded out. The tree dug out at a weight of 10,000 pounds, and had a root ball that was 6’x6’ wide, and 3’ deep. The tree was rigged and loaded onto the deck of the truck, where it was padded and arranged so as to resist much of the settling and impact a root ball can suffer on a long highway trip.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc., stated “The Big Trees team worked hard to accommodate this interstate order, and from the office to the handling crew, everyone put their best effort and experience into making this a successful offering to our associates in the San Francisco area. The experience of sending out one of our large trees to a community states away is an exciting one for sure, and knowing that it will go on to have a new life in a different region, after it came close to being cut down a few years ago, is very rewarding.”

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://bigtreesupply.com/blog or at http://bigtreemover.net/blog/.

Is Your Home Safe in an Earthquake?

Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, is releasing information to the public on a few types of homes that are especially at risk during an earthquake.

What: Wood Frame Multi-Family Buildings

Risk: Soft-Story Problems. A soft-story residential building is one that has wide open spaces on the ground floor for windows or garage doors, retail or parking space, and housing on upper floors, and built before recent stricter building codes. The risk is that the lower floor can collapse.

What to do: If you live in this type of building and you own it, contact a foundation contractor or structural engineer to handle the retrofitting and ensure it’s safe. If you rent, ask your landlord what has been done in the way of earthquake retrofitting to bring the building up to current codes.

What: Older Single-Family Homes

Risk: Cripple Wall Problems. Older (often pre-WWII) houses are often not properly bolted to their foundations and/or don’t have properly braced cripple walls. (The walls around the crawl space below the structure). In an earthquake the wood frame could come off of its foundation, the cripple walls can lean or collapse, the foundation itself can crack, or the chimney could break at the roof line.

What to do: Earthquake retrofitting can be done by a qualified foundation contractor. This would typically include a combination of anchor bolting and reinforcing the cripple walls to prevent collapse.

What: Mobile Homes

Risk: Mobile homes installed prior to 1995 that are not properly secured to their foundations can shift off their supports during an earthquake.

What to do: There are three common earthquake retrofitting methods that can ensure that mobile homes are properly secured to their foundations (in order of effectiveness and cost):

1. You can have a conventional foundation installed (similar to what’s used for a wood frame home);
2. For new homes or existing homes being relocated, owners are required to install an engineered tiedown system using standard plan approvals; or
3. For existing homes, owners can install a certified earthquake resistant bracing system.


Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated: “You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your home will be safe in the event of an earthquake. You should rest easy, knowing your home rests on a structurally sound foundation. We can inspect your home to find out what steps are needed to get it there. We offer free foundation inspections for homeowners, and for those with a higher cripple wall, we can review plans or obtain the engineering necessary for your project.”

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 websites, http://www.julianconstruction.com, or http://quakeproofers.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

What are the Most Common Types of Earthquake Damage?

Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, explains the most common types of damage caused by earthquakes to single-family homes.

Most earthquake damage is caused by shaking. The intensity of the shaking depends on three main factors:

1. The magnitude of the earthquake—in general, the bigger the earthquake, the more intense the shaking and the bigger the area affected.

2. The distance from the earthquake—the closer to the origination point, the more intense the shaking.

3. The type of ground material beneath the structure—different soil types can accentuate or minimize movement during an earthquake.

The most common types of damage caused by earthquakes are:
• Cripple wall shearing and collapse. The walls around a crawl space under the home can shear (lean) or collapse if not correctly braced.
• Improperly bolted houses sliding off their foundations.
• Damaged electrical or gas lines. These can cause fires and even explosions if not handled immediately.
• Unsecured furniture and appliances falling and causing damage to the home or bodily injury.
• Chimneys can separate at the roof line, collapse, and fall over.
• Windows can crack or shatter. Windows with rounded corners are less likely to break, though not as common or readily available.
• Uprooted trees or broken branches falling on the house. Trees can cause a lot of damage if they fall on your home. Consider removing trees that are too close to the home or would be at risk of falling over.

Before the next big earthquake, you should put together an emergency kit that has enough water and supplies for 3 days. Then go through your home and check for risk factors for these types of damage. If you can- have your home’s foundation inspected and repair anything that needs to be fixed. If your home needs earthquake retrofitting, have it done as soon as possible so that you’re prepared.

"You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your home will be safe in the event of an earthquake. You should rest easy, knowing your home rests on a structurally sound foundation. We can inspect your home to find out what steps are needed to get it there. We offer free foundation inspections, and for those with a higher cripple wall, we can review plans or obtain the engineering necessary for your project," says Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction.

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 websites, http://www.julianconstruction.com, or http://quakeproofers.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/

JulianConstruction.com: Repairing Foundation Cracks

By Julian De La Torre

Foundation cracks are serious business -- so much so, that they can severely weaken a building’s structural integrity.
One of the leading causes of foundation cracking is settlement. Settlement occurs naturally, but can also result from poor soil compaction and moisture issues.

There are three main types of foundation cracks: vertical, horizontal and diagonal.

Vertical cracking -- the most common type of cracking -- is typically found in poured walls. The cracks, which are usually wider at the bottom, can extend the entire length of the wall all the way to the floor.

Horizontal cracks will appear in concrete block construction. It's important to note where the break is located, because it typically indicates the cause of the cracking.

Diagonal cracks generally show up at the corner of a concrete wall due to settlement. Settlement is soil or foliage that forms too close to the structure.

Foundation crack repair should be done immediately -- either with epoxy injections, strapping or underpinning.

An epoxy injection is one of the most common ways to repair a foundation crack. Epoxy is a tough resin with significant strength and minimal shrinking. It is also extremely resistant to moisture and chemicals. After it is injected into the crack, staples are used to stabilize the repair.

Strapping is another way to repair a crack. The straps are made of Kevlar, and are typically used to repair horizontal cracks (which have been known cause walls to collapse). Horizontal cracking is often a sign of too much weight against the structure.

Another method of fixing foundation cracks is underpinning, which increases the depth or width of the foundation. Underpinning provides better support for the building’s weight by distributing its mass more evenly. It can also be used on homes that have been built on expansive soil.

If you have cracking issues, give us a call for a free foundation inspection. We can tell you what is causing the cracking and how to fix it.


Julian De La Torre, expert foundation contractors in Los Angeles, house leveling & foundation repair Los Angeles and founder of Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com), has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms & local departments of building & safety. The company has done more home foundation inspection and foundation repair (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years (http://julianconstruction.com/services/foundation-repair/). Julian Construction owns its own company and is a "no middlemen" model--no salesmen or subcontractors--you get the principals of the company & its workers under your home. Learn more about Julian Construction at http://quakeproofers.com/.

See their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I8j7dXzpj4 and visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Julian-Construction-99434631315/?fref=ts

BigTreeSupply.com: Protecting Your Trees During the Winter

By Nancy Penrose

Are your trees ready for winter? Cold weather, winter sun and wind, can damage trees in many different ways, especially foliage that is isolated and exposed to the elements.

During winter, temperatures often fluctuate from daytime warmth when the sun is out, to nighttime cold air and freezing.
Daily changes in temperature can cause tree bark cells to rupture, which can lead to cracking between the outer bark and inner wood. If not too severe, most trees will be able to repair the damage.

Cracking can be prevented by insulating the tree bark using a fabric blanket. The blanket is wrapped around the tree to protect it from the cold weather, while still allowing it to breathe. The blanket will also let in moisture and light.

The cold can also damage late growth, which can result in die-off. The best way to minimize this type of damage is to prune a tree after it becomes dormant.

You should also prune during the fall to prevent snow and winter storms from breaking branches.
Mulching is another way to protect trees when it gets cold. The mulch will help insulate the tree and its roots. It will also minimize water loss. Mulching should take place after the ground freezes.

If you have young trees, their bark may need to be protected from rodents, mice and rabbits. Tree bark is a food source for small animals, especially during the winter. Protect the bark with chicken wire, guards and repellents.

When snow starts accumulating on the branches of big trees, it will need to be removed. Take the snow off gently to prevent branch and tree damage. If ice starts forming, it can be rinsed away with warm water by connecting your garden hose to a hot water faucet. Be careful not to scald the tree.
Implementing proper tree care for your landscape, privacy trees, and big trees will help them make it safely through the winter.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (learn more about Big Trees at http://bigtreesupply.com/about-big-tree-supply/), specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. For more tips on tree care or installation go to privacytree.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOe3ZpFTjc8 and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

BigTreeSupply.com: Tree Storage During Construction

By Nancy Penrose

Remodeling or construction projects can damage trees and bushes. Proper tree care during this time is very important. Any type of soil movement, including changes in grading, can weaken your plants and lead to root issues. Root damage can keep foliage from retaining water and critical supplements. The wellbeing of trees and shrubs can likewise be affected by the expansion of walkways, carports and yards.
It can take years for the damage to become obvious. Early leaf dropping, leaf yellowing, withering, less leaves and dead branches, alongside changes in blooming and seed generation, can be indications that your foliage has been harmed.

Before you start your project, inspect all of the foliage on your property. Identifying trees and bushes you might want to secure is very important. Direct pedestrian activity and equipment paths away from the foliage with fencing and signage. Also make sure any root systems are protected as well.
If you plan to plant new trees and bushes after the project is finished, you can shield the dirt from harm with layers of wood chips. The chips will minimize soil compaction, which can choke out roots.
 
Sometimes, the project may require the site to be cleared. Site clearing can bring about the loss of expensive and crucial plants. It can also cause remaining foliage to lose their sun and wind protection.

One solution to site clearing is evacuating and temporarily storing trees and bushes in another location until the project has been finished. We’ve stored trees and plants for up to three years.

Transporting big trees can require several people and different types of equipment. Properly preparing the root ball before the move is paramount. Root balls should be wrapped and attached accurately to avoid tree shock. Root balls can be 20 feet or more in width and more than 10 feet in depth.

Once the root ball has been wrapped, it should be kept damp, particularly if the tree is being transported to an area that is far away.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (view Big Trees transplanting page at http://bigtreesupply.com/transplanting/), specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. For more tips on tree installation or care go to bigtreemover.net. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6vVhNW1XJI and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Big Trees Inc. to Transplant Large Trees at University Village

Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/) a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, has been asked to help transplant several large trees at the campus of University Village. The busy shopping mall will benefit aesthetically from the larger trees.

Big Trees was asked to bring some trees to the campus of University Village and plant them into a bed where a previous tree had struggled. The planting bed is in a location where thousands of people pass every day, and the trees will help bring some life back to the busy location.

There are 3 large trees being requested for the new planting. One tree was a large 20’ tall by 18’ wide Japanese Maple that had been transplanted out of one of the principal owner’s properties and back to Big Tree’s nursery for storage until a use could be found for its beautiful size and structure. There was a need for two more trees, and the team involved chose two large ‘Pink Chimes’ Styrax trees from their nursery collection to use around the large Japanese Maple.

The project had to occur at night, as there is simply too much traffic in the day time. The trucks had to be parked at one end of the campus, and the trees had to be shuttled across the property to the planting bed, as there was no available parking for their large vehicles near the actual work area. The crew got the trees into position and planted in a manner that will help them thrive in what can be a bed with heavy ground water seeping up from time to time. There were additional soils added to lighten the density of the existing planting medium, and the trees were planted high on berms to help keep them out of possibly damp conditions.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees, said, “The handling and execution of the process went very well that evening, and the trees look fantastic in their new home! We have had a long, terrific relationship with The University Village staff and property, and it’s very satisfying to drive through and see all the different trees we have handled and how things are cared for. It’s a positive partnership we look forward to maintaining far into the future.”

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/

3 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Roof

Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, describes three major signs that it’s time to replace your roof.
Roofs can be built using many different types of materials including tile, wood shake, asphalt, slate, and metal. No matter what a roof is made of, it will eventually wear out and need to be repaired or replaced. As part of regular roof maintenance, check the following items at least once a year. Here are 3 signs that your roof is wearing out and will need to repaired or replaced soon:

Daylight shining through the roof boards

If you notice a spongy feel or bouncy feel when walking on the roof, that means the underlying decking is weakened from moisture. Check for moisture in the insulation. And check your attic to see if there is any daylight coming through the roof boards.

Shingle granules in the gutters

If you notice a lot of granules in your gutters, it could be a sign that your roof needs to be replaced. Roofs tend to lose more of these granules towards the end of their life. Inconsistent or darker color on parts of the roof is also a sign that the granules have worn away.

Roof valleys

If your roof shingles are missing or falling apart in the valleys of your roof, it's a definitive sign you should have your roof replaced. Valleys are one of the most critical areas of your roof. Rain, snow, and debris flow through valleys and into gutters. If the valley is weakened, you could be at risk of roof leaks.
Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, says: “Having your roof regularly inspected by a professional contractor is an important part of the roof maintenance process. When roof problems are detected early, not only will the repairs usually be less costly, it can help prevent other types of damage to your home. We can inspect your roof to find out what steps are needed to get it in top working order.”
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, http://julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/ or http://quakeproofers.com/blog/

JulianConstruction.com: Protect Your Foundation from Water

By Julian De La Torre

Foundation problems and damage is often caused by water. The water can originate from numerous internal sources, such as stopped up sinks, toilets and broken pipes. External water sources, such as rain and water from sprinkler systems, can also become a problem when it enters your home through breaks or crevices in windows or entryways.

In both cases, the water will can make its way down to the foundation, causing cracks and other issues.

Water can also make soil extend and contract. When there is an excessive amount of dampness, the soil will start to swell and press against foundation walls. The pressure will cause the walls to bow and crack. As the soil dries, it will pull away from the foundation leaving spaces that can cause uneven settlement. This is usually a sign of poor drainage.

Water can also accumulate in the soil that was used to cover the holes around your house after the foundation was constructed. Backfill soil is typically looser than the compacted soil the house was built on.

Some homes have also been built on soil with high moisture content. Over time, the soil will start to dry, which can hasten foundation settlement. Too much settlement will eventually damage the structural integrity of your home.

There are many ways to prevent water problems, including proper grading, making sure drainage pipes or systems slope away from the house, and fixing broken pipes or leaking appliances.

It is important that any water problems are found and fixed as soon as possible. The longer you wait to address an issue, the more costly the foundation repair will be. If you wait too long, you may need to replace your entire foundation. During an earthquake, unhandled problems like these can also lead to extensive damage and even building collapse.

Julian De La Torre, expert foundation contractors in Los Angeles, house leveling & foundation repair Los Angeles and founder of Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com), has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms & local departments of building & safety. The company has done more home foundation inspection and foundation repair (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years (http://julianconstruction.com/services/foundation-replacement/). Julian Construction owns its own company and is a "no middlemen" model--no salesmen or subcontractors--you get the principals of the company & its workers under your home. Learn more about Julian Construction at http://losangelesfoundationrepair.us/. See their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI6-SXw6Z1c and visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Julian-Construction-99434631315/?fref=ts

5 Roof Replacement Myths Debunked

Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, debunks 5 roof repair and replacement myths.

Myth #1. Roof repairs can only be done in Spring or Summer.

Roofs can be replaced at any time, even in wet weather. It is true that in areas with harsh winters it’s not an ideal roofing environment, but in an emergency, not even ice and snow need to be an obstacle. If you live in a milder climate it is a good idea to take advantage of the fall and winter seasons for roof repairs and replacements. Other people may be holding out for the “ideal” summer months, and you could get a better price.

Myth #2. Installing a new roof yourself is easy.

The roof of your home is not a good place to practice your DIY skills. There are too many possible opportunities for roof damage due to improper installation by an untrained person. Hire a qualified roofer to ensure the roof will be installed properly.

Myth #3. Replacing a roof is too expensive.

Roof replacement can be done less expensively and less often, if regular roof maintenance and roof repair is done. The cost of roof repair goes up when regular roof maintenance isn’t done, causing new problems and exaggerating any existing roof damage.

Myth #4. 1. You can add new shingles on top of the old shingles.

Under the shingles is a layer called sheathing, which is usually plywood. This layer can rot due to old age, leaks, or poor air flow. The only way to check this layer is to remove the old shingles. If you cover them with a new layer, you’re covering up possible roof damage. Too many layers of shingles can also cause roof damage all on their own.

Myth #5. Gutters are not part of the roof.

The roof itself shields your home from the brunt of rain, snow, hail, etc., it is the gutters that redirect water away from the outside walls of your home and help prevent water damage caused by pooling . Keep your gutters clean and have them inspected with the roof regularly to help prevent water and roof damage.
Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, says: “Having your roof regularly inspected by a professional contractor is an important part of the roof maintenance process. When roof problems are detected early, not only will the repairs usually be less costly, it can help prevent other types of damage to your home. We can inspect your roof to find out what steps are needed to get it in top working order.”
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, http://julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.com/blog/ or http://quakeproofers.com/blog/.

Brite Smiles Educates the Public on Flossing

Apple Valley, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley shares some of the ins and outs of flossing and how it fits into your dental routine.

Throughout the day, bacteria builds up on your teeth in a sticky film called plaque. Brushing your teeth will remove the plaque. If it’s left on your teeth undisturbed it will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with special tools by a dental professional. Toothbrush bristles can’t always reach into every tiny crevice and that’s where flossing comes in.

Why We Floss:
Flossing removes the food particles and sticky bacteria called plaque from between your teeth and underneath gums that brushing can’t reach. Flossing daily prevents plaque from building up under the gums and can prevent puffy, bleeding and irritated gums. Flossing promotes fresher breath, keeps your gums healthy and can help prevent cavities, gingivitis and even heart disease.

How Flossing Works:
Flossing is important, but so is the technique. When flossing you need to gently slide the floss between the teeth, wrap it around both the back and front of each tooth, gently move the floss down under the gum tissue and move it up and down a few times on each side of the tooth. Your hygienist can review correct flossing technique if you have any questions. They can also show you different flossing aids if you find traditional flossing difficult.

When Should You Floss?
Experts say it doesn’t really matter when you floss. Some people prefer to floss before they brush, some after they brush. Any time of the day that you can fit flossing into your routine is better than not flossing at all.

Despite the current controversy about flossing versus not flossing, Brite Smiles Dental Care hygienists strongly recommend flossing. “If you have any questions or need any help on the proper technique – please give us a call or ask your hygienist at your next appointment.”

David A., a recent patient stated “Dr. Simmons is kind and compassionate and takes the time to answer all of my concerns.”

And from Ann R.: “Rachel and Dr. Edstrom are the best. Totally comfortable, trust them with any dental procedure or emergency.”

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then he has participated in over 3000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on orthodontics services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Crowder Law Offer Debt Relief Services

LOS ANGELES, CA: Los Angeles Attorney Douglas A. Crowder (http://crowderlaw.com) offers debt relief services to the public, including debt settlement, creditor “hold-off,” and bankruptcy.
Crowder Law Center is a “debt relief agency” as defined by federal law. In addition to helping people avoid bankruptcy, their services also include helping people and businesses obtain relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code. Their practice handles all matters related to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, and Debt Settlement and Reduction.

Debt Settlement

Crowder Law Center has helped hundreds of individuals and businesses avoid bankruptcy or lawsuits by contacting their creditors and negotiating payment plans and/or settlements. Because they maintain good communication with your creditors, the creditors will often accept a substantial reduction on the amount a person owes. Debt Settlement is an option for someone who cannot afford to pay the full amount of their debt, but want to pay something toward it, while avoiding bankruptcy and continued creditor harassment.

Creditor “Hold-Off”

Crowder Law Center offers those being harassed by debt collectors some “breathing room” through the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). In most cases, they can hold a person’s creditors off for a period of time, while the person finds a new job, reorganizes their business, or whatever else the person may need to do to find a way out of their predicament.

Bankruptcy

The experienced bankruptcy attorneys at Crowder Law Center will discuss a person’s financial situation and advise them as to what options they have. They can handle Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Not everyone qualifies for a Chapter 7. If a person qualifies to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, they may be able to eliminate most, if not all of their debt. Most people who file a Chapter 7 are allowed to keep all of their property.
Douglas Crowder stated “Our firm works hard to help people with too much debt. Getting in over your head with debt is an easy trap to fall into today, especially with the weakened economy and after the mortgage crash of 2008. We let people know their legal rights and options, and help them select the method that is best for them.”
Mr. Crowder has been practicing debt relief and other areas of law in California since 1989, and has been approved by the California Bar to provide Continuing Legal Education to attorneys (Provider Number 13474). Those interested in attending one of his seminars (attorneys and non-attorneys) can contact Mr. Crowder’s office at 213-325-3040, by email at dcrowder@crowderlaw.com, or on their website at http://crowderlaw.com.

Building Cleaning Services Works With Real Estate Management to Remove Mold and Protect Tenants' Health

LOS ANGELES, CA: A reputable realty & property management firm in West Los Angeles wanted to ensure that their tenants’ mold concerns were quickly dealt with in order to protect their health. They turned to Building Cleaning Services (BCS) (http://buildingcleaningservices.net), as a company that understands the relationship between tenants, property owners and management companies, and the need to ensure a fast resolution to the discovery of water damage and mold.
BCS performs mold remediation and environmental deep cleanings when there is cross-contamination in apartments and homes. BCS is often chosen for the job because it consistently gets excellent results. Reviews of BCS’s work is available on Yelp at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

Kathy Liverance, co-owner of Building Cleaning services, stated: “It is imperative that ‘cross contamination’ is identified and addressed. This is where mold is found and disturbed in a bedroom, for example, and the mold spores go air-borne. With the occupants moving through the rooms of the house, the spores float and settle in other rooms. When air samples are taken of these other areas, the mold spores show up in the lab results even though there is no mold damage in that room. The two-fold approach, therefore, is to remove the actual mold by working in sealed containments built to prevent further cross contamination, and then in the other areas where lab tests detect just mold spores, a process known as ‘environmental deep cleaning’ is performed.”
For more information about mold, go to BCS’s informational website (http://buildingcleaningservices.net).

BCS provides water damage handling, mold removal services, environmental deep cleaning, post construction cleaning, and commercial janitorial services for the Greater Los Angeles area and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with fast service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

Big Trees Inc. Saves Large Trees at Local Golf Club

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, has been asked to help save several large specimen trees from a construction zone at a local golf club, and to replant them at the club house once the new renovations have been completed. The project will benefit aesthetically from the larger trees being replanted around the new construction, and saving the trees from the original landscape will please many people associated with the club.

There are two approximately 25-year old 20-foot tall Dogwoods and a large Japanese Maple that were chosen to be saved from the former landscape. Each of the trees weighs around 2,500 pounds, for a total weight of nearly four tons. For reference, that’s roughly the weight of a small African Elephant.

The trees were prepared for the move by being given treatments to slow their transpiration and movement of hydration (transpiration is the movement of water to the leaves where it evaporates), and then the trees were dug in expertly carved root balls that are proportionate to the size and scale of each tree. The trees were then loaded onto Big Trees’ flatbed trucks with a large material handler forklift and brought back out to their nursery to be stored until the project is ready to reaccept the trees. The trees appear to be reacting to the summer handling very well up to this point. They have been put into storage conditions and are on a drip irrigation system.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees had this to say about the project; “This process has gone quite well and we expect the trees to be a vibrant part of the new renovations in time. It’s a pleasure to know that our handiwork plays a role in the continuation of a garden, from one era to the next.”

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/

BigTreeSupply.com: Root Rot in the Pacific Northwest

by Nancy Penrose

Root rot is a serious tree disease caused by fungi. It is usually found in mature trees or younger trees that have damaged roots.

Root rot can stunt the height and diameter of a tree. It can also cause dieback (the tree begins to die from the tip of its leaves or roots backwards), leaf discoloration and leaf loss. Indicators of root rot include yellow crown, a red-brown stain on the tree’s core and thinning leaves. When a tree has root rot, its overall health will begin to deteriorate. Eventually the tree will die.

There are many different types of root rot. In the Pacific Northwest, laminated, annosus and armillaria root rot are especially common.

Laminated root rot, also called yellow ring rot, is the most serious type of rot. It can infect fir, hemlock, larch, spruce and western red cedar trees. Most pines can tolerate or resist infection.

Healthy trees acquire laminated root rot by coming into contact with an infected tree. The rot destroys the tree’s roots, which can cause it to topple over during windy weather. The damaged roots can also make it difficult for the tree to absorb water and nutrients. Older trees can live with laminated root rot for many years, while younger trees will succumb quickly to the disease.

Annosus rot is a fungus disease that can reduce tree growth. It can also kill a tree. The rot can affect some pine tree species, as well as hemlocks and firs. The infection starts off as a red-brown stain inside the butts and roots. When the disease gets worse, brown lines will streak across the wood, and white lines will show up on the inner bark.

Armillaria root rot is another type of fungal infection. A tree with armillaria root rot will usually have mushrooms at its base. The fungi enters the tree through a wound and then grows into the roots. Trees can have the rot for up to six years without showing any signs of infection.

Give us a call if you are planning on purchasing a big tree for your landscape. We can give you tree care tips and show you how to prevent root rot and many other types of diseases that can affect trees.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (see Big Trees planting services page at http://bigtreesupply.com/planting-service/), specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. For more tips on tree installation or care go to arboristblog.com. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEP1vudflm0 and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Brite Smiles Dental Care Offers FastBraces and Invisalign

Crooked Teeth Can Cause Long Term Health Effects

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley is now offering FastBraces and Invisalign to their patients in the southern Twin Cities area.

Most people are aware that having crooked teeth can affect their self-confidence and happiness, but crooked teeth can also negatively impact your health in ways that might surprise you – affecting your dental, overall, and even mental health.

Crooked teeth make it more difficult to reach all of the crevices between crooked teeth with toothbrush bristles and floss, which can lead to bacteria growth. Gum disease develops when bacteria in our mouth forms into plaque. The problem becomes accentuated when your gums don’t fit around your teeth well, leaving more room for bacteria to grow. The lingering bacteria around crooked teeth can cause bad breath, and lead to serious health problems. Studies by the American Dental Association have proven that oral infections caused by bacteria buildup may lead to more serious ailments, including diabetes, stroke, pneumonia, and heart disease.

Other problems that can be caused by crooked teeth include; unusual wear of tooth enamel, increased risk of tooth injuries caused by protruding teeth, cavities caused by crowded teeth, misalignment making it difficult to chew, or even talk, and of course, lowered self-esteem. Several studies have shown that having a better-looking smile increases the amount you smile.

FastBraces are a faster, more effective, and less expensive alternative to traditional metal braces. They are great for children that may have a harder time remembering to wear Invisalign, and for teenagers and adults that want the fastest option. They are also available in an inconspicuous Ceramic Clear version.

Invisalign gradually straightens your smile using a set of custom-fit clear plastic aligners that gently move your teeth into place. They are a great option for teenagers and adults that want to completely avoid the look of braces.

If you have crooked teeth, talk to your dentist about your options. They’ve come a long way since the braces of the past.

A recent Brite Smiles patient stated “FastBraces really are fast. I had them on for less than a year and just got them off in time for my birthday. My friends and my family have been telling me how much prettier my teeth look now that they’re straight. I know that I’ll have less dental problems now that my teeth aren’t crowded and I love my new smile!”

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then he has participated in over 3000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders, and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on orthodontics services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

JulianConstruction.com: Concrete Slab Foundation for Homes

By Julian De La Torre

Since 2013, a little over half of the new homes built across the nation have been constructed with a slab foundation. A slab foundation is a concrete foundation poured onto a prepared surface. It is usually several inches thick. Slab foundations are more commonly found in warmer climates. They are also used for structures built on clay soil.

Compared to the cost of other types of foundations, they are relatively inexpensive.
They also serve as the building’s floor and can help prevent pests for getting under and into the building.

Many slab foundations are constructed using footings – thickened areas of slab placed on load bearing walls. The footing is often wider than the base of the foundation. It is also reinforced with steel. The footings help transfer the building’s load to the foundation and distribute its weight.

Soil and climate are some of the key factors that determine where a foundation with footings is built. In regions where the ground freezes, the footing are put in place first, followed by the building’s walls and finally, the slab itself.

In places where the ground doesn’t freeze, a slab-on-grade foundation is used. The slab-on-grade foundation is poured all at once, usually over gravel. Slab edges are thicker than the inside of the slab, and there is no space between the slab and the ground.

Stem walls are also used when building slab foundations. The walls, which are usually made of cinder blocks, connect the foundation to the structure’s vertical walls.

Before a slab foundation can be poured, the ground underneath it needs to be leveled (also called grading). A slight slope will be created to make sure water drains away from the building.

Does your slab foundation need to be repaired? Cracks and other foundation damage can cause structural weakness. If you’re concerned about your slab foundation, give us a call and we will do a foundation inspection for free.

Julian De La Torre, expert foundation contractors in Los Angeles, house leveling & foundation repair Los Angeles and founder of Julian Construction ( http://www.julianconstruction.com ), has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms & local departments of building & safety. The company has done more home foundation repair (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years ( http://julianconstruction.com/services/foundation-repair/ ). Julian Construction owns its own company and is a "no middlemen" model--no salesmen or subcontractors--you get the principals of the company & its workers under your home. Learn more about Julian Construction at http://losangelesfoundationrepair.us/.

See their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I8j7dXzpj4 and visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Julian-Construction-99434631315/?fref=ts