BigTreeSupply.com: Choosing the Right Tree for Your Landscape

By Nancy Penrose

There are many reasons to landscape your property with trees. Not only do they create a more beautiful environment, trees can reduce your energy bills, create more privacy and provide cleaner air by filtering pollutants. They can also raise the resale value of your home.

With hundreds of varieties to choose from, deciding which tree to purchase isn’t always easy. Before buying a tree, find out as much as you can about its characteristics and how well suited it is for your environment. Does it grow fast? Will it need a lot of maintenance? Will there be enough space for the tree when it reaches maturity?

You’ll also want to keep the basic purpose of the tree in mind when you start your tree-finding quest.

If you want to enhance the appearance of your yard, an ornamental tree is one of your best options. Ornamentals trees are planted for their visual appeal. Decorative aspects can include bark, leaves, flowers and overall shape. Maples are one of the most popular types of ornamental trees. They come in many different sizes, colors and leaf shapes.

Are you looking for a tree to create more shade and reduce summer air conditioning costs? Consider purchasing a large deciduous tree. A deciduous tree will have an abundance of leaves that can shade your home and property. Examples of deciduous trees include the Katsura, red maple tree, Ash, Oak, and Birch.

Trees can also be used for privacy hedges that block out neighbors and reduce noise. Some of the best privacy trees include laurels like the Schipka and Portugal laurel. An arborvitae such as the Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’ is also an excellent choice for a natural hedge.

Trees are an investment, so make sure you get the best advice possible before you buy your next tree. A big trees or tree nursery expert will be a reliable source of information and advice on buying the prefect tree for your landscape.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (see inventory at http://bigtreesupply.com/sales-inventory/), specializing in large trees for sale and tree transplanting. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpactBDUPmQ

Big Trees Inc. to Move 25 Foot Magnolia Tree

Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, has been contracted to dig up and move a large deciduous Magnolia tree later this month. The tree is 25’ tall and 25’-30’ wide in its branching. The tree is expected to weigh around 25,000 pounds, and will require a 90 ton crane to make the lift to its new location.

Once the tree has had some initial digging to ensure the root system and subgrade soils are suitable for this effort, the property will be modified slightly to accommodate the crane’s access. There will be a number of support trucks on site to establish a road of steel plates for the crane to move into the property. Once the crane is set up and stabilized, it will reach down into the canopy of the tree with rigging that will be fixed to the root ball for lifting. Once the tree is hovering in its new location, the spin and the facing of the tree will be properly arranged, and the tree will be planted into its new home.

This is anticipated to be a significant move, and Big Trees Inc. is readying their materials and arrangements for this event. Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees, says, ”We always look forward to working with these larger trees, and the excitement this kind of transplant can generate in a community. Our crews will see to it that all goes well, and we’re very excited to have this opportunity to save this beautiful tree for our clients.”

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/

Brite Smiles Dental Care Offers Dental Implants

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

Dr. Dennis Simmons, founder of Brite Smiles Dental Care, stated “A Dental Implant is used to permanently replace a missing tooth. The implant itself is a titanium screw that is placed in the jaw bone. Another small piece called an abutment is screwed into the implant and then the final crown is attached to that. The final product looks and feels just like a natural tooth and allows you to enjoy your favorite foods and smile with confidence once again.”

“Mini implants are about half the size of a traditional implant and can be used in ways which would be less feasible with a traditional implant, such as areas with bone loss. The small size of mini implants means they can be placed through the gum tissue without an initial incision and usually eliminate the need for recovery time before the abutment and crown can be installed. Mini implants are often used to support bridges or help anchor dentures, but they can also be used to support crowns in certain situations,” concluded Dr. Simmons.

Dr. Simmons studied with the Misch International Implant Institute. Dr. Misch is very well known for his work with implants and as a teacher. Dr. Simmons was awarded a Fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists in 1986 and a Diplomate degree in 1991. He was the first in the State of MN to be awarded the diplomate honor. His patients rave about his work, which ranges from placing one implant to doing full mouth restoration.

Jon C., a recent patient, stated “I have been a patient for 5 years and clearly, I made the correct choice to go to Brite Smiles Dental Care. Dr. Simmons and the staff are all great and very professional. Everything is always explained very clearly so I know what is being done and why. I would recommend you any time!”

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 services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

El Niño Brings Rain & Foundation Problems to Southern California

By Julian De La Torre

If you live in California, this year’s El Niño rain is a welcome change that may bring some relief from the state’s recent drought. There have been several storms in January, with more expected in the months of February and March. You may even find showers occurring in April and May.

While the wet weather is expected to mitigate water shortages, too much ran on dry soil may make absorption difficult. If the water isn’t soaked up, it can cause flash floods and many other problems, including home foundation damage.

When it rains and there isn’t adequate drainage around your home, the water will start to pool.
Eventually, it will start seeping into the structure through cracks and gaps. This can lead to foundation problems, as well as mold growth and wood rot.

Water will also cause soil to expand and press against the foundation, causing more cracks and structural issues. When the soil dries and contracts, the foundation will settle into the spaces that are created.  If the foundation doesn’t settle evenly, it can cause serious foundation problems.

Your foundation and house can also start to sink if the water washes away too much of the soil that surrounds it.

Have you taken out a lawn or covered areas around you home with gravel to minimize water usage?  You may be saving water, but the changes can make it more difficult for the water to absorb into the ground.  Not only will this cause water to pool, you may also see a spike in runoff. If the runoff isn’t directed away from your home, it will damage the foundation.

Don’t wait until the end of the rainy season to check your foundation for water problems. Contact an experienced foundation repair expert now and ask for a free inspection. Find out if your home will make it through this year’s El Niño rain without serious water and foundation issues.

Julian De La Torre, expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, repair & house bolting (Los Angeles) and founder of Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com) in Los Angeles, 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://losangelesfoundationrepair.us/). 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=6I8j7dXzpj4

Julian Construction Warns the Public of the Dangers of Flood Season

Julian Construction, Inc. (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, is warning the public about some of the dangers of flood season and different indications of damage to look out for. This is particularly important in light of the projected El Nino heavy rain conditions this year.

Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, Inc., stated: “The most significant damage from flooding is caused by the impact of swiftly moving water to your home. The water crashes into the sides of the building, undermining the structure and if the foundation pilings aren’t properly installed, they can shift, break, and can even separate the house from the foundation in extreme cases, causing extreme structural and foundation damage. The stronger the flood, the more damage can be done. Water traveling at only 10 miles an hour has the same force as wind traveling at 270 miles an hour. Aside from damage to the outer walls; electrical wiring, flooring, and pipes can also be damaged by flooding.”

“Not all flood damage is that obvious. Aside from the obvious types of flood damage - (puddles of water on the ground) some of the signs of flooding on the inside of a building include; mold or mildew smells or visible growth, humid air, condensation on the walls, pipes, or floor, cracks in the walls, swollen doors, door jambs, or windows, rust, wood rot, silt or efflorescence (white powdery residue) on the floor and in the corners of room. If you see any of the above signs or have recently had flooding in the area and you suspect it has caused damage to your home, you should schedule an inspection by a qualified foundation contractor to check for flood damage and to determine what, if any, foundation repair needs to be done.”

“Our nearly 20 years of experience in the field as a foundation contractor has shown water to be the worst offender in damaging home foundations. More than any other threat to a foundation, water damage shows up again and again as the most common problem. There are so many ways for it to get into a home’s structure and some of them are not even widely known. We hope the information here helps make homeowners more aware of the danger from water damage on a home’s foundation,” concluded De La Torre.

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/

JulianConstruction.com: Does Your Home Need Foundation Underpinning?

LOS ANGELES, CA: Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, offers foundation underpinning and explains why homeowners might need it.

Julian De La Torre, founder and owner of Julian Construction, stated “There are a number of reasons to underpin a foundation, including lowering the basement floor, adding a second or third story, changing the configuration of load-bearing walls inside the building, and in some cases to repair a foundation that has settled or rotated at certain points. Foundation underpinning strengthens the existing foundation and can be used to lower the basement floor, effectively “raising” the ceiling and giving you much more usable space.”

“There are different types of underpinning methods that are used in different situations, but basically the idea is to extend the foundation deeper until it reaches a more supportive soil layer, or increase its breadth so that the weight of the house is distributed more evenly. Mass concrete underpinning is the oldest and most common method and involves digging bit by bit under the existing foundation and reinforcing as you go, then filling in with concrete. More advanced methods include beam and base underpinning, mini-piled underpinning, and even injected structural resin- a newer method that involves injecting resin and hardeners into the ground beneath the original foundation.”

“No two Foundation underpinning projects are the same, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. There are many different methods of underpinning and due to the huge variety of house styles, building materials, and foundation types, each underpinning project is unique and should be designed by a professional engineer or an architect. At Julian Construction we can review plans or obtain the engineering necessary for your project and complete the repair,” concluded De La Torre.

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/.

BigTreeSupply.com: Creating a Laurel Hedge

by Nancy Penrose

Natural hedges are one of the best and economical ways to increase privacy and reduce noise. One of the most popular plants used for privacy trees or hedges is a laurel. A laurel hedge can be extremely attractive. Some variations even flower during the summer. The broadleaf evergreen has soft, overlapping leaves and can grow up to 40 feet tall. When properly maintained, they can live for hundreds of years.

There are several factors that will influence a laurel’s growth, including, light, water (humidity), soil conditions and weather.

Laurels that are well-suited for the Pacific Northwest include the Schipka laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’) and Portugal laurel (Prunus lusitanica).
The Schipka laurel will grow up to 10 feet tall with a 5 to 10 foot spread, and can remain hardy in temperatures below zero degrees. It does well in sun or part sun with a moderate growth rate. Schipka laurels have a low tolerance for wet soil. Too much water can result in “shothole”, a type of fungus. Generally, the plant has very few insect problems. The plant has white flowers that bloom in the Spring.

The Portugal laurel is a somewhat drought tolerant plant that is native to France, Spain and Portugal. Portugal laurels can also be found in Morocco and Macaronesia. The plant is related to the cherry and is sometimes called the cherry bay. It can grow up to 20 feet tall. Like the Schipka laurel, the Portugal laurel has small white flowers that start blooming during the Spring. The plant’s bark is a dark, almost black-brown. The tiny fruit of the plant is a deep purple.

You’ll rarely find the Portugal laurel in the wild. When you do, it is mostly along mountain streams.
To create a hedge, plant laurels approximately 3-5 feet apart (depending on how large you start with) and 3 to 5 feet away from a wall or fence. Both the Schipka laurel and Portugal laurel will grow around 2 feet in height per year.

Your hedge will need to be trimmed annually. When you trim the hedge while it is establishing, more new branches will grow and increase the plant’s density. The best time to trim your hedge is in late spring or early summer. You can trim to reduce both height and width. While both the Schipka and Portugal laurel can be kept fairly narrow, maintaining a narrow shape is easier with the Portugal laurel.

If you are considering a hedge for your property, a big tree supplier can tell you what type of laurel will work best for your planting environment. A big tree expert will also show you how to maintain the hedge, and keep the laurel healthy.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (big trees Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (see inventory at http://bigtreesupply.com/sales-inventory/), specializing in large trees for sale and tree transplanting. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpactBDUPmQ

JulianConstruction.com: Stabilizing Foundations with Helical Piles

By Julian De La Torre

Helical piers, also known as helical piles, screw piles and helical anchors, help secure new foundations to the ground. They can also be used to strengthen and stabilize existing foundations. The word “helix” means having a spiral shape. A pile or pier is a long column, shaped like a screw, which is driven into the ground.

A foundation spreads the weight of the building that sits on it. Sometimes the foundation itself needs support. This is usually due to poor soil conditions and moisture issues, which can cause uneven settlement, cracking and bowing.

Helical piles can give the foundation additional strength and stability. They are attached to the foundation on one end, and then screwed (anchored) into the ground on the other. The depth that they are driven into the ground typically depends on the extent of the load.

Helical piers are usually installed around the perimeter of the foundation. First, brackets are attached to the foundation. Then the pier is screwed into the soil and attached to the bracket. Site disturbance is usually minimal. In fact, when a home is being retrofitted with piers, in many cases it can still be occupied while the work is being completed.

Screw piles have been used in construction for almost 200 years, beginning with lighthouse foundations in the 1800s. They were also used to build piers.

Today’s helical piles look like large screws made of galvanized or epoxy-coated steel. They have a central shaft with one or more spiral-shaped plates. The plates are typically referred to as blades or flights, and are welded to the central shaft. There are also extension shafts, which are used to increase the length of the shaft and help it achieve the right depth.

There are many advantages to using helical piles to support a foundation. With the right equipment, they can be installed fairly quickly. Many times it only takes a few minutes to position and place a pile. They can also be loaded as soon as they’ve been installed. The load capacity can even increase over time. Helical piles can be used in many different types of soils, including dense sand, loose sand, soft clay and hard clay.

The stability of your home depends on having a strong foundation. Helical piles are one way to increase foundation support. Other types of foundation repair methods include concrete piers and pilings, masonry patches and sealants, slabjacking and bracing.

Is your floor sloping? Are you finding it difficult to open and close windows? Can you see cracks in walls? These are some of the many signs of foundation problems.

If you know or suspect that your foundation is damaged in some way, contact a foundation contractor to find out what type of repair is needed. Both your property and foundation will be thoroughly inspected, and any problem areas addressed. Not only will you find out what foundation repair solutions will work the best, an experienced foundation repair professional can also show you how to prevent problems in the future.

Julian De La Torre, expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, repair & house bolting (Los Angeles) and founder of Julian Construction (http://www.julianconstruction.com) in Los Angeles, 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://losangelesfoundationrepair.us/). 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=6I8j7dXzpj4

AmericanDentalExcellence.com: Enhance Your Appearance with Porcelain Veneers

By Dr. Kenneth Polke

Have your teeth become discolored? Are they worn down, chipped or broken? One of the best ways to restore the beauty of your smile is to conceal damaged teeth with porcelain veneers.

Veneers are extremely thin pieces of ceramic (porcelain) that are bonded to your teeth to cover imperfections. They can also be used to enhance the appearance of teeth that are misaligned or uneven. Veneers can even cover the gaps between teeth and make dark teeth look whiter. Other advantages of porcelain veneers include their strength, durability and stain resistance.

The porcelain veneer procedure is virtually pain-free.
Consequently very little, if any, anesthesia will be needed. Veneers are often a desirable alternative to crowns - a more aggressive treatment for correcting problem teeth. It’s the easiest way to improve a tooth’s size, shape and color.

It can take up to three visits to get through the entire porcelain veneer procedure. During your first visit, your teeth will be examined. X-rays may be taken, along with impressions. Measurements are taken and then the information is recorded about the size, shape and color of your teeth. This is to make sure the veneers blend naturally with your existing teeth.

Before the veneer can be bonded to your tooth, about ½ millimeter of enamel will need to be removed. This is the preparation stage of the process. A mold of your teeth will be made and sent to a dental laboratory. Over the next week or two, the lab will construct the veneers.

Once the veneers have been created, they will need to be fitted, which is the last part of the procedure. The fitting is done by putting the veneers on each tooth temporarily, and then trimming them as needed. This is also the time when the dentist checks the color of the veneers. The color can be adjusted with the bonding agent that will be used to attach the veneers to your teeth.

Your teeth will also need to be cleaned, polished and etched before the veneers are permanently affixed. After the etching, a special type of dental cement will be placed on the veneer. Once the cement has been applied, the veneers will be positioned correctly on each tooth. Many times a light beam is used to enhance and strengthen the bonding.

The last step is to remove any excess cement. Your bit will be checked and any final adjustments will be made.

You may go through a slight adjustment period after the veneers have been applied, but you’ll be able to eat and drink normally.


There is usually a follow-up visit about two weeks after the procedure in order to re-check the placement of the veneers and make sure your gums are responding well to their presence.
Porcelain veneers can last up to 10 years. They can be cleaned like regular teeth with brushing and flossing. You can even rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.

They’re a great way to improve your appearance, and enhance your confidence and self-esteem.


Dr. Kenneth J. Polke, (Westminster porcelain veneers, general dentist Westminster CO, Thornton dentist, Denver sedation dentist) http://www.americandentalexcellence.com/services/sedation-dentistry/ ) is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, and went on to study dentistry at Case Western University Dental School. Kenneth Polke is also an NFL Alumni, having played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and as quarterback for the Cleveland Browns! While he still has a passion for football, he chooses to serve the needs of his patients as a dentist, opening American Dental Excellence (http://americandentalexcellence.com) in Westminster, CO, in 1981. Dr. Polke offers the latest in dental services (http://westminstersedationdentist.com/). Dr. Kenneth Polke and American Dental Excellence can be reached at 303-920-4900.

Julian Construction Answers Question “When do you need to replace your roof?”

Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a roofing, foundation repair and general construction company in Los Angeles, explains some roofing basics and how you can tell when your roof needs to be replaced.

Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, says: “Roofs are designed to protect a structure from the elements, especially water. They can be built using various types of materials such as slate, rubber slate, wood shake, asphalt and metal. Whatever materials are used, a roof will eventually wear out over time and need repair or replacing. Evidence of roof problems can include missing, loose, warped or buckled shingles and tiles, which leave the underlying roofing materials unprotected and therefore susceptible to damage. Roof leaks are especially serious and should be immediately addressed to prevent them from getting worse and causing the dry rot and mold associated with water damage.”

“Roofs can be replaced at any time, even in wet weather. The process involves removing all of the existing roof shingles and paper. There may even be additional roof layers that need to be removed depending on the age of the house. Once this phase of the process is completed, any necessary repairs will be made. The next step is to lay down asphalt paper, then the new shingles, followed by flashing and installing the ridge vent. The costs associated with replacing a roof will depend on the steepness of the roof, the size of the area that will need to be replaced and the roofing materials that will be used.”

“Many homeowners allow too many layers of roof on their home. These layers of roofing add additional weight, causing sagging and broken wood beams. By proper removal, repair and shearing of the roof you make your home safer, and by installing a roof that will last, you can avoid water damage along with the dry rot and the molds associated with water intrusion.”

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

Julian Construction Tells Public How to Be Safer in an Earthquake

Julian Construction, Inc., (http://www.julianconstruction.com), a foundation repair and construction company in Los Angeles, continues their efforts to educate homeowners about foundation maintenance and the importance of ensuring their home’s foundation is up to modern standards of earthquake resistance.

Southern California has one of the highest incident rates for earthquakes in the entire United States and Los Angeles is right in the middle of that earthquake zone. If you’ve lived here long enough you’ve probably had your fair share of mild quakes but if you’ve experienced a larger earthquake you know how devastating the effects can be.

Julian Construction takes earthquake safety seriously and specializes in foundation repair and construction. Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, stated “If you have an older home you may have insufficient, out-dated, or missing attachments securing the house to the foundation. However, if your foundation is in good condition you may not have to completely replace your foundation to make your home safer in an earthquake. Foundations can be retrofitted to make them stronger and more stable during the next quake. Earthquake retrofitting has helped secure foundations for homeowners whose home structure would otherwise be potentially vulnerable to heavy damage in the event of an earthquake.”

“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.”

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