Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps Assures It’s Not Too Late for Winter Chimney Cleanings

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps (https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com/), in Eden Prairie, is assuring homeowners that it is not too late to get their chimney serviced and checked for the winter.

It is vital that homeowners get their chimney cleaned and inspected before they use it in the winter months. Normally, homeowners are encouraged to get their chimney serviced in the fall so they have plenty of time to schedule an appointment. However, Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is assuring homeowners that it is not too late for winter chimney cleanings and is encouraging them to get them serviced sooner than later as winter is here.

Chimney cleanings are essential to the safety of everyone living in the home, and not getting chimney cleanings is a common mistake homeowners make. In fact, a report on U.S. fires in 2009 discovered 59,000 house fires were related to heating equipment, and of those fires, 55% of them were due to a fireplace that wasn’t cleaned or properly maintained.

Dave Lambert, the owner of Blue Sky, said: “The National Fire Protection Association recommends that your chimney be inspected at least once a year to meet safety and maintenance standards. Right now at Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, we are offering $149 chimney cleanings for a very limited time! Call us today to schedule your cleaning — this offer ends December 31st.”

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is family owned and operated, and has over 20 years of experience in the chimney repair and cleaning field, and all of their masons and sweeps are licensed and insured. They are members of the National Chimney Sweeps Guild and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Blue Sky offers chimney cleaning in Minneapolis and the metro area. For more information on chimney services from Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, visit https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com, or call 952-944-1744.

Monday, December 10, 2018

Silva Construction Implements New Online Tracking System for Clients

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (https://www.silvaconstruction.com/), a residential and commercial remodeling company serving the south bay area of Los Angeles, has implemented a new online tracking system so that clients can see all the progress and records of their construction project online.

The new system allows clients to track and confirm remodeling decisions, to track ongoing costs, and see pictures of the remodeling project as it moves along.

A new video gives information on the program:
https://vimeo.com/coconstruct/review/301293880/52f0815c76

Dave Silva, owner of Silva Construction, stated “We strive to always make the home remodeling process a pleasant and easy one, with no evil surprises. With this new online tracking system, we hope to make the process even smoother and easier for our homeowner clients.”
Dave Silva and David Clarke are owners of Silva Construction, Inc., located in San Pedro, CA. The company has over 40 years of experience in remodeling construction, and serves Southern California’s South Bay area, including Westchester, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, San Pedro, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Harbor City, Lomita, Torrance, and other select areas. Their blog can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/blog3/ and their website can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/. They can be reached at 310-831-6310.

Silva Construction Urges Homeowners to Prepare Their California Home for Winter

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (https://www.silvaconstruction.com), a residential and commercial remodeling company serving the south bay area of Los Angeles, is urging homeowners in California to take steps to prepare their homes for winter.

Dave Silva, owner of Silva Construction, stated “California winters are pretty mild compared to cities like Chicago or New York, but the weather can still get pretty chilly and you still need to prepare your home for any heavy storms in order to prevent dry rot or roof leaks. To ensure your home is safe this winter, we’ve put together a basic list of ways to prepare your California home for Winter.”

1. Inspect nearby trees

First, check to make sure your trees are healthy. If you’re not sure what to look for, speak to a certified arborist. Next, on any trees that are close to your house, trim any branches or tree limbs that are less than 6 feet from the roofline to prevent rodents and insects from accessing your roof.

2. Inspect and clean your roof

It’s vital to clean and inspect your roof before any winter rain comes through. Clear off any leaves, tree branches and other debris from your roof. Be sure to also check the shingles and waterproofing elements. Again, if you’re not sure what to look for, we suggest speaking with a professional.

3. Clear out gutters

Be sure to clean out your gutters to prevent them from getting clogged and overflowing.

4. Seal any exterior cracks

It’s important to seal up any exterior cracks around your home to prevent insect infestation and water intrusion.

Dave Silva and David Clarke are owners of Silva Construction, Inc., located in San Pedro, CA. The company has over 40 years of experience in remodeling construction, and serves Southern California’s South Bay area, including Westchester, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, San Pedro, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Harbor City, Lomita, Torrance, and other select areas. Their blog can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com/blog3/ and their website can be seen at https://www.silvaconstruction.com. They can be reached at 310-831-6310.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Brite Smiles is Explaining Why Dental Consultations are Important

Brite Smiles is Explaining Why Dental Consultations are Important

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (https://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com) in Apple Valley, is explaining to the public why dental consultations are important.

Dr. Dennis Simmons, founder of Brite Smiles Dental Care stated “Patients often have several questions concerning their mouth, teeth and their treatment options. This is why Brite Smiles highly recommends getting a consultation with your dentist. It’s essential that you truly understand your treatment plan and ask any questions to feel confident about your decisions.”

At Brite Smiles Dental Care, a consultation with your dentist is always done at no charge. They want all patients to feel confident about what’s being recommended and to get the right care.

Bruce, a patient at Brite Smiles, said: “I have found Brite Smiles Dental to be very accommodating and friendly and trustworthy. I have recommended them to several of my extended family as well as some of my friends. I have complete confidence in them.”

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 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, 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 dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit https://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com/, or call 952-891-8484.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Big Trees Inc. Helps Save a Large Dogwood Tree

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area, recently helped a man who wanted to save a large Dogwood tree on his property.

The tree was in the way of remodeling and expanding the client’s garage and parking area — both premium features in the neighborhoods of Seattle. The client contacted Big Trees about moving the huge tree. He told them the base trunk had a diameter of over a foot and a half wide, and that the canopy of the tree was 20-feet plus in height. With his daughter having childhood memories with the tree, he felt strongly about saving it.

The tree was positioned very close to some overhead power service lines going to the neighbor’s home. Once the large root ball was dug, it was too heavy for any ground based tractor to lift conventionally. Fortunately, this tree only needed to move a short distance. The crew dug a trench in the direction that the tree needed to travel, and with an extendable boom forklift, the root ball was scooped and slid to the front of the new trench, like a big cookie on a bakers sheet. When all the markers and measurements were checked, it was decided that it was time to re-bury the Dogwood in its new planting location.

“There are a lot of ways to handle these larger trees, and in spite of most situations where it can look really difficult, our crews and techniques have enough experience to see a lot of great things accomplished!” says Todd Holmes, Big Trees’ Operation Manager.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., 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 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 https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/ They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

BigTreeSupply.com: Benefits of Deep Root Fertilization

by Nancy Penrose

Trees require certain nutrients in order to function and grow. Most trees in urban landscape settings are grown in soils that do not contain sufficient nutrients for it to grow and develop properly. This is why fertilization is a very important part of tree care and tree preservation.

Why You Should Fertilize

We frequently remove fallen leaves, organic matter and other potential sources of nutrient recycling that would naturally have helped trees thrive. Fertilization can replace these soil nutrients lost by leaf cleanup.

Tree fertilization can also help new trees expand root systems for better anchorage and overall vitality. Expanded root systems mean better water absorption and better defense against drought and hot weather, which has become more common here in the Pacific Northwest.
For those who want that instant screen, fertilization will increase plant growth.

What’s the Difference Between Deep Root Fertilization and DIY Fertilization?

So, what’s the difference between deep root fertilization and DIY fertilization sold in stores? Most store bought fertilizers (especially for lawns) are quick release nitrogen that are high in salts. The salt can cause “fertilizer burn” which results in scorched leaf margins. Deep root fertilizer is a slow release, zero salt formula, that does not burn or cause drought stress for the tree. Injecting into the soil brings the nutrients to the root zone of the tree and helps deliver more fertilizer directly to the tree. This is especially good for trees in grass and planting beds where competing plants may absorb some of the fertilizer.

Know Your Numbers

It’s important to know what type of fertilizer will give the right balance of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This can be confusing for many homeowners. Our tree specialist takes the guesswork out of what fertilizer blend is best and handle everything for our clients. For more information or if you have questions about deep root fertilization, call us at (360) 563-2700.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (https://bigtreesupply.com/), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree preservation at https://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on tree care or installation go to privacytree.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.

Friday, November 30, 2018

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps Urges Homeowners to Prepare Their Chimneys for Holiday Events

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps (https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com/), in Eden Prairie, is urging homeowners in the Minneapolis area to get their chimney cleaned and inspected ahead of upcoming family holiday events such as Christmas and New Year’s.

Dave Lambert, owner of Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, stated “You know that having a roaring fire in your fireplace is going to make the day that much better, when you’re celebrating Christmas parties, Christmas day, New Year’s, football parties, and of course, the Super Bowl. But before you break out the fireplace, it’s best to get your chimney cleaned and inspected, so you can use it with confidence. Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps can service you quickly and efficiently, and we have the experience to know exactly how to fix any problems that might come up.”

Despite the busy season, Lambert assured homeowners that he can likely fit them in for a cleaning and inspection.

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is family owned and operated, and has over 20 years of experience in the chimney repair and cleaning field, and all of their masons and sweeps are licensed and insured. They are members of the National Chimney Sweeps Guild and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Blue Sky offers chimney cleaning in Minneapolis and the metro area. For more information on chimney services from Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, visit https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com/, or call 952-944-1744.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Brite Smiles Gives Advice on Choosing Dental Insurance

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (https://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley, is giving advice to patients who are planning a dental insurance change.

For a number of reasons, patients may decide to change their dental insurance. Sometimes different plans have better options financially, and other times a person’s employer may change the plan for them. In many cases, this won’t affect much, but in other scenarios, a different insurance plan may mean that you won’t be able to see your current dentist because they are no longer in your network.

To avoid any surprises, Brite Smiles recommends finding out if your dentist is in the network for the dental insurance plan you’re planning to switch to. If you feel comfortable with your current dentist, make sure you choose a plan where they are in your network. It’s easier to choose a plan that includes a dentist you like than search and find a new dentist whom you trust. If neither option is available, call your dentist to see which benefits your plan may hold for their office.

Brite Smiles’ office manager stated: “Are you living without dental insurance and looking for a way to stay current with your dental treatments while also saving money? Look no further than Apple Valley’s #1 choice for affordable dental care! Our annual dental care program includes two dental cleanings, two exams, one Fluoride treatment, and all necessary x-rays. Contact us at 952-891-8484 for more information!”

Dr. Dennis Simmons, founder of Brite Smiles Dental Care, 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 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, 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 dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit https://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Saturday, November 10, 2018

BigTreeSupply.com: The Best Time to Transplant Trees

By Nancy Penrose

It is very important when moving a tree from one place to another to be aware of the time of year. Trees can have a lot of their water evaporate through their leaves and foliage during a transplanting effort. Dormancy season for conifer and deciduous trees, (those that lose their leaves in the fall), is the best season to transplant a tree.
Once deciduous trees are losing their leaves it is a good signal that dormancy has settled into the Northwest each fall. Once transplanted, the tree will have ideal temperatures and the enthusiastic growth push of the season to help them adjust to the new space. Aftercare is imperative. The tree will need consistent, daily drip irrigation to the root ball surface to help the tree survive and adjust. Typically 15 minutes of drip per day during the growing season (April-October) will suffice. Do not water your trees during the dormant season.

Late Fall to Early Spring

Late fall to early spring in the Northwest is the ideal time of year for transplanting a tree. They will handle being dug and moved much better at that time of year. The timing is best when the tree can be handled before its new foliage has broken its bud casings.

Early Fall

Some trees will do fine if you transplant them in the early fall, especially evergreen trees. If you live in a colder area/higher altitude environment, and an evergreen tree is being transplanted there from a warmer/lower altitude climate, then it’s best to transplant the tree in early spring and let it have a half a year in its new location before winter starts.

Late Winter

Transplanting a tree in late winter is a fine time too, especially as it rarely freezes hard enough in our Puget Sound climate to make planting difficult. If it is too cold to be digging, our trucks won’t be on the road anyway.

Summer

The middle of summer is the least desirable time of year for transplanting trees in our Puget Sound region. Deciduous trees have all their new leaves, and conifer trees have their fresh evergreen foliage. All of these trees are pulling hard for water through their existing root systems to nurture their new growth so disrupting this can be detrimental if not done with proper precaution, methods and aftercare. Fortunately, Big Trees has garnered significant experience in moving trees during the summer because of construction schedule demands. There are many techniques and treatments we use and have developed over the decades to help summer transplants along, including digging larger size rootballs than normally required and application of products that help put the tree in temporary dormancy during the transplant process. .

Summary

Many construction companies are recognizing trees as priorities to their clients. In addition, there are many city development guidelines attempting to retain tree canopy in the face of our extreme pace of real estate development. Big Trees is the first in any consulting group to point out when a tree is not a good transplant candidate. Keeping our integrity and advisements as a trusted resource for builders and municipalities is a major priority in our assessment of transplanting opportunities.

In our Puget Sound region, the importance of our urban and suburban trees and what they contribute to our environments is given significant consideration nowadays. Big Trees is very pleased to assist with the protection and retention of our region’s tree populations.
If you have more questions about transplanting you can always call a big tree specialist at Big Trees Inc., 360-563-2700.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (https://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree preservation at https://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on tree care or installation go to http://snohomishbigtrees.com/. 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.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Real Web Marketing Designs New Web Site for Big Trees Inc. in Seattle

New Web Site Features Large Custom Tree Finder Feature


LOS ANGELES, CA: Real Web Marketing Inc. (http://www.realwebmarketing.net), a web design and website marketing company in Los Angeles, has completed designing a new web site for Big Trees, Inc. (https://bigtreesupply.com), a large tree nursery and tree transplanting company in the Seattle area.

Big Trees Inc. is one of the largest tree nurseries in the greater Seattle area, located in Snohomish, WA. They specialize in selling and installing trees of all sizes, especially large, mature trees. The company also transplants and moves trees, and has done work for the Seattle Seahawks, as well as for numerous cities, schools, colleges, universities, and thousands of home owners around the Seattle area.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees, Inc., stated “We have worked with Real Web Marketing for 7 years now. They designed our site 7 years ago, and have since worked with us on search engine optimization and pay per click advertising. We have been having a great year, and so we decided it was time for a new web design, and so we turned to Real Web Marketing again. And we couldn’t be happier with the new design. We especially like the new Tree Finder feature on the site, where visitors can browse over 100 trees, by various categories."

John Eberhard, President of Real Web Marketing stated, “We always enjoy working with the folks at Big Trees, and we were glad for the opportunity to update their large website with a thoroughly modern look. They obviously are a top tree nursery and transplant company, and I wanted the site to reflect the level of quality that the company maintains."

John Eberhard has been involved in marketing for 29 years, and has worked for a variety of companies as Marketing Director prior to starting Real Web Marketing Inc., including The Dohring Company, Executive Software (now Condusiv Software), Survival Strategies, Panda Software, and David Morse & Associates. Real Web Marketing Inc. was founded by John Eberhard in 1999 in the Los Angeles area and incorporated in 2011, and has clients all over the U.S. Their services offered include web design, shopping cart site design, mobile friendly web design, pay-per-click advertising campaign set up and management, search engine optimization (SEO), link building, social media marketing, copywriting, online PR, and video production. He can be reached at 661-441-2429. Their websites including http://realwebmarketing.net, http://realwebmarketingreleases.com, http://realwebclientnews.com, and http://myseojourney.net.

Friday, October 19, 2018

Big Trees Inc. Helped a Builder Move a Large Landscape Tree

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company, was contacted by a builder to move a large landscape tree on their property.

The builder had been speculating on a property for some time, and in making their intentions for the property known, the city inspectors realized that this property would be losing most of its tree canopy to the renovation. The city made the suggestion to save a 25-foot tall Coastal Redwood tree as a way to mitigate some of the lost tree foliage on the property.

Big Trees was asked to come by and evaluate the tree and the property for the handling of this tree. It was decided that the tree should be moved to the very southeast corner of the property from its southwest location. The tree was treated with a solution to slow and retain the hydration of the tree, and the next day, the crew of Big Trees’ transplanting team arrived to begin carefully digging, severing roots and binding the root ball together for handling the next day.

The next morning, the tree was lifted and moved to its new location, set at grade of what would be the eventual finished height of soil around tree, and the tree was unbound and had topsoil added up around the root ball’s sidewalls. Drip irrigation was added to the surface of the root ball for keeping the adequate amount of water to the tree’s root system, and the builder’s project continued, with the tree in its new location.

Todd Holmes, Big Trees’ Operation Manager, stated “Cities are requesting these larger trees to get moved when trying to salvage tree coverage from developing lots, and we’re always happy to do so when all of the successful elements are present. The tree has to be a quality candidate in a good setting, the logistics have to be sound, and the builder has to be vested in seeing the transplant survive with their long term care plan. If all of this comes together, the likelihood of a successful transplant is very good,”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., 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 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 https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps Explains Why You Should Get Your Chimney Cleaned Now

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps (https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com/), in Eden Prairie, is explaining to homeowners why they should get their chimney cleaned and inspected prior to using it in fall.

Getting your chimney cleaned before you use it in the fall and winter months is important because there are certain things that could go wrong while it was not in use during the summer months.

Common Chimney Problems in Summer:
  • Unpleasant odors can come from your chimney and could be due to moisture mixed with the creosote in the chimney flue. The smell can become more noticeable if heat and humidity become high.
  • Bad odors can also be a sign of an animal trapped in your chimney; it could be animal droppings or a dead animal that couldn’t escape the chimney.
  • You could get an insect infestation in your chimney, such as bees or ants.
  • Your chimney could get blocked by a bird’s nest, debris such as leaves, or excess creosote. The most common reason for a fireplace-related house fire is due to a blockage in the chimney.
A past customer of Blue Sky said, “I was worried about my chimney’s safety and so I called Blue Sky and they came out and did a professional inspection of my chimney. I was shown how to use my fireplace and am looking forward to using it this winter! Very good company!”

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is family owned and operated, and has over 20 years of experience in the chimney repair and cleaning field, and all of their masons and sweeps are licensed and insured. They are members of the National Chimney Sweeps Guild and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Blue Sky offers chimney cleaning in Minneapolis and the metro area. For more information on chimney services from Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, visit https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com, or call 952-944-1744.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Brite Smiles is Recommending a New Breed of Apple

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (https://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley, is recommending and sharing information about the new First Kiss® apple.

With fall just around the corner and healthy teeth and gums at the forefront of the staff at Brite Smiles Dental Care, they are recommending University of Minnesota’s (UMN) new apple called First Kiss®, which will be ready to harvest in mid-to-late August.

First Kiss dates back to the late 1990s when UMN’s apple breeders, David Bedford and Jim Luby, set out to breed an apple with the taste and texture of a Honeycrisp, but would be ready to harvest by Labor Day weekend. To accomplish this they crossed Honeycrisp with an early ripening variety from the University of Arkansas known as “AA44.” After years of rigorous trials at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Horticultural Research Center, First Kiss emerged.

“With First Kiss, we got the best of both worlds,” explained David Bedford. “Its crisp texture and spritely flavor make it an excellent choice for fresh eating. Its early harvest date means Minnesota apple lovers can enjoy their favorite Minnesota grown fruit sooner than ever.”

“We’re excited for Minnesotans to taste First Kiss this fall,” said Jim Luby. “Through two decades of evaluating hundreds of crosses and thousands of trees, First Kiss distinguished itself throughout our research and trials as a superior, early fall apple.”

Brite Smiles Dental Care founder 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 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, 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 dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit https://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Brite Smiles is Informing the Public on Remedies for Missing Teeth

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (https://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley, MN, is informing the public on the remedies for missing teeth.

More than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth and 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth.

There are many remedies for this and Brite Smiles Dental Care can help you figure out what works best for you. Remedies include:

Implants: metal posts that are positioned into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once in place, they allow the dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them.

Dentures: removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures – complete and partial. Complete dentures are for when all the teeth are missing, while partial is for when there are a few natural teeth remaining.

Dr. Dennis Simmons, founder of Brite Smiles Dental Care, stated “We have all the tools needed to fix any problems of missing teeth. We don’t have to refer you to some specialist, we do them all. You save money and time!”

John W., a patient at Brite Smiles, says, “The dentists are exceptionally great. The staff is exceptionally great. If you want the BEST, go to Brite Smiles Dental Care. So run, walk, crawl, just get to Brite Smiles Dental Care today!”

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 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, 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 dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit https://britesmilesdentalcare.com or call 952-891-8484.

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Big Trees Inc. Salvages Large Rhododendrons from a Local Property

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., ( https://bigtreesupply.com/ ), a tree sales and transplant company, salvaged a number of large Rhododendrons from a local property earlier this season, which allowed Big Trees to gain a number of large Rhododendron specimens for their inventory.

A woman came into Big Trees’ office one afternoon this spring and mentioned that she had a significant number of Rhododendrons that were lining her property frontage, and she was considering having them cut down. While she liked the privacy the trees gave, her property had recently been burglarized, and she felt the Rhododendrons were a part of the reason the thieves felt comfortable targeting her property.

A Big Trees representative went out to the property to have a look at the plants and the logistics that might be involved in getting the Rhododendrons out of this location. There didn’t appear to be any conflicts with the recently located underground utilities on the property, and the Rhododendrons all appeared to be spaced out well enough to salvage them effectively. Big Trees was able to successfully load the Rhododendrons onto their trucks and bring them back to their nursery.

“These kind of arrangements can be pretty adventurous for all involved. A home owner can receive free removal for what might have been an otherwise expensive operation, and Big Trees gets to invest our efforts into some terrific plant material that will go on to live in another landscape. In addition, there’s always the angle that the home owner doesn’t have to watch a number of beautiful plants get destroyed simply because they no longer fit the environment,” says Todd Holmes, Big Trees’ Operation Manager.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., 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 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 https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Friday, August 17, 2018

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps Explains Why You Should Get Your Chimney Ready for Winter Now

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps (https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com/), in Eden Prairie, is explaining to homeowners why they should get their chimney ready for winter now, along with how to save with their Fall Blue Sky Special

According to Blue Sky, there are several good reasons why homeowners should get their chimney ready for Winter now, instead of waiting until fall:

You’ll easily be able to make an appointment to get your chimney cleaned or to get any repairs done. Fall months are the hardest times to get an appointment because that’s the busy season when the majority of people are trying to schedule appointments.

You’ll have more time to get any problems that arise handled in time for winter. If you wait until fall, you may not be able to get an appointment as soon as you’d like, postponing when you’ll be able to light your first fire.

Chimney professionals can often find problems that homeowners didn’t know existed, such as debris of some sort of blockage. Getting these issues fixed before you light the fireplace again is very important since not doing so can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the home.

Dave, owner of Blue Sky, said: “Our goal is to provide you exactly what you need and want for your chimney and get you all the information you need so you can make the right decision on your fireplace and chimney. Spring and summer are THE best times to get your chimney cleaned and inspected. Plus, we have our Fall Blue Sky Special – $169 plus $400 off any repairs. Call us today for more information.”

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is family owned and operated, and has over 20 years of experience in the chimney repair and cleaning field, and all of their masons and sweeps are licensed and insured. They are members of the National Chimney Sweeps Guild and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Blue Sky offers chimney cleaning in Minneapolis and the metro area. For more information on chimney services from Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, visit https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com/, or call 952-944-1744.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Big Trees Inc. Transplanted Large Evergreen Trees for a Developer

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company, was contacted by a developer in Sequim, WA in regard to a project for transplanting a number of large evergreen trees.

The developer first contacted Big Trees in the middle of winter with an idea of transplanting some existing trees that were on a property. The trees were in the correct size range for the Big John 90-inch tree spade, and access was good to transplant the trees into the planned space.

The Big John tree spade got to work, and the crew spent two and a half days on the project moving over 20 trees into position along the property boundary. Each 20 to 25-foot evergreen tree was staked down with rebar posts and aircraft cable to stabilize these larger trees while they adjust to their new locations. Irrigation was added to the newly planted trees and set up on a timer to ensure the trees’ health throughout the spring and summer months, until they become established.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees, said: “The Big John tree spade isn’t a perfect fit for all projects, but when it has room to work, good access and nice trees, a lot of exciting things can happen!”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., 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 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 https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Are Bumps on Trunks Bad for Trees?

By Nancy Penrose

As you appreciate the fully grown leaves on your trees in the summer, you may notice bulges growing on tree trunks. What are those bumps and are they bad for your trees? Well, to answer the first question, those bulges are called burls and the cause of the burls on your specific tree isn’t easy to pinpoint without looking at it. However, they sometimes develop due to bacteria, fungi and insects, while other trees have a genetic predisposition to producing burls.

Are burls bad for my trees?

Normally they pose no threat to trees. Sometimes, although it is rare, a burl can interrupt the vascular system of the tree. We recommend finding the reason why the burls appeared to make sure there isn’t a health threat to the tree.

Can I remove burls from my trees?

Removing burls from trees poses a high risk for your tree. Not only would it leave a wound on your tree’s trunk, it could also lead to an infection. We recommend not removing burls to maintain the health of the tree.

The best thing to do is to find why the burls appeared. Due to the fact that burls are a product of insect or fungi damage, it is important to make sure there aren’t any signs of an insect infection or something similar. If you see small holes in the trunk and branches, give us a call at (866) 313-2333 and we will help!

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (https://bigtreesupply.com/), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree preservation at https://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on tree care or installation go to privacytree.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.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Brite Smiles Releases a Newsletter Showing the Benefits of Having Healthy Teeth in the Summer

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (https://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com/) , in Apple Valley, released a newsletter to the public showing the benefits of having healthy teeth in the summer.

Due to the fun and relaxed nature of the summer months, it is natural for people to smile a lot. Unhealthy teeth can make one feel uncomfortable or shy, which was the main reason behind Brite Smiles’ newsletter, as their purpose is to have patients feel confident and happy with their smile.

The folks at Brite Smiles stated, “Show off your smile this summer while you’re out having fun with friends and family, eating corn on the cob, and going out on summer picnics! Don’t let painful teeth spoil your vacation or leisure time. Our doctors are available – call us today!”

A patient at Brite Smiles, Kristi T. mentioned: “I've been going exclusively to Brite Smiles for the past couple of years. The dentists and hygienists are wonderful. They are thorough yet gentle. I drive from Saint Paul to Burnsville to go here and they are the only people I trust with my teeth!”

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 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, 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 dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit https://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com/, or call 952-891-8484.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Squishy Mail Sent to Alpaca Herd Owners

Fiber Artist and Spinster Ameda Holmes Sends Handspun Yarn to Epic Alpacas

FARMERSVILLE, TX - Ameda Holmes of AmedaDesigns (https://amedadesigns.blogspot.com/) sends thirteen skeins of yarn spun during July to Epic Alpacas. Weighing just over three pounds, and totaling 2,424 yards of 3 ply yarn, this was the result of several processes done by hand in traditional methods.

Ameda received a large box in June from the owners of Epic Alpacas in California (http://epicalpacas.com/) that contained fiber from three animals in their herd. "Mithrandir","Iron Belle", and "Ceilidh" are all first quality examples of the grey animals that Epic Alpacas have been specializing in breeding.

Before this fiber could be spun into yarn it needed to be prepared.

First it was run through a bench picker to open up the fiber and allow some of the dust and any vegetable matter trapped in the fiber to fall out.

Then it was washed with a mild detergent without any agitation that could cause felting, and laid on racks to dry.

Finally, it was brushed into mats referred to as batts, and then it was ready to spin.

Ameda decided to spin each animal's fiber as an individual yarn and combine them into a 3 ply yarn for the owner's half of this batch of fiber. From July 7 to July 13, she spun 6 bobbins of yarn and had 6 skeins completed that she could show off at a meeting on the 14th.

These skeins totaled 1,224 yards of 3 ply yarn, and weighed 1.47 pounds.

From July 15 to July 27, another seven skeins were spun and plied, resulting in the total of 2,424 yards and 3.18 pounds. What makes this total more extraordinary is the fact that each of the three plies in the finished yarn were individually spun before plying, resulting in a grand total of spinning and plying of 9,696 yards, or 5.51 miles.

Ameda Holmes is an artist and fiber artist currently based near Farmersville, TX. She works in multiple media, as her offerings on eBay (https://www.ebay.com/str/amedadesigns) amply demonstrate.

She started knitting at the age of five, and added skills and experience with many media over the decades. Spinning wasn't added until 1980 (https://amedadesigns.blogspot.com/2018/07/a-spinsters-genesis.html), but her basic intent has always been to create beautiful things every day.

The Epic Alpacas project is just one installment in a year-long project to spin 60 miles of yarn this year. As of this writing she has completed 36 miles of spinning and plying, and will be writing her experiences in an ebook to be entitled "60 Years - 60 Miles - A Spinster's Journey".

Ameda can be contacted by email at amedadesigns@gmail.com, found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AmedaDesigns/, and her items can be found for purchase on eBay at (https://www.ebay.com/str/amedadesigns)

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Why Now is the Best Time to Have Masonry Repairs Done by Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps ( http://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com/), in Eden Prairie, is explaining to the public why now is the best time for homeowners to get masonry repairs done.

While it isn’t winter anymore and homeowners aren’t using their fireplace as much at the moment, that doesn’t mean homeowners should neglect getting repairs and maintenance done. In fact, Summer is the best time to get any masonry repairs done; here’s why:
  • Summer months allow the time needed to do certain projects, such as extending the masonry of the chimney or a fireplace remodel. Chimney inspections and cleanings take up a lot of time in the fall and winter months, making summer and spring ideal for larger repairs and projects.
  • The longer you wait to get your masonry repaired, the worse it will become. If homeowners wait until fall to get their masonry repaired, the problem can be much worse than if it were to have been repaired in spring or summer.
  • Warm weather is ideal to repair a masonry as most of the materials that are used to repair it take a while to cure; if temperatures are too low, it will take longer for the chimney to cure fully.
Dave Lambert, owner of Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, says: “We offer masonry repairs in Minneapolis and the metro area. We’re family-owned and operated, we’re ethical and offer the most economical prices. Give Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps a call today!”

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is family owned and operated, and has over 20 years of experience in the chimney repair and cleaning field, and all of their masons and sweeps are licensed and insured. They are members of the National Chimney Sweeps Guild and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Blue Sky offers chimney cleaning in Minneapolis and the metro area. For more information on chimney services from Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, visit http://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com, or call 952-944-1744.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

BigTreeSupply.com: Can Your Birch Trees Be Saved?

By Nancy Penrose


If you haven’t heard, a beetle named the bronze birch borer has been becoming pretty troublesome in parts of western and eastern Washington.
They can be found wherever birch is grown and mostly attacks the Jacquemontii Birch. Due to birch tree plantings increasing, the insect is quickly expanding. If you know your birch tree has been affected, you know you need to do something, but what exactly should you do? Can your birch tree be saved or is cutting it down the only answer? Let’s find out below.

Can my birch tree be saved?


The short answer is yes. In many cases, birch trees can be saved from the bronze birch borer. Treatment such as soil drenches, bark spray, and trunk injection are all ways you can save your birch trees from the tree disease if the treatment is applied correctly.


Should I cut my birch tree down?


We always recommend doing what you can to save a tree before you cut it down. If your birch tree has been affected, you’ll need to consider the tree’s health, what value it brings to your home, and the price of the treatment. If you find that your tree’s value is less than the cost of treatment, then cutting it down may be a good solution.

Unsure of whether your tree has been affected or not? We can help! We offer tree inspections and spray treatments for birch trees if the tree is less than 30% gone. Just contact our tree specialist at (866) 313-2333 to get started.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (https://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree preservation at https://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on tree care or installation go to http://arboristblog.com. 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. Replaces a Significant Hedge Between Two Properties

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area, recently replaced a significant hedge between two properties that had been lost during an accident.

Big Trees was approached by a customer who had a major accident occur with their neighbor, resulting in a lost hedge between the properties. The client’s neighbor had recently run a power cord along a row of tall Arborvitae trees to get some lighting into the daughter’s playhouse. Unfortunately, the Arborvitaes caught fire and the fire spread quickly throughout the entire 65-foot long hedge. The fire was exceptionally close to both residences, but fortunately, neither home caught on fire.

The trees needed to be replaced as soon as possible and Big Trees had the inventory of trees and the crew capable of performing the work. It was decided that 31 of Big Trees’ 11’-12’ Emerald Green Arborvitaes would be the trees to work with. All of the debris from the fire was cleared, and the stumps and root material was removed from the relatively slender planting bed between the properties. The new trees were installed.

Todd Holmes, Big Trees’ Operations Manager, said: “The new trees were installed on the boundary bed, and the owners were thrilled. After the accident and thinking they would have to restart with small trees, they were thrilled to realize that their hedge could be put back in place and that the two neighbors could go back to their lives, hopefully with some better extension cords on their future projects.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., 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 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 https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Monday, July 2, 2018

Brite Smiles Publishes a New YouTube Video

Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley, has just published a new YouTube video introducing the public to Brite Smiles.

Brite Smiles encourages everyone to find a dentist who is knowledgeable, trustworthy and friendly. This is one reason they created a video to introduce the public to Brite Smiles, the services they offer and the doctors who work there. The video can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ecUbM7QAfo.

Shan I., a patient at Brite Smiles, said, “Brite Smiles is an awesome place for all of your dental needs: big or small. They all ease your fear and anxiety from the minute you make an appointment, through any procedure. All staff are kind, patient and professional. They use a team approach and discuss each patient’s needs and requirements to reach a well-rounded goal that works for you!”

Another patient, Kristi T., mentioned: “I’ve been going exclusively to Brite Smiles for the past couple of years. The dentists and hygienists are wonderful. They are thorough yet gentle. I drive from Saint Paul to Burnsville to go here and they are the only people I trust with my teeth!”

Brite Smiles founder 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 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, 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 dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps Urges Public to Get Their Chimney Inspected and Cleaned Now

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com in Eden Prairie, is explaining to the public why now is the best time for homeowners to get their chimney cleaned and inspected.

Your chimney has served its purpose during the winter in keeping you warm, and now that summer is here, it is important to get your chimney cleaned and inspected so the air in your home is clean and fresh. With that said, there are three important reasons why homeowners should get their chimney cleaned and inspected in the spring:
  • Homeowners tend to schedule chimney maintenance in the fall, so you are more likely to get a convenient appointment date and time.
  • Creosote can accumulate in your chimney during the winter months, which can cause damage to the inside of the chimney and produce a foul odor. Getting rid of creosote build-up in the spring will help your chimney stay in good condition as well as keep the air in your home fresh.
  • Getting your chimney inspected early on will help find potential issues so you have time to get them repaired, along with setting aside a budget before winter comes back around.
Dave Lambert, owner of Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, says: “Blue Sky will do a comprehensive safety and maintenance inspection of your fireplace and chimney. We’ll provide you with a full inspection report and go over what we find with you and answer all your questions and give you all your options. We have very economical prices and we fully warranty all our work!”

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is family owned and operated, and has over 20 years of experience in the chimney repair and cleaning field, and all of their masons and sweeps are licensed and insured. They are members of the National Chimney Sweeps Guild and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Blue Sky offers chimney cleaning in the Minneapolis metro area. For more information on chimney services from Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, visit https://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com, or call 952-944-1744.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Big Trees Inc. Helped a Homeowner with a Large Scale Screening Situation

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company in the Seattle area, recently helped a client with a large scale screening situation that needed to be resolved before the client could sell their home.

Last month, a couple came to the Big Trees nursery with a difficult situation. A five-story tall apartment building had been built up in their backyard view, and even though it is across the street from their backyard fence, it took away from the privacy of their home.

The couple was attempting to sell their home at the time and knew they had to bring privacy back to their home before they could easily sell it. Big Trees decided to plant large 20-foot Excelsa Cedars and large flowering Cherry trees along the back border of the property to help with the clients’ situation. The problem with installing these trees into this property was that there was no access for tractors to bring these 3,000-pound trees into the backyard. Big Trees called in their associates in the crane industry, and used a 140-ton class crane to safely place the trees into the backyard.

“These kind of large tree installations are extremely satisfying,” said Todd Holmes, Big Trees’ Operation Manager. “From the logistics all coming together, to the set-up of each impressive tree, and all to the moment where we get to step back and see the difference that has been accomplished; it’s a very unique thrill to get to be a part of!”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., 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 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/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

Increase Property Value by Adding (or Cutting Down) Trees

By Nancy Penrose

You may be ready to sell your house now, or you’re planning on staying in your home for several years. Either way, you’ll want to add as much value to your house as possible, and the outside is just as important as the inside.

The best way to add value to the outside of your property is to add healthy trees or cut down diseased, dangerous trees. Did you know, according to PNW Research Station, a tree in front of a house can increase the home’s sale price by an average of $7,130? That’s huge!

So, which trees should you add to your home?

There isn’t really any specific tree that adds more value over another type of tree. The most important thing is to plant healthy, disease-resistant trees. If you’re in an area where a specific tree is popular, such as palm trees in Florida or California, then adding those trees can help as well.
Some popular trees that could enhance your home value include:
  • Katsura
  • Dogwood
  • Red maple
Which trees should you cut down?

Trees should always be healthy, well maintained and planted in the correct location. Cutting down a tree that looks infected, is covering up too much of the front of your home, is closer than 15-feet from your home, or is completely dead can help increase the value of your home.

We offer tree inspections and have a nursery of over 120,000 trees for you to choose from. Just contact us at (866) 313-2333 to get started.

Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurseries, specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. Learn more about tree preservation at http://bigtreesupply.com/tree-care-maintenance/ and for more tips on tree care or installation go to privacytree.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.

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps Warns Homeowners of Possible Winter Chimney Damage

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps ( http://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com/), in Eden Prairie, is warning homeowners in the Minneapolis area that large amounts of snowfall this past winter could have caused damage to their chimney. The company urges homeowners to get a chimney inspection.

Dave Lambert, owner of Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, stated “Heavy amounts of snowfall can sometimes lead to big problems with your chimney, and, if left unhandled, these problems can get worse. If you have noticed cracked or loose bricks on the outside of your chimney, this can be a sign of winter-related damage that can lead to water leaks in your chimney. After each snow storm, Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps receives many calls from customers for chimney repairs, and we have the experience to know exactly how to fix these problems.”

Lambert described specific damage that can occur to a chimney during the winter months:

Flashing Damage: The place where your chimney meets the roof is called the flashing, made out of metal, and is one of the most vulnerable areas for water leaks, as water tends to pool there. Heavy snow can damage the flashing, causing it to bend. When this happens, water from melted snow can flow into the chimney, and this water can cause damage to the wooden structure around the chimney, and to your ceiling and walls. If you have seen water stains on your ceiling or walls, you could have a damaged flashing system.

Spalling Damage: Bricks and mortar are porous and easily absorb water. When the temperature drops below freezing, water that has been absorbed into the masonry materials freezes and expands. Then as the temperature warms back up, this water thaws out and causes the bricks and mortar to crack and break apart. This is known as spalling damage, and it can also affect your chimney crown. This type of damage can lead to serious structural damage if left unrepaired.

Get a Spring Inspection: In the case of water damage to your masonry chimney, the best offense is a good defense. By having your chimney regularly inspected and maintained, any masonry damage can be detected and handled quickly. And an annual inspection will alert you to any problems with your chimney, allowing repairs to be made quickly to prevent further decay.”

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is family owned and operated, and has over 20 years of experience in the chimney repair and cleaning field, and all of their masons and sweeps are licensed and insured. They are members of the National Chimney Sweeps Guild and are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Blue Sky offers chimney cleaning in Minneapolis and the metro area. For more information on chimney services from Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps, visit http://www.mplsblueskychimneysweeps.com, or call 952-944-1744.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Brite Smiles Offers Advice for Flossing with Complex Dental Work

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care ( http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com ), in Apple Valley, is offering their advice on how to floss under a bridge or how to floss with complex dental work.

Brite Smile’s advice is the following:

Brush your teeth as you normally would. If you have a regular or an implant bridge, you can brush as if you were brushing natural teeth. After brushing, you can use a Proxabrush, a device that is like a toothpick with a brush on the end. You place the Proxabrush between the teeth or under the bridge at the gum level and saw it back and forth comfortably. You can use the Proxabrush around your natural teeth as well, especially if flossing is becoming hard. Don’t push too hard to fit the Proxabrush in between the teeth; use it wherever it will fit in between the teeth.

Superfloss is used like regular floss, but it has a stiffer side to get under a bridge. Floss as normal, pulling the remaining floss out. To use the floss threader, place the floss through the hole and place the threader under the bridge and floss as normal, pulling the remaining floss out.

Linda B., a patient at Brite Smiles, said, “I came to your office because I am interested in good, reputable dental care and was very adequately pleased. My questions and concerns were addressed thoroughly and concisely. All staff were very responsive and professional. Thank you.”

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 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, 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 dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Brite Smiles is Informing the Public on the Benefits of “Sonic” Toothbrushes

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley, is informing the public on the benefits of using a “sonic” toothbrush rather than a manual tooth brush.

The most significant benefit of a sonic toothbrush is its cleaning capability. Unlike a manual toothbrush, the bristles on the head of a sonic toothbrush rotate independently. This results in more powerful cleaning that is closer to the kind of tool that dentists and hygienists use for a teeth-cleaning. Users of a sonic toothbrush can expect cleaner and whiter teeth, as well as healthier gums and a reduction in gingivitis. When used properly it is more effective for removing food particles from in between teeth. It can also reduce bacteria levels in the mouth more effectively which gives the user fresher breath. On average, sonic toothbrushes vibrate at 30,000 to 40,000 strokes per minute.

An electric sonic toothbrush allows you to clean your teeth for the recommended amount of time. This is specifically helpful for kids who don’t brush their teeth long enough to clean away all of the food buildup.

Dr. Dennis Simmons, founder of Brite Smiles Dental Care, stated “We recommend that our patients use a sonic toothbrush, because it cleans better, and helps maintain better oral health. We think that’s a goal everybody should get behind.”

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 3,000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, 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 dental services from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Spring Concert of Live Music and Original Dance


Local Dance Company and Chamber Music Ensemble
Collaborate on Live Music and Dance Performance

LA CANADA, CA--On Friday, May 18 at 7:00pm and Saturday May 19 at 2:00pm California Contemporary Ballet (https://calballet.com) and Windsong Players Chamber Ensemble will perform “A Concert of Music and Dance” at the Dance Street Theater located at California DanceArts, 4490 Cornishon Ave in La Cañada. It will be an elegant event for couples and families. Tickets are available at https://CalBallet.com or by calling 818-583-7406.
This is a collaboration stemming from the long-term friendship and imaginations of two artists who will deliver a lovely concert of music and dance. The stunning choreography of Aerin Holt, as performed by the dancers of the California Contemporary Ballet dance company, weaves together Holt’s creative visions in the form of dramatic vignettes with the accompanying musical delights of the Windsong Players Chamber Ensemble, directed by flutist/poet, Alice Pero.

Music will be performed for flute, violin, viola and piano by Debussy, Quantz, Telemann, Rachmaninov, Babjanyan, Aghiyan and others, as well as a world premiere by local composer, Carol Worthey. The evening and afternoon performances will be certain to romance any lover of live music and dance, enhanced by poetry, song and story.

California Contemporary Ballet established in 1997, as a (501) (c)(3) non-profit company, by Aerin Holt, the company’s visionary choreographer and Artistic Director. CCB is one of Southern California’s burgeoning dance companies featuring Holt’s unique choreography blend of classical, contemporary and theatrical dance works. Ms. Holt successfully integrates a company of youth and career talent with performances that display a bouquet of trained ballet dancers, modern dancers, gymnasts and aerialists. CCB has developed three elaborately produced full-scale original ballets performed seasonally at Glendale Community College. The Company has performed internationally in the Czech Republic under the auspices of the Prague International ballet and has been featured in concerts, theater and festivals throughout Southern California. For more information visit http://calballet.com.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

BigTreeSupply.com: Trees Losing Leaves in Spring? Here’s Why

By Nancy Penrose

When spring rolls around we expect our trees to bloom with leaves, not lose them. So, what do we do if we notice our trees are shedding or losing leaves during this time of the year? Below, we will cover the two most common reasons leaves drop in spring.

  1. Some trees may hold onto some of their leaves during the winter, making it perfectly normal for their leaves to drop in the spring. Some tree species shed some of their leaves in the spring rather than the fall.
  2. If your tree doesn’t naturally lose leaves in spring, but is losing them this year, it may have an infection. A good way to tell if your tree may be infected is to look at the leaves on the ground to see if they’re curled up and brown rather than smooth and green.
Trees that naturally lose their leaves in spring:
If your tree is shedding leaves in spring and they are green and healthy looking, then everything is probably fine. Here are some of the most common types of trees that shed leaves in spring:
  • Live oak
  • Holly
  • Hackberry
  • Hickory
How do I know for sure if my tree is healthy?
As mentioned above, you can generally tell if your tree is healthy or not by the way the leaves appear. However, if you want to be safe, having a tree preservation professional inspect your tree is your best bet. We offer inspections and provide treatments for trees. Just contact us at (360) 563-2700.

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

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Big Trees Inc. Completed a Privacy Screening Project for a Homeowner in Bothell

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree sales and transplant company, has recently completed a significant privacy screening project for a homeowner in Bothell.

Previously, a greenbelt (an area of open land around a city, on which building is restricted) had been next door to the homeowner for years. However, the land has now been cleared for new homes. The homeowner had been aware of this development coming for a few months, but once they saw the actuality of it, they realized something needed to be done beyond building a typical fence.

The client called Big Trees’ office hoping to find a solution to their problem. The client had a property line of 120 feet in length and 40 feet of width to plant new trees into. Big Trees suggested Excelsa Cedars be planted into this area as they tend to grow 25 – 35-feet tall and 15-feet in width. The client decided on a taller, 14 – 16-foot tree to get a head start on hiding the development from their everyday life at home. The trees were successfully planted every seven feet in a row.

“It’s very shocking how fast neighborhoods can spring up out of the ground next to long-term property owners in our area. Our population in the Puget Sound is growing so rapidly, and developers are building as quickly as they can to accommodate and capitalize on the market. The way some property owners can become a little island amongst an ocean of tract housing is incredibly striking,” mentions Todd Holmes, Big Trees’ Operation Manager.

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., 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 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/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.

New Study Finds Hayward Fault More Dangerous Than San Andreas

california earthquake fault zones
Earthquake country just got a little scarier.

According to a new study, the Hayward fault line that runs under Oakland, California is believed to be more dangerous than the infamous San Andreas fault line that spans Southern California.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that a quake of a magnitude 7 or higher could kill 800+ people and injure 18,000 more.
In fact, researchers are calling the 52-mile fault that’s centered under Oakland a “tectonic time bomb.”

“This fault is what we sort of call a tectonic time bomb,” USGS earthquake geologist emeritus David Schwartztold the L.A. Times. “It’s just waiting to go off.”

If the fault were to produce a sizeable earthquake, it’s estimated that the damage could cause 400 fires that could burn 52,000 homes in the area.

Unlike other active faults, the Hayward fault line runes under some of the most densely populated cities in the Bay.

There are 7 million people who live in the region and 2 million people who currently live directly on top of the fault.

Luckily, facilities near the Hayward fault line have started to take action. The old city halls have been abandoned and the Memorial Stadium at UC Berkeley has been refitted to avoid using areas that sit directly on the fault.

The scariest part of the Hayward fault is that California’s building and safety codes are no match for a sizeable quake. Currently, California requires buildings to adhere to minimum safety codes – meaning the structures need to be strong enough to allow people enough time to safely evacuate.

Assuming that every building in the region follows modern-day building and safety codes, that would still leave 8,000 structures collapsed and 100,000 structures red-tagged after a 7 magnitude or greater earthquake along the Hayward fault.

The Hayward fault has produced a major earthquake every 150-160 years, and on Oct 21st it will be 150 years since the fault’s last major quake.

Now more than ever it’s important to be proactive about earthquake preparation and safety.

Julian De La Torre is an expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, foundation contractors and foundation repair. Julian’s company, Julian Construction, has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms and local departments of building & safety. The company has done more foundation repair and earthquake retrofitting in Los Angeles than any other company in the area over the last five years.