New Video Tells Story of Construction Company

 

California Construction Company Releases Video Telling the Story of Their Company

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (www.silvaconstruction.com), a construction and home remodeling company in Southern California, just released a video detailing the story of their company and giving their mission statement. The new video features the principles of the company, including owners Dave Silva and David Clarke, and includes an explanation and even demonstrations of their day-to-day operations.

Dave Silva, co-owner of the company, stated: “My name is Dave Silva, I live here in Southern California in the South Bay area. I’m a general contractor, I’ve been doing it for about 42 years.”

Brenda Silva, stated the following on the start of the company: “Basically it started at our house. And it grew from there because of the service that Dave gives. So from there Dave took on partners and they were all in agreement with the service Dave gave and customers they had were all pleased and it grew from there.”

David Clarke, co-owner of the company, stated the following about their approach when beginning a job with a homeowner: “The first time I meet with a client, they’re looking for knowledge. I have knowledge and I’m good at helping them. I want to give them as much information as I can, whether that is what it will entail to do the project, how much it will cost, what it will entail for plans, for permits, city inspectors, all that stuff. I’ve been doing this for 30 years, so I have a lot of knowledge in the area.”

In addition to hearing from the principles of the company, the video also features an explanation and demonstration from the company’s production manager on how they approach a remodeling job and how they select the design and materials to use. In the video, several of Silva Construction’s client speak about the great results they’ve had working with the company.

The video can be seen here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2vr8qYq6fs

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.

Homeowners Rave About Southern California Construction Company

 

Client Testimonials Speak to High Quality Work of Construction/Remodeling Company

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (www.silvaconstruction.com), a construction and home remodeling company in Southern California, has developed a reputation for high quality work with the remodeling projects they complete. Hearing from the homeowners directly, one can understand why. The company has received numerous glowing reports from satisfied clients they’ve assisted with major remodeling projects.

Here are just a few of the testimonials from Silva Construction’s many satisfied clients:
“From the smallest repair to building a home or office from scratch, I would use only Silva Construction. Dave and his team are real pros, they are kind and courteous and get the work done on time and within budget. They completely rebuilt my damaged home and I couldn’t be happier with the work they did and they stand by their work, which not many contractors do! Please feel free to call me for more compliments!” –M.T.

“Thank you Silva Construction for our complete bathroom remodeling. What a great job done in a way timely manner. When we began talking with Silva Construction, we asked them if they could finish the job before our daughter’s wedding in less than eight weeks. They said they could and they did it! This is the second remodeling we’ve done through them and we knew we could count on their word. On our daughter’s wedding day, the house was back to normal. Our special thanks to them for their ideas and support." –A.B.

“Thanks to you all for making our house remodel a reality. We have heard many horror stories about bad contractors and workmen disappearing halfway through a project, and we feel very fortunate to have found a professional and genuine company that completed the remodel ahead of time and to a high standard. We still have a steady stream of people knocking on our door asking how we got through it all, and I am always happy to recommend Silva Construction.” –J.P.

Dave Silva, co-owner of the company, stated: “We are always pleased when a remodel project goes perfectly and the homeowner gets exactly what they envisioned for their homes. We’ve worked with many people and helped them make their dreams for their home a reality, and we look forward to helping many more people in years to come.”

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.

The Best Ornamental Trees for Washington

 

By Nancy Penrose

Many trees have different purposes, such as providing shade, a pop of color, or providing a privacy screen for the yard. There are some trees, however, which stand out as specimen trees, celebrated for adding beauty to the whole area around them. These beautiful trees make stunning and unique additions to any yard.

Here are our picks for our favorite ornamental trees that add great beauty to any landscape:

Stewartia ‘pseudocamellia’

This beautiful deciduous tree has green leaves in the spring and then a mix of reds, yellows and orange in the fall. Early summer produces camellia shaped white flowers.  The bark is a stunning patchwork of cream and brown colors that look fantastic year round with uplighting. It likes damp, well-draining soils and is suitable to smaller gardens. The books say ultimate height can be 40-50’ but they are very slow growing and more average heights are 20-25’.

Styrax japonica, Japanese Snowbell

This graceful tree is native to Japan.  The snowbell has lightly fragranced white bell- shaped flowers that bloom in late spring.  It has strong horizontal branches and a rounded crown. Typically, they grow to 20-30’ tall and wide, but slowly, making them a wonderful choice for a compact tree.  

Cornus kousa, Korean Dogwood

This dogwood is a small vase-shaped tree that will reach 20-25’ tall. Eventually maturing to a more rounded form at maturity. In late spring it has a prolific off-white star-shaped blooms.  In the summer the layered branches create nice green leaves that are great for shade.  In the fall the leaves turn a bright red and it also has a bright red berry.  Even in the winter the jigsaw like bark offers seasonal interest.

Cornus florida, Florida pink flowering dogwood

This tree grows 20-30’ tall, often low-branching, broadly pyramidal but somewhat flat-topped canopy. It arguably may be the most beautiful of the native American flowering trees. It is native all the way from Maine to southern Ontario, to Illinois and Kansas and down south to Florida, Texas and Mexico. It’s one of the first trees to blossom in the spring, and in the fall the distinctive and beautiful pink-red leaves play a big role in this tree becoming such a show-stopper.

Acer Palmatum dissectum, Laceleaf Japanese Maple

This round, weeping deciduous tree has many qualities that make it an excellent garden plant, including a sculpted form, deeply cut foliage, arching shoots, and depending on the variety, fall colors ranging from bright orange to deep red. These trees have beautiful winter interest with their distinctive trunk structure.  Growing only to 8-10 ‘tall, this delicate looking and very distinctive tree is sure to attract attention for its natural beauty.

Acer palmatum (Upright) Japanese Maple

No list of the best ornamental trees would be complete without the Japanese Maple. There are many sub-cultivars of Japanese maples to choose from.  Some can be broad while others are more narrow.  Some are a purple leaf in the summer and others are green.  They can also have a wide range of fall colors from yellow to bright red. These trees will stun with their natural beauty all year round.  Ultimate height on average is 15-20’ tall.

Parrotia persica, Vanessa Persian Ironwood

The Parrotia ‘Vanessa’ has multi seasonal interest.  This tree has an upright columnar habit, with a canopy shape of an upright oval.  The leaves are a lush green in the summer that turn a sensational variety of colors, typically a mix of yellows, oranges and reds in the fall. The Parrotia Vanessa is a great tree for smaller yards and gardens maxing out in height at 20-30’.

Let us know what your favorite trees are that stand above for the beauty they add to their neighborhood!

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.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

 

Our Favorite Reasons You Should Plant a Tree This Fall

 

By Nancy Penrose

Fall is fast approaching, bringing us to the perfect season for planting trees.
There are many benefits to planting a tree in your yard. In fact, I’d bet there are a lot more benefits than you ever realized. Here are a few of our favorite reasons planting a tree helps you and those around you.

Trees Help Improve Your Health

Everyone knows that trees provide oxygen for the environment, but there are other health benefits to living in an area with lots of trees. Studies have been done that show trees can help to boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, increase energy level and even improve your sleep.

Spending time around trees can even reduce stress and help improve your mood. Studies have indicated that patients in hospitals recovered from surgery more quickly when their rooms offered a view of trees. Another study showed that kids in school tended to retain more information from classes when the kids spent a bit of time each day outdoors around plants and trees. Having more trees in an area and spending time around them can help everyone reduce stress.

Trees Help Improve Your Community

There are several ways trees improve a community. Trees can compliment the architecture in a neighborhood. This enhances both the general aesthetic and property values of the buildings.

Many people decide to have privacy screens of trees line their yard. This creates a living barrier between properties or between a property and the street. Many people feel this natural option is better than a wall or fence for ensuring privacy in their yard.
Studies have even indicated that trees lining streets can have a calming effect on the traffic moving through a neighborhood, with vehicles moving more slowly and safely. It all comes back to the natural reduction in stress when people more regularly spend time in an area with trees.

Trees Help the Environment

It is common knowledge that trees provide oxygen for the atmosphere and that this is beneficial. What is not as commonly known is that this isn’t the only way trees help the environment.

There is an “urban heat island effect”: areas where the trees or vegetation in an area have been largely replaced by concrete and pavement tend to get hotter. Usually, the trees and other vegetation help to mitigate this and cool an area off, but with very few trees the heat is trapped in the area and this can actually result in rising energy costs (such as air conditioning), more air pollution and other problems. Planting more trees in an area mitigates this factor and cools the whole area down.

There is a bit more to be said about what trees do for the atmosphere. They filter out harmful dust and pollutants such as ozone and carbon monoxide. So having an abundance of trees in an area helps to naturally filter the air and reduce air pollution.

Trees Can Have Economic Benefits

There are actually a few ways that trees can help a property economically.

Evergreen trees on a property can act as a windbreak and reduce heating costs for a home in winter. In summer, having trees around your home can help reduce cooling costs by providing shade that cuts down on the amount of sun your home gets.

Trees also tend to improve the value of a property. A property that is well landscaped with trees can raise property value by an appreciable amount.

In summary, there are many benefits to planting trees. They help you, your community and the environment in countless ways. We’d all benefit from a few more trees being planted, so this fall let’s do just that!

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.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

 

Tree Company Hired to Plant 500 Trees on One Property

 

Large Tree Transplant Job Successfully Completed in Northwest Washington State

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc. (https://bigtreesupply.com), a tree transplant company in the Seattle area, was recently contacted for a job of planting new trees around a large property. In total, Big Trees ended up planting over 500 trees around the landscape.

The homeowners had owned their 20-acre property for over 40 years. However, trouble started when a neighboring piece of property was sold to developers. The neighboring property had previously been full of native growth and there had never been problems. But with the property sold, the land had been almost completely cleared of growth to make way for development of 300 new homes. The result was that very little growth was left between the homeowner’s piece and the new development.

The homeowners were concerned as the noise from the construction crews was disruptive, and construction was predicted to take 2 years to complete. What used to be a peaceful, private environment for these homeowners literally disappeared almost overnight. The homeowners called Big Trees to come in to resolve the situation by installing layers of new trees which would provide both a visual privacy screen, and effectively cancel out the noise.

Big Trees installed layers of different trees, mostly Laurels and Cedars of different varieties. The trees are of fast-growing varieties, with the result that it won’t be long before privacy is completely restored. "The noise of the construction is still there," said the homeowner, "but it is reduced and the larger cedars are already covering up the new roads and structures."

"We met onsite with the homeowner and picked strategic places in front of windows to plant larger cedars and create instant privacy," said Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees.
"After we had those in place, we filled in the other areas with layers of Excelsa Cedars and Laurels. We used different heights to create a more natural look. In 5 years, you won't even know there is a large new neighborhood behind them!"

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.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Rocha Construction Owner Praises Dave Silva for Integrity

Dave Silva of Silva Construction Praised for Integrity and Honesty in Business

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (www.silvaconstruction.com), a construction and home remodeling company in Southern California, recently became the focus of an article by colleague Gilbert Rocha, owner of Rocha Construction. Rocha, who had worked for Silva Construction before going on to form his own construction company, spoke about his experiences in working with owner Dave Silva and how he demonstrated integrity and honesty in his business dealings.

The article, in part, reads: “…After I had estimated and sold a few jobs, Dave approached me and said, ‘Gilbert, sometimes you may find that your original estimate of the time and materials for a job was more than what it will actually take to do the job. Then you are going to be tempted to keep quiet so that you can keep the extra profit.’

“‘For example,’ he said, ‘on a big remodeling job, your original estimate to install 30 LED lights might be $230.00 for each light and materials. That would be a total of $6,900.00. However, the client later changes his mind and only wants 20 LED lights. That’s 20 times $230.00 for a total of $4,600.00. So, there are 10 lights ($2,300.00) that were not installed on the job. Since the overall price for this big job might be as high as $200,000, the client might not notice what has happened. But you see it, and you know what is going on. The right thing to do is to bring this to the attention of the client and give him a $2,300.00 credit on the contract.’

“‘This is integrity,’ he added. ‘And when you act with integrity, it means that you are hiding nothing. Because of this, nobody can touch you. Your integrity makes you so strong that nothing can shake you. You are clean and feel good about your business and about being honest with the people you do business with!’ I am forever grateful to Dave Silva for teaching me the true meaning of ‘integrity’!”

The article can be read in full here.
https://www.silvaconstruction.com/integrity-in-business/

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.

Integrity in Business

By Gilbert Roche

Years ago, my mentor, friend and partner in business, Dave Silva, taught me a few lessons about integrity! I had been working on a job at a big apartment building replacing all the wood that had been damaged by termites and dry rot.

I had determined how much lumber I would need to complete the job and had ordered it from a local lumber yard. The lumber had been paid for and soon it arrived on a truck. The driver and I unloaded it and stacked it in neat piles on the job site. I signed for the delivery, and the driver left.

I stood for a moment looking at the piles of lumber. Something was wrong. It looked like there was too much lumber. I checked the paperwork and realized that there was about $1,000 more lumber than we had paid for! This was great! I could finish the job, and we would have all that lumber left over. We could use it on the next job, charge the next customer for the lumber, and we’d “make” about $1,000 because of all this “free” lumber!

I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to tell Dave. Dave visited each job site daily, so it wasn’t long before he drove up and got out of his truck. “Hi, Dave,” I called to him. “I have great news!” I told him about the extra lumber that had been delivered and how no one would know that we had it and hadn’t paid for it.  I went on the explain how we could use it on the next job that required this type of wood and save a lot of money.

Instead of receiving this news with the enthusiasm that I had expected, Dave gave me a dark look and shook his head sadly. “No, Gilbert, I don’t operate that way.” “This is what you are going to do,” he added severely. “You are going to finish this job, and at the end you will load all of that lumber on your truck, and you will take it back to the lumber yard where it came from. When you get there, you will tell them that they delivered that lumber by mistake.”

I was surprised to hear this from a general contractor. This had not been my experience at all with men working in this trade. “Okay,” I muttered glumly. Dave drove away, and I was left to puzzle over this incident for the rest of the day. I had come to admire Dave greatly in the short time that I had been employed by him.

I had heard someone say that Dave had “integrity”. This was a word that was new to my ever-expanding English vocabulary, and I had thought that I understood what it meant. I knew Dave was honest, hard-working, and fair, and that he believed in delivering good products to his customers. I also knew that he believed in making a profit, just like any other business owner. So why wouldn’t he jump at the chance to make a profit using this unexpected windfall of free lumber? He hadn’t stolen the lumber. It had been like a “gift” that no one knew about. Kind of like finding money on the street.

That was what puzzled me. There is nothing like working with your hands to let your mind work out a problem, and my hands and my mind were busy all day.

Then it hit me! Integrity was more than just being honest in your everyday dealings with others. It was being honest even when no one was looking, so to speak. It meant that you could be trusted to do the right thing ALL the time and in every circumstance. It meant that you didn’t take advantage of people even when they were unaware of it. And it meant that you lived by a standard that you never altered no matter what happened – even if it meant having to do something not to your own benefit!

This last idea struck me like a lightning bolt! My face burned with embarrassment when I realized how I must have looked to Dave. I had apparently been willing to “cheat” the lumber company, yet until he spoke to me, I hadn’t seen it that way. Since I really valued his good opinion, I resolved to become a man of true integrity – just like Dave!

This wasn’t the only lesson in integrity that I received from Dave. A year later, Dave Silva asked me to start helping him to do estimates and sales jobs for the company. By that time, I had been working as Production Manager. I was the one who visited the job sites, ensured that the workers were on target, and kept the jobs within budget. I made sure that we were delivering great products, that the customers were happy, and that the company was making a profit on each job.

After I had estimated and sold a few jobs, Dave approached me and said, “Gilbert, sometimes you may find that your original estimate of the time and materials for a job was more than what it will actually take to do the job. Then you are going to be tempted to keep quiet so that you can keep the extra profit. “For example,” he said, “on a big remodeling job, your original estimate to install 30 LED lights might be $230.00 for each light and materials). That would be a total of $6,900.00. “However, the client later changes his mind and only wants 20 LED lights. That’s 20 times $230.00 for a total of $4,600.00. So, there are 10 lights ($2,300.00) that were not installed on the job. “Since the overall price for this big job might be as high as $200,000, the client might not notice what has happened.

“But you see it, and you know what is going on. “The right thing to do is to bring this to the attention of the client and give him a $2,300.00 credit on the contract.” “This is integrity,” he added. “And when you act with integrity, it means that you are hiding nothing. Because of this, nobody can touch you. Your integrity makes you so strong that nothing can shake you. You are clean and feel good about your business and about being honest with the people you do business with!”

I am forever grateful to Dave Silva for teaching me the true meaning of “integrity”!

Gilbert Roche
 

For more information on Dave Silva's honest type of remodeling work,
contact Silva Construction at 310-831-6310 or go to
https://silvaconstruction.com.

Answers to Common Questions on Earthquake Retrofitting

Silva Construction Talks Earthquake Retrofitting for Foundations

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (www.silvaconstruction.com), a construction and remodeling company in the South Bay area of Southern California, recently took time to answer some common questions about the earthquake retrofitting process. The California construction company has been in the construction and remodeling business for over 40 years and has much experience in this area.

Dave Silva, co-owner of Silva Construction, offered answers to some of the most common questions the company gets on the subject of earthquake retrofitting:

What is earthquake retrofitting?

“Earthquake retrofitting is the process of upgrading the fittings that connect a home to its foundation. In extreme cases it would also include repairing the foundation if damage is already present. This is done so that a home can better withstand the damage from an earthquake, as it has often been observed that homes which have been properly retrofitted are left standing after an earthquake, whereas homes that have had no retrofitting can become so damaged that the homeowners have to relocate.”

When is earthquake retrofitting needed?

“The most common reason a home needs retrofitting for its foundation is it’s an older home. Homes built before 1980 often need retrofitting, and homes built before 1940 uniformly need to be brought up to modern code. Buildings in an area that more frequently experiences earthquakes may need routine inspection to see if there is any structural damage, though a properly retrofitted home is more likely to withstand earthquakes and not need further maintenance.”

Are some homes more in need of earthquake retrofitting than others?

“It is entirely dependent on the age of the home, due to changes in building codes, and the quality of the original foundation fittings. If a home’s foundation was built to proper code and with good quality materials, it may not need retrofitting. Ask a qualified expert for an inspection if you’re uncertain.”

How long does earthquake retrofitting usually take?

“It can take about 2-3 days, though this varies depending on the job.”

How much does earthquake retrofitting usually cost?

“Retrofitting a home for earthquake preparedness can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 as an average, though there are cases which cost less or more than this. It is entirely dependent on the state of the current house and the amount of work needed. In our experience, the cost of retrofitting a home to be prepared for an earthquake is MUCH less than the cost of repairing an earthquake-damaged home foundation.”

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.

Privacy Screen Trees Help Settle Dispute Between Neighbors

Big Trees Inc. Helps Neighbors Using Privacy Screen Trees Between Properties

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (www.bigtreesupply.com) a tree transplanting and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, recently helped resolve a developing dispute between two neighbors. When one neighbor wished for more privacy between them during the summer months, they contacted Big Trees Inc., who examined the site and was able to locate and execute a solution which left both sides feeling resolved with no further upset. The tree transplanting company has an extensive history of over 30 years of helping homeowners resolve issues with tree planting.

A homeowner in the Seattle area contacted Big Trees about a situation they had with lack of privacy between their yard and that of their neighbor. In this case, the neighbor’s property had a raised deck that looked directly into the homeowner’s back yard.
Furthermore, the neighbors would frequently come onto the deck to smoke, which would cause smoke to waft over into their yard. Wishing to avoid continued disputes, the homeowner contacted Big Trees looking for a solution.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc, stated: “This homeowner came into our nursery hoping to find some trees that would eventually block out her neighbor. Instead, we were able to offer an immediate solution. After seeing the homeowner’s yard and the planting area we had to work with, we recommended English Laurel trees. It was a fairly shady area, and the English Laurel can handle the shade and actually thrive in that environment. Although English Laurels make a great screening barrier, they are not always the trees we recommend because they grow very quickly and can get 18’-20’ tall by 12’ wide. In this case, their yard had the room for it, and in fact these trees would not only block the neighbor’s yard and afford more privacy, they would also work well in helping to disperse the smoke. She was ecstatic at the thought of being able to use her backyard this summer without the nuisance of a neighbor and their habits impacting them.”

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.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Top 7 Tips for Summer Tree Care

By Nancy Penrose

With summer now here, we have to consider how best to care for our trees. If a tree is not set up to properly withstand the hot summer months, it could harm its growth or cause the tree to fail entirely.

Some people automatically assume that because it’s summer, their landscape will look wilted and dry. Well, if you follow these tips you can reverse that and have healthy, beautiful trees throughout the summer.

• Mulching

If you haven’t had the chance yet to spread mulch around your trees, the beginning of summer is an ideal time. Mulch helps keep the moisture in the soil and roots, cuts down on weed encroachment and can stabilize soil temperatures. So, mulch can go a long way toward combatting the effects of the summer heat.

• Fertilizer

On a similar note, fertilizer can be very important for ensuring trees have the necessary nutrients to keep growing. A younger tree in particular should be fertilized to ensure it keeps growing despite the high-stress temperatures of summer. If you are concerned if your tree needs fertilization or not, or are not sure of the right fertilizer to apply, consult your local tree care expert.

• Pruning

The first piece of advice about pruning in the summer is: don’t. Pruning leaves and branches is generally best done in the dormant seasons of early spring and autumn when the tree is in a period of growth. Pruning in the summer can lead to exposing the tree to excessive heat and can stunt the growth of the pruned area.

That being said, there is never a bad time to prune off a dead or diseased limb. Doing so helps to ensure the health of the tree, not to mention the safety of people and structures around it. So keep an eye out for damaged or diseased tree limbs and be ready to prune them.

• Tree Inspection

That brings us to the next point: getting your tree inspected. A tree inspection will point up difficulties you may not be aware of, but a certified arboreal expert will find right away. If you suspect your tree may have a disease, damage or pest problem, getting it inspected is vital. It is also a good idea to get your tree regularly inspected, and the beginning of summer is an ideal time to ensure that any problem is resolved before hot and dry weather conditions set in.

• Storm Damage Prevention

A problem you might not at first consider is preparing for summer storm conditions. Increased risk of thunderstorms and heavy wind conditions is something to get ready for. Consult an arborist to ensure your tree doesn’t have any limbs that could more easily break off in a storm, and to find out if the tree could use extra support to withstand any storms.

• Shading

Summer weather is hot, but certain conditions can make it even hotter for your trees. Younger trees would benefit from having shading to keep them cooler. Also, keeping landscaping materials near trees with the mid-summer sun beading down on them can mean too much heat for your tree. Keep shading in mind to ensure a younger tree can make it through the summer weather.

• Irrigation

Last, but most certainly not least, is irrigation. Proper watering is essential during the summer heat for most trees. Younger trees need more water during summer, so consult an arborist to find out how much water your trees need. While it is possible to overwater and cause problems for your trees, summer is the time to ensure your trees have enough water to continue to grow and flourish. So, find out how much water your trees need for your local weather conditions.

Taking the time to keep your trees healthy this summer will result in a beautiful and thriving landscape!

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.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Rising House Prices Mean Ideal Time to Remodel

California Construction Company Seeing Record High Home Property Values

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (www.silvaconstruction.com), a construction and home remodeling company in Southern California, released a statement on the noted trend of housing property values in the southern California area, noting that housing prices have been continually and steadily rising. The construction company is advising homeowners to consider remodeling their existing homes, rather than attempting to buy a new home in a rising market.

Dave Silva, founder of Silva Construction, stated: “Property values are on the rise. We’ve seen it before, but this is very apparent in today’s market. Despite many market factors over the last year that have been very unstable, the housing market has risen significantly. What this means is that now may not be a good time to try and buy a new home, as prices are going up. But, on the reverse side, taking time now to remodel your home can give very high return on the investment, as it has been very directly established that remodeling your home can help make the property value go up. Even if you plan on an immediate basis to acquire and move into a new home, remodeling your current home first is a sound course to take.”

The company, Silva Construction, has over 40 years of experience with remodeling and general construction, including major to minor remodeling projects, home additions, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and the company’s signature “design-build” system which helps to simplify the remodeling process by having all steps from design to execution all under one roof. The company urges homeowners considering remodeling their homes to reach out to their local building experts to see what can be done for their property.

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.

Big Trees Saves Local Trees in Northern Washington Neighborhood

Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA (https://bigtreesupply.com), is a large tree nursery that in addition to selling mature trees, can transplant a tree from one place to another.  On occasion a property will be scheduled for either an entire yard overhaul or complete demolition, and there are trees that would be good candidates for transplant to another property, that would otherwise be torn down. That was the case recently for a neighborhood in the Seattle area.  

Neighbors of a property that was slated to be torn down completely were walking by and noticed a tree that was worth saving.  They contacted Big Trees and asked if this transplant was possible.  Big Trees jumped into action and did everything from contacting 811 for any underground utility conflicts, to the logistics of moving the large tree to a new property. After every detail was perfectly orchestrated the tree was carefully hand dug and transplanted from one property to the other very successfully.  

Nancy Penrose, the owner of Big Trees Inc, has stated “We love when people have the foresight to save trees and appreciate the value they give to properties.  In this case it was a win-win for all parties involved.  The homeowner of the property to be torn down did not have to remove and dispose of a tree and the neighbors received a tree that is well established and will continue to add beauty and value to their property.”

Big Trees Inc is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area, with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. Some types of trees that are available include, spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy screening trees, just to name a few.  Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog or https://arboristblog.com.  They can be contacted at 360-563-2700 or info@bigtreesupply.com.

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.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

When Should You Get Your Trees Inspected?

By Nancy Penrose

Caring for your trees is an important part of maintaining your landscape.  Healthy trees add to your property value as well as add beauty.

In previous articles we have covered different aspects of how you can care for your trees in your yard, but how often should you get them inspected by a professional? Here are some guidelines to keep in mind to maintain the health of your trees.

• Discolorations and any obvious signs of damage
• Anytime there are extreme weather conditions. High wind, heavy snow, large amounts of rain, any flooding in your yard, are all examples.
• If you are about to start any major renovation on your house or yard.  Making sure your contractor is aware of any branches or root systems that may be in within the construction zone.
• Buying a new home. An inspection of the trees on a property that you are thinking about buying could influence your decision to buy.  Getting an inspection done prior to buying could disclose any problems with your trees so you are not left with them after you are living the in the home.

Routine inspections can also help maintain the safety of your yard.  Hazardous branches can fall can cause injury or damage to your home or your neighbors.  Getting routine inspections can identify potential problems and resolve them swiftly.

The above points are all things to keep in mind, but every property is different, and conditions vary.  Trees are living things that need regular maintenance to keep them looking their best and in good health.  If you have concerns or questions, you can reach out to your local tree specialists and schedule an inspection.  

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.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

It’s Not Too Late to Plant Your Trees!

By Nancy Penrose 

 Spring is here which means now is a great time to add a tree to your yard! 

 There are times of the year that are safer to plant a new tree than others. 

Planting a tree in extremely cold weather can cause root damage. It greatly reduces the chances of the tree surviving when it’s planted in extreme cold weather and can cause problems down the road. 

Fortunately, in the Puget Sound area, it rarely gets cold enough to prevent us from planting safely.

 Similarly planting a tree in summer can be stressful for a tree. 

However, if planted properly and irrigated consistently, summer tree planting can be successful as well. 

 Ideally fall and spring are the best times to plant a tree, which is why now is a perfect time to plant a tree in your yard! 

 Here are a few things to keep in mind when planting trees in springtime: Trees experience stress no matter what time of year they are planted. It is important to thoroughly research out how to plant that tree, or to enlist the help of a professional tree transplanting company. 

 A new tree requires consistent irrigation. It’s not as much water as one might think, but needs to be distributed on a regular basis. Typically a ring or two of soaker hose or driplines set to water approximately 15 minutes each day will do it. Or, one gallon of water per one inch of trunk caliper. Ie, a 5” caliper tree needs approximately 5 gallons of water per day. 

Trees should not be watered during the dormant seasons, or while there is still a threat of freeze. In the Puget Sound area, late October – March. Follow the guidance of your local tree transplant experts to ensure you are getting the right tree for the area you want to plant it in. 

This way you can be assured that the tree will be able to survive transplanting and grow to be a beautiful addition to your landscape. 

 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.c

Tree Transplant Company Restores Local Landscape

Big Trees Inc. Restores Trees And Rectifies Safety Hazard for Homeowners 

 SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc, (https://bigtreesupply.com), a tree nursery and transplanting company in Northwest Washington, recently assisted a homeowner with a situation where most of the trees in their yard were affected by disease and posed a safety hazard to the occupants. Big Trees helped deal with the diseased trees, and successfully completed a new tree installation project to restore the landscape of the house. 

Big Trees was contacted by a homeowner who needed to take down fifteen 100’ Douglas Fir trees. The trees had become diseased and were posing a safety threat to the home. While the homeowners were willing to take down the trees to handle the safety problem, they were devastated at the loss of privacy that would be caused by doing so. When they realized that Big Trees provided large stock trees and would be able to recreate the privacy screen around their yard, the homeowners were ecstatic. 

Big Trees first hired a tree removal company to take out the large trees and their stumps. After 2 weeks the Douglas Firs had each been successfully removed from the yard. Big Trees then brought in eight 16’ Nordman Fir trees. The trees were brought in by large flatbed truck and were moved into their new homes via a large forklift. 

Although the loss of the Douglas Firs was devastating to the homeowners, a unique and very fortuitous situation came from installing the new trees: the Douglas Firs’ large canopies had been dwarfing 6 Japanese Maples for years. With their removal, the added space will allow the Japanese Maples to grow and thrive. It also opened up more light for the entire property. 

The addition of the new Nordman Firs allowed the homeowners to space out the trees for better future growth while retaining the privacy for their yard. 

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees Inc., stated: “It was such a win-win situation! When the homeowners realized that not only would they no longer have to worry about the potential damage to their home from the decaying trees, they also found that the new landscape would allow the Japanese Maples to grow and thrive. We couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.” 

 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. Big Trees Inc. 10928 Springhetti Rd Snohomish, WA 98296 360-563-2700 https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ https://arboristblog.com https://bigtreesupply.com

Construction Company Utilizing “Design-Build” Contracting

Silva Construction Answers Questions on “Design-Build” System of Contracting 

 SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (www.silvaconstruction.com), a remodeling and construction company in the Southern California area, recently came out with a statement explaining its unique “design-build” system of contracting. According to a representative from the company, this system of contracting for home remodeling and construction, allows for quickly executed construction jobs that maintain high quality. Silva Construction has over 40 years of experience in the construction field. 

The company stated the following regarding the “Design-Build” system: “Design-Build is a method that allows owners to have one point of contact for both the design and construction phases of their project. At Silva Construction, we would be your Design-Build contractors and we would manage all contracts with each company, such as material providers, subcontractors and equipment vendors. This method allows all elements of a project to be in coordination with one another and makes it less stressful for the owner.” 

Dave Silva, co-owner of Silva Construction, further stated: “The purpose of this system is to make things less stressful and simpler for the owner. It can be much easier to make costly mistakes in construction if you are dealing with one contractor for the design-work and another to conduct the actual construction. With Design-Build, everything is under one roof, it’s fully coordinated, and costly mistakes are avoided. And it makes everything much simpler for the owner to deal with. For this reason we do Design-Build in nearly every job we do.” 

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.

Construction Company Following Safety Protocols

Silva Construction Briefs on Compliance to COVID-19 Protocols

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (www.silvaconstruction.com), a construction company in the Southern California area, has released a recent statement about its continued compliance to safety protocols to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The company has continued its operations with construction projects in the Southern California area, while taking care to strictly follow all local and State regulations regarding the pandemic.

The company has been following such procedures as social distancing, limiting the number of workers in small spaces at a time and ensuring space between workers while working on a job site. The company has ensured that each of its employees wear face coverings in situations where social distancing could be difficult to maintain. The company also has implemented sanitizing spaces after use and other measures to limit the spread of any diseases. In this way the company has been keeping its operations going, meaning that construction projects of homes and commercial buildings can proceed despite the limitations of the pandemic.

Dave Silva, owner of Silva Construction, stated: “To us it was very important that everyone stay safe. But it has also been equally important that people have safe places to live and work. When the pandemic hit we had construction projects we were in the middle of, so it has been very important to figure out how to safely complete those projects and other projects moving into the future. We have been honored to continue our current construction projects despite the quarantines. By following all of the protocols that we have put in place within our company, we are confident moving into the future that construction projects will be able to continue. It is an essential service, and we are very happy to be doing it.”

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.

California Construction Company Explains Benefits of Kitchen Remodeling for a Home

Kitchen Remodeling A Great Place to Start for Adding Home Value

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction (https://silvaconstruction.com), a construction and remodeling company in Southern California, has issued a statement to homeowners in California on the benefits of investing in kitchen remodeling. According to the company, kitchen remodeling is a key method of increasing the property value of a home. Silva Construction has over 40 years of experience with home remodeling and construction, as well as commercial construction projects, including work on renovating and remodeling kitchens.

According to data from the industry, Silva Construction found that kitchen remodeling can be a relatively inexpensive target for home remodeling, and that it usually yields good ROI. Depending on the scale of the project and whether it was professionally done or DIY, kitchen remodeling projects can add property value to a home, and the ROI on these projects can go as high as 80%, depending on where the home is located. The company added that it is recommended for homeowners to get a professional appraisal for larger projects.

Dave Silva, owner of Silva Construction, stated: “Remodeling is a very effective means of increasing the property value of a home, in addition to the immediate increase in the quality of living. But sometimes homeowners want to get started with home remodeling but don’t know where to start. The kitchen is an excellent place to start. Minor and major remodeling projects in a kitchen all have very good results increasing the property value of a home. Such projects don’t have to take long and they do a lot to help a house be a better place to live. So we recommend the kitchen as an excellent place to start in remodeling a home!”

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.

How Do I Care for My Trees in Winter?

By Nancy Penrose

Winter can present some challenges for trees and one of the most common questions we hear is, “Do I need to do anything with my trees during winter.” Occasionally we see trees die in the winter from unusually cold temperatures, or breakage from the weight of heavy wet snow. There are a few simple practices you can take to ensure your trees survive the winter and continue to from and flourish year after year.

1. Prune areas of concern.

With tree limbs that extend over a house, fence, parked cars, etc., you’ll want to watch out for areas that appear to be heavy or weighted down. Pruning is important for removing dead limbs as well as thinning to reduce the weight on branch ends. Pruning in the late fall just after deciduous trees drop their leaves, is an ideal time to prune. As with most things, if you are doubt, consult your local professional.

2. Protect Young Trees from Freezing

Young trees are more at risk from damage from unusually cold winter temperatures. Sudden drops in overnight temperatures can cause the sap in the tree to freeze. Damage occurs on the lower southwest portion of the trunk when the morning sun quickly warms the frozen sap, causing it to expand and the trunk to split. This is known as frost cracks or southwest winter injury. To protect young trees consider wrapping young tree trunks with tree wrap or cardboard on exceptionally cold winter nights.

3. Mulch

A 2-inch layer of mulch is an excellent way of maintaining the right amount of moisture and warmth for a tree. Be careful not to over mulch. Over-mulching, with a large mound of mulch all around the tree, can hold moisture against the trunk of the tree and cause it to rot. Lightly mulch and leave some room for the tree to breathe at the base of the trunk.

4. Year-Round Maintenance

Keeping your trees healthy during the spring and summer can go a long way towards helping your trees survive the winter. Monitoring irrigation water, mulching, and structural pruning are all great ways of accomplishing this. Consulting a tree professional and following good maintenance guidelines will ensure you have trees that will grow for years to come.

If you have any questions about caring for your tree, you can always contact us at Big Trees Inc. at 360-563-2700 for consultation on your tree maintenance needs.

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.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/
https://arboristblog.com
https://bigtreesupply.com

Big Trees Inc. Helps Family Preserve Memorial Tree

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (https://bigtreesupply.com/), tree transplanting and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, recently helped a family save an important memorial tree. The family, locals in Snohomish, had a memorial tree dedicated to their son and had to find a way to preserve the tree despite a planned move. Big Trees helped relocate the tree successfully so it could be celebrated by the family for years to come.

The company was first approached by the family in the Fall of 2020 about moving the memorial tree. The family had dedicated the tree, a 20’ Blossoming Cherry Tree, in the memory of their son who died at birth 8 years ago. However, the family was planning on moving, but not to a permanent location, so they were not able to take the tree with them. The family contacted the City of Snohomish and were able to work out an alternate solution, moving the tree to one of the city’s parks.

Once the sale of the house was completed the logistics of the tree transplanting could also be finalized. In late December 2020, Big Trees Inc., was able to dig up the memorial tree and move it to a relatively new park in Snohomish, in an ideal location for a large canopy tree. The family was extremely happy with the new location and grateful for Big Trees’. help.

"The cherry tree extraction turned out really well, and the tree looks fantastic in its new location," said Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees. "I love it when we can help people save trees AND preserve memories. This was win-win for all parties involved."

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.

Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700

Silva Construction: “Earthquakes Can Damage Homes, Badly”

California Construction Company Advises Homeowners on Earthquake Preparedness

SAN PEDRO, CA: Silva Construction https://www.silvaconstruction.com/ a remodeling and construction company in southern California, has issued an advisory warning to homeowners on earthquake preparedness. Due to the large number of earthquakes happening in California, the company has advised homeowners to get professional assessments of their homes to determine any possible risks to their home’s safety in the event of an earthquake, and to get these problems addressed.

Silva Construction has over 40 years of experience in working with homeowners on constructing, remodeling and repairing homes. Dave Silva, co-owner of the company, stated the following: “Most homeowners are not prepared for an earthquake because for long periods of time it’s just out of mind. Because it’s not happening right now, they don’t think with it as a problem. But this area does get earthquakes. It is not a question of ‘if’ there will be another big one, it is a matter of ‘when.’ And we don’t know when it will be.

“The first thing that a homeowner can do to check for earthquake preparedness is look and see if there are any cracks in the floors or the walls of a house. Even if these are small, they indicate several problems which could become very big problems in the event of an earthquake. The biggest thing to check for is a home’s foundation. It is very worthwhile to have a home’s foundation inspected about twice a year to ensure it is in good condition. Problems with a home’s foundation can often go unnoticed, and this is the thing that will cause the most trouble when an earthquake strikes.

“Getting your home inspected to ensure it is in good condition and getting any needed maintenance done will go a long ways to helping a home stand up better in the event of an earthquake and ensuring the safety of everyone.”

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.