Whether they’re adding shade and beauty or providing privacy, trees are vital to our yards. However, gusting winds and heavy storms can uproot them.

The most common cause of uprooted trees is windthrow. Unlike trees in forests or groves, solitary trees are exposed to high winds. The winds can uproot them when they reach speeds of 75 mph or more.

Remove Debris

Trees are a beautiful and valuable part of your property. They provide shade, add to your home’s curb appeal, and protect your yard from the elements. But storm damage can cause serious problems for your trees, including uprooting. Strong winds can yank tree roots right out of the ground, and partially uprooted trees are a safety hazard that could fall over on your house or hurt someone walking by.

The best way to protect your property and prevent future damage is to remove debris as quickly as possible after a storm. This will reduce the risk of further wind damage and prevent your yard from becoming a tripping or falling hazard for you and your family.

Using a rake or blower, gather up any branches or pieces of a fallen tree and create a pile for disposal. You may need to hire a trash removal company to take the debris away for you. If you don’t have a trash service, you can use the pile to make mulch or burn it (if local laws allow).

Depending on the size of your uprooted tree, you might want to consider trying to save it by replanting it. But be sure to replant it in its original place and avoid twisting or turning the trunk as you do so, which could cause further root damage. Also, be sure to cover the roots with plenty of soil and water to avoid air pockets, which can dry out and kill the tree later.

Lift the Tree Upright

From their lush, green canopy in summer to the cascade of golds, browns, and auburns they add to the beauty of an autumn yard, trees are a big part of our yards. But when strong winds uproot them, the results can be devastating.

Wind is the number one cause of tree uprooting, and it requires a lot of force to pull up a tree and its roots from the ground. This is known as windthrow and can be more likely to occur when soils are wet or when the root system is damaged.

It is possible to save a tree that has been uprooted, but it depends on the condition of the tree and how severe the root damage was. If the tree is small, doesn’t have exposed root mass that will dry out in the summer sun, and receives adequate water, it has a good chance of survival.

If you decide to try and save an uprooted tree, cover the exposed roots right away to keep them from drying out. Then move the tree back into position, packing the dirt around it as you go, and make sure it gets ample water to avoid transplant shock. After that, prune a little to remove any broken branches and be careful not to disturb any remaining underground roots.

Replant the Tree

For small to medium-sized trees with shallow roots, the tree can be viable up to a day after being uprooted if it is replanted promptly and given proper care. However, this is not a guarantee that the tree will survive.

The type of soil the tree is growing in is another factor that can affect uprooting. Deep, rich, well-draining soils help to hold the roots and prevent them from easily being uprooted. Conversely, extremely loose or sandy soils do not provide the roots with much traction and may allow the roots to be uprooted more easily.

When replanting the uprooted tree, dig a hole that is wider and deeper than the root ball and carefully place it back into the planting area. Cover the roots with dirt to prevent drying out, gently tamp the soil to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Large and heavy trees may need to be staked to support them until the roots can reestablish themselves.

After the tree is replanted, be sure to monitor it regularly for signs of stress or disease. Keep the area around it free of debris, and be careful when using lawnmowers or other equipment in the vicinity. Also, apply a layer of mulch to the area to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In addition, provide a balanced fertilizer to the tree to help it recover from transplant shock and grow.

Monitor the Tree

Trees offer a long list of benefits for homeowners, from summertime shade to a winter cascade of auburn and gold leaves. They enhance the beauty of yards and gardens, create natural habitats for wildlife, and help reduce soil erosion. However, they can also be damaged by storms, including winds that uproot them.

For a tree to uproot, wind must produce an incredible amount of force to pull it out of the ground by its roots. The type of winds that cause this are usually produced by severe thunderstorms, Category 1 hurricanes, and F-1 tornadoes. Higher-category storms – F-3 and above – are more likely to snap tree trunks rather than uproot them.

After the storm, it’s important to monitor uprooted trees for signs of recovery. Check for ground upheaval that could indicate root destabilization, and seek professional assessment of ambiguous damage from an arborist.

If a tree has been successfully replanted, provide it with the proper care to promote growth and recovery. This includes covering exposed roots to prevent drying out, watering regularly during the first year, and applying balanced fertilizer. Be extra careful not to damage it with lawnmowers or other equipment, and avoid pruning too severely. Also, mulching can be helpful to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In addition, the replanted tree should be protected from transplant shock by regular monitoring to identify symptoms early on.

A roof’s color says a lot about your home. It boosts (or damages) curb appeal and creates an instant impression.

When selecting shingles, look at actual samples in natural light conditions rather than in a studio or with color-altered photos. You also need to consider your neighborhood’s aesthetics.

Look at Your Neighbors’ Roofs

When picking shingle colors, it’s important to look at what’s currently on the houses in your neighborhood. This is especially true if you’re considering selling your home in the future; buyers may be put off by an unusual roof color.

In general, dark neutral shingles go well with a wide range of home siding colors and tend to blend in nicely with neighboring roofs. These colors also work well with most architectural styles, from traditional Cape Cod and Tudor homes to contemporary designs.

On the other hand, if your home has a unique style that’s set apart from those around you, consider taking a risk with your roof color. Just be sure that your exterior colors and other features like shutters, doors and eavestroughing compliment the roof color you choose.

If you’re unsure about which colors might work best for your house, ask local roofing companies to provide you with sample boards. This way, you can see the colors in person and test them against your siding, in different lighting, and in real-world conditions.

Be aware that darker shingles absorb more sunlight, so they can potentially be more costly to maintain over time. If this is a concern for you, ask your roofing company if they offer light-colored shingles that can reflect more heat and reduce energy costs.

Look at the Shingles

When deciding on your roof color, you need to look at the actual shingles. You can ask your roofing contractor for a sample of different shingle colors and try them out on your home. Small samples are often hard to see how they will appear once they are stretched across the entire roof, so it is important to drive around your neighborhood and look at existing shingle colors in real life. This will help you pick a color that will compliment your house well without clashing with the rest of your exterior color scheme.

You should also consider what shingle colors are popular in your area. Many communities have a certain style that is followed by most homeowners, and it is best to stick with this if possible. For example, if your neighbors have gray or brown shingles on their homes, it would be best to match this color in order to avoid having your home stand out among the neighborhood.

If you have a brick home, for example, a simple black or dark gray shingle will complement the colors of your brick very well. The natural color of these shingles will help accent the architectural features of your home and let the artistry of the brick shine through.

Look at the Color of Your Siding

The overall color scheme of your house will also influence which shingle colors you should choose. For example, if your home has red bricks on the front and sides, brown or gray shingles will look best with those colors. The same is true for homes with wood accents.

If your home is surrounded by greenery, light shingle colors will make it blend in with the trees and bushes. If your home is in the mountains or on a lake, dark shingle colors can also work well with those natural surroundings.

Ask your roofing contractor for large samples of all the shingle colors you’re interested in. It’s much easier to compare them when they are in person rather than on a small swatch pad. Plus, you can test them outside to see how they look in different lighting and with your home’s siding.

You can also use online home visualizer tools to see how different shingle colors will look on your house. Just be aware that online photos of shingles can be misleading, as they may be edited and can vary in appearance based on your computer monitor’s brightness and settings.

Look at the Color of Your Eavestroughing

Choosing the right roof color is a big decision that can make or break the look of your home. It’s important to take into consideration your neighborhood, the style of your house, homeowner’s association rules, personal preference and even energy costs when selecting shingle colors for your home.

Fortunately, there are a few tips you can follow to help you choose the best shingle color for your home. Start by looking at your neighbors’ roofs to see what color they have. This will give you an idea of what colors would work well with your siding and home’s overall appearance. You can also use a virtual home visualizer tool to see what different colors will look like on your house.

The next step is to look at the trim, shutters, front door and landscaping to make sure they complement the shingle colors you are considering. You will want to avoid having the shingles stand out too much or detract from other parts of your home. Lastly, it is always a good idea to view the shingle colors in person and in natural light. Photos can look very different and may be altered by lighting, camera settings, etc.

Once you have taken these steps, it should be much easier to pick out a shingle color that compliments your home and suits your aesthetic preferences. If you are still having trouble, ask your roofing contractor to show you some samples and discuss options with them.

A basement is a great place to turn into your own personal gym. If you want to make it feel like a gym that you will actually use, start by decluttering the space and adding some visual perks.

Organize the Space

If you’re converting your basement into a workout room, the first step is to get it organized. This may take a little time, but it’s worth it. This will give you the space you need to fit your exercise equipment, and it will also help you keep the area clean, free of clutter and moisture.

Start by getting rid of any items that are taking up valuable floor space. Then, divide the remaining space into different areas that will serve your needs. For example, create an easy-to-access storage area for items that you use frequently (such as Christmas decorations and off-season clothes). Another area might be a little more difficult to access for long-term storage purposes (such as extra canned food).

Once the different zones are designated, consider how much space you want each to have. Then, purchase a few shelving units and storage bins that will accommodate your belongings. For the shelving units, choose ones that have a decorative appearance. This will make your basement feel more like a living space rather than a dumping ground. For the bins, look for those that are moisture-proof to prevent mold and mildew from forming in your damp basement. Also, remember to consider lighting in your workout room. A well-lit area will add energy to your space and boost your motivation during your workouts.

Get Equipment and a TV

A basement home gym will require some equipment, but it doesn’t need to cost a fortune. You can purchase secondhand machines from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or at local garage sales. Alternatively, you can repurpose old furniture from another room or ask your remodeling contractor to install new shelving for storage.

To keep you motivated and engaged with your workouts, get creative with the space. If you have lots of windowless wall space, hang motivational messages or pictures that make you feel good. The more positive the visuals are, the more likely you are to actually work out.

For some, having a TV on during workouts can help stay motivated and pass the time on cardio equipment.  There are also plenty of apps you can install on a smart TV that provide workouts that fit everyone’s needs from yoga to kickboxing to strength training.  Don’t want to pay for an app?  Youtube has plenty of great workouts to choose from as well.

If you’re interested in doing strength training with free weights, a weight rack against one wall will be essential. You can even buy portable racks to keep in your garage when you’re not using them. You’ll also need to make sure there’s a place for your workout clothes, towels and shoes. If you don’t have enough storage, consider adding a small closet or dresser to hold your equipment and clothing.

Another important feature of a basement home gym is having plenty of lighting. This will help you see clearly while you work up a sweat. You can also add a fan or air conditioning unit to help ensure the space is cool and comfortable, even when you’re working up a sweat. This will also prevent moisture from forming in the room, which can cause mold and mildew. It’s also an easy way to avoid damp clothes and feet after your workout.

Decorate the Walls

Basements are usually windowless, so a bright and cheerful color scheme can help make the space feel energizing. If you’re worried about splurging on paint, consider checking out the cans of returned paint or oops paint at your local home improvement store for a great deal.

Hang a few mirrors to check your form while you work out, and use a whiteboard or chalkboard for writing down your goals and daily motivational quotes. Add a sound system to play your favorite music during your exercises, and be sure to include a water station if you plan on doing high-intensity workouts.

Get a Floor

Basements are often built on concrete floors, which can be cold and hard to work out on. If you have the resources, putting down vinyl panels is a better option for both comfort and safety. The panels are moisture resistant and designed to withstand heavy weights, making them perfect for a home gym.

Another great thing about putting down new flooring is that it’s a simple way to brighten up the room. Using a special paint designed for concrete floors is affordable and easy to do on your own. If you want to get a bit more creative, you can frame and hang a set of inspirational slogans or sports paraphernalia. This is a cheap and effective way to motivate yourself while working out.

While many homeowners, DIYers, and caretakers hate to say goodbye to a beloved tree, there comes a time when the benefits a tree provides outweigh the risks.

When is that time? To help you, we’ve gathered the most common warning signs that it may be time to cut down a tree on your property.

Dead Branches

When a tree starts to lose branches, it’s often a sign that the entire tree is dying. This can cause severe damage to your property if the tree happens to fall during a storm or on a calm day.

If a tree has holes in it’s trunk, this is another clear indication that it may need to come down. These holes can expose fungus and mushrooms that are dangerous for children and pets, as well as posing a risk for the overall health of your yard and home.

A common test that you can use to determine whether a tree is alive or dead is by skinning the bark of a small section. If the flesh underneath has a green hue, it’s still healthy. But if the flesh is dry or brown, it’s time to call in a professional for a diagnosis.

Damaged Roots

In nature, trees grow tall with few large limbs and branches. However, a tree on your property may have grown with too many limbs over time, making it vulnerable to damage in a storm. A professional can inspect a tree to determine whether the branches are too heavy and can fall in strong winds or during a sudden storm.

If a tree’s roots are damaged, it can affect the entire system of the plant. The roots of a tree give it survival and growth by absorbing water, oxygen and nutrients from the soil. When the roots are severed, the tree can’t take up these essentials, leaving it weak and more vulnerable to storms, wind, insect infestation, and other problems.

Root damage often shows up as a symptom in the canopy, with wilting leaves or yellowing. Root rot can also be a sign of root damage, with mushrooms and conks appearing on the base of a tree or in its trunk. This indicates that the tree is infected with a fungal disease that is slowly damaging the roots and causing decay.

Dead Leaves

When a tree loses its leaves, it typically becomes unhealthy and prone to fall damage. In the case of diseased trees that cannot be treated, removal is often the best option.

If a tree starts to look dead even though it still has leaves, it is a good idea to have an arborist come take a closer look at the situation. A dead tree can easily fall during a storm, causing severe property damage and injuries.

An arborist can also tell if a tree is infected with root rot or other serious conditions that will lead to death. A root rot infection makes it difficult for the tree to absorb nutrients from its roots, which can cause it to weaken and die.

In some cases, a tree needs to be removed because it is obstructing your view. Many people have experienced traffic accidents caused by obstructing trees or large branches. While it might be emotionally painful to say goodbye to a beloved tree, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your family’s safety.

Pests

Trees are susceptible to pests and diseases. While a diseased or damaged tree can sometimes be saved, severe damage will almost always mean it needs to come down. This could include a tree that no longer produces leaves, a trunk that has large fungi growing on it, or a trunk with a deep fissure that weeps sap.

While it’s important to try to save a healthy tree, if a particular species isn’t doing well in your area or is causing problems on your property (such as rooting into the foundation of your house), then it may need to be removed and replaced with another species that can grow better. This is especially important for invasive trees that compete with native plants and suppress biodiversity.

Many homeowners have to remove obstructing trees that block driveways or street lights, but other trees may need to be taken down for public safety reasons. For example, if you have several stop signs or streetlights that are obstructed by tall or rotting trees, it’s a good idea to speak with a certified arborist about having them removed.

Leaning

Trees are resilient and strong, but they can still suffer severe damage during storms or wind. If you notice large cracks in the trunk or bark peeling off, it could be a sign that the tree is deteriorating and needs to be removed.

A new lean or a shift in the angle of the tree can be another sign that it needs to be taken down. If the tree is leaning significantly, it’s important to call an arborist to see how serious the issue is. A professional will take into account factors like how long the lean has been occurring and whether it’s getting worse over time.

Oftentimes, trees need to come down because they are blocking street signs, driveways, or other structures on your property. Even if you haven’t experienced any damage from the obstructing tree, it can still be a safety hazard for anyone walking or driving by. Taking down the tree can prevent them from becoming a home for animals like skunks and raccoons. This can be an environmental concern too since dead and fallen trees can cause pollution.

Cabinet refinishing uses what you have already, which reduces your environmental impact. It’s also less expensive than replacing cabinets.

However, refinishing isn’t the right solution for everyone. If your cabinets aren’t working for you or have structural damage, it would be better to replace them. A consultation with a professional can help you determine the best option for your home.

Cost

Cabinet refinishing is cheaper than removing and replacing them, as it saves you the cost of labor. It also reduces waste by utilizing materials you already have. This type of project makes sense if your cabinets are in good condition but need a visual refresh. However, it’s best to work with a professional if your cabinets need more than just a coat of paint. If they’re starting to sag or aren’t functioning properly, it’s likely that you’ll need to replace them.

A cabinet refinishing company can charge anywhere from $10 to $25 per square foot, depending on the level of customization you choose. If you want your cabinets to look like works of art, the price will go up. For example, some professionals offer ornate carvings and unique types of finishing materials, which will add to the overall price tag. If you want to keep the costs down, ask your refinisher to use a lower-quality paint and opt out of the glazing. You can also save money by bundling painting projects with other areas of your home or purchasing hardware yourself instead of through the refinishing company.

The type of material your cabinets are made from will determine whether or not they can be refinished via stain or paint. Solid wood cabinets are ideal, as they can withstand the process. However, many homeowners choose to reface their cabinets with laminate or thermofoil instead of solid wood because these materials are more affordable and easy to maintain.

Time

Refinishing cabinets requires a lot of time. First, the wood must be stripped either manually or with chemical strippers. Then the raw wood must be sanded to smooth the grain and prepare it for staining or painting. This is a labor-intensive process, especially if the cabinets have lots of detail or ornate trim. Adding a darker stain or multiple coats of paint to the doors and drawer fronts also adds to the overall refinishing time. Using high-quality, time-saving products can help reduce the amount of time spent on prep work.

Once the sanding is complete, the cabinet doors and drawer fronts can be stained or painted. The type of finish chosen determines the final look of the cabinets. Staining is a great option for homeowners who want to keep their current layout and style but need to change the color. However, it’s important to note that not all materials can be stained. The medium-density fiberboard (MDF) used in many solid-color cabinets can’t accept a stain without showing the grain, for example.

In addition to sanding and staining, cabinet refinishers must also mask the cabinets and protect the surrounding walls and countertops. They may also need to repair small cracks and chips in the cabinet boxes or doors. Finally, they must clean and sand the newly painted or stained cabinets before applying a clear lacquer to protect the surface. Depending on the size of the kitchen, this can take several days. During this time, homeowners can still use the kitchen, but they’ll need to be careful not to damage or dirty the newly finished cabinets.

Appearance

Cabinet refinishing can make your cabinets look brand new, and it’s usually less expensive than replacing them with new ones. However, the finish may not last as long as it would with a new set of cabinets. If your current cabinet doors have been exposed to heat or moisture over the years, they may start splitting or warping. Purchasing a brand-new set of cabinet doors that match your existing cabinets is the best option if this happens, as they’ll likely last up to 50 years.

Cabinet refacing is a great option for fixing cosmetic problems such as scratches, dents and faded colors. However, it is not the best option if your cabinets have structural issues such as warped doors or faulty hardware. It is also not the best solution if you want to add more storage options, like lazy Susans and pull-out trash cans. Refacing isn’t the best choice if you want to replace your cabinets entirely, either, since this would require removing and installing new boxes.

Cabinet replacement is a more significant undertaking, but it gives you the freedom to completely change the look and layout of your kitchen. Homeowners often choose this option because they want a kitchen that better matches their family’s lifestyle, needs, and cooking style. This allows them to implement new storage solutions, add new lighting, or even move the location of certain fixtures.

It’s important to choose a reputable cabinet refinishing service to ensure that the finished product is high-quality and durable. They should know how to properly sand the surface before applying a stain or paint. They should also be familiar with the various types of finishes available, including glazed, lacquer, or varnish. They should be able to help you find a color that suits your tastes and complements the style of your home.