Be Safe with These Tips for Proper Hedge Trimming

An important part of being a property owner is managing and caring for the landscape and vegetation. Without proper skills and training, it is easy to make a mistake.

According to specialists in hedge trimming Bellevue, Washington at Certified Arborist Tree Care, LLC, many homeowners are seriously injured while working in tall trees or hedge-trimming off of high ladders.

In addition to the increased risks of injury and accidents, lack of professional training may have someone remove trees needlessly and damage a tree by trimming and cutting improperly.

The good news is that with a bit of interest, it’s easy to learn many pruning skills on your own. Although they don't take the place of hiring a professional arborist, these tips can help you on your way to a healthy landscape.

1. Remove hanging branches immediately. These branches are already at the verge of falling.
2. Diseased and decaying wood can be removed at any time of the year.
3. Make sure to prune at the proper time of year. Professional can advise you on the correct time for different trees. some trees should only be pruned at certain times of the year.
4. Remove diseased or insect-infested branches.
5. Do not prune more than 1/3 of the canopy.

For more information on safe pruning and tree care see what this arborist report Seattle area expert has to say.

Go Solar California Makes CA Number One for Solar Power

California leads the nation in solar energy production and installation of residential solar panels.  IHS iSuppli reports that combined photovoltaic solar capacity of the state of California alone is almost three times the combined capacity of the lowest 40 states.  With 924 megawatts of total installed solar capacity and an increase of over 47 percent since last year, California is the nation’s greatest San Diego solar energy success story.

California’s Go Solar campaign has undoubtedly had a huge influence on solar power’s takeover in the state, providing financial means to campaign for solar energy and educate the public about the benefits of solar.  Started by the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission, Go Solar California aims to encourage residents to install 3,000 megawatts of solar energy-producing panels on residences and businesses by 2016.  They also aim to implement 585 million therms worth of solar hot water systems by 2017.

The website (gosolarcalifornia.org) offers a wealth of information for Californians on financing, tax credits, and more plus tips on how and where to find a contractor.  There’s also information on the California Solar Initiative, the solar rebate program for California residents.  It’s an extremely valuable resource and a promising program for San Diego and the rest of the state.