Contrary to popular belief, it is the wind and not the amount of snow that differentiates a blizzard from a snow storm. This is according to the National Weather Service, who’s definition for snow storm classifies a blizzard as a storm that has strong enough winds to blow snow resulting in low visibility. To be classified as a blizzard, a snow storm must feature winds as high as 35 mph that cuts down visibility to at most .25 miles.
While cold and a large snowfall are major features of many blizzards, they are not necessary for the classification. The strongest blizzard can sometimes last for days, especially if there is an excessive amount of snow.
To be classified as a “severe” blizzard, there are certain benchmarks that it must meet. The winds must get up over 45 mph and temperatures have to dip below 10 degrees fahrenheit. In some places, such as Antarctica, blizzards have been known to feature winds as high as 99 mph.
A ground blizzard is a completely different kind of storm. While it was played for comedy in the famous Peanuts cartoon, it is absolutely true that snow can come up from the ground. A ground blizzard occurs when there is no precipitation but high winds pick up loose snow and blow it around, causing low visibility.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “blizzard” most likely has an onomatopoeic origin. Words like blister, blast and blow all relate closely to the word blizzard. It lists the first use of the word in 1829. At the time, that first use described a blizzard as a violent blow. It wasn’t until 1859 that the word made its way into the dictionary and by the 1880s it had become a common term in the United States.
While we all know that blizzards are caused by wintery conditions, there is a specific cause. Most often, blizzards are caused by warm southern air interacting with cold northern air. For instance, the Pacific Ocean sends cold and moist air to the east, where it meets warm air from the Gulf of Mexico. If any of this air dips south, then a blizzard will start to form. This is why there is so much snow in the Rockies, since that is often where the two will clash.
Another cause of blizzards in the United States is when a cold front over the Hudson Bay area in Canada shifts to the great lakes region and New England. This air can clash with the air from the Gulf of Mexico, which will cause blizzard conditions and high snowfall.
The Rocky Mountains can be a source of low pressure systems. These systems can move onto the flat land of the Great Plans and collide with the warm air there. There are fewer obstructions on the plains, so the wind can reach incredible speeds. Not only that, but the collision can cause massive thunderstorms to the south and heavy snowfall to the north. Without the obstructions to block the wind, it can reach extreme low visibility very quickly. A whiteout is when there is literally no visibility at all. People have been known to get lost on their property since they cannot see what is in front of their faces, including their own homes if they are more than 10 ft away. In these conditions, driving is incredibly dangerous and motorists need to pull over and wait until visibility is safe again.
We should never underestimate just how important it is to maintain our lawns. Aesthetically, lawns increase property values, complement landscape plants, and can even enhance the quality of our lives. A lush green lawn provides a blanket for families to picnic on, a soft landing for children at play and a soft cushion for bare feet. Scientifically, a healthy lawn is great for the environment because a it generates oxygen for improved air quality. The grass ecosystem acts as a filter for the environment, thus reducing air pollution and noise in suburban areas. When it comes to property value, a healthy lawn improves curb appeal and can increase the value of your property by 15 to 20 percent.
Planning for a Lush, Green, Healthy Spring Lawn
The following tips will help ensure your springtime lawn is thick and healthy.
Maintain a Leaf-Free Lawn
There is probably nothing nicer than seeing a lawn sprinkled with red and yellow leaves, but unfortunately fallen leaves can lead to a very unhealthy lawn. Leaves become wet, stick together and suffocate your precious turfgrass. With each passing day your lawn receives less and less sunlight. Dead, moist leaves are an invitation to mold and lawn diseases.
Regular raking is an absolute must during fall. Fallen leaves can be disposed of by composting or used as mulch around rosebushes and other plants.
Keep Mowing
Continue mowing your lawn through fall. It will keep growing right up to the first hard frost. By late fall the blades on your mower should be dropped down by 1 to 2 inches. Continue mowing at this height until early winter when the lawn stops growing. Dropping your mower blade should be done gradually. A dramatic drop can impede root growth and lead to grass discoloration. Not only does regular mowing keep your lawn looking neat and tidy, it chops up unwanted leaves and deposits them as a soil-enhancing mulch.
Continue Watering
Although the temperature may be cooler during this time of year, your lawn still needs watering. While we understand there may be more dew, more rain and less evaporation in the fall, it may not be sufficient to ensure the grass roots stay healthy and well hydrated going into winter. Your lawn will continue growing throughout the fall, so if your lawn is not receiving a minimum of one inch of water per week, keep your irrigation system or sprinklers running until the end of October. Watering your lawn will sustain growth, so continue watering until the ground becomes cold and begins to freeze.
Aerate
One of the most important aspects of a well-maintained lawn is aeration. Aerating is the act of spiking or punching holes through the lawn to allow nutrients and air to reach the grass roots. Aeration reduces soil compaction and is vitally important for helping your lawn survive extreme conditions such as drought or waterlogging. Aeration assists with water preservation – as well as root development – and it allows oxygen to break down organic substances. It helps fertilizer nutrients quickly reach the root system.
It is recommended that a core aerator be used because it solves many problems by punching holes through the lawn and pulling up small plugs of soil.
Feed Your Lawn
Fertilizing during fall will make the difference between an ‘okay’ lawn and a truly spectacular one. Adding fertilizer with a mixture of potash and nitrogen offers the perfect medicine for a lawn that has been damaged by drought and/or the summer sun. Just before winter, fertilize your lawn again to assist with root establishment. Once winter arrives fertilizer treatment can no longer be applied.
Taking good care of your lawn during fall can improve your lawn’s capacity to store nutrients whilst simultaneously fending off plant diseases and fungi. Not only will your lawn look nice during fall, it will be well prepared to take care of itself during the coming winter season.
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Believe it or not, but it is not just metal that can corrode. Soil erosion can cause serious problems for your home garden, so steps must be taken to control it. When water flows across the ground, it can damage the soil. The faster the flow, and the more exposed the soil, the more damage it can cause. To help prevent these problems, you can cover or plant the slope to help minimize erosion.
One handy way to prevent water from flowing too fast is to construct terraces. Terraces will help break up the water and slow it down. Terraces are especially useful in places where it is difficult to grow gardens because of the terrain or the landscape. Terraces will help you create mini gardens that can be more flexible and hearty.
Terraces
Essentially, the key to preventing erosion is to turn one long slope into several more level slops. Rain will then absorb into the soil as opposed to running off into the sewer system, dragging soil along with it. Terraces can be treated like landings on the slope. You can cut out spots on the slopes to put in a terrace, and make sure that they are more level. They do not have to be completely level. 2% perpendicular will work just fine to create a more gently grade for drainage.
Spacing
Proper spacing is vital for ensuring an appropriate run off to prevent erosion. However, the spacing will vary depending on the type of slope. In general, shorter slopes create less of an opportunity for runoff, and thus, erosion. Terracing works best when you can split the slope into smaller segments with little chance of a fast moving flow. It is also helpful if you can install drainage pipes below the soil to capture extra runoff and redirect it. It should be perforated on the underside so that the water goes into the gravel bed underneath it.
Terrace Construction
Gravity is always working, so water will also naturally flow downhill. When you are installing and constructing terraces, make sure to make a retaining wall on the exposed side. The flowing water could push the wall outward and damage the wall, so make sure it is sturdy. You may want to consult a professional for help with this. In climates where there is freezing and thawing throughout the year, this is especially important. Make sure you also consult with local building codes to make sure that your retaining walls are in compliance.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls do help slow runoff, but their main purpose is to hold the terrace and the embankment together against the pressure of the water. With terraces, the ground must be close to level. If you are just using retaining walls, then the ground does not have to be. The materials that you use for a retaining wall have to be sturdy enough to handle the pressure of the water and soil pushing up against it. However, it has be be porous so that it can adequately drain the water. It is usually suggested that drainage pipes should be installed about 24 inches apart, and 6 inches off the ground.
Soil erosion can have serious consequences for any garden. The topsoil is the most fertile part of the soil, and is vital for proper growth. Water runoff is the main cause of soil erosion, so you must take steps to prevent water from flowing too quickly throughout your garden. If you have a slope to your yard, it can be very difficult to manage. Terraces and retaining walls can help you slow down the water and keep your soil fertile for your plants.
Many homeowners are always on the lookout for ways to make their homes more appealing. Whether that means increasing the living space or just making it look better, they are always trying to find something that works. Installing a patio can make any yard look better, and will provide a comfortable place for guests and family to enjoy the yard. Here are the most common materials used in patio construction today.
Stone
Stone is a natural and durable option for your patio. If you use local stone, then it will be more environmentally friendly since it will cut down on transportation. Local stone should also blend better with your yard, since it will be from the region. Slate, limestone, and bluestone are all solid options that offer various benefits. Stone will give your space a more natural feel if you are looking to meld the natural outdoor setting with your patio. The drawbacks are that stone is heavy to move, and can sometimes be bumpy, making them hard to walk on. Stone is probably the most expensive option as well.
Concrete
Concrete is not as expensive as stone, but can still offer some benefits. Stone tablets can be removed and replaced easily, for one. If the slabs are interlocked, then they provide stability since they will not shift. If they are installed correctly on sand and given some space, they will be resistant to temperature changes and heavy loads. They do offer less in the way of patterns that other options, since they are strict geometric shapes. They can also suffer fading as time goes on which can make them look older.
Poured Concrete
Concrete is a sand and gravel mixture that creates a substance that will harden when left to dry. It can be shaped into almost anything, so it is versatile for any space. Poured concrete will not break the budget, and provides a durable, low-maintenance option that is easy to walk on. That said, mixing concrete is not easy, since you must be precise with the measurements and mixing process. It must dry correctly or else you may have issues with drainage, or it will crack as time goes on. If your patio is going over top of utility lines, then you run the risk of damaging them, which will create additional costs.
Tile
Tile might not be the first thing to come to your mind when you are thinking of a patio. They are more closely related to kitchens and bathrooms. However, tiles are a solid choice for the outdoors. They can provide a nice transition from outdoors to indoors, for starters. You cannot use just any tile, though. You must use tile and grout that are manufactured for use outside. The tiles must not absorb much water and should be resistant to damage from the freezing and thawing that comes with being exposed to the elements. Because of the weather, tiles can get slippery, so unglazed tiles might be the best bet as they are not as slippery as other tile types. Glazed or not, tiles can still be at least a little slippery, so be careful. Since they are so exposed to water and moisture, and that water tends to hold for long periods, algae could be an issue as well.
Brick
Brick might be the material most relate to home building, especially since they helped the third little pig survive. There are bricks designed specially for patio construction, so yours won’t fly away when the wolf breathes on it. Patio bricks are less porous, and you must the right grade for your climate. They do not have to be just red and linear. You can choose from a variety of colors, such as tan and black. They do not have the wide selection of the other options, though. They can also be susceptible to weeds popping through if installed on sand. They can also be uneven if not installed properly.
A patio can be a great addition to any home. They provide extra living space and a place to enjoy the outdoors. Choose your materials carefully to find the perfect pick for you.
The experienced professionals at Dean Bjorkstrand, Inc. can help complete all kinds of landscaping projects to increase the value of your home. to get started, you can reach us online or by phone!
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There are many of us out there who love having an attractive and well-maintained yard, but do not necessarily want to put in all of the effort needed to make it happen. Luckily, there are low effort and low energy options that can help fulfill your need for visual appeal while not causing you to lift too many fingers. Shrubs, for instance, might be just what you need. They can be beautiful, do not require much maintenance, and also provide extra noise-reduction and privacy benefits.
Shrub Costs
Just like any other landscaping project, there will be costs associated with installing shrubs. Different shrub types will cost different amounts, plus there will be differing time frames between trims. If you have a landscaping professional who does your maintenance, then the more often a shrub needs to be trimmed, the more it will cost. Make sure to choose a shrub that not only fits your aesthetic and low-maintenance requirements, but also fits your budget.
Low-Maintenance Shrub Types
Shrubs will generally last for a long time, so you do not need to plant them again every year. One time will be enough, and as long as you perform the necessary trimming they will be just fine. You can purchase shrubs at just about any home and garden outlet. There are several varieties, from flowering to evergreen and everything in between. It’s a good idea to consider what is native to your area. That way you know that your shrubs will grow well in your climate and stay strong throughout its lifespan. They will also better protect other native plants and species, such as bees and butterflies.
Flowering Shrubs
Using flowering shrubs are a great way to add a splash of color to a yard full of green. Having flowers may make you think that they will need extra maintenance, but there are several easy-care options available. These varieties include hibiscus, hydrangea bush, weigela, forsythia, and lavender, among others. The only maintenance needed with these shrubs is pruning off any dead flowers as you notice them. That way, new flowers can bloom to replace them. Before planting, make sure that they will have the right amount of sun to properly grow and develop.
Evergreen Shrubs
Evergreen shrubs will keep their look throughout the entire year. Maintenance will focus on keeping their shape and neatness. There are some varieties that will only need trimming once a year at most, which is about as low-maintenance as it gets. Some good evergreen varieties include dwarf boxwood, arborvitae, cypress, blue star juniper, and holly.
Privacy Shrubs
One thing that a lot of people love about shrubs is the added privacy they can provide. Fencing is always one way to keep your privacy, but shrubs can add an appealing natural backdrop to your yard. They can also help dampen noise from other yards so your yard can be more relaxing and calm. For privacy shrubs, you will want to choose varieties that are easy to control so that you won’t spend a lot of time and effort trying to keep them from spreading. Some good low-maintenance privacy shrubs include wax myrtle tree, boxwood hedges, buckthorn, and thuja green rocket, among others.
Soil Testing
The best way to make sure that a shrub is low-maintenance is to make sure that it is growing properly in the first place. A big part of that is making sure that the soil has the right nutrients to encourage growth. It is never a bad idea to have your soil tested and to choose shrubs that will thrive in that soil.You can pay big bucks for soil testing, or for a simple at home pH test it only costs a few dollars.
We all want our landscaping to look better, but we do not necessarily want to spend too much effort on it. Shrubs are not only a great low-maintenance option, but they can also add additional benefits like privacy and noise-reduction. You will never be able to find a plant that has no maintenance at all, but shrubs require very little effort and can look amazing too.
The experienced professionals at Dean Bjorkstrand, Inc. can help complete all kinds of landscaping projects to increase the value of your home. Reach out to us online or by phone today!
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A lot people think of rain when they think of leaky roofs, but leaks can happen in the winter as well. Tons of snow can build up on your roof over the winter season, and ice dams are the result. These hard blocks of ice put a strain on your roof and can lead to leaks as the water melts off. An ice dam removal service can help clear away the risk, but you must use a reputable service. Here are some mistakes that will signify that an ice dam removal service just is not up to snuff.
Use Of Inappropriate Equipment
The temptation for many is to use hard tools like hammers and chisels to get ice off a roof. However, those tools can end up damaging your roof even more, and make it more at risk of leaks. Your insurance company may not even cover you for any damage if there is a leak caused by such a tool.
Not Using Steam
To be gentle on your roof, steam is the best option for removing ice dams. It is hot enough to melt the ice and it will not leave too much water on your roof to freeze. Some services will use hot water, but it is not the best option. Water takes a much longer time to remove the ice. That means more time that you will be paying for. Using steam blasters, a service professional can cut the ice dams away from the roof.
Poor Technique
A professional will separate large pieces one at a time, carefully removing each chunk and sliding it off the roof. Poor technique would be spraying the entire roof all at once and trying to melt everything. This is inefficient and will again cost you money in labor costs since it will take so much longer. Another sign of bad technique is leaving footprints on your roof. The compacted snow from footprints will eventually turn into ice, meaning you will have to get it removed
If you find that you need to have ice dams removed from your roof, it is never a bad thing to have basic knowledge of the process. With these mistakes in mind, you will be able to ask the right questions to get the right service.
The experienced professionals at Dean Bjorkstrand, Inc. can help complete all kinds of landscaping projects to increase the value of your home. Reach out online or call 612-861-3919.
The Minnesota climate is known for its extremes. It is very cold in the winters, and can get very hot in the summers. This can put a strain on your energy consumption and water usage. There are some things you can do outside of the home to help with that strain and keep your house warmer or cooler, depending on the season. They can also help conserve water as well.
For Homes That Are Too Hot
If your home has trouble getting cool in the summer, then try planting bushes and trees along the southern wall of the house. This will keep the sun off of your house for most of the day and keep heat off of your home. This will also block the sun in the winter, when you would want more heat. You can also plant vines along the wall. This will still block the sun, but not as drastically.
For Homes That Are Too Cold
With the deep freeze that comes with the winter, keeping a house warm can be very challenging. To keep the warmth in your home, try planting shrubs, trees, and bushes on the north side of your house. This will block the wind and prevent your home from cooling from wind chill. The best trees to use are evergreens, since they keep their foliage during the winter. Shrubs along the windy side of your home will also prevent snow drifts from building up along your walls.
To Conserve Water
Most of us are looking to conserve water to help protect the environment and even save money on our water bill. If plants with similar needs are grouped together, then you will have to water less. You can also use a type of grass that does not need as much watering. Tilling will help with water absorption and help roots grow deeper. Mulching will help keep the soil moist and also help keep weeds at bay.
Conserving energy and water have become a big priority for many people. While there are a lot of things you can do to your home to help, there are several things you can do outside your home as well. Use these tips to save energy during any season.
The experienced professionals at Dean Bjorkstrand, Inc. can help complete all kinds of landscaping projects to increase the value of your home. Reach out online or call 612-861-3919.
The poinsettia has long been a Christmas favorite. Despite being native to Mexico, the poinsettia has become the plant to provide holiday cheer in millions of households. As time has gone on, poinsettias can now be purchased in many colors, shapes, and sizes. It is natural that you might want your new “Christmas plant” to last longer than the holiday season, so here are some tips to help keep the holiday spirit all year-round.
Control The Temperature
Despite being a holiday plant, it is still susceptible to damage from the cold. It should be placed in a plant sleeve as soon as you leave the store. Go straight home with it, as leaving it in the car while you finish other errands will lead to dropping leaves and wilting.
Location
Only once you are home should you unwrap your poinsettia. Find a spot in your home where it will be exposed to natural light, but not in excess of an hour or two. If the location is sunny, then you may need to provide a little extra watering to keep it from drying out. Drafts, or heat from the ducts or radiator can cause problems as well. For the safety of occupants, keep the plant out of reach of children and animals. It is not necessarily poisonous, but could cause stomach discomfort.
All Year Treatments
Once you have found the perfect spot and have your poinsettia resting comfortably, there are some things you can do during the year to keep it vibrant.
February
This is when many poinsettias start to wilt and lose color. You may want to move your plant to a sunny window for a period of time.
Spring
During the spring months, you can provide some maintenance to allow it to continue to flourish. In April, trim back the stems to just around 6” over the soil. This will allow room for more growth. In May, provide some fertilizer to the soil to encourage growth. In June you can move the plant to another pot if there are too many roots.
Once you get to the summer, make sure to keep the plant inside and away from direct sunlight, while watering consistently. The key is to not let them dry out. Then when the winter comes, you will be able to enjoy the Christmas plant all over again!
The experienced professionals at Dean Bjorkstrand, Inc. can help complete all kinds of landscaping projects to increase the value of your home. Reach out online or call 612-861-3919.
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Winter might seem like a time when you can sit back and forget all about your garden for a few months, but you could not be more wrong. While there might not be anything growing, there is still work you can do to get the most out of the warmer months when they do come. Here are some tips and ideas for what you can do when the weather is too cold for growing.
Winterizing
This should be done before the first frost of the year. To protect your plants from winter temperatures, first mulch around plants that are not as hearty. Use leaves and barks, mostly. You can also wrap certain plants, especially newly planted ones, with burlap insulated by leaves or straw.
All Seasons Gardening
In reality, it is a misnomer to say that nothing grows in the winter. There are many late and winter-blooming plants that can give your garden a nice burst of color during the cold. Winter hazel and honeysuckle not only provide that color, but also nice fragrances. Some bulbs, like snowdrops and winter aconite will burst through a thin layer of snow, and are nice harbingers of the spring to come.
Wildlife
Nature is more than just plant life. You can help birds have a regular source of food during the cold months by providing bird feeders and baths. Plus, they will help to control your garden’s ecosystem by assisting with pest control. By using the right food, you can even attract a certain type of bird that you would like around your garden.
Evaluation
While the garden is not hustling and bustling with activity, it is a good time to take stock of how the previous year went and what your goals are going forward. Decide on some goals, and what else you would like to get out of your yard. This is also a good time to catch up on reading and research to implement new strategies. Evaluating and taking stock will help you determine how best to proceed in the coming months.
As you can see, gardening does not have to be confined to certain seasons. Even in the winter, there are things you can do to improve your garden and prepare for the growing seasons ahead. Use these tips and ideas and create your best garden.
The experienced professionals at Dean Bjorkstrand, Inc. can help complete all kinds of landscaping projects to increase the value of your home. Reach out online or call 612-861-3919.