Property + Landscape Safety
– By Brandon M. Gelderman
Trimming tree branches – In the winter is a good
time to see where any extra limbs can be removed that might
be in the way, or hitting your home. When the leaves are off
the trees you can determine any broken branches and limbs
that may be getting to low to the ground or growing into the
house, which can cause costly damage. Cutting back vines
that grow up the house works well also during the winter
months, because the weight of the leaves will not pull it right
off the house.
Clean the garage and park your car in it! Far
too many people use the garage as storage units and never
actually park their cars inside them. Before you know it, there
is just a large pile of items inside the garage that rarely – or
never, get used. Apply the rule of 12 months: If you have not
used it in 12 months, make a decision to part ways with it.
When an item has sentimental value ask a family member of
a friend if they would enjoy the item. When there is room in
your garage to park your car, you do not have to worry about
frost or snow piling on the car. Parking in your garage also
helps to ensure your driveway is cleared of all snow for the
safest exit! Don’t forget that for any items that you need help
moving you can hire a service that can help with all that heavy
lifting. (Note: next time you clean the basement, this can be
a place to store items for future use, instead of the garage.)
Clear gutters and eaves of debris before the
snow and ice come. Having a buildup of ice and
debris in your eaves in the winter
is very dangerous for multiple
reasons: Water could start to go
under the shingles and start to
drip into your home, causing
puddles of water and damaging
items. The ice buildup can also
cause the eaves to separate from the house, causing a gap
between the eaves and the house. This could lead to water
getting into your basement. If the snow starts to accumulate
on your roof, a roof rake will be able to reach the first 3 feet
of the roof, allowing the snow to melt into the eaves and not
drip over.
Keep a handy call list! Keep a list of local companies
that can come assist you and your needs during the winter
months. Make sure to cover any needs inside and outside of
the home that may arise. Have this list placed somewhere
handy where you won’t forget. Placing it on the side of the
fridge seems to be a favorite place of home owners. Happy
holidays, happy new year, and stay safe.•
Brandon M. Gelderman is a landscape designer and founder of
Gelderlands Inc. in Burlington. 905-637-1509 www.gelderlands.ca
Thank you for
another great year!
I look forward to
working with you
in 2017!
Carpentry
Custom Cabinetry
Furniture Restoration
Decks & Fences
Tiling
Plumbing
Electrical
(905) 407-2550
[email protected]
Celebrating our 10th year! ~ Winter 2016/17
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