Posts Tagged ‘landscaping’

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Home and Landscaping Show: QwikBids is back at it!

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Cathy’s Clips

 Once again, QwikBids hit the road to spread the word about a unique way for consumers and service providers alike to come together. The destination this time was the Maricopa County Home & Landscape Show at the Maricopa County Fairgrounds in Phoenix. The mood was cheery, and the smell of food cooking was everywhere. We found our referred service providers are able to handle all Phoenix landscape needs!

We got situated rather quickly, then settled into the routine of meeting consumers and the many service providers that came out to show their stuff. We had more visibility this time around, so we were busy! Thousands of consumers were in attendance, wanting to get the most for their money during these recessionary times. These consumers represented the many homeowners looking for home improvement ideas. Yes, consumers want to spend money!

We explained to consumers (and service providers) what we were all about, and they knew we would come in handy for their upcoming projects. There was one that was interested in using our service but also owned a business. So they are not only a consumer using QwikBids, they are also now a service provider on our site. Awesome!

I had the crew by my side, and as always we had tons of fun. The bid requests have picked up as a result, meaning business is picking up for our service providers. The three days at the show were a success, and look forward to attending many more.

Next up is the American Cancer Society Charity event in Goodyear (we are a sponsor), then we will be attending the Arizona’s Ultimate Women’s Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center October 17th and 18th. Come on down and visit our booth, I would like to meet all of you personally!

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Avoid costly mistakes!

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

by guest author John Collins

Do you know where your sewer line, sewer cleanouts and septic tank are located?  What about your water lines, irrigation system, outdoor lighting, etc.? Knowing these locations could save you from considerable and unnecessary expenses. Public Blue Stake only marks public utilities up to your meter. Anything after the meter is your responsibility. Precision Locating starts where Blue Stake leaves off.

We give you the ability to plan BEFORE you put the shovel in the ground; saving you time, money and aggravation.

Planting trees? We give you the assurance you won’t plant that tree on top of your sewer line, potentially costing you hundreds of dollars to repair a collapsed line or root intrusion after a few years.

Adding a patio, addition or landscaping? Locating your sewer cleanouts or septic tank can ensure they don’t get buried below a patio or landscaping that will hinder the ability of your plumber to properly clean a blocked line or service your septic system.

Adding a swimming pool or spa? Locate all your water, sewer and electrical lines before digging starts.

Adding a built-in BBQ? Know where you can safely run the electrical, water, gas and/or drain lines.

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Get an Irrigation Specialist in Here!

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

 

Today, we would like to explain a little to our readers about irrigation systems and why it would probably be a great idea to get a professional in to inspect, install, or repair it. If you were to spend enough time learning about the system you have or are looking to install, the time spent doing so and the labor afterward would be worth paying for the service. First, you’ll need to figure out what type of system is going to be right for your needs.

Basically, there are three types of irrigation types. Fixed spray-type irrigation heads should be used for smaller areas. Some professionals will say an area of within 25 feet is ideal (keep in mind there are rotor heads that can be used for up to 18 feet although not as economically). Spray-heads also have less that can go wrong with them due to their simplicity. The most common issue with these types of spray-heads is clogging. Flushing the pipes before installing the spray-heads, as well as installing a filter, will virtually eliminate this problem. Small filter screens usually come with spray-heads, but providers from QwikBids indicated this may not be enough. To be safe, install a mesh filter at the water source as well.

Then there’s the rotor-type of spray heads. They are rather simple, employing water in single or multiple rotating streams. They have more moving parts or mechanisms, so there is a slightly better chance of problems, as wear and tear takes its toll. Experts at QwikBids explain these types of spray-heads are used for much larger areas to be watered. But keep in mind how important it is to space spray-heads to avoid dry spots and/or disease problems. In our minds, it’s for this very reason a professional installer would be ideal for tasks such as these. From QwikBids’ perspective, it’s easy to find one that fits your needs. Log in to the QwikBids website to place a bid for your irrigation project. You’ll save valuable time and save a few bucks to boot!

Finally, we want to touch briefly on drip irrigation systems. Experts with QwikBids tell us this is by far the most efficient way to irrigate. They’re 15-20% more efficient than the latter two types of systems, saving much-valued water. Drip irrigation applies water directly to the soil. It’s simple and cheaper to install. Its efficiency is attributed to the simple fact that far less water evaporates, and that water is applied only when needed, at the roots. QwikBids still insists you get a professional for your irrigation needs, and it all starts at by placing a request for bid!

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When Your Arborist Comes Knocking

Friday, June 26th, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

    

When you don’t want to trust your trees with just anyone, you’ll want to call in an arborist. Unlike basic landscaping businesses (some do employ arborists) arborists are specifically trained in the care of trees, with a better understanding of diseases and insects that affect them. Arborists have extensive knowledge of pruning, planting, and removal of trees, not to mention a passion for the upkeep and care. Expertise in soil is also a big part of being a successful arborist. QwikBids took a peek into the world of the arborist, and found some interesting facts we’d like to pass on to you.

According to the National Arborist Association, there are primarily 8 reasons why trees die:

  • Accidents (auto, storms, and even lawn mowers and other machinery).
  • Too much herbicide (when used improperly).
  • Soil Compaction (soil not aerated; roots do not get enough oxygen).
  • Bad planting (planting too deep or too shallow or the roots dry out from lack of water).
  • Watering (both over- and under-watering can be harmful to trees).
  • Location, Location, Location (trees planted but cannot get proper sunlight; planted near power lines, too close to the house or other structure, and other plants).
  • Painting tree wounds and filling cavities with concrete
  • Improper pruning

We didn’t know there was so much on tree health. It was clear after we looked into this that most take trees for granted. As we all know, trees and other oxygen giving plants are vital to our very existence! Having said this, let’s look into what you should be looking for when hiring an arborist for your needs.

Most arborists with a passion for the industry usually take on additional memberships, training, and/or certifications. In this field, it may be the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the National Arborist Association (NAA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). This tells both the professional community and public there’s a sincere willingness to stay up with trends and education. Be sure to ask for these types of credentials. While none of these associations are governmentally sanctioned, it does build a little more confidence. As with many other industries, the lowest bidder isn’t always best. Be sure to check references, certifications, and licensing. Base your decision upon being as aware as possible.

Now wouldn’t it be nice if there were a service that did all that for you? Wouldn’t it be nice to place a request for bid on your tree project without your phone ringing and remaining anonymous until you choose the arborist you feel comfortable with?  Well finally, there is! Look no further than QwikBids. What’s more, when the job is completed and you leave feedback on your arborist, QwikBids will donate $10 to the charity of your choice. Everybody wins!

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Ambience, with Exterior Lighting

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

QwikBids Investigates

    

I live in the shadows of trees, among well-lit surroundings, and my home at night sticks out like a sore thumb (a dark one at that). I have been putting off  installing new outdoor lighting for some time. The ones I had died long ago, for they were installed when the house was built. My budget was stretched thin, so I needed to find a way to get the lighting I needed for the least amount of money (and avoid being labeled the “dark creepy place” by the neighborhood kids). Security was also an issue. Naturally, with registered providers at my fingertips through QwikBids, I knew the chances for finding the right person for this job were good.
Installing it myself wasn’t an option. I wanted it done right. With the time I’d have to spend trying to do the research and figuring it all out, it would be worth paying for. I found the installation to be cheaper than I thought. The winning company I chose to go with explained, in detail, what was needed to get a good price with a lighting scheme that was right for my home and landscaping. Choosing the right fixtures was first, followed by placement. On a side note, I was told that 100 watts should be the maximum on each line of lights to eliminate voltage drop, which would cause the lights farthest away from the transformer to be dimmer (of course, for a little more money there was a way around this).
So my landscaper went to work. I wanted lighting effects that would best accent the beauty of my home while enhancing security and made it happen. I got lighting on the walkway in front of the house, and had a couple upward lights for the two palm trees. Suddenly, I felt like I fit in with the neighbors! The provider said there may need to be some adjustments made after dark but was certain the lights were placed in great position. Come nightfall, I couldn’t have agreed with him more. It was like a work of art. My home took on an entirely new, classy look that I was proud of. For a fraction of what I thought it would have cost. Having multiple bids on the QwikBids site made a huge difference. Oh yeah, and the neighborhood kids could visit on Halloween night again without carrying a big stick!

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