Why do people love Cedar Wood?

The Cedar tree is a majestic pyramid-shaped evergreen tree that commonly reaches 130’ in height and 30 to 40’ across. The wood itself is hard and strongly aromatic because of the high percentage of essential oil it contains. Northern White and Western Red Cedar are some of the most sought-after woods that are ideal for many outdoor and indoor uses. It is a fine grained wood that is durable and resistant to rotting and insects. This makes cedar a top choice for carefree living, as it can be left natural or it can be painted or stained to match any decor.

Softwood producing trees such as the Cedar contain just two types of cell and have few water conducting vessels meaning it stays dryer in wet conditions than other conifers such as the Yew or the Cypress tree. In their natural habitat, Cedar trees are found in many different environments and climates. They can be exposed to mountain and monsoon climates, and are adept at surviving snow, drought, heavy rainfall and temperatures as low as -25 degrees C.

Not only are Cedar trees aesthetically beautiful, but they produce wood which is aromatic and looks lovely when crafted into furniture. This type of wood is ideal for outdoor furniture as it is resistant to decay because it is protected by its own natural oils and resins to stand up to harsh weather conditions. If left untreated, Cedar wood gradually ages and develops a grayish-silver colour. Untreated cedar is natural and pleasing; however the wood is porous and over the long term may become discolored if left in damp or shaded areas. It also means that the wood will not last as long as it would if it was treated. Therefore, many people prefer to stain or treat their cedar patio furniture every two to three years in order to give it that little extra protection against the elements in order to gain a few extra years of life.

Additional advantages of Cedar are that its low density helps it equalize the moisture within itself and the air around it helping it not to warp or crack as many other woods do. Cedar wood also contains small pockets of air, which means that it doesn’t conduct heat as well as some other woods. This is ideal in summer when the air is warm, and the cedar lawn furniture remains cool despite the weather.

Cedar wood along with its weatherproof qualities and aesthetic appeal is often chosen by carpenters and furniture manufacturers because of its low density and weight. This makes it is very versatile and easy to transport, which also makes it an ideal wood for outdoor furniture.

Western red Cedar wood is often chosen for furniture because of its attractive look. It has a straight grain and an almost terracotta shade. Unlike ‘white’ Cedar, its natural oils also repel moths and other insect pests such as ticks, fleas and termites which make it well suited for other things as well such as outdoor dog and cat houses and small sheds such as beach or pool houses.

Northern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar are some of the most sought-after woods for many outdoor uses. It’s a fine grained durable wood, naturally pitch-free and resistant to rot and insects. These qualities combine to make cedar a top choice for carefree outdoor living.

Cedar Wood “by the yard”

Hammocks – Making The Right Choice

Hammocks are like furniture used for rest and relaxation. They are like beds that are suspended between two supports like two trees or a manufactured support. Hammocks are often made up of heavy netting or a canvas and are great for spending time in the sun. But not all hammocks give the same level of comfort or length of life.

So what things should we consider when trying to make the right choice when purchasing.

1. Material: There are many different types of hammocks but generally can be thought of in 3 types. These are namely known as fabric or canvas, Mayan (which is woven and can be made of different materials) and rope style hammocks (which also are woven). Most of these can either be used indoors or outdoors. The cotton woven hammocks though are best used indoors as they do not stand up to weather.

2. Comfort: As has already been said rope hammocks are woven with small spaces in between them. They don’t conform to your body as well as the Mayan and there is usually an imprint visible in ones back when you first get off the hammock. Canvas hammocks also don’t conform to your body well during use; on the other hand they don’t leave any imprints. The most comfortable hammock of the 3 is the Mayan since this type of hammock conforms to the shape of anyone who uses it and the weave is tight and comfortable.

3. Strength: The strength of the hammock is dependent on the material used in making it. A rope hammock is made out of quite thick rope and can take a beating and hold a lot of weight, up to 450 lbs or more depending on the manufacturer. A hammock made out of canvas on the other hand is not typically going to hold as much weight though it should have no problem holding the average adult. A Mayan style hammock is a little more sensitive but again the weight it can carry often is determined by the quality of the manufacturer and typically should not have any problem holding an average adult.

4. Portability: The material used in the manufacture of a hammock also will determine its weight. For instance rope hammocks are weaved by hand and are usually made of heavier material making it weigh more than the rest and therefore not as easy to move from one place to another. Canvas hammocks are lighter and therefore easy to relocate. They also usually repel water well and therefore stand up to the outdoor conditions. Mayan hammocks like canvas are also lightweight making it easy to transfer from place to place.

5. Durability & Maintenance: A rope hammock made out of thick rope as mentioned before requires a fair amount of maintenance since it is susceptible to mildew especially in a fairly wet climate. A canvas hammock on the other hand, because its material is very durable, requires a lot less maintenance. A Mayan hammock is like a rope hammock in the sense that it can be very sensitive and can tear more easily which would require more maintenance in order to keep this kind of hammock in top shape.

6. Price: The price of the hammock one wishes to purchase also depends greatly on the type of material used and the manufacturer. And like a lot of things we buy the saying is true “you get what you pay for”. A quick check and you can find hammocks starting around $20 and going up to $200 or more and then if you want a support for it as well it could be a lot more. Similar looking hammocks made with similar material have remarkably different prices. This makes purchasing one difficult. My suggestion, deal with someone you know and you can trust if you want quality. If price is important then shop well. For myself I don’t like cheap and I also don’t have the money to spend top dollar so I try and find a middle road.

Hammocks are a great way to relax outdoors in your back yard or private outdoor living space. They are great for the whole family and a lot of fun.

Hammocks “by the yard”

How to Help Your Lawn Survive a Drought

With temperatures rising and rain fall decreasing (though there has been more than usual rainfall where I live so far this summer), summer time drought seems inevitable and it putts a serious strain on your lawn. With little rain fall and water restrictions it makes things really hard on your lawn and your ability to take care of it. If you are not careful, your lawn could end up dead.

The summer of 2007 was a very bad year for drought in many parts of the country, particularly the Southeast, which suffered a historic drought. There were widespread mandatory water restrictions, and most lawns in these areas suffered extensive damage as a result.

Work done about a month before a drought period can have a real impact on your lawn's ability to survive. The primary objective is to make the lawn as strong and healthy as possible before a drought hits in order to survive a drought with little or no supplemental irrigation (watering by hose or sprinkler system). A lawn properly prepared to survive a drought will have a deep and extensive root system.

Here are some tips that are sure to help you beat the summer heat and take care of your lawn.

1. Raise the blades on your mower. Taller grass provides more protection from sun and grows deeper roots, which makes it more resilient. Remove only one third of the grass length at each mowing, cutting too much at once stresses the grass.

2. Resist the temptation to bag your lawn and use a mulching mower instead or go over your lawn twice. The clippings will provide a barrier that keeps moisture in your lawn longer. They also provide free fertilizer (at least ¼ of your lawn’s needs) and help your lawn grow greener and denser, and it doesn’t cause thatch buildup.

3. Sharpen your lawnmower blade. Dull blades put your grass under lots of undue stress. Stressed grass needs more water.

4. Most lawns require only 1 inch of water per week, some grasses even less. If you water your lawn every day, you are encouraging shallow roots. By spreading out your watering you can help your lawn to establish deeper roots that will help it survive drought periods. Generally watering deeper, less days per week will encourage deeper root growth and a more healthy lawn.
Water early in the morning and when it is not windy to avoid unnecessary evaporation of your rationed water and remember, that long watering sessions are preferred to short watering sessions for grass.
Watering techniques should be adjusted during the growing season to compensate for precipitation and lengthy hot and dry periods. The amount of water and the duration of each watering period should be adjusted according to soil types and grass types.
Avoid watering in the afternoon because a large percentage of the water is lost to evaporation. Avoid evening watering because the lawn will remain wet for 12 to 15 hours, until the following morning sun dries off the lawn. This prolonged wet period can increase fungal disease incidence.
Use an alternative type watering or irrigation system like a soaker hose. It puts the water in the ground, where it is needed, more efficiently.

5. Use drought-resistant grass. The lawn care industry is filled with innovative products and solutions, including drought-resistant grasses. If you live in a region where summers are long and rainfall is minimal, this is an excellent idea. Rhizomatous grasses like Bermudas have best drought tolerance followed by Zoysias (though these can be invasive), St. Augstines, then Centipedes, Seashore Paspalum and Fescue. Which one of these is best for you depends on where you live. Ask your local garden center.

6. Aerate your lawn twice a year (fall and spring) to keep out thatch and help the roots grow deeper.

7. Do not fertilize in the summer. Experts will tell you that fertilized lawns are more sensitive to heat and require more water.

A green lawn is definitely something to envy in the heart of the summer. Do yourself and your lawn a favor and follow these tips to keep it looking green. Your green lawn will cause your neighbors to be filled with wonder and envy.

Lawns “by the yard”