Identify Properties - Photos & Ideas

It's all about you! Your dreams, your site, your budget…. that's our inspiration! It is all about creating a home that is a true reflection of you and your unique lifestyle. Every project has it's challenges, but underneath the real-life concerns of budget and bylaws lie opportunities to delight. At Kallweit Graham Architecture, it is these opportunities that we seek to discover for each and every project. The key to good design is not an unlimited budget, nor following trends. Rather, it takes the limitations of a project and, through thoughtful design, brings out its uniqueness, and enhances the property and it's value. Building new or renovating an existing home is exciting! We also understand that it can be an emotional undertaking and sometimes overwhelming. For over two decades we have helped hundreds of clients "find their way" through the building maze. We are careful listeners, helping people to identify and prioritize their needs. If you have questions like what is possible? what will it look like? and how much will it cost? our trademarked RenoReport can help… see our website for details www.kga.ca. We welcome your enquiries, which can be addressed to Karen or Ross Karen@kga.ca ext:4 Ross@kga.ca ext: 2 604.921.8044

Construction: GD Nielsen Homes It's all about you! Your dreams, your site, your budget…. that's our inspiration! It is all about creating a home that is a true reflection of you and your unique lifestyle. Every project has it's challenges, but underneath the real-life concerns of budget and bylaws lie opportunities to delight. At Kallweit Graham Architecture, it is these opportunities that we seek to discover for each and every project. The key to good design is not an unlimited budget, nor following trends. Rather, it takes the limitations of a project and, through thoughtful design, brings out its uniqueness, and enhances the property and it's value. Building new or renovating an existing home is exciting! We also understand that it can be an emotional undertaking and sometimes overwhelming. For over two decades we have helped hundreds of clients "find their way" through the building maze. We are careful listeners, helping people to identify and prioritize their needs. If you have questions like what is possible? what will it look like? and how much will it cost? our trademarked RenoReport can help… see our website for details www.kga.ca. We welcome your enquiries, which can be addressed to Karen or Ross Karen@kga.ca ext:4 Ross@kga.ca ext: 2 604.921.8044

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The ultra low iron glass was laser etched in full HD with a simple and elegant twig pattern. Post laser etching each panel was tempered and re polished. The property's address was also etched into the glass to better identify the house in a completely unique way.

Creating a resilient, environmentally sensitive home that would develop as the family grew was the wish of this new couple. Comprehensive planning was needed, starting with a permaculture plan of the entire property to identify features of the land. This led to planning of the overall site, including access routes, vegetable gardens, orchards, wood lots, paddocks and ultimately the best location for the new home.

Signs Your Tree May Be Infested With Borers

Construction: Kingdom Builders It's all about you! Your dreams, your site, your budget…. that's our inspiration! It is all about creating a home that is a true reflection of you and your unique lifestyle. Every project has it's challenges, but underneath the real-life concerns of budget and bylaws lie opportunities to delight. At Kallweit Graham Architecture, it is these opportunities that we seek to discover for each and every project. The key to good design is not an unlimited budget, nor following trends. Rather, it takes the limitations of a project and, through thoughtful design, brings out its uniqueness, and enhances the property and it's value. Building new or renovating an existing home is exciting! We also understand that it can be an emotional undertaking and sometimes overwhelming. For over two decades we have helped hundreds of clients "find their way" through the building maze. We are careful listeners, helping people to identify and prioritize their needs. If you have questions like what is possible? what will it look like? and how much will it cost? our trademarked RenoReport can help… see our website for details www.kga.ca. We welcome your enquiries, which can be addressed to Karen or Ross Karen@kga.ca ext:4 Ross@kga.ca ext: 2 604.921.8044

Five Star Tree Care

There are many different borer insects around the world that come in many different sizes and colors. But one thing they all have in common is the danger they pose to trees. These insects tunnel their way deep into trees and feed on the heartwood. Symptoms of infestation differ depending on the type of borer insect, but you can usually tell by the holes left behind in the bark. You may also notice sap or sawdust gathered around the tree or even sudden discoloration of the leaves. If left untreated, borers can kill the tree. Five Star Tree Services has put together a simple guide that will help you identify infestations so they can be treated ASAP. 4 Common Borer Species We are going to go over four of the most common wood boring insects that attack a wide variety of tree species in a range of climates. Many native borer insects will seek out already sick trees or trees under stress as opposed to strong healthy ones. But, even healthy trees are susceptible to infestation, especially from non-native borers. Locust Borer This type or borer attacks black locust trees; other types of locust trees are not in danger. They can be found in any place that black locust trees grow. Symptoms of an LB infestation are mainly localized swollen areas on the trunk or branches. These areas will look like a full knot. Other common signs are broken branches, thinness along the crown, and holes in the bark accompanied by sawdust. If you happen to see any of these signs, give our team of arborists a call as soon as possible. These borers weaken branches so that they break, which poses an additional hazard to your property and family. Emerald Ash Borer This type of borer usually feeds on ash trees but can also be found in rare cases in other types. They are commonly found in over states in the US but can be found in any location where ash trees grow. Symptoms of an EAB infestation are easy to spot. In the early stages, trees will exhibit cracks along the main branches of the canopy. As the stages progress, these cracks will turn into slits and holes that look like a “D” on the bark. The canopy of the tree will also start to think as the tree progresses towards failure. As soon as you notice any of these signs, you should contact an arborist as soon as possible. Treatment is more effective when applied early on in an infestation. Bronze Birch Borer This species usually attacks grey birch, paper birch, and yellow birch trees. Though they mostly attack stressed or sick trees, but again even healthy birch trees can become infested. River birch thankfully is not susceptible to this particular borer. They are found in any place white bark birch trees grow. Common signs of BBB infestations are winding tunnels along the out layer of the tree bark. They look bumpy or wrinkled. In some cases, you may also notice “D” shaped holes along the bark or leaves they have lost their color. Another common symptom is thinning along the crown and top of the tree. If found early enough, our professional arborists can apply an insecticide treatment and save the tree. Longhorned Beetles This species attacks a wide assortment of trees but tends to only attack those which are under a high amount of stress. They are found all over the world and are not specific to any one area. Common signs that an LB infestation is present is sawdust under the tree, round holes, and discolored leaves. It is important to contact a specialist as soon as you notice any signs of infestation. Quick action is key to slowing and defeating these harmful insects. How We Can Help Infestations can destroy the health of your trees, but with quick action, most can be saved. Five Star Tree Services offers a range of tree care services in Toronto including diagnosis and treatment of borer infestations. Give us a call at (416) 990-3355 to find out more.

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Top 7 Things To Keep In Mind When Pruning Your Tree

Five Star Tree Care

There are a few reasons why it is critical that your trees have a regular schedule for pruning and maintenance. Pruning helps trees to maintain a tree’s health as well as form it to a pleasing aesthetic shape. Furthermore, pests and diseases are also controlled by regular pruning and care. When pruning is properly performed, your trees will be healthy and attractive all year long. Five Star Tree Services has put together a list of seven things you should keep in mind regarding your tree pruning. Tree Inspection Before any tree pruning job, the tree should be properly inspected. This will allow you or our tree care service team to determine which branches should be cut. It will also allow any diseases or pests to be identified and dealt with. Remove Dead, Weak & Crossed Branches Dead and weak branches are a hazard to your property and those who happen to walk or lounge under the tree. They also suck vital nutrients away from healthy branches and the tree trunk. Removing them will prevent accidents and allow your tree to thrive. Crossed branches can also cause problems later down the line. They affect the airflow to the crown and can also prevent sunlight from passing through the tree. Pay Attention to Spacing It’s important to pay attention to branch spacing when pruning your tree. Lateral branches should be spaced evenly, especially when pruning trees that have yet to mature. Follow the Basic Pruning Rules It’s important that the 1/4th and 1/3rd rules of pruning are followed. This means that you should never cut more than a third of the total height of the tree. This length is measured from the bottom up. You should also only cut 1/4th or less of a tree’s crown when you prune at any one time. Get Your Tools Ready The tools you use to prune should be ready well before you make the first cut. You should start your project equipped with a pole pruner, pruning saws, hedge shears, loppers, and pruning shears. They also need to be properly sharpened before you start your pruning project. Each of these tools will allow you to reach different parts of the tree and prune them in a safe manner. If your tools are dull, they can damage the tree or even cause accidents when you attempt to cut. Prune on Schedule There are schedules for pruning that should be followed according to the type of tree you are caring for. Summer blooming trees should be pruned in early spring while evergreens and hedges should be taken care of in the early part of summer. Fruit-bearing trees should be pruned late in winter ahead of the frost. If there is damage to your tree, it doesn’t matter what time of year it may be, correct the problem as soon as possible. Avoid Protecting Post-Pruning Pruning leaves behind wounds, but they will heal. Though they may be unsightly for a while, the marks will heal and return back to its natural beauty. Don’t paint the pruning wounds to protect the tree, it actually has no effect on decay prevention. Painting may even trigger diseases or encourage pests to take up residence. How We Can Help Tree pruning is a complication job, but with our tips, you can do it right. It is always a good idea to leave the job to the professionals here at Five Star Tree Services instead. Our Toronto tree care experts have the tools, experience, and skills to get the job done right the first time. Get in touch with us at (416) 990-3355 today for more information.