Perry Christian
Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in Baltimore

Designed By: Sarah Buehlman Marc and Mandy Maister were clients and fans of Cantoni before they purchased this harbor home on Balboa Island. The South African natives originally met designer Sarah Buehlman and Cantoni’s Founder and CEO Michael Wilkov at a storewide sale, and quickly established a relationship as they bought furnishings for their primary residence in Newport Beach. So, when the couple decided to invest in this gorgeous second home, in one of the ritziest enclaves in North America, they sought Sarah’s help in transforming the outdated 1960’s residence into a modern marvel. “It’s now the ultimate beach house,” says Sarah, “and finished in Cantoni from top to bottom—including new custom cabinetry installed throughout.” But let’s back up. This project began when Mandy contacted Sarah in the midst of the remodel process (in December 2010), asking if she could come take a look and help with the overall design. “The plans were being drawn up with an architect, and they opted not to move anything major. Instead, they updated everything—as in the small carpeted staircase that became a gorgeous glass and metal sculpture,” Sarah explains. She took photographs and measurements, and then set to work creating the scaled renderings. “Marc and Mandy were drawn to the One and Only Collection. It features a high-gloss brown and white color scheme which served as inspiration for the project,” says Sarah. Primary pieces in the expansive living area include the Mondrian leather sectional, the Involution sculpture, and a pair of Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew swivel chairs. The Maisters needed a place to house all their electronics but didn’t want a typical entertainment center. The One and Only buffet was actually modified by our skilled shop technicians, in our distribution center, so it could accommodate all the couple’s media equipment. “These artisans are another one of our hidden strengths—in addition to the design tools, inventory and extensive resources we have to get a job done,” adds Sarah. Marc and Mandy also fell in love with the exotic Makassar ebony wood in the Ritz Collection, which Sarah combined in the master bedroom with the Ravenna double chaise to provide an extra place to sit and enjoy the beautiful harbor views. Beyond new furnishings, the Maisters also decided to completely redo their kitchen. And though Marc and Mandy did not have a chance to actually see our kitchen displays, having worked with Sarah over the years, they had immense trust in our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. In fact, they opted for new cabinetry in four bathrooms as well as the laundry room based on our 3D renderings and lacquer samples alone—without ever opening a drawer. “Their trust in my expertise and Cantoni’s reputation were a major deciding factor,” says Sarah. This plush second home, complete with a private boat dock right out back, counts as one of Sarah’s proudest accomplishments. “These long-time clients are great. They love Cantoni and appreciate high quality Italian furnishings in particular. The home is so gorgeous that once you are inside and open the Nano doors, you simply don’t want to leave.” The job took almost two years to complete, but everyone seems quite happy with the results, proving that large or small—and in cases necessitating a quick turnaround or execution of a long-term vision—Cantoni has the resources to come through for all clients.

Miami Art Deco style baseboard is shock and humidity resistant; baseboard has maximum long term protection against scratches and dents and ideal for high traffic areas and commercial applications

Mid-sized elegant backyard stone patio kitchen photo in Orange County with a roof extension

Rutland Nurseries, Inc.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional front yard stone garden path in Boston.

Before Photo
1950s bathroom photo in Los Angeles

This Beige Memory Foam Bath Mat Runner with cobblestone texture is a stylish and functional complement to your bathroom. Measuring 48 inches in length by 18 inches in width, it is perfect for use in front of your bathtub, large shower, or double sink. Beautiful in a large or spacious bathroom space, this cushioned mat makes you feel like you are at the spa. The extra-long bath mat is made of memory foam, which provides superior comfort and support. The 3D pebble design adds texture and visual interest, while the soft beige color brings style and elegance. Undoubtedly, it is a luxurious complement to your bathroom decor. The bath rug mat is also absorbent, preventing water from spilling onto the floor. The non-slip back ensures safe use, reducing the risk of slips and falls. This runner rug is easy to clean and maintain, and its durable construction assures long-term use. Overall, the Beige Memory Foam Bathroom Runner Mat is a modern accessory that gives a comfortable and inviting atmosphere to your bathroom. Imported from France, Made in China

Enrich your bathroom decor with our Taupe Toilet Contour Rug Memory Foam Mat, featuring a 3D pebble design. Measuring 20 inches long by 20 inches wide, this U-shaped rug is designed to fit perfectly around the base of your toilet. Its original look combined with a warm taupe color instantly adds a natural touch to your bathroom. Made of premium memory foam, this contour bath rug offers exceptional comfort and support for your feet while standing on the toilet. Easy to clean and maintain, its durable construction assures long-term use. For maximum convenience, you can also use it in front of your pedestal sink. The non-slip backing ensures that the toilet rug stays securely in place. Absorbent, it prevents water from spilling onto the floor. With its stylish and practical design, this toilet bath rug is the perfect addition to any bathroom. Upgrade your bathroom experience with our luxurious toilet mat. Order now this taupe toilet contour rug memory foam mat and enjoy a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home. Imported from France, Made in China

The finishing touch: A glass door that allows everyone to see this great wine cellar from the outside. The transformation of this eye sore of a water heater closet was the perfect canvass for a transition to a useful wine storage room is complete with the addition of single-deep Wall Series wine racks and 3-bottle wide WS Presentation Rows (all by VintageView, in Brushed Nickel finish). Capacity: 84 bottles.

Professional wallpaper installation Old Town requires expertise that honors the neighborhood's historic character while delivering modern durability and beauty. Project Overview and Architecture This Old Town wallpaper installation showcased our ability to work with the area's distinctive architecture, from classic greystones to renovated vintage condos that define this prestigious neighborhood. Materials and Products We selected premium wallpaper materials specifically designed for Chicago's climate conditions, using high-quality adhesives and primers that ensure long-lasting adhesion on various surface types. Installation Process Step 1: Surface preparation including cleaning, smoothing, and addressing imperfections common in older buildings Step 2: Professional repairs to walls ensuring perfect foundation for wallpaper application Step 3: Quality primer application designed specifically for wallpaper adhesion and longevity Step 4: Expert wallpaper installation with precise pattern matching and seamless application techniques Chicago-Specific Challenges Old Town homes present unique challenges including weather exposure, aging building materials, potential lead paint considerations, and vintage surfaces requiring specialized preparation techniques. Results Achieved Windy City Painters delivered flawless wallpaper installation that enhanced the room's aesthetic while respecting the architectural integrity of this historic Old Town property. Professional Tips Homeowners should always hire experienced professionals for wallpaper installation, especially in historic properties where surface preparation and material selection significantly impact long-term success and beauty. See more work and request free estimate at windypainters.com. FAQs Q: Why hire professionals for wallpaper installation Old Town homes? / A: Expert installation prevents costly mistakes, ensures proper adhesion, and preserves historic property values through quality craftsmanship. Q: What wallpaper materials work best in Chicago climate? / A: High-quality papers with proper backing designed for humidity fluctuations and temperature changes typical in Chicago homes. Q: How do you prepare Old Town walls for wallpaper? / A: Thorough cleaning, surface smoothing, repairs, and specialized primers ensure optimal wallpaper installation adhesion and longevity. Q: Can wallpaper be installed over existing paint? / A: Sometimes, but professional assessment determines if surface preparation or primer application is needed for successful wallpaper installation. Q: How long does professional wallpaper installation take? / A: Most rooms completed within one day, depending on size, pattern complexity, and surface preparation requirements. Q: What about removing old wallpaper first? / A: We safely remove existing wallpaper using proper techniques that protect walls and prepare surfaces for new installation. Q: Do you offer design consultation for wallpaper selection? / A: Yes, we help choose patterns and materials that complement Old Town architectural character and personal style preferences. Q: How do you handle pattern matching across walls? / A: Precise measurements and expert techniques ensure seamless wallpaper installation with perfect pattern alignment throughout rooms. Q: What's your wallpaper installation warranty coverage? / A: Comprehensive warranties cover both materials and workmanship, giving you confidence in your wallpaper installation investment. Q: Can you work around furniture and schedules? / A: Absolutely! We coordinate timing and setup to minimize disruption during your professional wallpaper installation project.

Due to its deteriorating condition, the asphalt roll roofing on this ADU required replacement before the Fall rains. Asphalt roll roofing generally lasts only 5-10 years, leading to ongoing maintenance challenges. The original 1×10 sheathing showed significant sagging in several spots, resulting in standing water not suitable for asphalt. Additionally, there was a complete absence of ventilation after improper installation of R-21 fiberglass insulation, leaving no air gap between the sheathing and insulation. A noticeable hump along the center of the roof indicated that the load-bearing wall had been supporting that section since construction, contributing to light sagging between the walls. The old roof was completely removed down to the joists, revealing a solid base for the new installation. The central hump was eliminated by shaving the high point along that line. 2×6 beams were ripped in half then nailed on top of the existing joists, creating a 1.5″ gap for insulation and providing strong attachment points for the OSB sheathing, which was secured with screws to prevent any potential issues with nail heads popping through over the roof’s expected lifespan of over 50 years. The EPDM membrane was then adhered using glue and contact cement along the edges of each sheet, with the ends folded over the roof edges and secured with termination bars. Drip edge flashing was added and taped to ensure a water-tight seal, and EPDM-safe caulking was applied over the seams for additional protection. Finally, all exposed wood was primed and painted. The new roof features a 60mil commercial-grade EPDM rubber membrane, offering a lifespan exceeding 50 years, in stark contrast to the 5-10 year lifespan of asphalt roll roofing. Using two sheets of EPDM for installation streamlined the process, resulting in one single seam across the entire roof, compared to the asphalt roll’s dimensions of 3 feet wide by 33 feet long, which created 8 vertical seams and 9 horizontal seams—significantly increasing the risk of leakage and failure. Wrapping the rubber over the edge of the roof effectively addressed concerns about water infiltration at the edges, an issue prevalent with the asphalt and drip edge interface. Another benefit to removing the splitting 1×10 decking and replacing it with OSB sheathing is the increase in structural integrity, moisture resistance, longevity and consistency. The project successfully transformed the ADU’s roof from a maintenance-prone asphalt roll system to a highly durable 60mil EPDM rubber membrane. By addressing critical structural issues, including sagging sheathing and inadequate ventilation, the team ensured that the new roof not only offers superior water resistance and longevity but also meets higher performance standards for insulation and durability. The replacement process eliminated common weak points, such as numerous seams and poor edge sealing, which were vulnerabilities in the old roofing system. The result is a streamlined, secure installation that provides peace of mind and long-term value, with a lifespan extending well beyond the original roof.

PREPARATION AND PLANNING First, we assessed existing wall conditions and repaired minor imperfections. Next, surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and primed for maximum adhesion. Then, precise measurements ensured perfect pattern alignment throughout the space. INSTALLATION PROCESS Subsequently, we carefully cut each strip accounting for pattern matching. Moreover, professional installation techniques eliminated bubbles and ensured seamless seams. Finally, detailed finishing work created flawless edges and corners. CHICAGO-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES Furthermore, older Chicago buildings present unique challenges including settling walls, vintage plaster surfaces, and lead paint considerations. Therefore, proper preparation becomes crucial for long-lasting results that withstand seasonal temperature fluctuations. RESULTS AND QUALITY Consequently, the finished installation showcases perfect pattern alignment and professional craftsmanship. The wallpaper enhances the entry hall's architectural character while providing durability for high-traffic use. PROFESSION AL TIPS Homeowners should always hire experienced installers for complex patterns. Additionally, investing in quality primer saves money long-term by ensuring proper adhesion and easier future removal. See more work and request free estimate at windypainters.com. Q: How long does wallpaper installation take? / A: Most entry halls require one to two days depending on pattern complexity, surface preparation needs, and room size for professional wallpaper installation. Q: Can you install over existing wallpaper? / A: We recommend removing old wallpaper first for best adhesion, though some situations allow installation over existing wallpaper after proper preparation and assessment. Q: What wallpaper works best in Chicago? / A: Vinyl and fabric-backed wallpapers handle Chicago's climate changes best, providing durability against humidity fluctuations and temperature variations throughout seasons. Q: Do you guarantee installation work? / A: Yes, Windy City Painters provides comprehensive warranties covering wallpaper installation craftsmanship and adhesion for specified warranty periods on all projects. Q: How do you handle pattern matching? / A: We carefully measure walls, calculate pattern repeats, and plan installation sequence to ensure perfect wallpaper installation pattern alignment throughout the space. Q: Can wallpaper work in vintage buildings? / A: Absolutely, we specialize in wallpaper installation for older Chicago homes, understanding unique challenges like settling walls and vintage plaster surfaces. Q: What preparation is required? / A: Proper wallpaper installation requires surface assessment, repairs, thorough cleaning, appropriate priming, and climate control for optimal adhesion and lasting results. Q: Do you remove old wallpaper? / A: Yes, we provide professional wallpaper removal services using safe techniques that protect underlying wall surfaces during the wallpaper installation preparation process. Q: How much does installation cost? / A: Wallpaper installation costs vary based on room size, pattern complexity, surface preparation needs, and wallpaper selection - contact for detailed estimates. Q: What tools do professionals use? / A: Professional wallpaper installation requires specialized smoothing tools, precision cutting equipment, quality brushes, and professional-grade adhesives for optimal results and longevity.

Spacecrafting / Architectural Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman gray two-story wood gable roof remodel in Minneapolis with a metal roof

Not the most glamorous of projects but certainly a very functional working man and woman’s upgrade. The table is by Pottery Barn, the bench by R J Hoppe. Our client wanted functional, dining room, built in bench seating with some storage. They have three growing children and entertain frequently. There was a desire to emulate a country look and so we decided to use a calico hickory as our wood species. To achieve some further country styling we made our own bead board as well as some mock board and batten. An existing heating duct got in our way so we moved the register through the bench and out the front. The project was custom stained to match a sample provided and top coated with conversion varnish.

Ever notice how your iron fence looks more rust than paint after another brutal Chicago winter? That is usually the moment homeowners start searching for a painting contractor who actually understands metal - not just someone who will brush a coat of black paint over active corrosion and call it done. At Windy City Painters, iron fence restoration is one of our most requested services on the North Side and Near West Side, and for good reason. These fences are old, they are beautiful, and they deserve a proper finish system. PROJECT OVERVIEW This project involved a full ornamental iron fence on a North Side greystone property. The fence was original to the building - likely installed in the 1910s or 1920s - and had gone through multiple paint cycles without any rust conversion work. By the time Windy City Painters arrived, the horizontal rails showed active pitting, the vertical spindles had surface rust under lifting paint, and two corner posts had minor joint separation. The homeowner wanted the fence restored to a sharp satin black finish that would hold through multiple Chicago winters. MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS Ospho Rust Converter - phosphoric acid formula that chemically neutralizes iron oxide and converts it to iron phosphate, a stable paintable surface. Used on all pitted and actively corroded areas before primer application. Rust-Oleum DTM Rust-Inhibitive Primer - direct-to-metal primer that bonds to both converted rust zones and bare metal, blocking moisture intrusion at the substrate level. Sherwin-Williams DTM Acrylic Topcoat - flexible, moisture-resistant finish formulated to expand and contract with metal through temperature cycling. Applied in two finish coats in satin black. For cases with deeper rust penetration, Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter and Metal Primer is an alternative that combines conversion and priming in a single product, useful on complex ornamental profiles where two-product systems are harder to apply. THE PROCESS Step 1 - Mechanical Preparation. Windy City Painters wire-wheels all loose rust, flaking paint, and scale using angle grinders fitted with wire wheel attachments. On heavily pitted sections, needle gun descaling is used to reach rust in tight ornamental grooves. This step is non-negotiable. No coating bonds reliably to iron oxide, and skipping this step is the single most common reason iron fence paint fails within a year. Step 2 - Rust Conversion. Ospho is brushed into all pitted and bare metal areas and allowed to fully react. The surface shifts from orange to a grayish-black iron phosphate layer. This stable base accepts primer without the risk of rust migrating upward through the paint film over time. Step 3 - Primer Coat. Rust-Oleum DTM rust-inhibitive primer is applied full coverage over the entire fence surface, including areas that appeared clean but showed minor surface oxidation. DTM primer acts as a moisture barrier and mechanical adhesion layer for the finish coats. Step 4 - Finish Coats. Two coats of Sherwin-Williams DTM acrylic topcoat are applied in satin black, with adequate dry time between coats. The DTM formula remains flexible after cure, allowing the iron to expand and contract through Chicago temperature swings without the topcoat cracking or peeling at joints. CHICAGO-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES Ornamental iron on Chicago greystones, two-flats, and Victorian brownstones was almost never hot-dip galvanized. It was painted from installation and has relied on continuous paint maintenance ever since. Chicago winters add specific stress: freeze-thaw cycles force water into any paint film crack, expanding it; road salt spray elevates corrosive chloride exposure; and humidity during spring thaw keeps metal surfaces wet for extended periods. This combination accelerates rust spread beneath paint films that appear intact on the surface. WHAT TO EXPECT LONG-TERM A properly prepped and primed iron fence finished with a DTM topcoat system should hold 5-8 years in Chicago conditions before any touch-up is warranted. Annual inspection of joints, welds, and areas near grade level will catch early moisture entry before it becomes a larger rust issue. Windy City Painters recommends scheduling touch-up earlier rather than waiting for full paint failure to protect the prep investment. PRO TIPS Tip 1 - Address joint separation before painting. If fence rails have separated at welds or mechanical joints, water will enter and rust will restart from inside the connection point regardless of the exterior coating. Flag any separated joints for welding before any paint system is applied. Tip 2 - Never use latex house paint on iron fences. Standard exterior latex lacks the adhesion and flexibility for bare metal. Always use a product labeled DTM or specify a rust-inhibitive primer underneath any finish coat applied to iron. Tip 3 - Paint in late spring or early fall. Iron fences exposed to full sun in peak summer heat can reach surface temperatures that cause solvent-based coatings to blister during application. Ideal application conditions are 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity and no direct intense sun on the metal surface. Learn more about iron fence painting cost in Chicago and schedule your free estimate at windypainters.com FAQ Q: What does iron fence painting cost in Chicago? A: Windy City Painters typically prices residential iron fence painting at $8-$18 per linear foot. Variables include rust severity, spindle density, ornamental profile complexity, and whether rust conversion products like Ospho or Corroseal are required before priming. Q: Can you paint over rust without grinding it off first? A: No. Windy City Painters always performs mechanical prep before any coating. Wire wheel grinding removes loose scale and flaking paint. Rust converters handle residual oxidation chemically. Skipping this step means the new paint film will delaminate within one season. Q: How do I know if my iron fence needs a welder before painting? A: Windy City Painters inspects all joints and rail connections during the estimate. Rail separation, cracked welds, or sections that flex when pressed indicate structural issues that should be welded before any paint system is applied to avoid reopening at stress points. Q: What is the difference between Ospho and Corroseal? A: Both are rust converters. Ospho is a phosphoric acid solution applied as a separate step before priming, giving maximum control over conversion and primer selection. Corroseal combines conversion and primer in one product, which works well on complex ornamental profiles where a two-step system is harder to apply evenly. Q: How long does the paint last on an iron fence in Chicago? A: With full mechanical prep, rust conversion, DTM primer, and two DTM topcoats, Windy City Painters clients typically see 5-8 years of performance before touch-up is needed, even through Chicago freeze-thaw cycling and road salt exposure. Q: Do you paint iron fences that are still structurally sound but heavily rusted on the surface? A: Yes. Surface rust, even heavy pitting, does not necessarily indicate structural failure. Windy City Painters evaluates each fence individually. As long as the metal is sound under the rust, proper mechanical prep and a rust converter restore the surface to a paintable condition.

The striking and multi-tonal nature of real wood in an easily installed composite deck tile is yours in this series on the Kontiki label. This is your way to transform a drab outdoor living surface or a transitioning indoor one in a matter of hours, and do it yourself. For patios, balconies and beyond, creating a stylish space is as easy as can be. Each composite deck tile is the product of post-consumer and post-industrial manufacturing innovation. The colors and grain patterns are realistic, and are also made to resist the most common types of wear to which any outdoor surface is exposed; fading, scratching, and staining. These are practical outdoor living space surfaces that do not off-gas, do not leech, and are designed to look great for the long-term. Stylish composite deck tiles you can install yourself – easily Making the transition between “before” and “after” is very easily done with this series of composite deck tiles. Simply snap them together using a 4-way interlocking system over a stable and flat surface; no special tools, no fuss, right out of the box. When you’re done, you’ll have a low-maintenance surface that’s designed to look great for a long time. The locking system is raised to allow for maximum drainage during inclement weather, which is one of the keys to their enduring performance. And if you ever decide to re-locate your tiles, that’s easy too; it’s as easy as installing them. This adds another yet level of re-use and long-lasting surfaces. Composite deck tiles at best prices

Every now and again, I get a call from a client located on the small peninsula of Sandbanks, Poole. Sandbanks, sometimes referred to as ‘Britain’s Palm Beach’, is known for its fantastic beach and high value property. My client asked me to take a look at a Travertine floor in his kitchen which was, in fact, more highly polished than he had wanted. The polished finish had worn off the travertine tiles where they had been walked on, leaving a dull trackway running down the centre of the kitchen. With its distinct characteristics, travertine is a popular choice for kitchen flooring, although it is also quite often used in bathrooms. In any case Travertine tiles will need regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Unfortunately, the kitchen floor must have experienced some sort of settlement or shrinkage as a long crack has appeared, which ran along the same line as the dull trackway. It is not uncommon for Travertine tiles to crack due to wear over time, or even bad fitting in some cases. While the exact cause of the crack was unclear, the homeowner concluded that the floor was certainly in need of restoration. Repairing a crack in a Travertine tiled floor Replacing the Travertine tiles was not an option due to a lack of spare tiles, so I opted instead to fill the crack in the floor using Harbro Stone Filler, an epoxy stone filler, matching the colour of the tile as closely as possible. I left this to set, before sanding down the excess filler. My next action was to use a set of Tile Doctor Diamond burnishing pads to sand out any scratches and restore a more even shine to the floor, as per the client’s request. For polished stone, I recommend using a set of four burnishing pads applied in order: Coarse, Medium, Fine, and Very Fine. I used these one after the other with a little water to lubricate and restore the surface polish to the desired level. Sealing a Travertine tiled floor The next day, I returned to seal the floor with a couple of coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealer. Colour Grow is a colour enhancing, impregnating sealer which penetrates deeply into the pores of the stone, thereby preventing dirt from becoming ingrained within. This particular sealer also enhances the natural colours within the Travertine tile, whilst also providing long term durable protection. Although the crack could not be made to disappear completely, its appearance was much improved. The customer was also very pleased with the long-lasting lower sheen provided, describing it as “the finish I had wanted in the first place when the tiles were fitted”.

Galileo Construction inc.
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Montreal

One frustrating thing about tree infections and diseases is that they are virtually completely unpredictable. It is essential to understand all the different types of risks and causes that can contribute to these issues in an attempt to understand how you can try and prevent and manage these things when they happen. Five Star Tree Services is going to go over the reasons as to how and why your trees can develop these certain issues. Since there are so many different causes behind why a tree’s development might be interrupted, first think of them as two different categories you can split them into; non-living factors or abiotic, and living factors or biotic. We also want to note that it is possible for more than one factor to affect a tree’s health and development at any given time. You can also make a distinction between primary pests and secondary pests. The primary pests exert a serious influence on the tree’s immediate survival. Whereas secondary pests have a less significant influence on the survival of the tree. The only time they will jeopardize a tree’s survival is if the tree has a previous debilitating issue from another risk factor. For an individual tree’s circumstances, this will distinct the chances of an infestation, especially if it has any past debilitating issues. Which can be seen from any compromising management practices or pre-existing issues which affect the tree’s development as well as lower its resistance to infections. Poor management in planting is a very common predisposed factor that compromises a tree’s infection defense. For instance, any saplings that are pot-bound will not get to develop solid root systems which doesn’t allow them to develop properly when they eventually get planted. Another example is when a tree gets stressed, along with other outer factors, will have significant effects on the overall wellbeing of the tree and its condition. Other factors to consider are bad soil quality as well as bad drainage. Abiotic Non-Living Influences The overall health of a tree can be linked to impacts such as bad growing conditions and bad soil quality. These things will put trees at a higher risk for catching a number of different biotic issues. Sickness, infections, and infestation can all be linked to ineffective nutrient absorption when a tree has insufficiently developed its natural resistances and defenses. One of the worst factors for this is fire damage. It is so debilitating that it makes trees hopeless at defending themselves against biotic attacks. To uncover what circumstantial predispositions your tree might have due to poor developmental conditions, arborists can use the growth rings as a means of assessment for the long-term effects, wellbeing, and growth of a tree. There are many outer and non-living variables that will influence the health of a tree and if it will be predisposed to biotic infestations. Such variables can include things like extensive cold winters and long dry spells. Abiotic Common Influences Include: -Water -Chemicals -Soil Conditions -Weather -Mechanical Agents Biotic Living Influences Sometimes, you are able to notice certain infestations easily, while others can be hard to tell. For instance, seeing an insect on a tree is no cause for alarm. A lot of them are harmless to the tree and do not cause harm while they regularly feed. However, some insects are actually harmful to a tree’s survival and knowing the difference between harmless and harmful ones is what you need to notice. You might also see fungi on rotting matter or a dead tree. Fungi are not usually the immediate influence of a negative manifestation found in a tree’s development. There are other growths that can be seen living on trees. These include saprobic and pathogenic organisms. Saprobic growths are mostly found on rotting or dead tissues and pathogenic growths are less common. Some other living infestations include lichens, epiphytes, and mosses. But these don’t usually have any effect on a tree’s wellbeing. They live symbiotically together. Biotic Common Influences Include: -Mites -Deer and Rodents -Fungi -Weeds -Viruses -Parasitic Plants -Bacteria -Phytoplasmas -Insects How Five Star Tree Service Can Help It is important to know the basics to look out for when trying to prevent developmental issues or help a tree that is developing. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when helping a tree grow, flourish, and live a healthy long life. If you have any questions or concerns about your trees, contact us at Five Star Tree Services today at (416) 990-3355. We will be able to help you with all your tree related needs. Check out our website for a full list of our Tree Services in Toronto!