In today’s society, people are used to things happening instantaneously, and they expect everything to happen at a fairly fast pace. However, when dealing with things like trees, there is no rushing mother nature and the natural growth process. If you are wanting your yard to instantly look the exact way you want it; lush and full, you might not be willing to wait and make your decisions based on what can grow the fastest in order to get your desired look of the end result. If you do this, you can potentially be selling yourself short on all the beautiful trees that are slower-growing. There are both pros and cons to slow-growing and fast-growing trees. We here at Five Star Tree Services would like to offer to take a look at the different growth rates of trees and help you understand what is best for your yard. Tree Growth Rate Calculation Tree growth rate can generally be calculated in a few different ways. Continuously measure the stem diameter, crown spread, and height over time. Measure the elongation of shoots annually. You can do this by finding the bud scars on the branch tips and measuring between them. Average growth rate can be calculated by taking the change in size and dividing it by the elapsed time to date. Fast Growing VS Moderate and Slow Growing- How to Choose? There are different factors that go into why people choose certain trees, this could be due to wanting a quick privacy fence, or because of the colours, or their flowers, or the amount of shade they offer. There are advantages and disadvantages you need to think about before you go and only plant fast-growing trees. Slow Growing Trees Slow Tree Growth Rate- 12 inches or less every year. These trees end up being stronger than other trees for overall structure and strength. Since they are slow growing, these trees can end up living for more than 100 years, given the right growing conditions. You will also find that they can resist/have better defenses against things like disease and insects, as well as having stronger wood. Some examples are White Oak and Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir. Moderate Growing Trees Moderate Tree Growth Rate-13 – 24 inches every year. These trees usually have very similar traits to slow growing trees. Some examples are Sugar Maple, Coast Douglas Fir, and American Sweetgum. Fast Growing Trees Fast Tree Growth Rate- 25 inches or more every year. These trees do not typically live as long as the other trees due to them being weaker from growing so fast. An example is the Arborvitae “Green Giant”. Reasons To Avoid Fast-Growing Trees The unfortunate truth about these kinds of trees is that they tend to get more diseases and root rot than the other trees. Which brings us back to the point where you shouldn’t only buy a tree because it grows fast, especially since they have shorter life spans. It is always a good idea to have a balance of plant life in your yard. Too much of one thing will throw off the balance, you don’t want all fast-growing trees simply because you wish to fill out your yard. This will only set you up for failure down the road. Not to mention you will need to spend more money on replacing them when they die sooner, as opposed to long living trees. How Five Star Tree Service Can Help Picking the right trees for your yard can take time. Balance is always good and even if you want everything to look perfect right away, you can’t sustain this if all you use are fast-growing trees. Let our team at Five Star Tree Service help you pick the best trees for your property! Our experts can offer you all the Toronto Tree Care you will need. Give us a call today at (416) 990-3355!

Pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium) is a wildflower in the Orchid family. Typical characteristics are two leaves and a single stalk with a flower which looks like a slipper. Flowers May-July. This plant popped up under a tree on the lawn but the area is now left undisturbed by the homeowner.

Popular subway tile is a glazed ceramic fashioned after the design of New York City subway tiles. They are typically glazed with water resistant glass for use in wet and dry areas, and commonly available in 12 x 12 inch sheets. Glass subway tile is featured in the kitchen photo with a white-on-white interior design.

Among our Houston outdoor kitchens, this one is unique because of its concrete countertops, pergola with stucco wrapping and custom storage. "It's not one of our biggest covered outdoor kitchens in Houston," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "But it's unique, and it looks really nice, too!" The client, a young family, wanted an outdoor kitchen with a more minimalistic, modern look, explains Outdoor Homescapes senior designer Lisha Maxey. "They're both doctors and very much attuned to detail," she says. "Their primary goal was to create a space where they could lounge while the children played as well as an area to entertain family and friends while cooking and dining outside." Like a growing number of people wanting small outdoor kitchens in Houston, this client expressed interest in using concrete as a surface material: "The look is contemporary and is easily paired with any type of outdoor furniture," says Maxey, "from wicker to teak to iron." Here's a closeup of the concrete countertops. You'll notice that they're glossy and smooth like glass, thanks to special sealers and a topcoat of UV-resistant resin that prevents the countertop from yellowing. Since these particular clients lean toward the minimalistic side of contemporary design, she continues, "the standard granite countertop of many Houston outdoor kitchens would not work, since it typically has a lot of movement and can be busy." Lisha sees the use of concrete as a growing outdoor design trend for Houston outdoor kitchens: "It's easy to maintain and again, leans towards a more modern look for outdoor." All the furniture and lighting is from Restoration Hardware, says Lisha, who's offering $500 in free outdoor furniture consultation services as a special promotion. (Interested? Just contact us!) The dining and lounge chairs are from the Antibes collection in cast aluminum with a bronze finish. The table is a Belgian Trestle made of weathered concrete and teak. Simple track lighting was used on the pergola in keeping with the minimalist look of the space. The pergola is a treated pine, stained a Minwax Jacobean, which appears almost black. "This client chose a pergola over a roof extension off the house because they wanted it to still seem light and airy in their outdoor space for their young children," explains Lisha. "They wanted a certain degree of sun and shade protection, which a pergola does provide, but they wanted it to seem a bit like a park for the kids to play in." "The seating/storage bin was not a part of the original design," says Lisha. "As the project progressed, the client expressed interest in some sort of chest for the new outdoor furniture cushions to be stored in." The design for the storage bin was developed to accommodate this request: "It eventually evolved into a seating area as well. And to keep the look consistent with the new kitchen, it was agreed that the stone be carried through the design. The wood top was necessary so we could design a hinged access for storage."

Step: 6 — Once that final protective coat is dry (it typically takes about four hours), you’re safe to remove the tape and admire your work. Et voila! A whole new look, with not a single new tile put down. For more fun projects check out my Weekend Decorator page on One Kings Lane, and for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this and past stories follow me on Instagram (@mepflug). Photo by Manuel Rodriguez

At RCID, we don’t typically take on commercial projects—but when a returning client invited us to reimagine the lobby of their condo building at 225 25th Ave SW in Calgary, we couldn’t resist the opportunity. In collaboration with Crafted Edge Homes, we set out to bring a warmer, more residential feel to the common spaces of Riverscape, transforming them into areas that welcome residents home. The lobby received a complete refresh, including new tile, paint, vertical wood slats at the entry, upgraded signage, and a custom staircase feature that adds both visual interest and flow. Every floor above was painted using a unique technique to subtly draw attention to individual doors, giving each level its own personality while maintaining cohesion throughout the building.

Design Builders, a Virginia Class A licensed contractor (license #2705141736) serving Fairfax County, completed this custom low-maintenance deck in Fairfax, VA. The project features AZEK decking — a premium capped polymer board chosen for its durability and fade resistance in Northern Virginia's climate — paired with Shoreline Railing and black Deckorators balusters for a clean, modern finish. Design Builders is an authorized AZEK dealer and installs composite and PVC decking systems throughout Fairfax County and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. Custom decks by Design Builders are typically priced from $30,000 for standard configurations, with premium material selections ranging $45,000–$60,000+.

The Modern New Haven TV Lift cabinet is designed for the ultimate outdoor living space, featuring marine grade wood, stainless steel mechanics, and a UV resistant finish. With your weatherproof TV, this cabinet will not only add another level of security, but will add a higher level of style guaranteed to impress your guests. The clean simple lines keep it modern and simplistic while the wood captures the imagination. The cabinet shown is made with Baltic Birch wood and your television is enclosed in a secure, finished to match, wooden TV case. This provides an added level of strength, stability, and beauty not typically offered by other TV Lift providers. A factory installed remote repeater system allows control of interior components through the closed cabinet doors. The lift system and components can be operated by your choice of remote controls, smart phones, home automation voice control systems and more. An on-board operation button is installed as well. Three factory installed HDMI cables, an optical audio wire, an Ethernet cable, a coaxial cable and a power surge protector are included. Factory installation of your television is offered complimentary with your purchase. Simply have your new (or existing) TV sent to us and we'll install it for you! This service is highly recommended to ensure proper TV mount. Custom Cabinet Sizing Available! Standard, Compact, and Low Profile Lift Styles Available! Featuring The Fastest TV Lift Mechanism You Will Ever Find, Guaranteed.

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Inspiration for a transitional pool remodel in Minneapolis

This project was all about resurfacing an existing deck, which provides a significant amount of benefits, including: - Enhanced Aesthetics: A deck resurfacing project can transform the appearance of the deck, giving it a fresh and modern look that can significantly improve the curb appeal of the entire home. - Cost Savings: Resurfacing is often more cost-effective than completely rebuilding a deck. It allows homeowners to achieve a like-new appearance without the expense of a full replacement. - Increased Durability: New materials used in resurfacing are designed to be more resistant to wear, fading, and the elements, resulting in a longer lifespan for the deck. - Improved Safety: Addressing structural issues during the resurfacing process ensures the deck's safety and stability, reducing the risk of accidents. - Less Disruption: Compared to a full deck replacement, resurfacing typically involves less disruption to the homeowner's daily routine, as it's a faster and less invasive process. - Customization: Homeowners can choose from a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes to match their design preferences and complement their home's style. - Environmentally Friendly: Resurfacing reduces the amount of old material that needs to be disposed of, making it a more environmentally conscious option. By undertaking a deck resurfacing project, homeowners can rejuvenate their outdoor space, enjoy a beautiful and functional deck for years to come and increase the overall value of their property.

At RCID, we don’t typically take on commercial projects—but when a returning client invited us to reimagine the lobby of their condo building at 225 25th Ave SW in Calgary, we couldn’t resist the opportunity. In collaboration with Crafted Edge Homes, we set out to bring a warmer, more residential feel to the common spaces of Riverscape, transforming them into areas that welcome residents home.

A cedar wood privacy fence is a stunning addition to any property, combining functionality and natural beauty. Crafted from high-quality cedar, known for its durability and resistance to decay, this type of fence offers a warm, rich hue that complements a variety of landscapes. The natural oils in cedar give the wood its distinctive aroma and provide a protective barrier against the elements, helping the fence to withstand harsh weather conditions over time. Standing tall, a cedar privacy fence typically features closely spaced vertical boards that block the view from outside, ensuring a sense of seclusion and security within your outdoor space. The wood's smooth finish adds an elegant touch, while the option to stain or seal can enhance the grain and protect against fading. Whether placed around a backyard, garden, or patio, a cedar wood privacy fence fosters an inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a serene environment. It also requires minimal maintenance, needing only old cleaning and re-staining to keep it looking its best. Overall, a cedar wood privacy fence is a timeless investment providing tangible and practical benefits.

Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space. photos by Stonepocket, Inc

At RCID, we don’t typically take on commercial projects—but when a returning client invited us to reimagine the lobby of their condo building at 225 25th Ave SW in Calgary, we couldn’t resist the opportunity. In collaboration with Crafted Edge Homes, we set out to bring a warmer, more residential feel to the common spaces of Riverscape, transforming them into areas that welcome residents home. Every floor above was painted using a unique technique to subtly draw attention to individual doors, giving each level its own personality while maintaining cohesion throughout the building.

Bring the inside out! The modern, mid-century style that typically steals the attention of interior décor is perfect as an outdoor furniture set. This 7pc dining set offers comfortable seating and durable materials, making it a great set for you and your family to share memorable meals in. Features: Set includes six dining chairs and a 78x38-inch dining table. Table includes a hole in the center for dining umbrellas up to 2-inches in diameter, and can be covered up when not in use. Modern, mid-century tapered legs add style and flair. Mixed material frames are paired with designer coordinated base cushions. Plush, tailored cushions are fully-sewn, quick to dry, and three inches thick. Materials are engineered to withstand any type of outdoor environment. Durable, lightweight powder-coated aluminum frame is rust-resistant and long-lasting. Furniture is easy to clean, keeping your furniture looking just as new as it did the day it arrived.

Meet the latest member of the Sunburst Shutter product suite- The Timberland Shutter. This new shutter innovation is a durable poly shutter, made in the USA, & built to champion typical complications that come w/ traditional wood shutters like; warping, cracking, splitting, chipping, etc- These shutters give you the look of wood but with the easy maintenance of a poly shutter... Timberland shutters are the perfect window covering for high moisture areas of the home such as, bathrooms, kitchens, basements etc. Available in two stains, Chestnut & Dark Walnut.Moisture proof Termite proof Sea salt resistant Earth-friendly: Made from recyclable wood substitute Made in the USA 2 louver sizes- 3.5, 4.5 2 colors 2 frame options Won’t warp, split, or chip Cordless Window Treatment Optimal Light & Sound Control Wipe with damp cloth Curb appeal and home equity

The Milea 6-Piece Deep Sofa Sectional Set is something new in the world of outdoor furniture. Designed to offer a contemporary style not typically seen in outdoor sectional couches, this set looks as at-home on the beach as it does in the countryside. Whether you routinely hold large summer gatherings or you want to start, this set is the perfect outdoor furniture for a great time. Features: Set includes a two-piece sofa, two armless chairs, a corner chair, coordinated accent pillows, and a conversation table. Powder-coated aluminum frame is lightweight and rust-free. Durable Viro® wicker lasts up to five times longer than other wickers. Cushions are wrapped in all-weather, fade resistant Sunbrella® fabric. Engineered for both hot and cold climates. Easy to clean with a mild soap and water. Designed to coordinate with the pieces in the Milea Collection by RST Brands.

Bring the inside out! The modern, mid-century style that typically steals the attention of interior décor is perfect as an outdoor furniture set. This 7pc dining set offers comfortable seating and durable materials, making it a great set for you and your family to share memorable meals in. Features: Set includes six dining chairs and a 78x38-inch dining table. Table includes a hole in the center for dining umbrellas up to 2-inches in diameter, and can be covered up when not in use. Modern, mid-century tapered legs add style and flair. Mixed material frames are paired with designer coordinated base cushions. Plush, tailored cushions are fully-sewn, quick to dry, and three inches thick. Materials are engineered to withstand any type of outdoor environment. Durable, lightweight powder-coated aluminum frame is rust-resistant and long-lasting. Furniture is easy to clean, keeping your furniture looking just as new as it did the day it arrived.

This panoramic outdoor sauna is handcrafted from solid Western Red Cedar and designed for long-term durability in outdoor environments. Western Red Cedar naturally resists moisture, mold, and decay, making it significantly more stable and reliable than many common wood species used in outdoor construction. Unlike standard softwoods, cedar handles temperature changes and humidity with minimal movement, helping the structure remain tight and stable over time. The panoramic window creates an open and relaxing atmosphere while maintaining efficient heat retention and even temperature distribution throughout the sauna. One of the main advantages of cedar construction is the simple and natural maintenance. The exterior can be protected with standard wood oils or sealers if desired, while the interior typically requires only basic cleaning and ventilation. Built using solid cedar components and traditional construction methods, this sauna is designed to perform reliably for 15–20+ years outdoors, providing a natural and durable alternative to mass-produced units.