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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2004-10-21, Page 14Come into Zililax legs"— ir • Knowing your wood products Reconstituted wood products are Lowes.com,. a staple of home construction and * Particleboard -- A waste-wood remodeling. They are made by product that is made by mixing mixing leftover wood parts with sawdust with adhesives. Although it glues and resins to create a product will not bow or warp like plywood, that doesn't warp or bow like it can swell and become unstable traditional plywoods. when exposed to water. Certain projects require a specific Applications include furniture. type of reconstituted wood. If you underlayment and substrate for use the wrong product, you could hit countertops. a troublesome roadblock with your It can be milled with all power home renovation. tools. To help select the right wood for * Medium Density Fiberboard your application, here is some (MDF) -- A waste-wood product information on three popular types that is made with fine wood fiber. of reconstituted wood, courtesy of Applications include furniture, shelving, cabinetry and moulding. It cuts easily with power tools. * Oriented Strand Board (OSB) -- An engineered wood product that is made with flakes or large chips of wood. The panels are formed from layers or piles that are glued together with their strands at 90- degree angles. The cross orientation of the layers _ strengthens the panels, making OSB well-suited for use as a structure board but can't be shaped, sanded or milled. Applications include sheathing_ and underlayment. Call PAUL COOK ELECTRIC for all your HOME, FARM & COMMERCIAL WIRING Belgrave 357-1537 ...with bhe purchase of sofa, loveseab 6 chair below! ,11,111R PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2004. Fall Home Improvement 2004 Recognize top myths of tree care (MS) — Most homeowners treasure the trees on their property but know little about how to care for them. However, much of what people may have heard about tree care is actually incorrect, based on myths and misconceptions. Here are some top myths of tree care, according to the International Society of Arboriculture: MYTH: When a tree is planted, it should be securely staked to ensure the development of a stable root system and a strong trunk. Actually, unstaked trees tend to develop a more extensive root system and a better trunk taper than staked ones. A small amount of movement can help root and trunk development. Staking wires or ties can also cause trunk damage. It's important for staking materials to be removed after one year to avoid "girdling" the tree. MYTH: Newly-planted trees should have their trunks wrapped with tree wrap to prevent sun scald and insect entry. Studies have shown that tree wraps do not prevent extreme fluctuations in temperature on the bark. In some cases, the temperature extremes are worse. Also, tree wraps have proven quite ineffective. in preventing insect entry. In fact, some insects like to burrow under it. MYTH: Trees should be pruned heavily when they are planted to compensate for the loss of roots. Although pruning can reduce the amount of water that evaporates from the leaves, the tree needs a full crown to produce the much-needed food and plant hormones that induce root growth. The tree will develop a stronger, more extensive root system if it has a fuller crown. At the time of planting, limit pruning to structural training and the removal of damaged branches. MYTH: When removing a branch from a tree, the final cut should be flush with the stem to optimize healing. Trees compartmentalize wounds, generating woundwood over the wounded area. Flush cutting removes the "branch collar." creating a larger wound and decay inside the tree than if the branch were removed outside the collar. MYTH: Certain fast-growing; weak-wooded trees, such as silver maple and Siberian elm, should be "topped" to make them less hazardous in the landscape. Topping stimulates growth of twigs below the cuts. Growth of many vigorous shoots leads to branches with weak attachments. Also, decay spreads inside the stubs and branches that were topped. Within two to five years after topping, the tree will regain its height, but will be more hazardous than before. Topping also makes trees unattractive. MYTH: If certain species of trees are pruned early in the spring, they will "bleed,". stressing the tree and causing health problems. Some trees, such as maples and birches, "bleed" or lose sap from pruning cuts made early in the spring. This bleeding does not hurt the tree, and the loss of sap is inconsequential. With a few exceptions, most routine pruning can be done any time of year. MYTH: The root system of a tree is a mirror image of the top. Many people envision a large, branching taproot growing deep into the soil. Actually, taproots are uncommon in mature trees. If taproots do develop, they are usually forced into horizontal growth when they encounter hard subsoils beneath the surface. The root systems of most trees can be found within 3 feet of soil. However, the spread of the root system can be very prolific, often extending two to three times the spread of the crown. MYTH: Trees require "deep root fertilization" to reach their root system. If you are unsure of proper tree care, consult an arborist — a professional in the care of trees. When choosing an arborist, look for ISA Certification, membership in professional associations, and ask for proof of insurance. Be wary of sit individuals who go door-to-door offering bargains for doing tree work. Don't be afraid to check references. One of the best ways to be assured you are making wise decisions regarding your trees is to educate yourself on the basic principles of tree care. The International Society of Arboriculture offers consumer information about trees at www.treesaregood.com . Or, to contact a local ISA certified arborist in your area, visit www.isa- arbor.com. TIRED of SLEEPING AROUND? for only $ Tax included or' DON :Tr FlAY 'Tit_ 2006! One thing keeps us from having a great sleep. Pressure. The pressure caused by stress in our daily lives, and the pressure that results on our bodies when we lie downon any unforgiving surface. In fact, these pressures cause us to toss and turn as many as 80-100 times a night! The revolutionary Tempur material developed by NASA and perfected by Swedish Scientists is so effective at relieving pressUre, reducing pain and improving circulation, that tossing and turning is reduced by 80%! And a better night's sleep gives you a whole new outlook on tomorrow's pressures. 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