Estate Landscape Blog

Home Inspectors Miss the Landscape Sprinkler System, Could Cost You Hundreds

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:17:06 +0000

With the current housing market in decline, a lot of people are having to sell their homes. Whether a short sale or foreclosure. With many homes coming on the market there are always buyers that can pick up a good deal. When a home is sold a Home Inspection is required from may lenders. A Home Inspector is contacted and they investigate many things about a home and its condition for the buyer. One thing that may not be looked at, for code compliance and functionality, is the backflow device on a landscape sprinkler system. If there is one installed, and that it is installed correctly. As a certified backflow prevention device tester, I can help with this important part of a home sale. We always install these devices with new installations.
Our local water purveyors (North Tahoe PUD, Tahoe City PUD, Incline Village Improvement District, Truckee Donner PUD, Northstar Community Service District, Squaw Valley Public Service District and more) require a backflow device on a landscape sprinkler system. Whether it is up to code when a home is transferred is sometimes not discovered until after the sale.
Recently I have been contacted to upgrade or enhance the landscape of homes that have been recently purchased. All of these have landscape sprinkler systems. Upon investigation of the sprinkler system I found some that did not have backflow devices and others that the device was not up to current plumbing code.
This comes as a surprise to the new owners when I inform them of this. And when the cost for this requirement is presented.
If you are buying, or selling a home, contact my office to schedule a “landscape sprinkler backflow device inspection”. With this inspection you will know if the device is working properly, meets the plumbing code or if one needs to be installed. This can save you hundreds of dollars.
Contact me if you need help with any of this. I will have more tips as the Spring season warms up! If you have any questions let me know and I will answer them.

TRPA Workshop for Updates on BMP’s

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:19:34 +0000

Last Thursday myself and our General Manager, Brian Brown, attended the TRPA Workshop that highlighted the updates for BMP’s in the Lake Tahoe basin.

Good news on several fronts; updated guidelines for infiltration trenches, dry wells and products to use for these applications.

More information about excavations in high groundwater areas and future considerations for permeable interlocking concrete paver usage for storm water infiltration.

For more details visit the TRPA web site. Or contact our office.

Truckee and Tahoe Fertilizer Use Recommendations

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:51:29 +0000

Here are some garden tips to help with your backyard gardening. Plants are similar to people because they need food to grow. Along with water and sunlight. People can buy their food for the necessary nutrients. Plants have to rely on the soil that they grow in for these nutrients. And not all soils are alike. Gardens can have soil that is rich and full of nutrients. Or the garden may have very little nutrients. Plants don’t know the difference between an organic and chemical product. They just want the nutrients for growth.

Which is better? It depends on how you view the need.

For more information click here to read the full article.

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/146016

Spring 2012 Has Started, Finally!

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:45:50 +0000

The weather has been favorable (unlike last year) and snow is melting (not much left). Which means we are out and starting cleaning ups of homeowner properties this week. We will continue as we head towards May.

If you have sent in your selection from my list of 4 packages to choose from, you are on the schedule. The schedule for Maintenance service is filling fast so don’t delay in choosing the package that fits your needs and send it to my office.

“When will you be turning on my sprinkler system?“ You ask. When we see the Forsythia blooming, that will tell me that plants will be waking up and it will be time for watering. When is that? Earlier than last year but not yet, most likely within 2-3 weeks depending on your location and snow melt.

Don’t forget about my Early Bird Referral program too. Refer a friend or neighbor and both of you will receive a FREE month of service. Details on are on my web site.

Great referral, Thanks Alison

admin — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:31:55 +0000

Thanks to Alison Elder, Agency Realtor of the Year for 2011, Chase International, Truckee,for the kind words. Alison said ” I wanted to put a good word in for Mark Osberg, Estate Landscape & Irrigation, Inc.. Mark has an excellent reputation, crew of 25 full time employee’s, great references and is an all around professional, licensed contractor, certified in his field and more. He delivers excellent service and is very well respected. He delivers on time and on budget.”

CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEY

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:44:50 +0000

I am reaching out to current clients and readers of my blog. I have a survey that asks several questions that will help improve the service we provide. There is a Thank You coupon attached that is valid in the North lake Tahoe and Truckee service area only.

Click here to take the survey. Thanks for your help!

Looking for Good Music to Work By?

admin — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 04:03:39 +0000

If you are having a hard time finding the right music for your office try RadioParadise.com. A mix of great sounds, old and new.

Tahoe Gas Prices

admin — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 03:24:10 +0000

THIS WAS TAKEN THIS WEEKEND

How does this compare to where you are? Send me a note about what you see at the pump. Informal survey, your note won’t be passed on to others.

www.estatelandscape.com

Ned Stock testimonial

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:01:00 +0000

Just received this from Ned Stock, a friend, client and Broker with Incline Village Coldwell Banker realty.

“Mark and his company have helped us with landscaping and grounds maintenance for over 4 years. They are reliable, reasonable, and responsible. I highly recommend Mark and Estate Landscape to all my real estate clients and friends.” Thanks Ned.

We are here to help with homeowners landscaping challenges, both Design/Build new installations or maintaining existing gardens.

100% Legal Employees

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:32:14 +0000

There has been a lot of coverage recently about illegal emigrant workers in the United States. I want to assure you that my employees are here legally and have the permission of the U.S. State Department to work here. This permission doesn’t come easily or inexpensively.

Each season here at Estate Landscape, I have to recruit employees for the coming season. After an exhaustive process I now have our employees in place for 2012. Many of them are returning for their 10^th season or more. And all of them are legal workers. They pay into Social Security, state and federal taxes. Just like you and me.

The process to have employees for the 2012 landscaping season at Lake Tahoe started back in October of 2011. I advertise positions for the coming season and look forward to having American citizens apply. Since Estate Landscape is a seasonal business, and the cost of living at Lake Tahoe is fairly high, the number of American workers that apply falls short of the number needed. I am forced to locate workers that do have the interest and desire to work in the landscape industry. To accomplish this I invest in the U.S. Government H2B Guest Worker Program. I have been involved in this program for the last 10 years.

This Program assures that the employees are not criminals, can legally work in the U.S., that they pay all appropriate taxes and insurance and that they return to their home country at the end of the season. Usually in November. Without these Guest Workers, Estate Landscape would not have the employees to care for our clients’ properties.

All are covered by Workers Compensation Insurance and my company Liability Insurance Program.

If you have any questions about our services or the H2B Program, contact me at info@estatelandscape.com and I will be happy to provide answers.