
Tips from Toby Winter Outdoor Quick Tips
After some really cold temps we've finally received a break with warmer weather which means it's a good time to venture outside and do some inspection work before our next cold snap. About 60% of foundation issues are caused by clogged gutters, broken downspouts, or improper drainage. Now is a good time to make sure those downspouts aren't clogged and draining away from your home. Those ornamental grasses near your home need to be pruned back. They are a fire hazard and should be trimmed now to allow them to grow back next Spring. Do you have ice melter handy? It won't be long before the next cold snap comes upon us. Make sure you pick up some ice melter that is safe for your concrete, pets and carpet next time you're out shopping. Keep a bag handy in your trunk too! Finally, don't forget to check for places where pests like mice can sneak in around the garage or in those big piles of leaves close to the house.

Tips from Toby – Get Car Ready for Winter
We've entered that time of the year where it could sleet or snow at any time. Is your car ready for the ice, sand and salt? Are you? Now is the time to get prepped with ice melt, a shovel, battery backup, blankets, etc just in case you are one of the unlucky ones with a dead battery or stuck. It just takes a little bit of time and you'll be ready for bad weather.

Tips from Toby – Quick Winter Outdoor Tasks
It's been awfully dry and that can lead to some expansion and contraction of our home and soil. About 60% of foundation issues are caused by clogged gutters, broken downspouts, or improper drainage. Now is a good time to make sure those downspouts aren't clogged and draining away from your home. Those ornamental grasses near your home need to be pruned back. They are a fire hazard and should be trimmed now to allow them to grow back next Spring. Do you have ice melter handy? It won't be long before the next Polar Vortex comes upon us. Make sure you pick up some ice melter that is safe for your concrete, pets and carpet next time you're out shopping. Keep a bag handy in your trunk too!

Winter Hazards
Driveways are destroyed every year when we start tossing down the ice melters. There are brands on the market that will keep you from doing damage to your concrete, pets, and home. Snow blowers are more popular than ever, we show you the right way to choose. Finally, this is the number one time of the year for back injuries - or even worse, heart attacks from being too aggressive with your shoveling muscles! Avoid hurting yourself with some easy steps.