This Saturday, April 22, is Earth Day and we, at Lon Smith Roofing of Dallas, want you to celebrate it! If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate you might want to consider getting your garden put together this weekend.

10 Ways to Buy Your Garden on the Internet - Bob Vila It's one of the joys of spring and summer: stopping by the local nursery to pick out plants for your landscaping or backyard vegetable garden. Wonderful as it is to pick out your supplies in person, it can be a drag to haul your purchase home. That's why you might consider doing a portion of this year's garden shopping from home. Click through to see some of the surprising things you can buy for your garden—online!

Boost your flower bed's soil quality and reduce its number of weeds in one go by stocking a few rolls of Vigoro's Weed-Block Diamond Landscape Fabric. The patented weave of the UV-treated polyethylene material funnels air, water, and nutrients toward the roots, keeping the soil cool and moist—and simultaneously deters undesirable greens from creeping into your garden without the use of chemicals. Just a couple of 3-by-50-foot rolls could spare you some back-breaking chores for seasons to come! Available from Home Depot; $9.97 per roll.

Whether setting up a starter garden or flower bed, your budding landscape project could benefit from a border. Just as a frame enhances a painting of florals, the brick-like pattern on the Multy Home EZ Border Stones adds definition to a garden patch. Curve the 4-foot lengths of scratch- and UV-resistant edging along a naturally rounded landscape feature or keep them straight around your rectangular plot, then simply push them into the soil—no extra digging required! As the name suggests, it's a cinch to install. Available from  Home Depot; $53.97 for six pieces.

There’s more than one way to grow tomatoes. One option: Shop your local nursery for baby tomato plants, or starts. That way, you sidestep all the hassle of the earliest stages and skip several weeks in the timeline to harvest. The cons? You’re limited to the varieties in stock, and you'll pay at least a few bucks per plant. Grow from seed, however, and you get the chance to try your hand at almost any type of tomato, including specialties like the Heirloom Taste Collection. Purchasing and planting seeds also offers an unbeatable bargain: With the seeds in one cheap packet, it's possible to grow hundreds of pounds of plump, juicy tomatoes. Available at Burpee; $16.95 per four packets.

"Timing is everything"—the old aphorism applies in the garden as much as anywhere else. That's because in most parts of the country, the growing season only lasts for the handful of months between the last spring frost and the first hard frost in fall. To give themselves a wider window of opportunity, many gardeners rely on cold frames like this one. By warming and sheltering the plants under its cover, a cold frame typically extends the growing season by a couple months (or even longer if you live in a warm region). You can design and build your own cold frame, of course, but there's also always the option of buying a ready-to-assemble kit online. Available at Amazon; $55.99.

To grow thriving outdoor plants, a gardener needs a solid foundation. Miracle-Gro All-Purpose Garden Soil provides your annuals, perennials, and vegetables with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. The versatile mixture feeds your greenery for about three months, thanks to a constant stream of plant food released into the ground. It also boosts the quality of your existing soil to promote big and beautiful plants. Available at Lowe’s; $4.48.

For healthy and fast-growing plants, a gardener must pay attention to their soil’s pH, as well as the levels of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potash (K) in the mixture. The Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Test Kit makes soil testing easy. After dissolving a capsule into watered-down soil, users determine the results with a “color comparator” chart. An included guide instructs readers on adjusting their soil to achieve ideal growing conditions for more than 400 different plants. Available on Amazon; $12.59 for 40 kits (10 each for pH, N, P, and K).

Nothing ruins a manicured lawn like a gaping bare spot or an unsightly pipe popping out of the ground, but there's a quick solution for hiding those flaws: Mock Rocks. The faux stones have hollow insides, allowing you to slip them over the offending eyesores, and making them easy to move around the yard. The rocks are durable and weatherproof, and come with stakes so you don't have to worry about them blowing away on a windy day. Available at Plow & Hearth; $119.95.

If gardening is your favorite hobby, then chances are you've longed for your own greenhouse. This dream might be more attainable than you've realized with the Palram Snap & Grow Greenhouse. The snap-together greenhouse provides 53 square feet and 6’8” of weatherproof growing space right in your backyard. The polycarbonate panels of the greenhouse protects your plants from UV rays, while still letting in over 90% light transmission. The roof is equipped with gutters, so you can create a sustainable irrigation system to water your garden. And oxygen stays flowing throughout with help from a roof vent and split door design. Available at Amazon; $567.78.

Why lure bees to your garden? Quite simply, those tiny winged creatures help your plants thrive and boost vegetable yields by pollinating blooms as they settle in for a snack. Bring bees—and butterflies and hummingbirds—to your yard by planting a pollinator garden. These small flyers have been known to travel miles for a taste of wildflowers, such as the coneflower. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, these plants can be buried as roots in the spring to bear flowers in the summer. Available at Home Depot; $11.42.

Soil erosion, weeds, and even pests can't compete with a thick layer of cedar mulch. Just like the moth-repelling cedar blocks you keep in your closet and dresser, cedar mulch has the ability to naturally scare off certain types of pests. When applied to garden beds, it can help retain moisture but without causing your garden to overheat, as can happen with synthetic mulch. And because this heavy bag of mulch is delivered right to your door, you'll need to do very little heavy lifting to add it to your landscaping. Available on Amazon; $9.00.

First Seen over here: Celebrate Earth Day By Starting Your Garden

It's springtime and that means that we are getting warmer weather, more precipitation, and that, unfortunately, brings more weeds. We at Lon Smith are proud to have been your favorite Dallas roofing contractors for a long time and we have seen a lot of people spending their free time working in the yards.

We get it, it's your home and you want it to look good, but that doesn't mean you have to make it difficult. We want your homes to look the best the possibly can and we always do it with the right tool for the job. So this one is for the guys who were hand pulling the weeds out of their yards.

Best Weed Whacker - Buyer's Guide - Bob Vila If your lawn features a lot of “interruptions”—trees, shrubbery, pavers, and pathways—odds are that you struggle with a bulky lawnmower to maneuver some of the landscaping highlights. A perfect landscaping complement to a lawn mower, the weed whacker tackles overgrown grass in hard-to-mow areas. This lawn tool, also called a “weed eater” or “string trimmer,” uses a monofilament line (a strong, flexible line made of a single fiber of plastic) rather than a blade to do just what its name implies: whack weeds. Since many variations of weed whackers exist on the market, finding one that reliably slices through the growth can be a daunting task. Keep reading to find out what to look for when shopping for one, and discover three of the best weed whacker models available today.

To make sure that you’re selecting the best weed whacker for your yard, start by getting a grasp on the model variations available.

Pick your power. The fuel source you need often depends on the size of the yard and how long the weed whacker would need to run to get the job done. That said, you’ll also need to think about what a battery or a tank of fuel adds to the overall weight of the machine.

• Gas-powered weed whackers are powerful and untethered, giving users the freedom to move about the yard without extension cords. As exhaust emissions become a greater concern than ever before, some manufacturers have introduced gas-powered models that create less pollution without sacrificing performance. If you’re interested in buying a more environmentally friendly gas-powered weed whacker, look for the words “low emission” on the packaging. While these weed whackers can handle long weeds better than their electric-powered counterparts, but they’re also more expensive. They’re heavier as well, with many models weighing in at just under 13 pounds.

• Electric-powered weed whackers tend to be even more lightweight and functional, whether a consumer chooses one with a rechargeable battery or a good old-fashioned cord. Corded versions occasionally pose problems maneuvering around a property, since the cord can get tangled or run out of length, but they’re also the most budget-friendly option. Cordless versions, on the other hand, are extremely portable and easy to maneuver, but their battery (or batteries) must be recharged between each use and they don’t perform as well as corded models in tall grasses. That said, recent technological improvements have aided corded and cordless electric weed whackers in catching up with their gas-powered counterparts in terms of performance.

Mind maneuverability. Whether or not you need a tool with wheels depends largely on the type of terrain you’ll encounter on your property. A wheeled weed whacker, sometimes called a “walk-behind,” ideal for handling large patches of rough terrain, thanks to the maneuverability provided by the wheels and typically wider cutting paths. A majority of these machines operate on a gas-powered engine similar to a lawnmower’s and run on two or four wheels. A weed whacker without wheels, though, is far more common and generally effective on even the messiest tangles of grass. Unless you live on a property with extensive weeds and rough terrain, you can likely make do with a model without wheels.

Select a shape. The bodies of weed whackers come in two shapes: curved shaft and straight shaft. Curved shaft weed whackers feature a bend at the end of the shaft, near the blades, that makes them shorter in length and—combined with a light weight—more comfortable to use. These weed whackers work best for homeowners who need to manage grass and plant growth around (but not underneath) trees and other objects, since their design won’t quite fit into hard-to-reach places. Narrow straight shaft weed whackers boast a greater reach for tall users and those who need to trim far beneath shrubbery or unique landscape features, but they tend to be tougher to use due to their heavy weight and high level of vibration.

Find the right feel. Most popular weed whackers range in weight from five to 15 pounds. Corded, curved-shaft models are typically the lightest, while gas-powered walk-behinds are the heaviest. Additionally, most weed whackers have cutting path diameters somewhere between 12 and 17 inches.

After thoroughly comparing reviews from consumers and publishers alike, we’ve rounded up three of the most highly rated weed whackers available today to help you find one that fits your home’s needs and your household budget. Check out the best weed whackers below to cut your weed problem—and the shopping trip for solutions—short. Read more...

Article Source right here: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job WILL Save YOU TIME and Make Life EASIER!

Congressman Marc Veasey Joins Lon Smith Roofing in Honoring Vietnam Vet with a Free, New Roof

Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) today joined the Lon Smith “Roof for Vets” program to honor Vietnam Veteran Harold Sanders.

“I am so thankful for this new roof,” Mr. Sanders said as the workers began the installation process.  “I can’t thank Lon Smith Roofing enough.”

Mr. Sanders was chosen as the first 2017 recipient of the “Roof for Vets” program that selects a veteran who could not afford a new roof on his own.  Mr. Sanders recently spent most of his life savings to help pay medical bills as his wife died from cancer.

“What a privilege to be able to help serve Mr. Sanders with a new roof,” said Scott Hamilton, Vice President of Lon Smith Roofing.  “He served our country in uniform in Vietnam.  He has been a productive citizen in his community and in his job.  And unfortunately, circumstances with his wife impacted him financially.  His roof has severe leaks in it.  So we are all too happy to install this new roof for him free of charge.  And what an honor to do so with our friend, Congressman Veasey.  He has long been a friend to veterans.  And we are pleased he joined us today.”

“The fact that Lon Smith Roofing goes out of its way to honor our veterans says a great deal about the character of this company,” Congressman Veasey said. “And it says a great deal about the people of Congressional District 33.”

Scott Hamilton added that the Roof for Vets program selects four recipients a year and that people should feel free to contact the Lon Smith office to nominate a worthy veteran.  He also said that Lon Smith recently began a partnership with the Bush Presidential Center Military Service Initiative to do even more to help local vets.

“The Roof for Vets program is just one way we are trying to honor our veterans,” he said.  “We believe it’s the least we can do to serve those who have served us.”

First Posted right here: Congressman Marc Veasey Joins Lon Smith Roofing in Honoring Vietnam Vet with a Free, New Roof

At Lon Smith, when we show up to do your roofing in Dallas, TX, we show up prepared. We need to have our tools, equipment, and materials to get the job done right. Being prepared is essential in our line of work. No matter what obstacles a job may have for us we need to be ready to solve it.

Preparedness goes a long way when you are roofing a home but it also important for your home to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Taking a few steps now could be the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency. Take a look at some of the supplies you need that could make all the difference.

Emergency Supplies You'll Need in a Disaster - Bob Vila Whether the power is out at home or you're stranded alongside the road changing a tire after dark, this extraordinary flashlight has you covered. But really, it's hard to label this gadget just a flashlight. Sure, the OxyLED flashlight can toggle between seven lighting modes (full bright/semi-bright/strobe, including a side white and red lights). But built from aluminum alloy and stainless steel, the gadget features a cutting knife, an attack hammer, a compass, and magnet that allows you to position it on any metal surface to works hands-free. Recharge its batteries at any old outlet via USB, or stick it out in the sun. With this tool by your side, no emergency situation will feel quite like an SOS. Available on Amazon; $19.99.

Keep phones for the whole family at full-charge the next time a power line goes down when you connect to the small but mighty Anker PowerCore 20100. Its impressive output of 4.8 amps can power two mobile devices simultaneously without lag, again and again. No, really. The pocket-sized battery packs more than meets the eye—enough to charge the iPhone 7 almost seven times, the Galaxy S6 five times, or the iPad mini twice when fully charged. Available on Amazon; $39.99.

In the event of an emergency, because your home may not maintain its usual easy access to potable water, FEMA and other government agencies recommend keeping a three-day supply on hand, just in case. Many homeowners decide to stockpile much more. However, no matter how much water you store in the basement or garage, there’s always the possibility of running out before the municipal supply returns to normal. To plan ahead for a situation in which you must source water in creative ways, consider investing in a household water purifier like the Big Berkey, a longtime favorite of both doomsday preppers and international aid organizations like UNICEF. Available at Amazon; $288.50.

You need at least one emergency radio capable of tuning into the "weather bands" used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Midland Digital Weather Radio stands out, because it runs on a range of power sources. Normally, its lithium ion battery charges via USB, but if the power goes out, you can hand-crank it, add in AA batteries, or rely on the small, built-in solar panel. Additional features include an ultrasonic dog whistle to signal search-and-rescue teams and an extra-bright, 130-lumen LED flashlight you can set to an SOS pulse. Best of all, if the NOAA puts out an alert, the units beeps and flashes, so you know to listen up. Available at Amazon; $69.99.

In the midst of disaster, you won’t have time to rummage through your home for emergency tools. But keep this SurvivalKitsOnline 4-in-1 tool in an accessible spot, and you’ll always be prepared for floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and whatever other calamity comes your way. The tool, which is made with heat-treated alloy, easily shuts off water meters and gas valves. You can also use it to sift through debris, as well as pry open doors or cabinets. Available on Amazon; $17.70. read more at bobvila.com

First Posted right here: Are You Prepared if Disaster Strikes Your Home?

LON SMITH ROOFING AND TCU BASEBALL HONOR VETERAN AND FORMER TCU BASEBALL GREAT AND NAVY VETERAN HARVEY KING

FORT WORTH, TEXAS--Harvey King, a former TCU baseball player who later served in the United States Navy, was honored last Friday night as part of the Lon Smith Roof for Vets sponsorship of TCU baseball.  King threw out the first pitch before the nationally ranked Frogs hosted Murray State at Lupton Stadium last Friday.

“Lon Smith Roofing is proud to stand by our veterans,” said Scott Hamilton, Vice President of Lon Smith, the largest roofing contractor in Texas. “For years, we have sponsored the ‘Roof for Vets’ program that provides free roof installation to worthy veterans.  And last year we were proud to begin a partnership with the George W. Bush Military Service Initiative.  This year we are partnering with the Horned Frogs and using the opportunity to honor our veterans.”

Mr. King served as captain of the TCU baseball team in 1952 and then spent four years as a Naval aviator.  He later became a dentist and opened practices in both Houston and Fort Worth.

“What better way to highlight the heroism of our veterans than to have Mr. King at 86 years young throw out the first pitch before a TCU baseball game,” Hamilton added.  “And he threw a strike, too.”

For more information about the Roof for Vets program or about Lon Smith Roofing, visit lonsmith.com or call 817-926-8400.

Article Source on: LON SMITH ROOFING AND TCU BASEBALL HONOR VETERAN AND FORMER TCU BASEBALL GREAT AND NAVY VETERAN HARVEY KING

We have already had our first strike of hail this season but there may be more on the way. Severe weather can damage property but at Lon Smith, we can help you repair any damage that may happen during these storms.

Another round of severe weather could be making its way to Dallas-Fort Worth | Weather | Dallas News A cold front pushing into North Texas on Monday could bring severe weather to Dallas-Fort Worth in the afternoon.

If the front stalls southeast of Dallas-Fort Worth, strong to severe storms could bring threats of golf-ball-size hail,  wind greater than 50 mph and 1 to 2 inches of rain, meteorologist Matt Stalley with the Weather Service said.

The best chance of storms will begin soon after lunch Monday, and could last into the evening hours.

The showers could also could continue overnight into Tuesday morning, he said.

Lee Carlow, meteorologist with the Weather Service said it's possible some storms could produce hen-egg-sized hail.

He said that although it's a low chance, he couldn't rule out 1 or 2 possible tornadoes developing throughout the evening.

There is a chance for flash-flooding to hit southeast of the metroplex.

"If a storm sits under an area for a long time, the water could rise really quickly," Carlow said.

If the front goes farther south, the severe weather threat could mostly affect areas of Central Texas around Waco and Killeen.

"We'll stay unsettled for the rest of the week," Carlow said.

Though the best chance for rain will be Monday, the rest of the week will be at least partly cloudy, with a chance of showers again on Wednesday, Thursday and possibly Friday morning. There's also a hinting chance for showers on Sunday. Read more...

Lon Smith is here to help you with all of your roofing needs in Dallas, TX. Be safe this week, and if you need help with roof repairs or replacements give us a call.

Originally Posted right here: Storms are Coming Again to Dallas-Fort Worth

At Lon Smith, we specialize in Dallas and Fort Worth roofing and many of our clients are getting ready to start their gardens. The month of April is a big month for gardeners in Texas. It is time to start planting your garden but also keeping on the lookout for storms that may damage your crops.

With so much to do during this time of year, having a handy list to keep you on track will help you get the most out of your home garden. Take a look at these tips below.

Texas Gardener's April Checklist This is a pivotal month for planting, sowing seeds, fertilizing and performing important garden maintenance chores.

With so much to do, it's easy to get overwhelmed, but simply take it a step at a time to ensure your garden is healthy, lush and beautiful.

And keep one eye on the thermometer — while we're less likely to have a late-season frost at this point, it's not impossible, so be sure to cover up tender seedlings or new transplants if temperatures dip.

Noel Cross+Architects Sow SeedsAlmost any plant easily grown from seed can be sown this month.

Be sure to check the planting directions on the backs of the seed packets to know the proper planting depth for each seed type.Annuals.

Opt for celosia, coleus, periwinkle, sunflower, zinnia, gomphrena, ageratum and cleome.Herbs.

Most herbs can be sown this month, including chives, catmint, basil, thyme, oregano, sorrel, tansy, winter savory, summer savory, yarrow, tarragon, germander, lavender, cumin, comfrey, sage and rosemary.

Lots of vegetable seeds can be sown: lima beans, snap beans, beets, chard, okra, radishes and summer squash.

Wait until late April to sow seeds for corn, cucumbers, eggplant and pumpkin.

Erin Ponte Landscape Design Plant Your GardenYou can plant nearly anything this month.Vegetables.

Eggplant, peppers, summer squash, tomatoes, tomatillos and sweet potato slips can be planted from 4- to 6-inch containers.Fruit.

Cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon are good options; look for them in 4-inch pots.Herbs.

Nearly all herbs can be planted, including rosemary, chives, thyme, oregano, lavender, sorrel, catmint, sage, lemongrass, lemon verbena, basil, catnip, bay laurel and tarragon. Read more...

First Posted over here: Calling All Gardeners It’s Time To Get To Work

March has fallen behind us and believe it or not we have moved into the month of April. A new month means that there are new things to do to keep your home in good condition. We found this handy list to help you remember all of the things you need to do because if we're not careful we might blink and it will already be May!

To-Dos: Your April Home Checklist With lengthening days and milder temperatures in many parts of the country, April is a wonderful time to freshen up the home inside and out. To get sparkling windows, a clutter-free garage and more, here are 14 tasks to make the most of the first full month of spring.

Test sprinklers and irrigation system. Don’t let the first sign of a malfunctioning irrigation system be a drooping garden! Take the time this month to test each part, and adjust or repair as needed. And if you don’t already have drip irrigation for your garden, consider having it put in — a properly installed system can save time and water.

Keep mosquitoes at bay. Having warmer weather and longer days means we’re entering mosquito season. Take preventative measures by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Any open containers (empty flowerpots and saucers, a wheelbarrow) can become mosquito breeding grounds when filled with rainwater, so store items like these upside down or in a shed.

Boost curb appeal. Spring is a wonderful time to make upgrades to your home’s exterior, and even small changes — like putting up bold house numbers and a shiny new mailbox — can make a big impact. If you’re planning to put your house on the market this spring, increasing curb appeal can help lure in potential buyers, making it especially important.

Spruce up the front porch. Clean the porch floor, exterior windows, windowsills and front door. Wipe cobwebs from the ceiling and high corners. Lay down a fresh doormat, and plant a pot of flowers. If you have porch furniture, clean it off and wash the cushions. Read more...

At Lon Smith, we are happy to help you with all of your Dallas roofing needs but we know that monthly maintenance will save you money in the long run. Keeping up with these tasks is easy if you just tackle a few each day.

Article Source here: Stay On Top of Your April Chores

Hail just pummeled northern Texas and now the cleanup process starts. Hail is one of nature's most destructive forces. It shreds trees, breaks windows, and damages buildings and homes.

When the storm hits you know to take shelter and stay inside, but do you know what to do after the storm subsides? At Lon Smith in Dallas, we can help you repair your roof fast. We specialize in helping people take care of their roof repairs after storms. Give us a call today.

How to Handle Roof Damage from Hail Storms | Angie's List After a hailstorm, check your gutters for signs of potential roof damage. If you have large dents or cracks on your gutters, you should schedule an inspection with a roofing contractor.

The damage may not be visible at first, but eventually it becomes apparent. So if you have an older roof, you should check your gutters and look for signs of damage immediately after a hail storm.

Some daring homeowners may be tempted to climb onto the roof and look for signs of damage, such as missing shingles, dimpled shingles or cracks in the shingles themselves. Skrobanek says you should resist the urge to conduct the inspection yourself, as it can be dangerous. Typically, only a professional roofer or insurance adjuster can tell if you have enough hail damage to justify a new roof. Read more...

Original Post right here: What To Do When Hail Strikes

ROOF FOR VETS IS BACK

For the last two years, Lon Smith Roofing has done some of our most important work.   Work that has helped people.  Work that will last a lifetime.  Work that we stand behind.

And no, we aren't talking about the high-quality roofing we do for our customers every day; we are talking about the Roof for Vets program.

Two years ago, we started honoring military veterans in need by installing a new roof free of charge.  We hope we have blessed these heroes; we know they have blessed us.

Along the way we've met the oldest living veteran in America...we've met veterans who served our country and never even received the medals they earned ... and we've met unassuming heroes who have kept our country safe.

Now, we are about to kickoff our 2017 campaign and we can't wait to tell you about our first recipient and our first event that will take place on April 13.  So be sure to check by here often as we continue to update this page with more details.

We are excited about Roof for Vets...it really is work we are proud to be a part of.

First Seen on: ROOF FOR VETS IS BACK