End of Summer Lawn Care Tips

 

Summer's fading away, and soon the leaves will fall from the trees, so it's time to get out there and do some end-of-summer lawn care to keep your home looking fresh throughout the fall and winter months. Here are some important tips on keeping your curb appeal in shape so that your house looks great even as the weather gets colder.

Mowing Tips

It's essential to ensure you mow your lawn the right way towards the end of summer and the start of fall. With taller grass, it can be difficult to see where you're cutting, and blades can become clogged with wetter, heavier grass. To avoid these problems, ensure you're sharpening your cutter regularly and have an extra one on hand if you don't have time for a full replacement before fall.

Watering Tips

As the weather gets hotter, your lawn will need more water to stay green and healthy. Water early in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation, and make sure to water deeply to encourage deep root growth. Don't forget to check your sprinkler system regularly to make sure it's working properly! And, when temperatures cool down, don't stop watering your lawn — even a small amount of water can prevent brown patches from developing over the winter months.

 

Fall Planting

We still have August and a part of September to get through, but it's never too early to start picking up some autumn plants. Mums, ornamental kale, and pansies are all great choices for adding color to your yard as the leaves begin to change. Prepare your beds by tilling the soil and adding some compost or manure before you plant.

Summer Cleanup

The warm weather won't last forever, so now is the time to give your lawn one last big push before fall sets in. Start by raking up any leaves or debris that have accumulated over the summer. Then, fertilize your property to help it recover from all the foot traffic it's endured. Finally, reseed any bare patches so your lawn will be lush and green come next spring.

Contact Us for Property Tax Reduction on Long Island

Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com

Your Guide to Fresh Produce on Long Island

 

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in all your favorite in-season fruits and veggies! From grilling them up to tossing a few into your salads — you can't go wrong with fresh produce. And on Long Island, there are so many places where you can get that straight-from-the-farm taste.

So, whether you live in Nassau or Suffolk County, we've got a full guide to all things fresh produce on the island! Here's how to get started:

 

Local Farm Stands

Many farms across Long Island offer produce stands with all their products for you to buy. It's usually smaller, maybe with not as many options. But, everything is grown locally. Not only would you be contributing to your local economy, but you could also save money by avoiding those grocery store prices. So, visit your neighborhood farms to see what kind of foods they are offering this season.

 

Farmers' Markets

Known as bigger ordeals, farmers' markets on Long Island are a larger assortment of produce, products, and more, all condensed into an area local to you. Instead of going to a farm, they'll come to you! Find all your favorite fruits and vegetables, along with some organic honey, baked goods, and more. Even better, you may see a familiar face or two.

 

"Pick Your Own" Farms and Orchards

Do you know what's better than just heading to a store and buying a bunch of strawberries? Picking them yourself! Throughout Long Island, you can find many farms that offer "pick your own" adventures.

From fresh, juicy peaches to small, little blueberries, buying produce can now become a fun family outing. And it's not just in the summertime that you can look forward to this — many of these spots are open in fall for apple and pumpkin picking!

 

Contact Us for Property Tax Reduction on Long Island

Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com

Things to Know Before Building a Deck

 

It might be your dream to have a deck in your backyard, but before you start building, you should consider some important aspects. There are benefits of having a deck in your yard, such as being able to entertain outdoors while enjoying the fresh air, but there are also some drawbacks.

Before you take on this new project, here are the main things to know before building.

Are You Allowed to Build It?

One of the most important parts of building a deck is ensuring you're allowed to start this project. It's essential to check with your city or county planning and zoning department to see if there are any restrictions on building a deck to avoid any legal issues down the road. You'll also need to find out if you need a permit and, if so, how to obtain one.

 

Choosing The Right Design For Your Home

When it comes to choosing a design style for your deck, there are several things you need to take into account. What is the overall style of your home? What is the purpose of the deck? How much maintenance are you willing to do? Once you have answers to these questions, you can begin narrowing down your options.

How Much Time Will It Take?

A big factor that goes into this project is how much time you realistically have to devote to building and maintaining your deck. A brand new deck can't be built in a day! If this is an issue, you may want to consider hiring a professional.

 

DIY vs. Hire an Expert

You might be wondering if you should attempt to build your deck yourself or hire an expert. There are pros and cons to both! If you decide to go the DIY route, make sure you do your research and understand the process before starting. It's also important to have all the necessary tools and supplies on hand.

On the other hand, hiring an expert can save you time and ensure that your deck is built correctly. Ultimately, the decision is up to you! Do what works best for your schedule and budget.

 

The Potential Increase in Property Taxes

When you change your house to increase its value, your property taxes may go up. This is because the county in which you live assesses your home's value for tax purposes every year. If you build a deck, your home's value will most likely go up, and so will your property taxes. So be sure to factor this into your budget when planning to build a deck.

And if you're looking for a break from your property taxes, our team can help.

Contact Us for Property Tax Reduction on Long Island

Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com

Can Adding a Fence to Your Home Increase Your Property Taxes?

 

If you're planning on remodeling your home this year, adding a fence may be on your list of things to do. While many consider fences aesthetically pleasing, they can also help keep pets and children safe by adding a barrier between the yard and the outside world. But if you plan on adding a fence to your property, it's important to understand that this addition could impact your property taxes.

Yes, Fences Can Raise Property Taxes

Unfortunately, adding a fence to your home can sometimes increase your property taxes in a few different ways:

1. If the fence is considered an improvement to your home, it can increase the assessed value of your property.
2. If the fence is on the boundary of your property, it can be used to determine the size of your lot, which can also affect your taxes.
3. Some municipalities have specific regulations about fences that could impact your taxes.

Types of Fences That Increase Your Property Taxes

Wood barriers are the most common type of fence, and they can increase your property taxes. Vinyl fences are also popular, and while they may not raise your taxes as much as a wood fence, they can still have an impact. Metal fences, such as wrought iron, have also been known to increase property taxes.

If you're considering adding a fence to your home, research how it could affect your property taxes.

Will an Extra Fence Affect Your Home Value?

If your municipality has an ordinance that requires homeowners to keep their property line clear, you may be required to pay higher taxes if you add a fence. However, your property taxes may not be affected if you live in an area with no such ordinance. Check with your local government before adding a fence to see if it will impact your property taxes.

If you feel the burden of your property taxes weighing on you, know that you have options. In fact, our team here at P.T.R.C., Inc. is ready to help you get your property taxes lowered!

Contact Us for Property Tax Reduction on Long Island

Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com