When is the best time to trim your trees?

Now is the correct answer!  For most trees, the dormant season, late fall or winter, is the best time to prune although dead branches can and should be removed at any time. Pruning during the dormant period minimizes sap loss and subsequent stress to the tree. It also minimizes the risk of fungus infection or insect infestation as both fungi and insects are likely to be in dormancy at the same time as the tree. Finally, in the case of deciduous trees, pruning when the leaves are off will give you a better idea of how your pruning will affect the shape of the tree.

  

Call today for a free consultation with our licensed arborist!

Did you make the good list this year?

 During this holiday season, give yourself a gift you will you enjoy for years to come - an outdoor kitchen!  In today's home, the backyard has become an extension of your living space.  Give yourself a present this year with a new space you will love.

Whether you like to entertain family or friends or just want a backyard retreat, we can design the perfect space for you!  Preferred is your complete source for custom designed outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas - we have done it all!   



Its Raining, Its Pouring...

I know we are all busy with the hustle and bustle of the holidays but have you noticed all the rain we are getting?

The rain and cooler temperatures makes this a perfect time to update your landscaping.  This is a great opportunity to spruce up landscaping that may have suffered from the drought this summer. 

It is also a perfect time to convert your irrigation system to drip irrigation so you can be ready to tackle the next drought. Drip irrigation can be used for both landscape beds and your lawn.  With drip irrigation you can water your landscape more efficiently and have more flexibility even when there are water restrictions. 

Give us a call for a free consultation - 210-657-7737

Are you in the dark?

The recent time change offers many early-evening opportunities to check out the darkness around our homes. Here are a few things to look for:

• Are sidewalks and steps well-lit for guests?

• Can people see your address clearly from the street?
• Would your home be more secure if lights were placed around it?

Here are some additional things to consider:
• It can be done easily during the winter months and in existing landscapes
• Landscape lighting takes advantage of new LED technology and uses as much as 80 percent less energy than traditional lighting. This means lower energy costs.

Tonight take a look over your landscape and imagine what a little light could do.

Here is another quick article on Preferred!

http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/news/article/Lightscapers-to-the-city-2350715.php

Environmental Friendly Light for the Holidays

San Antonio River Walk Installation by Preferred Holiday Decor Sets the Standard for One of the Largest Environmentally-Friendly Projects in Texas

http://www.businesswire.com/news/dallasnews/20111201006400/en

Testimonial Tuesday

Here is an email we received last week - Thanks for the great compliments!

Hi Darryl.

Just thought you would enjoy knowing how much we enjoyed the back yard over the Thanksgiving holiday. We hosted family, and the yard looked fabulous. Knockout roses were blooming, and the weather was picture perfect. Every time we looked around, family members had wandered out to the yard to enjoy the round arbor, sit on the rock wall, gather around the fire pit, drink good wine and otherwise just hang out. The yard does just what you envisioned and hoped it would - it invites you out.

Best wishes for a great holiday season. Laurie

Preferred puts sparkle in season

Check out a recent news article about holiday decor featuring Preferred Holiday Decor!

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/Firms-put-sparkle-in-season-2335960.php#photo-1844217