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How to Identify Worms on a Live Oak Tree

Live oaks are hardy trees, capable of surviving most pests and blights. However, an attack by insects can quickly remove leaves from your tree, causing it undue stress and making it susceptible to further damages. Almost all the worms that attack live oaks are caterpillars. A healthy live oak tree Bringing the pests under control can not only boost the health of your tree, but also improve its appearance. While most caterpillars are not a serious threat to a live oak, many of them create unsightly webs and cocoons that can detract from the enjoyment of your landscape.

How to Form Curved Concrete Steps

To form curved concrete steps, you need to use a form. Typically, you use wood because you can shape it more easily than you can other materials. You need to build an outer frame and an inner form for the steps. To complete this process, use various pieces of wood that you find at your local home improvement store. Once you complete the form, you can pour and shape the concrete for the steps.

Disposal of Old Hot Tubs

Whether you are remodeling your spa space or have just moved into a home with an old hot tub, you'll need to get rid of it. Hot tubs are large and heavy, so hauling them to the dump or putting them on the curb for the garbage collectors to pick up isn't usually an option. Offering your old hot tub for free is a good way to get rid of it.

How to Make a Concrete Catch Basin

Catch basins serve to direct the flow of water to control erosion and to eliminate the problems associated with standing water and flooding. Most often used in a municipal setting, catch basins are also helpful in residences where roof runoff creates a drainage problem for the homeowner or his neighbors. Concrete is the preferred material in new catch basins but care must be taken to prevent water backup. A catch basin gathers and directs the flow of runoff.

What Is the Correct Way to Sand a Wood Door?

Sanding a wood door is best achieved with two different sanders. A hand-held belt sander should be used for the initial surface removal, and then a palm sander should be used for a quality finish. The sandpaper you use at each stage of the job is important, as is your technique. Sand your doors well before you refinish them. Load the belt sander with sandpaper. Heavily painted and rough-hewn doors need very coarse 60-grit or less sandpaper.

How to Decorate a Kitchen in British Colonial

As the British increased their empire through colonization in the 1800s, they settled in places like the West Indies, the Caribbean islands, Singapore and Africa. They imported their furniture and house wares from England but soon found them inappropriate for those tropical climates. Their efforts to acclimate themselves to their surroundings resulted in what is now referred to as British Colonial style. Bring this look to your kitchen with a mixture of traditional British style, tribal motifs and laid-back island décor.

How to Build Twig Fences

A traditional twig or wattle fence serves as an effective barrier while adding a touch of Old World charm to your property. If you have a rural property, chances are you can build a twig fence using materials you have on hand. Like standard wooden fences, twig fences use wooden posts as their structural supports. Rebar is sometimes used in place of wooden posts. Instead of using planks as slats, saplings are woven between the posts to form the horizontal surface of the fence.

How to Repair a Concrete Sink

hese concrete sinks can last for decades with little maintenance required, but even the highest-quality concrete sink can need repairs. Because of the nature of concrete, you can repair most issues that arise with a concrete sink so that the repaired sink functions like new. Used as a construction material, concrete creates strong and durable products. You can form the material into any shape, and with the use of molds, create a sink of any size to fit your needs.

How a Pressure Switch Works in a Washing Machine

A pressure switch, or water level control, allows your washing machine to detect when it's sufficiently filled. It can then close the valve from which your home or building's water pressure pumps water into the machine. Pressure Hose A washer's pressure switch setup detects the washer's water level. Your washer contains an air-tight hose that runs from the body of the washer to the pressure switch. As the washer fills with water, the air that was in it is displaced, and has no way to escape but through the hose, gradually increasing the pressure on the switch.

How to Measure & Cut Rafters for a Roof

While many home improvement stores or companies can supply you with pre-made rafters for your home or building, creating your own rafters is a perfect do-it-yourself project. Not to mention, building your own rafters is often less expensive than buying already-made sets. Building rafters is an essential part of roof construction. You’ll need to have an idea of the desired design of the roof before measuring and cutting any rafters.