2022 Pikes Peak Homebuying Guide

e d i u G g n i y u b e Hom

K A E P PIKES

Your local resource for buying, building and designing your dream home

A special advertising section of The Gazette Sunday, June 12, 2022

REAL ESTATE REALITIES

with

JUSTIN HERMES Sundays 10:30am

232-1063

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TODAY WE WORK FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS By 2030, we’ll cut our carbon footprint 80%. Learn about our plan for a sustainable energy future.

Today we work for tomorrow. changethecurrent.com

Sunday, June 12, 2022 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 3

Pikes Peak New Homes

LIVE WHERE YOU LOVE.

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FIND YOURSELF AT HOME IN GOLD HILL MESA Picture being part of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush during the 1800’s, when the former Golden Cycle Mill was the economic backbone of Colorado Springs turning the area where Gold Hill Mesa now stands into one of the most illustrious locations in all of Colorado.

Today, marked by its iconic chimney Gold Hill Mesa is a planned neighborhood worthy of its progressive history and majestic landscape. Gold Hill mesa exemplifies a smart growth, mixed-use community honoring its heritage while revitalizing the environment, fueling the local economy and building a distinct westside legacy for generations to enjoy. During the past decade, this new urbanism development has become one of the most desirable and trendy neighborhoods in Colorado Springs.

WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE CITY The picturesque neighborhood’s demand is due in part to its location – just five minutes from Downtown and Old Colorado City, Gold Hill Mesa is nestled atop 21st St with breathtaking views of the city to the east and incomparable rugged beauty to the west. Blended into the panorama of the city’s west side, stylish homes painted in vivid colors and crafted in distinctive architectural character adorn the tree-lined streets. Outdoor shared spaces and front yard landscaping are designed to enhance the neighborhood’s dynamic personality. Residents can revel in Colorado’s active lifestyle with immediate access to many favorite hiking and biking trails and dog parks, or seek outdoor adventures when traveling west on HWY 24 toward Pikes Peak and beyond.

COMMUNITY IS OUR HEARTBEAT

with a variety of local food trucks and vendors. The Community Center also boasts a fitness room, an award-winning salon and spa.

BUILDING A LASTING FOUNDATION We are proud to partner with our masterful builder David Weekly Homes, in offering colorful elevations, functional floor plans, welcoming front porches and artful outdoor living spaces. See yourself being part of a diverse and amazing community, imagine being home at Gold Hill Mesa.

Stopy by and visit our masterful builders or learn more at GoldHillMesa.com

Gatherings at our Community Center bring friends and neighbors together, “Art on The Mesa” exhibits and the wildly popular “Music on The Mesa” concert series are free and open to the public. Concerts run June through September and feature professional bands across many musical genres along It’s good to be home.

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 COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES

Introducing Sage, the water-wise frog SPONSORED FEATURE

“To take care of your lawn, one must first understand the rules by which to do it. With efficiency comes simplicity. I now present you with the Ways of the Water.”

— Sage, the water-wise frog Water-wise rules help us all to responsibly use a limited resource.

After all, we are a growing community in a semi-arid climate. You can maintain a vibrant, healthy landscape with responsible watering practices. We support using water wisely across our region, state and community. We are committed to working together to account for shrinking water supplies, climate variability and a booming population. Follow the water-wise rules to responsibly and efficiently use water for the benefit of our community, neighbors and our rivers.

6 KEY WATERWISE RULES 1. You may water up to three days a week. You choose the days.

2. From May 1 to Oct. 15, water 3.

4.

5.

6.

before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to reduce evaporation.

Do not let water pool on hard surfaces or flow down gutters.

Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.

Use a shut-off nozzle when washing anything with a hose.

Clean hard surfaces (such as driveways, sidewalks and patios) with water only if there is a public health and safety concern.

Learn how to be successful with the water-wise rules at csu.org.

CenturyLink Fiber Internet: A necessary part of the home-buying journey. ®

Buying a home is still considered a meaningful thread in the fabric of the American Dream. A lot of excitement and joy come from discovering the right house on the right street in the right neighborhood. And you just can’t beat pride of ownership.

So, whether you’re just starting the house-hunting process, or you’re down to choosing paint colors for the walls of your new abode, make sure CenturyLink Fiber Internet is a part of your home-buying journey.

But transforming your new home into Home Sweet Home takes more than just unpacking those moving boxes. Relocating comes with a lot of i’s to dot and t’s to cross—like finding the right internet connection. After all, going online is how we stay connected to the world. That’s where CenturyLink comes in.

CenturyLink Fiber Internet is technology made for families of all kinds living in homes of all kinds. From game nights to bingewatching favorite shows to working remotely—fast, reliable internet delivers a connection that allows the entire family to live their best online lives.

Fiber internet service from CenturyLink means everyone in your home can do their thing with virtually no lag or interruptions.

Plus, you get unlimited data with no annual contract. How’s that for convenient and hassle-free?

Service may not be available in your area. ©2022 CenturyLink. All Rights Reserved.

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 HUNTING FOR A HOME?

Consider these financial factors during your search BUSINESS WIRE

3. CONSIDER CHANGING NEIGHBORHOODS

From low inventory to higher prices and climbing interest rates, the housing market nationwide continues to present challenges for individuals and families as they home hunt.

“With so many market factors beyond buyers’ control, it’s vital to keep emotions in check and focus on those things you can control while looking for a house,” said Jessica Ferastoaru, a housing specialist with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit and housing counseling agency. “With some patience, diligence and flexibility, you should be able to find a home you love without sabotaging your financial security.”

Ferastoaru shares six factors to consider when shopping for a home this year.

If you cannot find anything in your preferred neighborhood, think about expanding your search to surrounding areas. You may find the right home you would not otherwise have seen.

4. CONSIDER LOCKING IN YOUR INTEREST RATE

Interest rates are climbing and expected to rise higher. Depending on your timeline, talk with your mortgage lender about rate lock options and determine whether it makes sense to lock it in as you house hunt.

5. CONSIDER PURSUING A NEW BUILD

Rather than compete for existing homes, explore a newly constructed home. New builds provide newer floorplans, additional warranties and modern construction existing homes do not. Maintenance costs will also likely be lower. Granted, you may have to wait months for construction.

1. CONSIDER ADJUSTING YOUR BUDGET

With continued high prices, you may want to reevaluate your budget. This includes not only the price of a house, but other costs like closing fees, association dues, insurance, taxes, maintenance and utilities. Be as specific and realistic as you can without stretching yourself beyond your means.

6. CONSIDER WAITING

Depending on your situation, it may be a good option to wait. Although there is no way to predict the future, waiting may allow you more time to save additional funds to purchase down the road.

2. CONSIDER DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

If you can pay a standard 20% down payment, great! If not, do not fret. Explore down payment assistance programs in your city, county or state with your lender or a nonprofit housing counselor. These programs help homebuyers with loans or grants to reduce the amount they need for a down payment.

 2022 PARADE OF HOMES

16th ANNUAL PURELY PONDS

PUBLISHING:

Thursday, September 8 Contact Tom McClung, tom.mcclung@gazette.com or Ken Lepik, ken.lepik@ gazette.com, to be included in this targeted publication.

To learn more about homebuying and whether you are ready to purchase a house, consider Pre-Purchase Housing Counseling from Take Charge America.

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Parade of Ponds & Waterfalls June 25 & 26

Purely Ponds Fine Landscapes

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 CORDERA

Last-chance construction at pleasant, family-oriented community SPONSORED FEATURE

Brand new homes — already or nearly completed — at Cordera offer home buyers the features most wanted in a home, and a fast move-in!

This 625-acre master-planned community of 1,600+ homes in the heart of Briargate delivers innovative design, distinctive architecture, enhanced landscape treatments, awe-inspiring mountain views and outstanding amenities, plus progressive education at renowned District 20 schools, easy access to recreational opportunities and myriad retail, professional and medical centers and convenience to I-25 and upscale dining venues, too!

Cordera truly has something for everyone, from its 8,000-square-foot community center to relaxing outdoor spaces, heated outdoor pool with splash zone and zero depth entry for children, lap pool, multipurpose rooms, an outdoor fireplace, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and exercise classes, locker rooms, an outdoor fireplace, events on the Tom Kelly Grand Lawn, and programs and parties.

Be a part of the American Dream at Cordera, where people walk their dogs

 LA-Z-BOY

Make your house a home SPONSORED FEATURE

and children play on a quiet cul-desac or in one many storybook-themed parks. This is a community where laughter and friendly conversation are part of everyday life, and you can enjoy miles upon miles of meandering trails and gorgeous mountain vistas!

Call 719-649-7801 or email lnigon@laplatallc.com or cquimby@laplatallc.com for more information.

The furniture and home accents that you use to furnish your home are what personalize it. From the living room to the dining room, kitchen, bedroom and more, La-Z-Boy is the place to design your space.

The design professionals at La-Z-Boy have ideas for every room and will work with you to create the look of your dreams. They can help with small updates, a total transformation or anything in-between — at no cost to you!

La-Z-Boy is a brand that you can trust, built on two core values — honesty and integrity — and with a commitment to quality craftsmanship and American heritage. The products are crafted to

meet or exceed industry standards for quality and safety.

We have two convenient locations in Colorado Springs: 7087 Academy Blvd., and 3826 Bloomington St. The showroom on Academy Place has just been completely remodeled and renovated.

Visit the spacious, well-lit store and be inspired by the newest trends.

Both locations offer the opportunity to work with some of the best professionals in the business to customize your furniture, furnishing your home your way.

Get a head start on letting your creativity flow at www.la-z-boy.com.

ASK ABOUT OUR DESIGN SERVICES!

COLORADO SPRINGS 7087 N. ACADEMY • 3826 BLOOMINGTON ST Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11-6 • Sun. 11-5 www.lazboy.com/coloradosprings 8 PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE | Sunday, June 12, 2022

 PLANET GRANITE, INC.

Reliable design help from skilled craftsmen for new stone countertops in your new home SPONSORED FEATURE

Planet Granite, Inc. is Colorado’s number one native countertop fabricator of choice, celebrating 24 years in business.

The largest fabricator in Colorado Springs, Planet Granite is staffed with reliable experts in the industry. This is your one-stop shop to select material and have it fabricated and installed based on custom design. When it comes to something like your home, Planet Granite is reliable and is known for its expertise.

With thousands of on-site natural stone and engineered quartz slabs to choose from at the Planet Granite stone gallery, clients can hand select materials ranging from granite to marble, soapstone, dolomite, travertine, quartz and sinks for countertops.

Not sure where to start? Planet Granite offers free custom measures for estimates and has a full design team available to assist you in achieving your designs in stone. You can count on Planet Granite for all residential, designer, builder and commercial clientele countertop and sink projects.

Stop by 3020 N. Stone Ave. in Colorado Springs today or visit planetgraniterocks.com online to select your piece of the rock.

Voted Best Custom

Home Builder Sunday, June 12, 2022 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 9

Discover What Home Feels Like Wolf Ranch weaves daily living with Rocky Mountain sunshine. Enjoy meandering trails, District 20 schools and our amazing community.

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@wolfranchcos wolf-ranch.com

The Best of Colorado Living Voted by Gazette readers as one of the best neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, Wolf Ranch is a vibrant new housing community that places value on a Colorado quality of life. That’s why Wolf Ranch has been intentionally developed into a neighborhood that weaves daily living and community with Rocky Mountain sunshine. Wolf Ranch residents spend quality time with family and neighbors in our parks, open spaces, trails and at community events and concerts.

Have kids? Wolf Ranch is located within Academy School District 20, one of the top-rated school districts in Colorado Springs. Wolf Ranch homes are conveniently located to D20 elementary, middle, and high schools. After school, there are numerous parks, trails, and playgrounds to explore, as well as a 6-acre water park that includes a pool, splash park, and a clubhouse.

your family. Our home builders focus on natural light, comfortable living spaces and energy efficiency, all to ensure you’ll get cutting-edge home design for the lifestyle you want. Use our search hub to find a dream home that fits your lifestyle and goals or select a model home by one of the following builders: Classic Homes, JM Weston Homes, Vanguard Homes, Covington Homes, Creekstone Homes, David Weekley Homes, Toll Brothers, Challenger, and Level 1.

Want a community that comes together? Wolf Ranch hosts family friendly events to encourage healthy, active living for youth and adults throughout the year. This includes our annual fall festival, summer concert series, family movie night, and more.

Wolf Ranch residents and location make this community one of the best places to live in Colorado Springs. With the careful selection of our homes, beautiful mountain views and endless amenities, Wolf Ranch is the best place to live in Colorado Springs.

Looking for luxury living? Wolf Ranch is comprised of a wide range of homes and styles. Each of our luxury model homes are uniquely and intentionally designed to fit the needs of you and

wolf-ranch.com Sunday, June 12, 2022 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 11

6 Easy tips to prepare and maintain your backyard STATE POINT

From backyard barbecues to water balloon fights, our outdoor spaces are home to some of our favorite memories. With warmer temperatures finally here and everyone itching to get outside, preparing, and maintaining your outdoor space is a must, but it is not everyone’s favorite chore.

Lawn and garden equipment expert, Eric Halfman from John Deere, put together this easy prep and maintenance guide to have you kicking back and enjoying your backyard in no time.

Feed your lawn. The secret to luscious and green grass? Feeding your lawn.

Fertilize your lawn every two months to increase the amount of nutrients your grass can absorb. A thick and healthy lawn also leaves little room for weeds and crabgrass to grow, keeping it

looking clean all year round, with little weed-pulling required.

Wash the deck and furniture.

Cleaning off your deck is an easy start to bringing your backyard back to life again. Break out the broom and sweep away any dirt or debris that has piled up. Then, fire up the power washer (available for rent at most home improvement stores) or your regular garden hose to rinse off any stuckon dirt and grime. Lastly, wipe down your outdoor furniture with soap and water. Do not forget to do a refresh occasionally throughout the season.

Plant new flowers. Bring some color back into your yard by planting new flowers! Whether it is a flower bed or an array of big planters — flowers are a great way to dress up your backyard and they smell great, too. Head down to your

12 PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE | Sunday, June 12, 2022

local nursery to pick out a few colorful varieties to plant.

Mulch your garden. Limit the amount of effort needed to maintain your lawn and garden by adding a layer of mulch to your planting beds and around trees.

No more mowing carefully around trees or painstakingly pulling weeds from your flower beds, as mulch helps keep weeds out of the picture and leaves your lawn looking great.

Mow your lawn. Whether you are mowing your lawn once a week or once a month, John Deere recommends the following: Safely sharpen mower blades to ensure the grass is cut cleanly and evenly. Dull blades split the ends of grass, which allows turf diseases to spread and detracts from the beauty of the lawn.

Follow the one-third rule, taking no

more than the top third off the grass blade. Be sure to clean and maintain your mower for best performance — use fresh gas, regularly check oil levels and dust off dirt and debris.

Prep the grill. Light the barbecue, then peel and halve a large onion — not for eating, but for cleaning. Stick a long-handled barbecue fork into the onion, then apply the cut side to the grill, putting to good use the onion’s pungent flavor and its unique antiseptic properties. Rub the onion back and forth with moderate pressure, and watch the accumulated gunk disappear.

More expert lawn and garden tips can be found by visiting deere.com.

With a little prep work and maintenance, you will be ready for family fun and making memories.

 JS HOMES

Building relationships one home at a time SPONSORED FEATURE

Buying or selling a home?

Put a savvy, professional negotiator to work for you.

Call us Today!

(719) 593-1000

 ERA SHIELDS JS Homes are custom home builders who run their business by the three Cs: communication, commitment, and care.

The JS Homes team listens to clients’ needs and wants — before, during and after the building process, exhibiting the customer focus that can only be found in a small company. Headed up by Jeff and Sonja Cole, JS Homes is, indeed, a family affair … and everyone who moves into one of the company’s high-quality homes becomes an extended family member.

All homes combine modern amenities and timeless style, while displaying craftsmanship, functionality, personality, and practicality. They are impeccable and impressive … and JS Homes does everything in their power to make your dream home a reality.

You can count on your JS Homes experience being unparalleled, and filled with people who are ethical, hardworking, and reliable … and have your best interests at heart.

They are proud to work with other local businesses, from carpeting to concrete, fireplaces, heating and cooling, home lighting, lumber, stonework and more.

Visit us in person at 15535 Fulda Lane in Peyton (by appointment) or online at www.jshomesinc.com, or call 719-320-4805 or email jeff@jshomesinc.com.

Named 2022 “Best of the Springs” Best Custom Home Builder by The Gazette.

Operating on your own may cost you more and put you at a disadvantage SPONSORED FEATURE

In this fast-moving market, it may seem like it would be easy to buy or sell without a Realtor. However, think again. Trying to operate on your own may not only cost you more money but puts you at a distinct disadvantage, no matter which side of the deal you are on. How do we know? We do this for a living! The average homeowner moves once every seven years. In contrast, some Realtors list and represent buyers on a home sale almost every week. The benefit of knowing how market forces affect price, demand and availability from week to week; being able to

handle the many disclosures, forms and contracts required for a successful transaction; and having the experience of the many pitfalls you can encounter from contract to closing can put you at a distinct advantage in securing your dream home. Moreover, with the market as imbalanced as it is, with high demand and low inventory, negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated.

You can expect lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, cash offers and bidding wars. Wouldn’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?

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 THE HERMES TEAM

At your service!

SPONSORED FEATURE

The Hermes Team, part of RE/MAX Properties, Inc., has been serving the Colorado Springs community for more than 30 years! At the helm are fatherand-son Realtors, John and Justin.

“I am dedicated to providing my support and services to help my clients find the home of their dreams,” said Justin Hermes. “With access to top listings, a worldwide network, exceptional marketing strategies and cutting-edge technology, I work hard to make every real estate experience memorable and enjoyable.”

The dynamic duo currently handles everything from buying existing homes and new construction to selling, renting and managing properties in and around Colorado Springs.

They also help investors purchase rental properties while assisting in management services, helping others get passive income to build long-term wealth through real estate. In fact, Justin hosts a radio show — Real Estate Realities — every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. on KRDO News Radio (105.5 FM/1240 AM).

Quality & Service That Will Floor You! CARPET | TILE HARDWOOD LAMINATE | LVP

Realtor Justin Hermes

The team often works with military families transitioning to and from local installations, and last year assisted 100 families in the Pikes Peak region.

Additionally, they were voted Best Realtor by readers of The Gazette in 2016 and 2017.

Visit www.thehermesteam.net or phone 719-232-1063 to connect with The Hermes Team.

Veteran Owned • Servicing Builders

719.424.7351

842 S. Sierra Madre St., Unit D Colorado Springs, CO, 80903 HardwoodFlooringSpecialists.com

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE in Cordera.

Why wait to break ground on your best life!

Where the American dream lives on.

Some say last choice isn’t always the best one, except when you visit Cordera. Get in on the final phase of the most incredible lots now available in Colorado Springs’ premier planned community. From walking trails to swimming pools to top-tier D20 schools, don’t miss out on all Cordera has to offer.

Find homes from the $700s to $1MM+.

Connect with builders and see what’s new at Cordera.com For builder contact information visit: cordera.com/home-builders

16 PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE | Sunday, June 12, 2022

What every homeowner should know before making renovations STATE POINT

Your home is likely your most valuable asset, and you want to make sure you protect it with the right insurance. Did you know the cost to replace your home could be much more than it cost to build — and you could be on the hook for the difference?

Whether it would cost more to replace because you have made major upgrades that increased the value of your home or simply because the price of building materials and labor has increased, you will need to come up with additional funds or find ways to reduce costs. That is why guaranteed replacement cost coverage, offered by insurers like Erie Insurance, is so important. If you experience a total loss of your home, this coverage allows you to rebuild it back to its previous size and specifications at today’s cost, subject to certain conditions.

To give you a better idea of the importance of insurance coverage that helps you protect the investments you make, consider the top three remodeling projects for the interior and exterior offering the best return on investment:

INTERIOR

1. Refinishing hardwood floors The main reasons consumers are refinishing hardwood floors is to upgrade worn-out surfaces and to improve livability, according to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report by the Na-

tional Association of Realtors Research Group. At 147%, it also tops the list for the number one interior project for what homeowners can recover on the cost of the project if they sell the home, based on estimates from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry Remodelers and Realtors.

2. Installing new wood flooring The average cost recovered for this project is 118%. Surprisingly though, it was the number one feature homeowners surveyed by Erie Insurance said they got when they bought their home but would not choose again. When asked why, reasons ranged from feeling the feature was not worth the money, to being tired of it or feeling the feature is outdated.

3. Insulation upgrade This is a popular project if you are looking to improve energy efficiency, and at 100%, it has a high cost recovery value.

EXTERIOR

1. Roofing Offering a 100% return on investment, most consumers upgraded their roof due to worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials.

2. Garage door The top reason homeowners replace their garage door is having plans to

sell their home in the next two years, according to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report. This project may be well worth the cost, offering 100% returns.

3. Fiber cement siding With an 86% recovery on the cost of the project, upgrading siding due to worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials is a solid investment.

If you have made any recent updates, talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have the proper coverage. To learn more about guaranteed replacement cost coverage, visit erieinsurance.com.

This summer, make home upgrades wisely. For peace of mind, be sure to protect the investments you make in your home.

Sunday, June 12, 2022 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 17

 TRUGREEN

Top trees and shrubs that increase property value PR NEWSWIRE

According to a recent study conducted by TruGreen, the nation’s leading lawn care provider whose services include tree and shrub care, nearly 50% of American homeowners intend to invest more in their trees and shrubs as part of their overall outdoor maintenance this year. With trees and shrubs top of mind for many homeowners, TruGreen has partnered with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) to release a list of the top trees and shrubs that can increase property value, as well as tips to best protect that investment.

Trees and shrubs that increase property value are highly prized by both buyers and sellers. Well-landscaped yards with mature trees and bushes that provide privacy drive higher prices

by 6-19% and sell more quickly than houses with little or no landscaping, according to the NALP. Choosing which trees to plant can be challenging for some homeowners, especially if they are first-time buyers and have not had much experience with outdoor maintenance.

“Planting hardy trees and shrubs that are disease-resistant and are well-suited for the region in which you live makes a huge difference in both maintenance and value,” said Jennifer Myers, senior director of workforce development for the National Association of Landscape Professionals and executive director of the NALP Foundation. “Beyond a plant’s make-up, where it goes on the property is equally as important — its access to sunlight will determine the best species.

Here are the attributes of valuable trees to keep in mind — a large canopy for shade, fast growth, color, and provides screening for privacy.”

To get the best return on your investment, NALP lists the top trees and shrubs that can add value to your home and boost curb appeal.

TREES

• Black Cherry • Black Tupelo • Crape Myrtle • Linden • Northern Red Oak • Red Maple • Southern Magnolia • Sugar Maple • White Fir • White Oak

SHRUBS

• Azalea • Burning Bush • Butterfly Bush • Cherry Laurel • Hosta • Hydrangea • Nandina • Oakleaf • Hydrangea • Rhododendron • Roses To help ensure healthy plant growth and proper insect and disease control for homeowners’ trees and shrubs, a professional service like TruGreen can take the guesswork out of maintenance.

“In real estate, first impressions are everything, and it all starts with the CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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 TOP TREES AND SHRUBS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

outdoors. By maintaining your home’s ornamental trees and shrubs, you are protecting your investment,” said Brian Feldman, director of technical operations and certified arborist at TruGreen. “By working with homeowners to provide comprehensive plant health care plans, customized for each unique landscape, we help keep ornamental plants healthy, protected from unwanted pests and looking their best.”

Beyond bringing in a professional, TruGreen encourages homeowners to follow the tips below to ensure a flourishing outdoor living space: PLANTING — Planting too high, too deep, too shallow or in the wrong place can negatively impact your landscape.

Spread a 1- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil around the base of the plant to create a protective zone.

This will prevent mowing and other lawn maintenance damage and allow the optimum amount of moisture for roots.

INSPECTING — Homeowners should inspect trees and shrubs regularly for decay, damage, disease, or insect infestations. After extreme weather such as hurricanes, deep freezes, sudden cold fronts after a warm trend and hail, check for cracks or damaged

limbs. These events can weaken a tree and/or expose an area of a tree that has started to decline. In addition, continue proper landscaping care and maintenance, such as pruning, to keep them healthy.

WATERING — Young trees and shrubs should be watered regularly for 1-to2-years after they are planted. Once established, most trees and shrubs do not need to be watered as often, unless dry weather continues for an extended period.

TruGreen’s Tree & Shrub Services include root zone fertilization, disease control, insect and mite control and horticultural oil, in addition to other treatments as needed. TruGreen will create a tailored plan for each landscape and provide homeowners with information on how to maintain their service with additional care in between treatments. TruGreen also ensures that every customer is 100% satisfied with their service with its TruGreen Guarantee.

For more information about TruGreen’s Tree & Shrub Services, visit trugreen.com/products-and-services/ tree-and-shrub-service and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Can we fit a coffee table? If your living room is too cramped for a traditional coffee table, check out these unique alternatives that are short on space and big on style.

This Navy Tufted Bench with Storage is a great option. It does not take up a ton of room, it provides extra seating, and it includes storage. It can also easily be repurposed in front of a bed, window or entryway.

You may also consider a group of small accent tables, like this Red

Metal Accent Table (available in blue and yellow). This flexible entertaining option can use multiple surfaces together or be separated and used individually.

Our favorite option is using a pouf, like this Floor Pouf. They are great if you like relaxing with your feet up and can also be used as individual drink tables or extra seating.

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(719) 593-1000 6385 Corporate Drive, Ste 301 Colorado Springs, 80919 Each ERA® Office and ERA Real Estate Powered® Office are Independently Owned and Operated.

Sunday, June 12, 2022 | PIKES PEAK HOMEBUYING GUIDE 19