#turf algae

[sitting-on-me-bum]

With measuring tape and notepad, marine ecologist Enric Ballesteros surveys the organisms living on a healthy reef in the islands. When author Enric Sala and his team first visited here in 2009, they found these reefs in a pristine state, with a profusion of species, many of them rare.

Jon Betz/National Geographic

This coral reef resurrected itself — and showed scientists how to replicate it

A parrotfish scrapes off and eats turf algae from coral skeletons at Millennium (Caroline) Atoll. This promotes the growth of pink, rock-hard crustose coralline algae — the best surface for coral larvae to settle on and rebuild the reef.

Enric Sala/National Geographic

A school of small reef fish, one of many fish species that inhabit these waters.

Manu San Félix/National Geographic

[anipgarden]

Un-Actions, or Restriction of Activities

This is my first post in a series I’ll be making on how to increase biodiversity on a budget! I’m not an expert--just an enthusiast--but I hope something you find here helps! 

There’s a good handful of ways you can help increase biodiversity in your yard that don’t require buying things--in fact, these may actually help you save money in the long run! They may seem small and simple, but every bit counts! Whether you can do these in totality, or just limit how often you do these actions, it’ll make a difference.

Not Mowing, or Mowing Less Often

Turf grass lawns are considered a monoculture, meaning they don’t provide much opportunity for insects to find habitat--so few other creatures find them enjoyable either. An expanse of turf grass is, in many ways, a barren wasteland in the eyes of wildlife--too exposed to cross, with few to no opportunities for food or shelter, leaving them exposed to blazing hot sun, freezing cold, or any predators that may be lurking nearby. A place to be avoided. The simple act of letting your grass grow unbothered gives a chance for wildflowers to grow, and for your grass to grow taller--providing more habitat for insects, which then provides more habitat to birds and other creatures that feed on said insects. Wildlife want nothing more than to skirt by unnoticed, so even leaving the grass tall along the edges of a fence or yard can help a little. Even restricting mowing to every other week, or at a higher blade setting, can be a huge help. If HOAs or city ordinances are fussy about lawn length in the front yard, you can likely still keep grass higher in the backyard. Or, you can create a ‘feature’ where grass is allowed to grow long in a specific area. If it looks purposeful, people are more likely to accept it. Not mowing under trees or close to shrubs not only leaves space for wildflowers to grow, but also means you don’t have to deal with mowing over bumpy roots and other difficulties. Cutting different areas at different times can be an option for letting grass grow long in some areas while still having available places for play and entertainment. I’ve seen some people plant flower bulbs when pulling up weeds, so in the future they'll bloom in early spring before mowing is usually necessary. This could be another fun way of adding biodiversity to a lawn without--or before you--begin mowing in spring.

Not worrying about mowing, or doing it less often, saves you in time, money, and energy. You won’t have to buy as much gasoline for your mower, and Saturday afternoons can be free to be enjoyed in other ways aside from being sticky and sweaty and covered in grass stains. In addition, you’ll likely be lowering your own carbon emissions!

If you do have to mow your lawn, I’ve got ways you can use your grass clippings to boost biodiversity later in the post series!

Not using pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.

One of the next-biggest non-actions you can do asides from not mowing is using fewer fewer to no herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides in your yard. This’ll easily allow for more biodiversity. Allowing more insects and a wide array of plants to thrive will feed back into the entire food chain in your area. In addition, these types of chemicals have been tied to algae blooms, death of beneficial insects, harm to birds, fish, and even humans. Soil is supposed to be full of fungi, especially fungal mycelium that essentially acts as a network for plants to communicate, share nutrients, and support each other--fungicide kills that, and typically makes all other lawn problems even worse in a negative feedback loop. It may take awhile to see the benefits of avoiding these chemicals, but once you see it, it really is astounding.

However! I can’t lie and say that there haven’t been points where I needed to use pesticides at some points in my gardening journey. In these cases, try to use products that are organic--like diatomaceous earth, neem oil, etc--and use them accurately, correctly, and sparingly. Follow instructions on how to apply them safely and responsibly--for example, on non-windy days and during times when bees and other pollinators aren’t likely to be out and about. With some pests (read: oleander aphids, in my experience), a simple jetstream of water is enough to force them off the plant where they’ll be too weak to get back. Eventually, you should have a balanced enough ecosystem that no one insect pest causes a major issue with the work you’re doing to boost biodiversity.

If you can bear to, try handling pests manually. Squishing pest bugs in your hand is a pretty foolproof way to get rid of some problems, or spraying them with a mix of soap and water can do the trick on some insects. Alternatively, picking them off your plants and into a bucket of soapy water is also a valid option. You’ve heard of baptism by fire, now get ready for… baptism by soap?

But also! Try reconsidering what you consider a pest! Tomato hornworms are hated by gardeners, for devouring the foliage of beloved tomato, pepper, and potato plants. But killing the tomato and tobacco hornworm means getting rid of sphinx moths, also known as hummingbird or hawk moths! Hawk moths are vital to the survival of many native plants, and are sometimes even the only species that pollinates them. If you can bear to, consider sacrificing a few tomato plants, or growing a few extras, so we can continue having these beautiful moths for years to come. After all, they may not even do significant damage to the plants!

With that in mind, be friendly to your natural pest managers! Lacewings, ladybugs, praying mantises, wasps, birds, bats, and more will help manage pest populations in your environment! Encourage them by planting things they like, providing habitat, and leaving them be to do their work! Avoiding pesticides helps make your garden a livable environment for them, too!

Letting Weeds Grow

Many of the plants we know as 'weeds' are actually secondary succession species and native wildflowers. Milkweed was regarded as a noxious, annoying weed for a long time, and now people are actively trying to plant them after learning about the important role they play in our environments! Weeds are adapted to take over areas that have been cleared out of other plants after a disaster, so they're doing much of the initial work in making a habitat for other creatures. In fact, many of them will simply die back as the environment repairs itself.

An important thing to note is to please make sure that your ‘weeds’ are not invasive species. Work on learning how to identify native and invasive species in your area, and pull out what’s harmful to leave room for what’s good!

Don’t Rake (Or At Least Don’t Bag Your Leaves)

Many insects overwinter in piles of leaves that we often rake away and bag up in the fall and winter. By doing this, we are actively throwing away the biodiversity of our neighborhoods! If you can, leave the leaves where they fall! 

If you do need to rake, put the leaves in places wildlife can still access it instead of bagging it up. Move your leaves into garden beds to serve as mulch, or along the edge of fences to rest while keeping egg cases and hiding bugs intact and free to release come spring.

Leave Snags Where They Are

Snags are dead trees/dead branches on living trees. They provide an important wildlife habitat--many birds nest in them, or use them to seek cover from rain, and many insects will also live in snags (making them an additional food source for birds and other creatures). Tree cavities are used as nests by hundreds of bird species in the US, and many mammals use them as well, such as bats, squirrels, raccoons, and sometimes even bears. Some trees form cavities while they’re still alive, but in conifers they’re more likely to form after death. Crevices between the trunk of a dead tree and its peeling bark provide sun protection for bats and amphibians, and leafless branches make great perching areas for birds of prey to hunt from above. The decaying wood is home to insects and fungi, who then feed birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.  Do check on the snags regularly to ensure they don’t serve a threat to any nearby structures, but whenever possible, leave them be! 

Keep Your Cat Inside

If you have an outdoor cat, consider making the adjustments to have it be an indoor cat. If you have an indoor cat, keep it as an indoor cat. Free ranging cats impact biodiversity through predation, fear effects, competition for resources, disease, and more. Keeping little Mittens inside does a lot more to help than it may seem from the outside.

That’s the end of this post! My next one’s gonna be on things you can add to your space that aren’t directly related to growing plants. For now, I hope this advice helps! Feel free to reply with any questions, success stories, or anything you think I may have forgotten to add in! 

[arogustus]

Splatband Analysis - Bottom Feeders

(Disclaimer: This analysis in based on what I get out of looking into the character descriptions we have of the splatband characters. If you disagree with what I say, that is fine, we are all beheld to our opinions. Just don’t be a jerk about it.)

From my favorite band to their dedicated rivals, the Bottom Feeders. Like Ink Theory, they too got a fair amount of art to them, including a White Day art piece that shows them hanging out with other bands and shows off some character details. Be prepared to see that pop up a lot, considering the fact it contains three bands in total. 

Starting off with the band wide analysis, they’re all stated to be from outside of Inkadia, somewhere up north. The celtic rock and some of their fashion choices make it pretty clear they’re from the Splatoon equivalent of Scotland. They seem to have moved into Inkopolis at some point before their Turf War debut, as a lot of info we get from them gives the impression that they live there, or at the very least spend extensive amounts of time in the area. They also have their own record label to stay independent.

The band is a chaotic bunch. They’ve nearly broken up multiple times (mostly due to Finn), their performances vary based on their mood, and considering the White Day artwork, physical fights amongst each other is common enough that no one is really interested in stopping them. Still, they’ve toughed it out together to the point they’re evidently still together by Splatoon 3, so despite their fighting, they do try to stick together. And also have the same last name? (Bottom in Japanese, Feeder in English.) It’s most likely to be a shared pseudonym they took up for band reasons. Or, considering the Scottish influence, a clan name? Needs more research in this area.

Finn and Tangle are the stars of the show here, getting some pretty meaty descriptions compared to Jawn, Blow and Muruta. The two are clearly the driving forces behind the band, with the rest simply being along for the ride for their own entertainment. At least it seems their rivalry with Ink Theory is something they agree on, as their performance in ZAPP Square was made particularly electrifying when they performed against each other. 

Finn 

Finn is a tropical betta fish, and their description embodies much about the species to a T. They’re stubborn, they butt heads constantly with their bandmates to the point the band has nearly dissolved, is willing to outright fight them as seen in the White Day artwork (Tangle is the main victim, but Muruta is also unconscious), and is the main instigator of the Ink Theory/Bottom Feeder rivalry (Both bands use traditional instruments to bring attention to more classic genres, which they seem to view as infringement on their territory.) The betta fish is notoriously aggressive and territorial, so it all matches. Curiously, Beika’s tweets imply they’re female despite having traits of a male betta (in fact, the behavior I mentioned is specifically in regards to them). Maybe they’re trans, or fem presenting? Or maybe Beika is wrong. I’m sticking to they/them until we get some more official sounding confirmation.

Despite this aggression, they do have some positives. their motivation is to bring attention to traditional styles of music to the world, so it's something they care about deeply. Despite all the mentions of the band nearly dissolving, it still exists in Splatoon 3. In fact, they actually have a collaboration with recently debuted band Riot Act in the song No Plan Survives (Kikura seems to have stolen Beika’s idea for the collaboration), which implies that, for all their aggressive tendencies, they’re fully capable of getting along with other people. The Splatoon Twitter itself states they came together harmoniously despite mostly doing their own thing. 

Tangle

Tangle, the seaweed man himself. Currently the only sapient algae we have in the series, with everyone else being a sapient animal. He’s quite the oddity to even himself, since learning that he talks via the strings of his body rubbing together came as a surprise to him. Stuff like that isn’t focused on, but it’s not the first time a splatband character with some oddity to them went uncommented (Kagi’s skin color, Namida’s disconnected eyemask), so who knows if his nature as a sentient algae is also considered unusual in the world.

Onto personality, he’s described as a rebellious young man (does that make him younger than his fellow bandmates?) who’s dissatisfied with the state of the music scene. He thinks the music of the time has gotten voguish (read:Popular and mainstream), and wants a return to more straightforward styles. A commonality between him and Finn, it must be how the band was formed, considering they’re the two with the strong feelings about music, and him being the leader. Not that the others seem to like him that much. They consider his songwriting to be terrible and are apparently pretty harsh about it, something we will never be able to hear for ourselves since we can only hear funky squid (or seaweed in this case) sounds. At least he really enjoys singing in general, since the exciting avenue he discovered from learning how he talks is that he can sing out of his feet. What would that sound like?

Also Finn is fighting him in the White Day artwork. And judging by the others' reaction to them (read:ignoring it), this is a common occurrence. 

Blow Bottom

Blow, along with Jawn and Muruta, got stuck with the short descriptions. Finn and Tangle are clearly our main characters of this band, but it doesn’t mean there’s nothing much to pick out from what we got. Like his fellows, he doesn’t particularly care about the band’s sound, he’s just here to have fun. Considering the utterly exhausted and apathetic look he’s giving to Finn and Tangle’s little spat in the White Day artwork gives the feeling he simply finds the unnecessary drama exhausting, like it’s not at all worth his time. Being a dad must do that to a person. Speaking of, he’s a dad (DILF Material certified), specifically to an only daughter. He cares about her a lot. 

He’s also part of a rainmaker team with Ryu Chang and Kuze, Underpass Bass Drum. He plays it in his free time, though according to a little tidbit regarding the event in the Deepsea Metro called the Low Water Party, a rave where several people are implied to have died… anyway, the team showed up to the event and apparently performed (one of them played double bass, no mention who it was), so they evidently do music together too. No word outside of that on what their relationship is, but it seems they get on well enough to perform together.

Jawn Bottom

I can’t tell if the two dots are his eyes or his nostrils… anyway, Jawn doesn’t care much for the music and is more in it for the fun than anything. Likes motorcycles and meat, a real manly man here. But he’s apparently fine playing games with kids, he’s seen playing chess with Paul in the White Day artwork while completely ignoring the fight happening right next to them. Though judging by the sweating, he wasn’t expecting to be losing so hard. 

Muruta Bottom

Muruta is in it for the fun over the ideology of music Tangle and Finn espouse. He likes cute girls. Not much to pick out from that, but the White Day artwork has something interesting. See there in the corner, blurry and super close up? That’s Muruta, unconscious, implying he got involved in the fight between Finn and Tangle. Hard to say why he’d be there, but the best guess is he tried to break them up. Those two seem the most likely to be at odds with each other, so it would make sense the reason for his knockout is he tried to get involved to stop them but got knocked out.

—

That’s the Bottom Feeders done. Now, just to answer this, I’m all over the place when it comes to using their names because I have my preferences. Sometimes the english localized names are actually good in my eyes. I just pick and choose which ones I like. Anyway, see you next band!

[hollow-prior]

WOF Dragon Names

Icewings:

Freeze

Avalanche

Finch

Frost

Junco

North

Northstar

Squall

Tundra

Mudwings:

Boulder

Branch

Brass

Copper

Granite

Igneus

Marl

Root

Trench

Turf

Nightwings:

Cadence

Champion

Conquest

Dauntless

Destiny

Dreamcatcher

Eclipse

Fortune

Gravewalker

Hexbreaker

Jade

Legacy

Mage

Miracle

Mythchaser

Salvation

Seer

Shade

Silhouette

Sombra

Truthseeker

Twilight

Rainwings:

Amity

Citrus

Dawn

Gecko

Kiwi

Kumquat

Mist

Ocelot

Possum

Shimmer

Tangerine

Topaz

Vine

Sandwings:

Adder

Cactus

Caracal

Citrine

Coyote

Desert

Fennec

Heatstroke

Mirage

Pear

Scorch

Simmer

Snake

Tumbleweed

Twister

Seawings:

Algae

Angelfish

Capsize

Conch

Gale

Harbor

Marlin

Plankton

Storm

Tidepool

Vapor

Skywings:

Crimson

Ember

Lark

Ozone

Raptor

Sparrow

Summer

[epic-and-kitty]

for the ask game

clover 4, 11, 13

4. Do they have a favourite hot drink? Tea? Coffee? Hot chocolate? Hot cider? If so, how do they take it?

Clover is a big fan of tea, especially seaweed tea and algae tea (specifically red, but it's extremely hard to get and very expensive if it's real) (fun fact - the Salmonid camp that took in Twist is actually full of agriculture farmers and is one of the only places that imports real red algae tea.) When she makes herself a cup, it's usually just a straight cup of just tea with a tiny bit of sugar, unless she's making a cup for both her and Moss, who practically drowns the tea in sugar and soy milk. Clover doesn't particularly like her tea this way, especially if it's red algae tea, but she makes it the same for both of them because Moss likes it like that and Moss tends to forget which cup is hers alot, even if the way they both prepare their tea makes it look vastly different from each other's.

11. Does your OC enjoy a cuddle?

Clover prefers cuddling one specific person, Moss, because she is kinda touch averse with anyone else. Since she's known Moss the longest, she's far more comfortable in her arms than anyone else's. She won't say no to a quick hug from her friends though.

13. What makes your OC feel safe and secure?

Her first response would be Moss, but in all honesty, if you give Clover a tight, dark space with blankets and pillows and maybe a good book, she'd probably feel safest there. Her days in the wide open metro with hard floors and blinking artificial lights just make her uncomfortable in most places. Places that are tight and dark make it so she feels like it's impossible to get to her, like a cave that no one but her can enter. This is also part of the reason she doesn't like turf or ranked, the maps are open and there aren't any hiding spaces for when things get too hectic. She does like the bridges under the map in Robo ROMen though, she'll sometimes go in recon there with a book and hang out by herself, as long as she has two people guarding the entrances to the bridge on each side.

[aacme]

you walk toward the shore.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Confronting Florida’s Coral Collapse

Decades ago, Florida’s coral reef tract was one of the ocean’s greatest treasures. Stretching 350 miles (560 kilometers) from end to end, the world’s third-largest reef quivered and swayed with life. It was a place where snorkelers would encounter an abundance of brain, pillar, fan, staghorn, and elkhorn coral, where waters teemed with shoaling fish, and sea turtles and sharks cruised amidst creviced mazes of calcium carbonate.

Hints of that richness remain, but instead of colorful coral gardens, thick mats of grass-like seaweed known as algal turf now cover much of the reef. In many areas, the colors are muted and marine life is scarce. According to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates, the reef’s healthy coral cover has fallen 90 percent since the late 1970s, likely due to a combination of factors, including disease, heat stress, sediment and nutrient pollution, development, hurricanes, and damage from boats.

Summer 2023, a period with record-high water temperatures, further damaged the reef. The Straits of Florida faced water temperatures of 87 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius) and above as early as mid-June, and they remained, in many places, above that level into October. In some areas, temperatures occasionally soared above 93°F.

Corals in this region typically bleach, or lose color, when waters exceed 87°F. Bleaching occurs when beneficial algae that live in coral skeletons are expelled, depriving coral of sugars and proteins critical to growth and reproduction. While coral can recover from bleaching, it is often the first step toward starvation and death. The small anemone-like animals start to die outright in Florida’s waters when water temperatures exceed 90°F for a prolonged period of time. Note that in some other parts of the world, some species of corals are known for being able to survive higher temperatures than that.

“Coral reef is sometimes called the rainforest of the sea, and we saw Florida’s reef ravaged by the underwater equivalent of a wildfire," said Ved Chirayath, an earth scientist at the University of Miami. Chirayath previously spent a decade at NASA’s Ames Research Center, where he developed innovative technologies to capture clear images of coral using a remote sensing technique called fluid lensing. The technique removes distortions caused by the movement of water and the attenuation of light in the water column that make aerial images of reefs much more difficult to interpret than features on land.

When NOAA invited Chirayath to bring his drone and fluid lensing technology to the Florida Keys to help monitor the reef amid surging temperatures in 2023, he jumped at the opportunity. Chirayath acquired the images at the top of this page with a high-performance digital camera (FluidCam) mounted on a drone and processed them with the fluid lensing technique.

The imagery provides a high-resolution look at the impact of bleaching at Horseshoe Reef, a cluster of small reefs in the upper Florida Keys near Key Largo. The image on the right, captured from a height of about 100 feet (30 meters), shows bleached and dead corals on August 8, 2023, after water temperatures had hit record highs. The image on the left shows the same area on May 18, before water temperatures had risen to dangerous levels for coral.

Though it once had some of the largest and healthiest stands of elkhorn and staghorn corals in the state, Horseshoe Reef has struggled in recent decades, like the rest of Florida’s reefs. NOAA and several partners have been working to restore Horseshoe Reef by planting as many as 1,000 young corals as a part of its Mission: Iconic Reefs program.

The entire program, which targets seven reefs throughout Florida, aims to restore 3 million square feet—an area the size of 52 football fields—to at least 25 percent coral cover by 2040. However, key reef-building species such as elkhorn and staghorn lost more than 75 percent of their restored populations at some reefs in summer 2023, according to NOAA assessments of outplanted individuals published in 2024.

“What you can see in the FluidCam image actually goes beyond bleaching,” explained Katey Lesneski, a marine biologist who inspected Horseshoe Reef several times during the worst of the heat. “The heat in summer 2023 was so early and intense that we actually had coral tissues almost instantly dying and sloughing off—something I’ve only seen in the laboratory before this,” she said.

An analysis published by Lesneski and colleagues at NOAA as well as partner organizations later found that of the 160 elkhorn coral genotypes present in this area prior to the summer 2023 heat, only 37 types were still alive in 2024—not enough to support normal coral reproduction. The photograph above, taken by Lesneski on July 25, 2023, shows bleached and likely dead elkhorn coral at Horseshoe Reef.

Bleaching can be quite subtle when viewed from above through water, and it can also be short-lived or obscured by algae, so it remains challenging to track bleaching or coral death with satellites. Chirayath’s ultimate goal is to use high-resolution images, like those from FluidCam, and machine-learning techniques to train software packages to map coral reefs in greater detail and in near-real time using satellite imagery. To refine and improve fluid lensing techniques, Chirayath conducted 13 international field campaigns in 2024 and expects to collect coral reef imagery in five new countries in 2025, including Madagascar, India, the Maldives, Australia, and the Seychelles.

Citizen scientists are using an iPad game called NeMO-NET to help speed the mapping process, and Chirayath is using observations from FluidCam as part of two ongoing projects supported by NASA’s Biodiversity and Ecological Forecasting Program—MarineVERSE (The Marine Biodiversity and Scaling Project) and PICOGRAM (Prediction of Individual Coral Growth Recruitment and Mortality) to develop a new high-resolution global map of coral. The information such efforts produce could make it easier to direct resources and research efforts toward reefs that are most at risk.

Meanwhile, all over the world, corals are struggling through what NOAA describes as the fourth global bleaching event on record. Bleaching has occurred in at least 70 countries and territories since January 1, 2023, or about 75 percent of the world’s coral reefs. Corals across large swaths of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans remain at high risk in the coming months, according to bleaching outlooks from NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch.

Florida’s reefs, however, got a partial reprieve in 2024. Though global temperatures remained elevated in 2024 and continued to break records, like they did in 2023, ocean temperatures in the Straits of Florida eased and bleaching was minimal, buying restoration efforts some time. The pair of images above shows how sea surface temperature anomalies compared on July 11, 2023, when temperatures were above the bleaching threshold, and July 11, 2024, when they were more moderate and below the threshold.

“We’re incredibly fortunate that we didn’t see widespread bleaching again this summer, but we know that heat waves like we saw in 2023 are likely to happen again,” Lesneski said. “Continuing to restore vulnerable reefs with coral that’s resilient to heat stress and disease and performing genetic rescues is going to be critical in the coming years.” A genetic rescue involves harvesting small amounts of coral and keeping them alive in facilities on land—similar to a zoo—to preserve genetic lines.

However, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist Peter Kalmus warns that even these efforts may not be enough. Kalmus has analyzed sea surface temperature data collected by satellites and used Earth systems models to project how often the world’s coral reefs are likely to experience bleaching conditions. In a study published in Earth’s Future, he estimated that about 80 percent of reef locations currently experience bleaching conditions every five years, what he considers an untenable rate for healthy reefs. In roughly two decades, he calculated that number would rise to 99 percent of reefs without rapid reductions in the use of fossil fuels.

NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using FluidCam data provided by Ved Chirayath (University of Miami) and data from the MUR SST (Multi-scale Ultra-high Resolution Sea Surface Temperature) project. Drone photograph courtesy of Ved Chirayath (University of Miami). Coral bleaching photograph courtesy of Katey Lesneski (NOAA). Story by Adam Voiland.

[assportsandinfra]

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Artificial Football Turfs

Artificial football turf has become a popular choice for sports facilities, providing a durable and weather-resistant playing surface. However, like any investment, artificial football turf requires proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. By following some key maintenance tips, you can keep your turf in excellent condition for years to come. Here’s how you can extend the lifespan of your artificial football turf with regular maintenance.

1. Regular Brushing

One of the essential steps in maintaining an artificial football turf is regular brushing. Over time, the fibers of the turf may flatten due to foot traffic and gameplay. Brushing helps restore the fibers to their upright position, ensuring that the turf maintains its natural look and playability. It’s especially important after heavy usage or in high-traffic areas.

Professional installers like AS Sports and Infra recommend using a soft-bristled brush or a specialized turf broom to prevent damage to the surface. Regular brushing also ensures even distribution of the infill material, which supports the fibers and provides a natural bounce to the ball.

2. Cleaning Debris

Keeping your artificial football turf free from debris is crucial for maintaining its quality. Leaves, dirt, and other materials can accumulate on the surface, affecting its drainage and aesthetic appeal. Routine cleaning prevents debris from getting embedded in the turf and blocking the drainage system.

Blowing or raking leaves off the turf regularly can prevent buildup. AS Sports and Infra emphasizes that thorough cleaning also minimizes the risk of mold and mildew, which can form if debris is left to decompose on the turf surface.

3. Infill Maintenance

The infill in an artificial football turf plays a significant role in its durability and performance. Over time, infill material such as sand or rubber can get displaced due to usage. It’s important to periodically check the level of infill across the turf, especially in high-traffic zones like the goal areas.

Adding infill when necessary ensures that the turf retains its cushioning effect, making the playing experience safer and more comfortable. Companies like AS Sports and Infra provide high-quality infill options, and their expert installers can help guide you on maintaining the correct infill levels to prolong your turf’s lifespan.

4. Effective Drainage System

A well-maintained drainage system is crucial for the longevity of an artificial football turf. Proper drainage prevents water from pooling on the surface, which can lead to mold, algae growth, and damage to the turf structure. Ensure that the drainage system is working efficiently, especially after heavy rain.

At AS Sports and Infra, we design our artificial football turfs with superior drainage systems to handle various weather conditions. Regularly checking the system and clearing any blockages will help prevent long-term water damage.

5. Repairing Minor Damages

Small damages to the artificial football turf can quickly escalate if not addressed in time. Rips, tears, or worn-out areas should be repaired immediately to prevent further deterioration. Repairing minor damages early ensures that your turf remains safe for players and maintains its visual appeal.

AS Sports and Infra offers professional repair services for artificial football turfs, ensuring that even minor issues are fixed promptly to avoid future complications. Regular inspections help catch these problems before they become more costly to fix.

6. Avoid Heavy Machinery

While artificial football turf is designed to be durable, heavy machinery or sharp objects can cause significant damage to the surface. Avoid using heavy equipment on the turf unless absolutely necessary, and always take precautions to protect the surface from punctures or tears.

In cases where machinery is required, AS Sports and Infra recommends placing protective mats over the turf to distribute the weight and minimize potential damage.

7. Maintain Proper Drainage

Proper drainage is essential for the long-term maintenance of your artificial football turf. Standing water or excessive moisture can lead to the degradation of the infill and the growth of mold or mildew. To ensure good drainage, check for any signs of pooling water after rainfall or irrigation and address any blockages immediately.

As experts in the field, AS Sports and Infra designs drainage systems specifically to meet the needs of each field. Regular inspection of the drainage system is key to ensuring the turf remains dry and functional throughout the year.

Conclusion

Maintaining an artificial football turf involves a combination of regular brushing, cleaning, infill maintenance, and timely repairs. By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your turf remains in top condition for many years, providing a safe and high-quality playing surface. For expert installation and guidance on artificial football turf, trust the specialists at AS Sports and Infra to deliver long-lasting results.

Find out more about maintaining your artificial football turf by visiting AS Sports and Infra, and if you’re looking for the best turf construction services in India, visit Best Football Turf Makers.

[docmcmoth]

most embarrassing moment, your favorite reoccuring dream (if you have one), happiest memory

one time when I was like 10 I fell into a pond thinking it was solid ground (I thought the algae on the surface was like rubber turf)

I don't have too many recurring dreams, but I do have a lot of recurring locations, like the neighborhood I lived in when I was little, the area around my elementary school, and various areas around town, I'm usually pretty happy to see those!

I don't know if I have a specific happiest memory, but I have a lot of happy memories with my boyfriend :3

[aquariuminfobureau]

One of the problems facing marine aquarium owners, is the growth of turning green algae. In reality such algae are useful for their role in the ammonium cycle, and in oxygenation. However they can be unsightly, and they compete with our ornamental species for space. When faced with algal turfs, aquarists often turn to livestock in an effort to control it. Not infrequently they purchase a sea hare. Sea hares or aplysids are snails that have their charming vernacular name, because their bodies have a rounded shape like that of a rabbit, and their sensory structures called rhinophores, outwardly resembles tbe ears of a rabbit or hare. Although the rhinophores of sea hates have a sensory function, they are not ears. Most often the sea hare purchased for the aquarium, is the well studied species, Dolabella auricularia, also known as the wedge, blunt end, or Japanese sea hare. But it is rarely labeled as anything other than just the generic label of sea hare, and other kinds of sea hare also enter the aquarium trade

D. auricularia are of variable coloration but they are always mottled in shades of green and brown. Sometimes this species is labeled as the green sea hare, but this name is shared by more than one Dolabella species. Although D. auricularia is sometimes called the Japanese sea hare, it actually has a far broader distribution in the Indo-West Pacific region. Usually this species is purchased when much smaller than it's potential size, with records existing of 40 centimeters or 16 inches long individuals.

Although sea hares appear to lack a shell, their shell is in fact present in sea hares, but it has become internalized. Rather than retreating into a shell like most snails when disturbed, sea hares are protected by toxins that make them distasteful to predators. They are even able to expel an ink from their bodies, which includes a chemical called aplysioviolin. This distasteful biochemical is derived from the metabolites of red algae, which are ironically a chemical defence of the algae itself, that are sequestered by the sea hare. Marine snails with hidden or absent shells are often referred to as sea slugs. In fact snails are an enormous clade, that have shown repeated tendencies across their evolutionary lineages, towards independently reducing, internalizing, and eventually losing their shells.

Sea slugs are not a natural grouping by descent, and are scattered amid those gastropods retaining large shells. In fact the sea hares or aplysids are more closely related to most land snails (which happen to include the land slugs) than to the colorful nudibranchs But they are still more closely related, to the faunivorous headshield slugs and pterobranchs. Amid this branch of the tree of gastropod life, the sra hare subclade is remarkable for their atypically herbivorous diet

D. aurantiaca are most normally found in sheltered bays and lagoons, away from rough currents, amid seagrasses and in association with soft substrates. This species can also be encountered in large, intertidal rockpools. It is well understood that D. auricularia is a herbivore, feeding on a broad variety of red and green macroalgal species. Dolabella are relatively unaffected by the chemical defenses of macroalgae, but they are reluctant to feed on calcified or tough species. Because Dolabella can find a use for algal secondary metabolities, it does not avoid ingesting certain algal species incorporating noxious chemical defences.

D. aurantiaca are not offensive to other animals sharing their aquarium. However if they feel threatened, there is a possibility they might secrete their noxious ink into the water, even though this behavior is infrequent Reportedly the discharged ink irritates corals in the aquarium, but although it contains a toxic deterrent, the ink is not severe enough to kill fish It also has effects on crabs, echinoderms, annelids, and other gastropods. There is always the problem that sea hares will run out of suitable foods in their aquarium, when they have eaten all of the algae to their taste, which are usually green turf algae. At this point the aquarist will need to feed the sea hare by providing foods of suitably algal origin, perhaps by actually culturing suitable algae, to put it into the tank.

Sea hares can also eat nori, and even vegetables such as lettuce, if it is first blanched to reduce its toughness, though they deserve hair algae. If it is available, sea lettuce or aonori, a macroalgae consumed by humans, in countries like France and Japan, is known to be consumed by D. aurantiaca in the wild. The best substitute food for sea hares, is sea vegetables sold for consumption by people or tangs. Unfortunately, this species will consume some desirable aquarium macroalgae, such as Dictyota, Padina, and Sargassum.

[canadianasphalt050]

How to fix and restore a broken driveway made of asphalt

The inevitable duty of clearing up the mess caused by winter weather has arrived, just like it does every summer. Now is the best time to fix a cracked tarmac driveway and fix potholes, unless you want to ignore the issue or hire a professional contractor in Hamilton. Should you accept this task, it will examine affordable methods for filling in depressed spots on the asphalt, repairing potholes, removing stains from oil and chemical spills, and revitalizing old or damaged driveways and parking lots.

Although driveways may evoke images of opulent country estates and majestic castles, any property with a garage or parking area is probably going to have some sort of driveway.

The proverb that states "first impressions matter" is especially true when it comes to driveways of properties up for sale. Before they have even entered the front door, the driver may make or break the decision for the people seeing the home if it appears pitted or has numerous minor potholes and cracks. However, it is not only about potential buyers; broken driveways detract from the appearance of your house to friends, family, and neighbors. Now is the moment to identify the issue and consider a solution if the asphalt appears to be in poor condition or if there are potholes.

cracks in the driveway

Driveway cracks are a common occurrence, particularly in high-traffic locations (such as tiny family homes with little to no car usage) or in areas where the asphalt is subjected to high levels of sunlight, precipitation, snow, ice, and other seasonal element cycles. Although the harm cannot be stopped, there are ways to anticipate it and stay one step ahead. Read this post about fixing cracks in garage floors and concrete if you need to deal with them. To shield the tarmac from the elements, moss, algae, and weeds, now is the time to act and seal any small cracks in addition to resealing the entire surface.

However, tree roots can cause heavier-duty cracks by separating the concrete or asphalt. This may be a prevalent issue in neighborhoods and council estates. Due to potential harm, a tree may need to be chopped down or have its roots "removed" as much as feasible. This is obviously extensive remodeling work, maybe involving tearing up the entire driveway and resurfacing or laying new flooring.

Indentations in the asphalt

Although it is the responsibility of a driveway, it is only right that any depressions be filled as soon as possible, before that little dimple in the drive turns into a pothole. Nobody enjoys being walked all over. Little low spots in the surface called depressions and divots can form when water collects, as in the case of puddles or fuel spills. Isolated settlement of the underlying foundation layer can also result in depressions. They are possibly the most prevalent and unnoticed driveway damage.

Blemishes: damage from abrasive, chemical, or oil substances Vehicles do damage tarmac surfaces by leaking, whether they are in a driveway, parking lot, minor in-road, or main highway. This is particularly frequent from parked autos, as chemical or abrasive substance damage can develop greatly in short- or long-term parking places.

The one word that councils dread the most is potholes. Tarmac driveways and parking lot surfaces are particularly susceptible to them. They are a big annoyance to any asphalt stretch and dangerous to run over quickly.

Repairing the damage: Detailed instructions

Clean, dry surfaces are the ideal conditions for performing any driveway repair work: 1. Use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the surface. 2. Use a brush with firm bristles to clean the surface. 3. To get rid of any weeds, algae, or moss that is tenacious, use a surface cleaning. 4. To repair any petroleum damage, use an oil-spot primer. 5. Use an ice scraper or a flat spade to trim the margins of any grass or turf that is above the pavement. 6. Remove any leaves, dust, and debris that may have gathered in any corners and been blown onto the wet, drying tarmac.

7. Never trample over a mess to make it easier for postal workers or pedestrians to reach a building. 8. Apply a mask to the driveway's margins where it touches walls, fences, buildings, or foundations.

patching up cracks in the driveway

The best course of action is to get the damaged area ready: 1. Clean out any dirt or loose material from the fracture using a screwdriver. 2. Remove any tiny dirt completely using a brush or vacuum cleaner. Make sure the crack is dry and free of moisture by using a bitumen-based filler to fill the spaces.

[stonedepotau]

Myths About Limestone Stepping Stones That You Must Know  

Although Australian landscaping designs are starting to incorporate limestone stepping stones more frequently, there are a lot of false beliefs regarding these stones' suitability for outdoor use. In contrast to their name, limestone stepping stones are incredibly low maintenance and long-lasting, providing homes with attractive and useful options for outdoor flooring. Let us highlight the benefits of placing limestone stepping stones in your backyard and debunk some of the most common myths. A bit more about Limestone first.

An Introduction to Limestone 

Sedimentary rocks include limestone. Carbonate of calcium and other organic elements, including fossils, make up the majority of its composition. Over millions of years, calcium carbonate-rich silt deposits started to accumulate and solidify with the remains of marine organisms, most frequently in shallow water environments like reefs and seas. This is how limestone was formed. Coral, algae, and fossilized shells are a few examples of these animals. In the process, the components adhere to one another as the weight of the sediment bears down on the layers below, forcing the emerging stone to consolidate, compact, and cement. This sediment becomes crystallized under pressure and heat, yielding limestone, a solid form. This process can go on and produce an ever denser stone, depending on the repository.

Myth #1: Limestone stepping stones are not durable 

Limestone stepping stones are manufactured at exceptionally high temperatures, making them tougher, denser and more durable than other paving materials. They are also more scratch-resistant than concrete, real stone and timber and they are less prone to be harmed by furniture movement and other abrasive surfaces. Limestone stepping stones are more robust and ideal for commercial locations with significant foot traffic. They can also be utilised on driveways when wet. Overall, Limestone stepping stones are among the most durable options for outdoor spaces. 

Myth #2: Limestone stepping stones feel hot underfoot 

When it comes to the temperature of your outdoor flooring, the colour, not the material composition, has the greatest impact on its heating and cooling capabilities. According to industry testing, the temperature of Limestone stepping stones is comparable to natural stone pavers of the same colour, with darker pavers producing higher surface temperatures than lighter ones. In general, Limestone stepping stones feel cooler to the touch than concrete pavers. 

Myth #3: Limestone stepping stones are stain magnet 

Do you think the porous structure of Limestone stepping stones makes them more prone to discolouration and difficult to maintain? Think again. 

When sealed with a breathable sealant like concrete pavers, Limestone stepping stones can withstand ordinary mistakes such as rust and grease from a grill, wine or ketchup from a party or tyre marks on a driveway. It won't prevent the stain, but you can make cleaning it up much easier since it won't penetrate the stone. Cleaning is simple; an environmentally friendly degreaser and a light pressure washer can remove 99% of all stains on Limestone stepping stones. No harsh chemicals or acids are required, which benefits not only the landscaping workers but also the turf and ornamentals around the house.  

Myth #4: Limestone stepping stones are quite difficult to clean

This myth is not real. Limestone stepping stones are extremely durable and require little to no care once installed. We only advise that if you choose Limestone stepping stones, seal it. It is recommended for all pavers to lengthen their lifespan, especially Limestone stepping stones, due to their high porosity. Sealing your stones prevents spills and impurities from infiltrating the surface, making cleaning much easier.  

This protects the stone's integrity as well. You should reseal as needed. The average duration between resealing is three to five years. If you wipe up spills as soon as they happen and seal them regularly, you should have no trouble keeping your pavers clean. 

Myth #5: Limestone stepping stones are slippery 

Limestone stepping stones are slip-resistant and can be used outdoors, even around pools and spas. It is advisable to choose pavers that meet Australian non-slip specifications.  

Myth #6: Limestone stepping stones are not sustainable 

The last myth we'll dispel is the idea that the extraction of natural stones has a negative environmental impact. As with the cost argument, it is better to put in more work up front because limestone stepping stones last longer than manufactured materials.

What applications are there for Limestone stepping stones? 

They are a gorgeous stone option that can transform any space. Limestone stepping stones has a multitude of applications, including but not limited to: 

Walkways and Paths 

Entertainment areas 

Patios 

Fire pits 

Discover Other Limestone Stepping Stones Myths 

If you are still interested in Limestone Stepping Stones but have concerns about what you have heard, simply contact Impression with your queries. Limestone is a stunning, elegant natural material that can transform any home's decor. Once you've decided it's the right material for you, you can work out how to customise it, what colour to use and where to position it. Wherever Limestone stepping stones end up, they will enhance the room's overall elegance and value. 

[synthetic-turf-concepts]

Synthetic Turf Concepts for Your Turf Cleaning Needs in North Carolina

In the lush landscapes of North Carolina, artificial grass provides a pristine, low-maintenance solution for homeowners and businesses alike. However, to maintain its beauty and functionality, professional cleaning is essential. Synthetic Turf Concepts leads the way in synthetic turf cleaning in North Carolina, offering comprehensive services that address common issues like pet odors, moss and algae, debris, and pests. Here’s why hiring the professionals at Synthetic Turf Concepts is a game-changer for your artificial grass.

https://synturfconcepts.com/synthetic-turf-concepts-artificial-grass-cleaning-north-carolina/

[fuegito-de-eeuu]

Man… mermaids…

I feel like I see a lot of interesting interpretations about them. Cause I mean, there are a fusion of a fish and human, and the human half is the upper half so obviously they act human.

But like. That’s. Kinda lame imo.

Yeah, this essentially different race of people who live in an entirely different environment and are often shown to have either not interacted with humans for a while or were shown to have separated from humans ages ago… yep, they speak English. I’m sorry??? They speak? Under the water?

I know it’s for convenience sake in some media, but lordy anyone who has gone swimming knows it’s kinda hard for people to just talk underwater, even if they could breathe the water.

GIVE ME THE WHALE SOUNDS. GIVE ME THE DEEPLY HORRIFIC NOISES. GIVE ME SOMETHING THAT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE ON LAND.

It just. doesn’t make any sense to me. Like maybe I can get it for more like. Close to shore mermaids or mermaids in contact with humans more, but even then it wouldn’t be the greatest for communicating underwater.

Not to mention like. Why are mermaids built like a surf and turf platter. Like occasionally I see fin-like ears which, aesthetically, I’m a big fan of. But other than that it’s just, “yeah they got a fish tail” AND THAT’S IT.

There so many different kinds of aquatic creatures, why just fish :(

Why is the difference at the waist. Why is it just a normal guy or gal. Give me claws. Give me teeth. Give me more traits for a creature that likely needs to use its body to hunt more.

Slightly going back to the first point, but usually I only see people-sized mermaids. This isn’t bad but, it would be so cool to see this giant humanoid shark mermaid or something just grinning at you because they managed to sneak up on you. Or maybe slightly or very small reef-fish mermaids. There’s so much more to do!!! Why just. Normal sized people.

Why do they still have an internal breathing structure. I would get it for a more mammalian mermaid I guess, like a manatee or seal mermaid. But like, there's a reason fish have a more external breathing structure and that's because it's more efficient for getting air from the water. Granted we see mermaids surfacing a lot in media, or just chilling on land. But maybe a more amphibian build would be cool to see?

Also with the size thing, most mermaids I’ve seen in media are just like. Vibing in the open ocean. Maybe they got a castle or something there, or something else important is there, but like. Only open ocean? As just bright-colored, pretty-looking fish? The wide open ocean isn’t exactly home to brightly colored fish because it makes them easy to spot. Most open ocean fish are blue, grey, and/or white. If you want the fancy, brightly colored fish and a mermaid society… CORAL REEFS. THEY’RE LITERALLY SO PRETTY AND WOULD MAKE MORE SENSE IF YOU WANT THE PRETTY, NOT DANGEROUS GROUP OF FISH PEOPLE.

Which also leads me to where exactly would mermaids be on the food chain. Let alone the ocean food web. I’d say they could be predators as humans are omnivores and there’s plenty of predatory fish, but the pretty reef fish usually eat algae. Maybe it’d just depend on the type of mermaid you’d be in my version, but like, for the standard surf and turf mermaids in media… where are they.

They’re not really shown eating a lot. They have human teeth which aren’t exactly good for hunting. No claws. Maybe sometimes they'll have like weapons and stuff but even then, spears aren't exactly fantastic for fighting underwater unless you're fighting someone else with a spear.So are they vegans??? Vegetarians??? I wouldn't mind that but it's just something that still bugs me.

But aside from that.

WHY DO THEY HAVE BOOBS

It seems so inconvenient for a creature that primarily lives underwater. Especially for series such as One Piece that already has the slight issue of giving almost every afab character MASSIVE FUCKING HONKERS. Big tits are heavy on land, and in water, they float. HOW INCONVENIENT WOULD THAT BE AS A MERMAID.

You constantly have to swim just downwards slightly or exert more effort just to stay down. Like??? No other sea fairing mammal has boobs 24/7. No other mammal in general has boobs 24/7. Why? They're just. kinda inconvenient.

Not to mention, for a race of creatures that are part-fish... why aren't the afab mermaids big. Their upper bodies have no difference compared to humans on land. GIVE ME THE ALPHA FEMALE MERMAIDS YOU COWARDS, WE ALREADY HAVE ALPHA WEREWOLVES AND THOSE AREN'T EVEN SCIENTIFICALLY CORRECT EITHER.

Finally onto the culture. Why is it just a copy of human culture. Like you just put human cities and castles and systems underwater without giving two shits and called it a day. Have fun with it??? Go crazy??? Especially if you're just doing it in the open ocean of all things. Why are they civil. Mad max that shit. It is the open ocean.

If you want your cities, there are much more interesting areas in the ocean than the outside of fucking bikini bottom. There are coral reefs, kelp forests, mangroves, estuaries, mid-ocean ridges, and quite a bit more. Make it more interesting than a palace of gold that seemed to have come from nowhere.

What would genuinely have value in a mermaid world? Would new creatures and plants adapt to living with larger creatures? What would mermaids try to cultivate if they do attempt to grow food? Would they both with clothes or armor? What would cause issues and divides between mermaids? etc.

there's just... so much more to think about that I feel doesn't get talked about in common media. I'm not mad about pretty mermaids or anything, I'm just mad that not more is done with such a cool race.

[drainageteam1001]

How Stormwater Basins are Saving Our Cities, One Raindrop at a Time!

Urban stormwater runoff carries gross pollutants from roads and other impervious surfaces to nearby water bodies. These contaminants clog storm drains, seal side entry pits and increase dissolved pollutants in receiving waters.

Catch basins are the first line of treatment for urban stormwater. They are often combined with surface drains cut into curbs. They also store sediment and trap debris. They need routine cleaning to function correctly.

Stormwater Basins

Basins are the often-unnoticed impoundments built near residential, commercial and other developments to temporarily hold stormwater runoff during heavy rain events. They prevent high volumes of water from rushing into streams and can help mitigate flooding downstream, as well as reduce pollutants that would otherwise enter the stream system. Depending on the design, they may either have a permanent pool of water (retention basin) or drain to a stream within a specified time (detention basin).

In lined or unlined basins, water soaks into the soil at a slow rate. This allows for a much more natural appearance than the large, mowed systems commonly used in suburban development, and it also helps improve water quality by allowing for greater filtration and biological uptake of pollutants.

The drainage areas around basins are typically filled with native vegetation, which is more visually appealing than mowed turf grass and offers habitat for wildlife. It is important to maintain these plants and monitor the health of the vegetation for problems like excessive algae blooms, which can be a serious problem in urban stormwater management. It is also important to inspect the basin regularly for erosion, sedimentation and clogging of the low flow orifices. If these issues are not addressed quickly, the basin may need to be modified or replaced. The best way to keep a basin in good condition is to perform routine maintenance, including keeping the vegetation healthy, mowing the lower slopes of the basins regularly, and pulling weeds before they become established.

Storm Drains

The storm drain system takes the rainwater that isn’t absorbed by the soil (from streets, sidewalks and lawn chemicals) and transports it to our local creeks, rivers and ocean. When it rains, this water can overwhelm city sewer systems and cause flooding and erosion on our beaches and waterfronts.

Stormwater basins, or catch basins, are the square metal grates we see in our street corners and curbs. They’re designed to collect stormwater runoff so that streets and sidewalks don’t flood, but they also trap any garbage or debris that is washed onto the road from yards and driveways. From there, the stormwater is carried away through an underground network of swales, drains and pipes to the actual storm drain, which opens out into our local creeks, rivers and the ocean.

Most of the time, you’ll only notice a stormwater basin when it’s full of water during a rainfall event. They can look like natural ponds that continually hold water or more structured landscaped areas that contain native plants and allow the water to be slowly released into the surrounding soils and groundwater.

The most important feature of any stormwater basin is its design. A good design will eliminate most of the problems that you might encounter when maintaining your new basin and will make it an attractive part of your landscaping.

Stormwater Pits

When it rains heavily, water can overwhelm city sewers, flooding homes & damaging roads and buildings. The best way to handle this water is to divert it near the source. This is where stormwater basins come in. These pits are designed to collect the water and release it at a rate that prevents flooding and erosion. The City encourages residential and commercial property owners to install these types of drainage solutions as a part of its Clean River Rewards program, which provides a discount on the stormwater portion of utility, sewer, and water bills.

Basins are typically round, similar to a pond, or long and narrow like a swale, depending on site and design preferences. They can be lined or unlined, and the City’s Stormwater Management Manual has detailed safety and space requirements.

Lined basins may be vegetated with plants that oxygenate the water, create habitat and control algae growth. If planted unlined, plants should be native to reduce the risk of weeds and pests, which can damage water quality and wildlife habitat.

Regular maintenance of a basin can help to keep it working well. Check for signs of clogging in the drain grate, and remove any debris or sediment that has accumulated. Water the plants deeply, and if needed, thin and divide dense plantings every two to five years.

Stormwater Detention Basins

Detention basins are designed to store stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces for a short time in order to reduce flooding downstream from larger rainfall events. They also allow for the settling of sediments and pollutants that collect in the storage basin before being slowly drained to a nearby stream or water body. This process reduces the size and duration of a flood peak and also decreases the frequency of high water levels in downstream streams.

Many of these structures are built with a weir (visible in the first two drone photos above) that lets stormwater fill the basin as it rises in a channel. Other detention basins are not connected to a channel, and stormwater simply flows into the structure when it gets too high in a storm event.

While the main function of a detention basin is to control flood flows, they can also provide significant benefits when used with vegetation to improve the infiltration, adsorption, and biochemical degradation of pollutants. They can also reduce mosquito habitat and help maintain soil compaction within the basin.

Another benefit of using a detention basin is the ability to utilize native, deep-rooted grasses and shrubs. These plants provide a host of environmental benefits including filtration, infiltration, and re-purification of stormwater, as well as habitat for desirable wildlife species. In addition to these ecological benefits, they can lower the cost of maintenance by reducing mowing frequency and increasing the amount of organic matter that is recycled within the basin.

[premierhomeandgarden]

Premier Home & Garden: Elevating Your Living Spaces

Your home is more than just a place to live; it's your sanctuary, your retreat from the world. Your garden, on the other hand, is an extension of your home, a natural haven where you can relax and unwind. Maintaining both your home and garden is essential to creating a harmonious living environment. In this comprehensive guide, we explore three key services offered by Premier Home & Garden that can transform your space - Window Cleaning, Pressure Washing, and Lawn Coring in Perth.

Window Cleaning Perth: Bringing Clarity to Your View

Windows are the gateway to the outside world, and a clean, sparkling window can drastically improve the ambiance of your home. Premier Home & Garden offers top-tier window cleaning services in Perth, ensuring that your view remains clear and bright. With advanced equipment and expert technicians, we eliminate dust, grime, and smudges, leaving you with windows that are crystal clear and streak-free.

Our Window Cleaning Service:

Interior and Exterior Cleaning: We take care of both sides of the window, ensuring a thorough clean.

High-Quality Cleaning Agents: Our eco-friendly cleaning products are safe for your family and the environment.

Regular Maintenance: Scheduled window cleaning to keep your home looking its best year-round.

Pressure Cleaning Perth: Renew the Look of Your Home

Over time, the exterior of your home can accumulate dirt, grime, and algae, diminishing its overall appeal. Premier Home & Garden's Pressure Cleaning service in Perth is the answer to restoring your home's glory. We use high-pressure water jets to remove stubborn stains, mildew, and years of built-up grime from your walls, driveway, and other outdoor surfaces.

Our Pressure Cleaning Service:

Versatile Cleaning: We can clean various surfaces, including brick, concrete, pavers, and more.

Protective Sealant: Optional application of sealant to preserve the cleanliness and appearance of surfaces.

Boost Property Value: A clean exterior enhances your home's curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Lawn Coring Perth: Nourishing Your Garden from Within

A lush, green lawn is the crowning glory of any garden. Premier Home & Garden offers Lawn Coring services in Perth to improve the health and vitality of your turf. Lawn coring, also known as aeration, is a process that involves perforating the soil with small holes, allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone. This encourages healthier, more vibrant grass.

Our Lawn Coring Service:

Aeration Expertise: Our professionals use specialized equipment to ensure optimal aeration without causing damage to your lawn.

Improved Water Absorption: Thorough aeration enhances the soil's ability to absorb water, reducing the need for excessive watering.

Thicker, Healthier Lawn: Lawn coring promotes root growth, leading to a denser and more resilient lawn.

Why Choose Premier Home & Garden?

Expertise: With years of experience, our team is skilled in handling a wide range of home and garden projects.

Customer Satisfaction: We prioritize your satisfaction, delivering top-quality results every time.

Affordable Pricing: Premier Home & Garden offers competitive pricing to make these essential services accessible to all.

Eco-Friendly Practices: We use eco-conscious products and methods to minimize our environmental footprint.

Convenience: Our team works around your schedule to ensure minimal disruption to your daily life.

In Conclusion

Your home and garden deserve the best care to keep them looking stunning and inviting. Premier Home & Garden is your one-stop solution for Window Cleaning, Pressure Washing, and Lawn Coring in Perth. Whether you need to brighten up your living space, rejuvenate your home's exterior, or boost the health of your garden, we have the expertise and services to make it happen. Invest in the beauty and longevity of your property, and let Premier Home & Garden elevate your living spaces. Contact us today to schedule your next home and garden transformation.