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Landscaping & Design/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer questions about water-wise landscaping, xeriscaping, and using native vegetation, cactus, and succulents to create a home paradise that won't increase your water bill.
Experience in the area
My wise ol' grandmother got me started with cactus and succulents 42 years ago. The rest, as they say, is history.
Organizations
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Better Business Bureau of San Diego
Education/Credentials
After graduating from Texas A&M University, I started a plant-sitting business in Houston to take care of the house plants when people went on vacation. That went on for five years before I moved back to College Station and started several businesses, one of which was a landscaping business specializing in "dry" landscaping.
Awards and Honors
The privilege of working with people.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Megan | 04/12/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks! That is really helpful!! Megan |
| Elsa | 03/26/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much Russel for your ..... |
| Elsa | 03/25/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you Russel for your advice, I ..... |
| Pam Erdmann | 02/22/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you for answering my question so ..... |
| will | 04/14/10 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
Recent Answers from Russel Ray
2011-04-11 Xeriscaping front yard:
Hey, Megan. You should be able to install new xeriscape landscaping yourself. That's because most xeriscape plants don't have a lot of requirements, which is what makes them good xeriscape plants.
2011-03-26 planting ideas:
Hey, Elsa. I'll be in Chula Vista next week. I'll be in the 91910 zip code on Date Avenue. It will be sometime between Wednesday and Saturday. If that's not too late, I'd be happy to stop by. Let me
2011-03-26 planting ideas:
Hey, Elsa. It's not unusual to find a rusted weep screed and it might not need to be replaced depending on how rusted it is. If you can pull sections of rusted metal off, it should be replaced. The
2011-03-24 planting ideas:
Hey, Elsa. Actually, I would suggest removing those bricks near your foundation. That littlte indentation at the bottom of the stucco wall is a weep screed, also called a weep rail. There should be
2011-02-20 savannah holly:
Hey, Pam. The best way to answer that question is, "Would I do that to my own property?" My answer would be yes. The savannah holly doesn't have a huge, destructive root system, so it should be okay
Answers by Expert:
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