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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 T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nancy | 10/23/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Russel was very helpful and very clear ..... |
| Veronica | 10/23/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Judy | 10/04/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you once again for a rapid ..... |
| Judy | 10/04/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | I was pleasantly surprised with the very ..... |
| DON & JUDI WEISCHEDEL | 08/20/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Recent Answers from Russel Ray
2009-11-19 Artificial Turf-Residential:
Hey, Sara. As with anything new (carpet, cars, paint, etc.), there might be a residual odor, but you should notice it outdoors. I had one of the first Astroturf lawns in Houston way back in the late
2009-10-23 Wildflower planting:
Hey, Veronica. I think you're going to have problems getting the wildflowers to do well if you're starting with seed in goundcover bark. If you want to start with seeds, let the seeds get a good
2009-10-22 Lawn fabric and mulch:
Hey, Nancy. Home Depot sells some excellent mulch in all sizes. It's by EarthGro. It's all I use here in San Diego. You'll have best success with it if you cover the ground with at least an inch, and
2009-10-22 Lawn fabric and mulch:
Hey, Nancy. Why do you "need to put at least three inches of mulch on the ground"? I can tell you from experience that it won't have any effect on the gophers. However, mulch will help control
2009-10-04 non native Australian Pine trees:
Hey, Judy. The Australian pine is not a true pine, but I'm not aware of it producing new trees through suckering of the roots. Rather, you probably just have a lot of seeds sprouting, especially if
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