It’s your special day. The one you want to remember for the
rest of your life. And you want it to be a memorable event for your guests as
well. There’s an easy way to make your wedding and reception stand out, but
it’s often overlooked. The solution is lighting.

With so many things to consider, from the venue, to the
colors, caterer, the dress, flowers and more, it’s easy to get caught up in the
planning and overlook this aspect of the event. Lighting brings a lot of
additional options for design and flair. It can have a dramatic effect for the
ceremony and reception. In fact, it can totally change the atmosphere.

There are several types of featured lighting that can be
used. You can choose one or more to set your event apart and make it memorable.

 

·         Uplighting showcases a beam of color or multiple colors
going from floor to ceiling. Beams can be placed around the room featuring
colorful accents that complement your wedding colors.

·         Another popular lighting option is color washing. This
technique can actually cover the entire space in a particular color or colors.
Color washing is an excellent option to bring some pizzazz to a neutral-colored
event space.

·        Using lighting as its own focal point is also an
option, especially for a reception venue. Couples can use a custom monogram or
their names and the wedding date and spotlight this information on a wall,
ceiling or floor.

Most experts say if you have a limited lighting budget,
focus your dollars on the dance floor. Lighting can add fun to the mood, and
what better place for fun than the dance floor.

The experts in the Party Division at Action Rental and Sales
can help you select the lighting options that work for you. Call our office
today at (423) 246-5181 to set a time to learn about our lighting options and
the many other ways we can help you make your special day even more memorable. 

Despite what Punxsutawney Phil may have indicated, Spring is
just around the corner. And with Spring comes the potential for more severe
weather. With this in mind, those trees around your house – you know, the ones
with limbs that beat against the house during storms – are going to be poised
to do more damage. That is, unless you prune them.

 

Pruning trees helps to keep their shape visually attractive,
and when done correctly, it’s good for the tree. A large, mature tree can add
tons of curb appeal to a home. But for all we love about trees, trimming higher branches can be a real challenge. Sure you can climb up the tree, brace
yourself on a limb, hold a chain saw with one hand and hope for the best. But
that’s neither the safest nor the most efficient way to trim higher limbs.

 

Trimming limbs that are out of reach is much easier with a
pole saw. At Action Rentals, we have gas-powered pole saws with telescoping
shafts ranging from 7-1/2 feet to 11-1/2 feet as well as extension poles to be
used with manual hand-type pruners. These tools allow you to cut through your
tree limbs while maintaining a greater level of safety.

 

Even though using a pole saw is safer than climbing a tree
to prune it with a hand saw or chain saw, it is still a dangerous activity.

·     
Make sure you use proper protective gear, such as
gloves, safety glasses and a hard hat.

·     
Stretch your neck, shoulders and upper body to loosen
up before getting started.

·     
Plan to rest periodically. Holding a saw above your
body for an extended period of time is very tiring.

·     
For powered saws, follow all manufacturer guidelines.

·     
Never cut near power lines!

·     
Avoid using a pole saw in damp or wet conditions.

·     
When cutting thicker tree limbs, make a wedge cut so
your blade doesn’t get jammed in the limb.

·     
Make sure you have a clear work area and a planned
retreat before you start cutting.

·     
Keep both hands on the saw and maintain steady footing.

·     
Stand at a 45-degree angle to where you are cutting
when possible. This gives you more room to get out of the way as limbs fall to
the ground.

·     
Know your limits. For longer limbs, start near the end
and cut them in segments.

 

So as you’re planning your Spring spruce-up, don’t risk climbing
precariously in a tree. Stop by Action Rentals and let our professionals show
you how to properly use a manual or gas-powered pole saw. It’s a safer and
faster way to trim your trees and beautify your property while protecting your
most valuable investment.

Call or come by Action Rental today for all your rental needs.

 

We all need water for everyday living, and while the recent wet weather in
our area is great for our water table, all this moisture cans cause issues in
and around our homes. With Spring just around the corner, we can expect even
more rain, so now is the time to address potential water issues.

One of the most common problems we see are areas of our yard that don’t
drain well. Maybe it’s a valley in your property, and water collects there. Or
maybe the soil is a type that doesn’t absorb water as readily. Whatever the
cause, the solution is a time-tested one – the French drain.

French drains involve digging a trench in the area where water stands and
filling the trench with material that will improve the drainage capacity of the
area. Historically, French drains have included gravel to help with drainage
but no actual drain pipe. Most modern French drains actually include a pipe
because it aids in the draining process and makes them last longer.

Before digging for a French drain, call 811 in Tennessee or Virginia to
have service providers mark the location for water lines and any other
underground utilities. Once you know you aren’t harming any existing utilities,
you can begin digging.

Digging a French drain is the hardest part of the process. Fortunately,
modern tools make a big difference. You can dig it by hand, but the process
goes much more quickly with a trencher. Action Rental stocks trenchers that
will help you cut the digging time dramatically.

After digging your trench and getting the slope set properly, you can place
your gravel and drainage tube in the trench. For long-last results, it is
recommended that you place permeable landscape fabric around the edge of the
trench. This lets water pass through but helps keep sediment from seeping into
your French drain. Then you want a layer of gravel along the bottom of the
trench. For best results, use clean or washed gravel. Crushed limestone is not
recommended because it hardens like cement.

Your drain pipe should be a perforated rigid plastic style. You can add
proper drain pipe fittings if desired. This will assist you in cleanout if the
pipe should ever become clogged.

 A properly installed French drain will improve the drainage on your
property and reduce or eliminate standing water issues. This can be a
do-it-yourself job. To make the process as quick and easy as possible, see the
pros at Action Rental for the right tools.