Are you planning a project that
involves digging a hole?  New plants,
posts and many projects will require you dig a hole (or holes)! The hole you
dig may be critical to your job’s success. Make sure you dig it properly.

Planting /
Landscaping

For trees and shrubs, the depth they
are planted can mean life or death!  If
you plant too deep, you could create a basin that can collect too much water,
which can cause root rot and you lose the plant. On the other hand, if you
plant too shallow, the roots may dry out. If you live in a colder region, the
soil can push the plant right out of the ground when it freezes and thaws in
the winter. Additionally, the planting hole must also be wide enough to allow
space for root growth.

If you are planting roses, please
note that they are especially sensitive to planting depth. If you live in a
warmer region, make sure to plant so that where the canes connect with the
roots, is just at or a little above soil level. 
If you live in a colder region, plant so that the union is below soil
level (4” – 6” depending on the severity and length of your winters. 

For holes associated with planting
and landscaping we have many tools that will not only make your job easier, but
will make it faster!  Give us a call
today to see how Action Rentals can help you!

Decks,
Fences and More

If you are digging a hole (holes)
for posts, it is critical that the posts are plumb. For projects such as
decks or fences, make sure the hole is vertical rather than at an angle and the
bottom of the hole is level. The hole needs to be deep enough to support the
structural needs of the project as well as meet any code requirements. Use the
proper concrete mix, gravel or other fill material for the hole. Allow the concrete
sufficient time to cure before proceeding to the next step.

To be sure, digging a hole is usually not a lot of fun, especially if you’ve got
a lot of them to do. However, having the right tools will help not only speed
up the process, but make it easier for you. Shovels, spades and forks are some
common implements. For larger jobs, a digging bar, post hole digger, mattock or
pick may be necessary. Power tools such as tillers and augers can actually make
digging fun. If you use the right tool for the job, the tool itself can do most
of the work. Let the experts at Action Rentals in Kingsport help you make the
most of out of your project.  Give us a
call at 423-246-5181, visit us online at www.actionrentalkpt.com or come by
our showroom at 1861 North Eastman Road in Kingsport, TN for more information.

Remember to
call before you dig! Call the North America One Call Referral Service at
1-888-258-0808 (or just dial 811) for a national directory of utility
companies.

At Action Rentals we
understand the value of providing high-quality products.  One of the
pieces of equipment that we carry and pride ourself on is the Skyjack SJ63AJ Articulated Boom Lift.  

The SJ63AJ articulated
boom lift has a platform height of 63 feet and a working height of 69 feet. The
product is an articulated boom lift, which is the latest in the company’s
growing boom lift range and adds to its 46 feet and 51 feet articulated models
and 60 feet and 65 feet straight telescopics.

One of the most
innovative features on the new boom lift is its lift mechanism, with a dual
sigma type over-centre riser with open throat knuckle joint and twin riser lift
cylinders. The lift mechanism design is such that the platform can be lowered
all the way to the ground with the risers fully extended.

The boom lift has an
outreach of over 39 feet, and up and over reach is a very respectable 27 feet.
The machine’s gross vehicle weight is 10 tons sufficiently low to allow two
units to be carried on a trailer with a total all up weight of under 45,000.

For more information on
this and other products that Action Rentals carries, give us a call at
423-246-5181, visit us online at ActionRentalKpt.com or stop by our store at
1861 North Eastman Road, Kingsport, TN.

Here are some final tips to make your big day easier and
stress-free!

1. Provide Accurate Driving Directions

This one is crucial.  It is imperative that guests
know where they’re going. As easy as online map programs are to use, sometimes
the directions are wrong — or there’s a quicker, less traffic-prone route to
take. Ask your ceremony and reception sites for printouts of recommended
driving directions, which they often keep in stock for weddings and will give
to you for free, and test out the routes yourself.  You do not want your
guests arriving late or being frustrated when they arrive due to traffic or
poor directions.

2. Paper Trail

It is important to get any nonstandard changes to your
agreements in writing or send the vendor a confirmation email saying,
“Hello, just confirming that you’ll keep the venue open until 2 a.m.
versus midnight.” As much as you want to take people for their word,
don’t.  By the time your wedding comes around, your contact may no longer
be working there to vouch for you.

3. Plan for Setup

Make sure there’s ample time for setup. If you’re renting
a venue and bringing in outside help, ask, “What time can people come in
to set things up?” This will help prevent any setup timing issues!

4. Learn About Marriage Licenses

Make sure to check your state’s license requirements
online, but also confirm with a call to the county clerk’s office to see when
they’re open. Even if they are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., they may issue
marriage licenses only during slower times like, say, Thursdays from 2 p.m. to
3 p.m. Also, as a precaution, give a copy of your marriage license to your mom
or your maid of honor (just in case you lose yours during the final days before
your wedding).

5. Review the Rules

Always be prepared! Ask the manager of the house of
worship or site where you’ll be married for the list of restrictions (if any).
For instance, is flash photography or bare shoulders prohibited? Or, if you’re
exchanging vows outdoors, are you allowed to plant tent stakes in the lawn
(which is often a no-no)?

6. Classify Your Cash

Wedding budgets are all about balance. Start your budget
planning by making a list of the crucial details, (music, your wedding gown,
the invitations, the flowers, and the photographer,etc) and assign a number to
each — one being the most important and three being the least. Invest your
money in all your number ones and cut corners on your number threes. However,
just remember, that everything can’t fall into the number one category! 

7. Help Guests Pay Attention

It is imperative that you make sure your guests can see —
and hear. If people are seated farther than 15 rows back from your ceremony
altar or podium, consider renting a mic and a riser. This could range anywhere
from $50 to $100, depending on the equipment used. You’ll need to coordinate
the delivery and setup with your ceremony space, so put your wedding planner or
best man in charge of this task.

8. Write Down Your Digits

Make sure to carry an emergency contact sheet on your
wedding day. Keep the paper with names and phone numbers of all your vendors in
your purse — it may come in handy in case your limo driver gets lost or you
decide you’d like your photographer to take some behind-the-scenes shots.

9. Call the Fashion Police

Don’t go dress shopping on your own — all the gowns will
start to look the same after a while and it will be harder to recall which
style you really loved. But be careful about who you do bring. If your mom or
sibling can’t make the trip, ask a friend who is truly honest. This is the time
when you really need to know which dress looks best.

10. Be Realistic With Your Time

When it comes down to the last month of your planning (and
when you’re particularly frazzled) look at your mile long to-do list and cut
three things. Yes, cut three things. Not crucial things that you just don’t
feel like doing, such as picking a processional song or confirming final
details with all of your vendors. Eliminate only the over-the-top tasks like
hand-painting “Just Married” signs, or baking cookies for all of the
welcome bags. After cutting them, make a pledge to not think about them ever
again.

If you are planning a party and need some help making it come to life, let the team at Action Rentals help make the event easy for you and memorable for you and your guests!  Give us a call today at 423-246-5181 and let us see how we can help! 

Want to be certain all
your wedding planning bases are covered? Here are some tips that no bride
should be without.

1. Don’t forget…
Guests Come First

Before you decide on a
venue, have an approximate idea of the number of guests you anticipate.
 This will allow you to ensure that there is enough space for your group.
 A good rule to remember is to allow 25-30 square feet per guest.
 While that can seem like a lot, it really isn’t… if you count the space
you’ll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band, and the dance floor.

2. Investigate
Wedding Blackout Dates

When planning your
date, do some research to make sure that it doesn’t fall on a heavy traffic
date (i.e. conference, charity event or other local event that could affect
traffic and hotel room availability).

3. Don’t forget Mother
Nature

When planning your date and
venue, make sure to take into account weather and sunrise and sunset times.
 Don’t forget, even the best-intentioned guests will skip out from super
hot summer and frigid winter weddings with improper heating and cooling.
 Also, remember that certain areas have the potential to be
“bug-magnets” during certain months.  Inquire with the venue and
research some options (pest control tanks or having bug repellent available).

4. Word of Mouth!

Sometimes one of the
best resources for a potential vendor is one you already have.  Let one
vendor lead you to another. Your photographer might be able to tell you which
florist is the best for your event type, and your reception manager could know
which band packs the dance floor.

5. Watch your
budget

An easy way to cut
your budget is to cut your guest list. Approximately half of your wedding
expenses will go to wining and dining your guests. Thus, if it’s costing you
$100 per person, eliminating one table of 10 can save you $1,000.

6. Never hurts to
ask! 

Before signing on the
dotted line request any “extras” you might like (within reason).
 Many vendors would rather secure the reservation than nickel-and-dime you
early on and turn you off. However, later on, they have less of a motive to
meet you halfway.

7. Don’t forget your
crew!

An often forgotten expense
is feeding your wedding day crew. Make sure you before sign contracts, that you
will not be  required to serve the same meal to your vendors that
 your guests will receive. Meet with your wedding caterer and choose a
less expensive (but equally hearty) meal for them instead. 

8. Time to get
organized!

It is easy to get lost in
the mess of all the correspondences, quotes and meeting notes you will
accumulate during the planning process.  A three-ring binder is an easy
way to track these and keep everything in one place and well ordered. 

9. Cheers!

On average, you will need
one bartender per 50 guests to maintain a short wait.  One thing to
remember as well, if you are going to serve a signature cocktail that cannot be
prepared ahead of time or in large quantities, consider adding an extra server
who can help!

Have a project? 
Action can help.  Planning a
wedding or party?  Action can
help.  Since 1982, contractors,
homeowners, wedding planners, and more have depended on Action Rental for the
right tools and party items to help get the job done.

 “At Action, our
motto is ‘Your project is our passion.’ 
Having been in the tool and equipment rental business for over 30 years,
we’ll provide the right tools and the equipment needed to make your job easier.  One of the things that I’m most proud
of is that our tools are always kept in good operating condition. You can count
on them to work. Plus you can depend upon our tents being clean and in
excellent condition,” says Paul Nottingham, President of Action Rental.  “We are a family owned and operated
business, and we appreciate our customers. The  Action Rental team is committed to providing quality rentals
along with knowledgeable and friendly service for our customers throughout the
region.”

“We frequently get calls asking do you have generators, tile cutters, tractors, dollies, and more. 
We have an extensive inventory of tools and party rental items.  If you need it, rent it from us. Why
buy it when you can rent it for a fraction of the cost?”

In the mid 1990s, Action added the Party and Tent Division.  Paul’s wife, Debbie
Nottingham, handles this portion of the business.  From getting the perfect costume for a party or planning a
major event, the Party Division at Action has the items you need.

“We help with everything from company picnics and parties to
school functions, weddings, and more. Additionally, we work with large events
such as the Susan G. Komen cancer research fundraiser,” says Debbie Nottingham.
“We provide party equipment and tents for many venues across the Tri-Cites,
Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and North Carolina.”

Action’s Party Division collaborates closely with customers,
caterers, florists, event and wedding planners, and venues to make each event a
success.  Everything from dance
floors to sound systems to tables and chairs, Action has it ready for you.  Regardless of the size of your event,
you can trust the pros in the Party Division to help make it a success. 

“The thank you notes from customers make our jobs such a
pleasure,” says Debbie. “Knowing that we have been able to help in some small
way to make someone’s special day or event easier and more memorable, means so
much to us.”

“Our inflatables and games are always popular at church,
company or community picnics or celebrations.  Kids love them,” says Paul.  Action has everything from dunk tanks to inflatable bounce
castles to Wheel of Fortune – – the perfect formula for a fun time for the
entire family. 

“Costumes are another item that we rent throughout the
year.  Church plays, Halloween
parties, theater groups, schools and others rent our wide variety of
costumes.  Everything from a super
hero to mascot uniforms to Elvis costumes can be found at our store.”

Action provides a equipment repair department
where customers can bring their own equipment in for repair. “Our maintenance
department is able to troubleshoot and repair our customers’ equipment,” said
Nottingham.  “We
keep an experienced crew on staff to maintain our rental equipment. We
understand the need to have equipment that is functioning and safe and now
offer these repair services to our customers.”

Action’s Repair Department can handle everything from
routine maintenance to major overhauls. 
They work on small equipment like trimmers and mowers all the way up to
dosers and front-end loaders.  Whatever
you need, they can help.

 “One thing that
I like to share with folks is that renting is the
smart way to get things done.  Why
should you buy something that you are only going to use a few times? It’s a
great way to save money and get your project completed!”

Located at 1861 N. Eastman Road Action Rental and Sales is a
one-stop shop for all your equipment or party rental needs, providing quality,
value and service to the Tri-Cities since 1982.  Their store is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. 
Check out their extensive inventory at: actionrentalkpt.com,
actionpartyrentalkpt.com, thetentking.com or call them at 423-246-5181.