1. Do not think about doing it yourself.

2. Check with a treee removal professional

3. Check with the city in which you live and inquire if there are any restrictions on the size of tree that can be removed.

4. Get two or three prices

5. Check the location of the utities and clearly mark them.

6. Day of work, if they are on your property they have to put cardboard under the their truck to catch oil leaks

7. Double check on what is "leave the work area clean" get this part very clear.

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley Ca

The best way to remove the poison ivy would be to get a goat or two. A pair of goats would have the poison ivy in about a day without leaving any chemicals left behind. Keep in mind though that goats will also eat landscaping if you have it. There are different chemicals and techniques to revmoving the poison ivy if you don't want to go the goat route. Keep in mind that if you choose to use chemicals be very careful and be sure to chang clothes frequently through this process and wash your skin a lot. 

We agree with Geoff's suggestion and would also recommend speaking with a local landscape architect. They not only handle plant specifications, but also deal with drainage and irrigation. They will be able to assist you or point you in the right direction to solve your issue.  

Consider what the tree is worth compared to similar trees around it. Sometimes it's best to cut down and eliminate disease spreading...

There could be infection spreading under the bark. Sooty Canker is one possibilty, black powdery fingus spreading under the bark. Have an arborist look at it. May be able to remove infect branches, treat with fungicide and save the tree if it has not progressed too far

We are moving to robotic mowers for our business location and my home. This will reduce the labor costs associated with lawn maintenance. We are also converting all of our lawn equipment to electrical. This will stop the noise, the emissions and is clean. We will keep you posted as we progress. MoBots of the Triangle is our company.

sounds like too much water.  Pine straw has acidity in it and helps transfer the nutrients properly to acid loving plants.  Fertilizer could also be needed.  Plant nutrient deficiencies vary and sometimes the necrosis in the leaves can identify the issue or which nutrient is lacking... 

Besides the painting suggested by Chad of Lonestar Painting which can truly makeover the appearance of a home, I suggest that the trees and shrubs be professionally trimmed and thinned out.  Application of weed control and fertilization of the lawn will provide a healthy and attractive canvas to your yard that can be supplemented with a dose of spring color annuals

A very quick and cost effective way to upgrade your homes exterior is a cleaning and color change. Pressure wash to clean it up and paint the shutters and front door.  They can remain the same color or pick a fresh new color.  You can also take any old fixtures that have faded over time and paint the metal with a fresh satin or gloss paint.  Same with metal railings or metal awnings. Possibly a one day job with big results. 

Jie, 

Since you are not getting satisfaction from your builder, I would take all of your documentation to your city or county permit office (call ahead to determine who to speak with).  Standing water in any developement is unnaceptable and the municipality may require them to fix it. 

If the local governement can't help, contact an attorney specializing in land or propery law and ask them to send a letter to the builder.  Spending a few hundred dollars for this may go a long way. If you have to go to court, I would do so. 

My neighbors and I had sanding water and grading problems that we were able to demonstrate to the builder, and the builder came out and put drains in, no questions asked. We did not have to go to the county or hire an attorney. They recognized the problem and fixed it. 

Good Luck! 

A Grading and Drainage certificate should have been issued by the permitting authority along with an affidavit by the contractor performing the work ensuring the work was in compliance with the approved plans.

Water until established and then cut the water back.  Bermuda needs water, but not as much as some of the other types of grass.  Keep it cut short

We just had sod installed at the office here at Crown Builders in Charlotte, NC.  The landscaper told me to water each day for 15 minutes the first 10 days.  From 10-21 days after install water every other day.  After 3 weeks and beyond cut the lawn as needed.  It should be fairly well rooted and can take normal wear and tear. Give it 1" of water each week.  Apply balanced turf fertilizer 6 weeks after install.

What is the water source? It looks like it is coming from a drain pipe behind a shrub? I would recommend relocating that to dump to a different location. No matter what type of edging you install on the bed with the mulch, a massive amount of water from that down pipe will cause some overflow and mess. Maybe you can incorporate a stone trail where the water flows, if you can't relocate the down pipe. Ideally, I'd want to see the drain pipe go under the side walk, and out by the grass, or if its by a garage, down the driveway.