The 15-year old landscape design, installation and masonry company was chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals. Terrapin Landscapes of Kennebunkport, Maine has won “Best Of Customer Service,” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 35 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015. A “Best Of Houzz 2016” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz. Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo. Houzz and the Houzz logo are...

Although we have not had much for snow here in Kennebunkport, thanks El Nino, freezing conditions and ice control has still been an issue this winter for homeowners and contractors alike.  I am often asked by my clients, friends and family, “What is the best ice melter to use?”  The first thing that comes to my mind is, what type of surface will the product be applied to?  When you have a new stone driveway or walkway, the mere thought of having to lay harsh chemicals on it is difficult.  The con being visual and structural damage and the pro outweighing the con is of course, safety.   Things to consider when choosing what’s best for you are the type of stone, pets, traffic flow, surrounding plants, and environmental impact.  Remember, for whatever type of ice melt you choose, application is important.  Before laying any deicing agent, remove all the snow you can.  Spreading a thin, even layer is best.  Excessive application is what damages stone most when using any type of melting agent, even the most gentle.  Avoid spreading it near plants or grass.  In the Spring, melting agents are still there and if they get in your turf or...