Hoover, AL

Most roofs come with a life expectancy - people say "this is a 30 year roof or a 20 year roof". That means you can expect the roof to start leaking by the time it hits that timeframe.

There are things that can cut the life of your roof, like having branches from trees lying on the roof (I don't think you should cut down the tree because the branches are touching it, just keep them trimmed back). Fungus can attack the roof (this is what makes the roof look stained). This staining can be cleaned off (it's not that expensive) and it extends the life of your roof. Storms can also cause the roof to fail before it comes to the end of its useful life. I see lots of roofs with missing shingles that have blown off in a storm and hail is hard on a roof.

When it is time to replace the roof, there are many options. Asphalt shingles are the most common here in Hoover, Alabama. Roofs can also be made of cedar shake, slate (which was common in Louisiana years ago) and metal.

If you want to "go green", consider a metal roof. They are long lasting, come in multiple colors and styles, help to deflect heat in the summer, are often made of recycled materials, and are recyclable. Asphalt shingles are short-lived, made of oil (here we go with petroleum again), are rarely recycled and give off toxic VOCs. If you have to go with asphalt shingles, make sure you choose a 50 year asphalt shingle that contains recycled materials.

People are wondering what they can do to help with global warming. We all have heard about the light bulbs, but every decision we make when we go to the store should be filtered through the question, is the best choice for the environment. A metal roof may be more expensive initially, but in the long run, it will save you money and help the environment.

Here in Hoover, Alabama there are not many Homes for Sale with metal roofs. Perhaps in the years to come, this will change.

Every year on the 3rd Saturday of October, the Hoover High School Band hosts the Hoover Invitational Marching Band Festival. I have been to many of these festivals in the past and the atmosphere is warm and inviting as the spectators cheer on the various students. I am really looking forward to some great entertainment.

The first Hoover Invitational Marching Band Festival was held in 1978 at Berry High School and was called The Over the Mountain Invitational Marching Band Festival. There has been only one year since 1978 that there has not been a Festival. In 1994, with the opening of Hoover High School, The Festival was moved to The Hoover Metropolitan Stadium and renamed to The Hoover Invitational Marching Band Festival. The Hoover Invitational Marching Band Festival is held at Region's Park Stadium. Region's Park (formerly called the Hoover Met) is the home of the Birmingham Barons Baseball team. This facility is converted to a football stadium during football season and the Hoover High Bucs play there as soon as the baseball season is over (they played their first game at the High School field this year because the Barons were in the playoffs).

The stadium comfortably seats over 12,000 people for football season so there is plenty of room for spectators at the band festival. Many of the lower chairs have backs with bleachers seats in the remainder of the stadium. It has plenty of parking, large restrooms, numerous concession stands (I hear the chicken finger basket is one of the best in town), and is easily accessible from major interstates - just one mile off of I-459 at HWY 150.

The Hoover Invitational has become one of the premier marching band festivals in the southeastern United States. They will have over 25 bands participating in the event. Once all the competing bands have played, the Hoover High Band will take the field in exhibition. After that, the University of North Alabama "Pride of Dixie" Marching Band will entertain the crowd.

The first band (Locust Fork High School) will take the field at 11:30 and the Awards should be presented at 8:00. Weather this year should be sunny and in the high 60's. Hope to see you at this wonder fall event in Hoover Alabama!

If you would like to LIVE in Hoover Alabama, let me know. I can help you find the home of your dreams. Checkout the Homes for Sale in Hoover Alabama on my website at www.tonibird.com.search.asp?

The numbers are in for September 2008.

Russet Woods and Southwood are neighborhoods conveniently located near I-459 and South Shades Crest Rd. in Hoover Alabama. Students attend Hoover High, Bumpus Middle School and either South Shades Crest or Deer Valley Elementary.

There were 4 homes that sold in these Hoover Alabama neighborhoods in the month of Septmeber. Prices ranged from $230,000 to $265,000. Click here for details on the homes sold. The home at 1701 Russet Crest Circle had a beautiful outdoor pool with an outdoor kitchen and entertainment area.

If you would like information about homes sold in YOUR neighborhood, let me know at www.ToniBird.com.

I was out in the backyard watering my garden today and was noticing how many of the plants are starting to look weary now that fall is here. I guess some of the mornings have been a little cool and the sun is going down sooner so it is more difficult for them to flourish.

My roses love the cool weather and have a new resurgence of blooms. I love the spring and fall for this reason.

One plant that still looks beautiful in the hydrangea. The leaves are a dark green and are a healthy looking backdrop to some of the other plants whose leaves are turning. Some hydrandeas are shade loving and other prefer the sun. I have three different hydrangea plants and they are all a tad different - but beautiful. I have them planted in my backyard and they get moring sun and very heavy afternoon shade.

One thing I like is that the blooms turn from blue to a green color and then finally to bronze color in the fall. One of my plant's blooms has a tad of red in it right now. The flowers can be picked for a dry flower arrangement in the winter. The flowers actually stay on the plant all winter long - even after the leaves die off.

I have never had to trim my plants back because they are a small variety and they make a nice shaped bush on their own. I usually wait until spring to cut the flower heads off, but some people prune them back as soon as the flowers "die". Different plants need to be pruned differently to ensure you have the best flowers for the coming year. Click here for some pruning instructions.

Hydrangeas make a wonderful plant to brighten up a dull corner of the backyard or to anchor the corner of the house. Whether you have a small yard or big, they are definitely a plant to use when thinking curb appeal!

Plants are a big part of any landscape. If you are looking for a new home in Hoover Alabama with a great yard, I can help. Take a look at what is available for sale on my website at www.ToniBird.com and when you see the house for you, give me a call.